This book would not have been possible without the invitation by Dennis Smith, professor of New Testament at my alma mater, Phillips Theological Seminary, to join the famous (or infamous) Jesus Seminar. It has been in the midst of such remarkable and fearless biblical scholars that I have found new ways to uncover, correct, and communicate the Good News. I hope this book helps to take the light of the Westar Institute out from under the bushel basket of animosity toward organized religion, and lets it shine for beleaguered pastors everywhere.
In the meantime, I continue to be amazed at my abundant life, made possible by the luminous web of family, friends, and colleagues. From the love of my parents, who are alive and well in Bellingham, Washington, to read this book and be proud; to my wife, Shawn, soul-mate and salvation; to my three children, Blue, Chelsea, and Cass, who tolerate their father’s public life and preacher ways; to my mentor and example in the pulpit, Fred B. Craddock; to my colleagues and students at Oklahoma City University; and to the beloved community of Mayflower Congregational UCC Church in Oklahoma City.
Last, but not least, I want to thank those remarkably gifted people whose calling it is to shepherd books down the long and winding road that connects a good idea to something worth reading. To John Shelby Spong, who put in a good and timely word on my behalf; to Lisa Zuniga, production editor, who helped end my addiction to commas and misplaced modifiers; to Levan Fisher, whose cover design is superb; to Emily Grandstaff, publicist extraordinaire; and most of all, to my editor at HarperOne, Roger Freet, who pushed me in all the right directions. Without his perceptive prodding, the book would have been long on urgency but short on grace.