Acknowledgements

I am indebted to my wife Kathleen, who years ago sat through some of my first presentations of these concepts, listened attentively, and understood that this was something I had to complete. She might not have as clearly received the same vision but she always knew that I had, and supported these writings as I have endured highs and lows along the way. She is the one who has always listened to and “watered” my dreams. Every once in a while, they come true.

My daughter Katie, a pillar of Truth, has followed every step of my journey and has privately supported my efforts with words of encouragement and prayer. More than anyone else, she did “get it” early on, which gave hope to me that others might understand these ideas as well. My daughter Mandy is my culture warrior and shares both my desire for winsomeness in our tone and thundering velvet Truth in our content. All three of my ladies think more highly of me than they should, but still manage to tell me the things I need to hear.

I am thankful for Burke Community Church in Burke, Virginia who in the late 1990’s allowed me my first formal forums to present these concepts both before Sunday morning Bible study groups and the congregation as a whole. While there were critics, there was also great encouragement from many that motivated me to continue working. One gentleman, Art Horn, was especially encouraging and I thank him for remembering my efforts in those early years.

My Air Force Academy classmate Mike Rosebush and his associate Larry Burtoft might be surprised to find their names here, but they were helpful in pointing me—whether they knew it—in directions I should go. James Davison Hunter, Os Guinness, Ravi Zacharias, J.P. Moreland, and Peter Kreeft not only guided my way but, especially in Dr. Kreeft’s case, gave encouragement to continue on. As of this writing, they would tell you they have never met me in person, and that would be true. But their body of work and a phone call or message or two, or an E-mail exchange from them fueled my passion to complete this project. I am indebted to them.