I owe an incalculable debt to Chad Allen, editorial director of Baker Books, for coming up with the idea for this book and for nurturing it along. He was especially patient after delays, largely induced by physical ailments, forced the postponement of delivery of the manuscript. I’d like to thank Rebecca Cooper for her careful and thoughtful perusal of the manuscript.
It is difficult to remember all the individuals who have contributed to some ideas in this book—though certainly not to any of its flaws—but I should start with Dr. Graham Walker, president of Patrick Henry College, where I teach. His insights into the formation of American Christian ideas were always insightful. Other Patrick Henry colleagues, especially Robert Spinney and Laura McCollum, generously lent me books for long periods, perhaps doubtful about whether they would ever get them back. I also thank Dr. Thomas S. Kidd, associate professor of history at Baylor University.
My good friend Os Guinness was broad and deep with his insights. Os is justifiably respected for his ability to grasp the large historical picture.
Many of the people actually mentioned and sometimes quoted in the book were thoughtful in responding to my requests for their own views on the topic: Loren Cunningham, Franklin Graham, Chuck Colson, T. D. Jakes, Richard Land, Al Mohler, John Piper, and many others.
Jeannie Light, a deacon at Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax, Virginia, provided great encouragement and moral and spiritual support.
Last, I need to express gratitude to my wife Charlene, not only for putting up with the inevitable reclusiveness that writing a book induces but also for very helpful and important contributions to the editorial content. As a number of friends have commented, she is one of the best editors in the world.