I want to thank all those who have been patient with me as I have tried to understand and live the paradox of faith.
To my wife, Tamara, and my daughters, Mary Joy, Esther, Sara, and Ashlin. Your grace and love in our home is my joy.
To Mom and Dad—thank you for shaping me into who I am.
To my sister, Laura, for your ongoing support and encouragement.
To Rick Gerhardt and Ben Larson for extensive writing and editorial assistance on the manuscript.
To Emily Hill and Tabitha Sikich—thank you for your immense contributions to the manuscript and support throughout this project.
To Justin Kron who helped with writing and research on Nazareth.
To Don Dunscomb, Melissa Wuske, Gerry Breshears, Pat Kent, Linda Van Voorst, Gretchen Radomski, Peter Watts, Dawn Gerhardt, Jasper Gerhardt, Pam Johnson, Laura Wytsma, Martita Marx, Caitlin Querio, Aaron Pratt, Brandi Nichols, Sam Adams, David Miller, Matt Bane, and Tyler Lacoma, who helped with reading, feedback, and creative contributions in making this book better than I could have on my own.
To Don Jacobson, Ed Underwood, and Matt Smith for the encouragement to write.
To the Antioch community for keeping me sane with regard to Christianity and what authenticity looks like.
To Kilns College: Melissa McCreery, Mike Caba, Rick Gerhardt, Sam Adams, and the many others, for the dreams we have and the beautiful future you are creating for a community of faith, justice, and learning in Bend, Oregon.
To the folks at Thomas Nelson Publishers for all the time and energy invested in me and this project.