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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book has been long in the making, and it is, in many ways, a testament to the tenacious support of a persistent community of students, colleagues, and friends. I extend gratitude to David C. Lamberth, who threw me an intellectual lifeline during my time at Harvard and then seriously engaged me on many of the ideas here when they were inchoate. John Hare and former colleagues at Yale Divinity School provided invaluable encouragement for my argument in its early stages. Jennifer Herdt, in particular, went out of her way to patiently share her thoughtful insights with me on a draft of this manuscript. Her perceptive advice was indispensable for shaping the argument.

I am also grateful for colleagues in the Department of Religious Studies at Brown University, particularly in the area of religion and critical thought, who have provided me with an intellectually nurturing environment that has helped sharpen my critical tools. Specifically, I want to thank Tal Lewis, Mark Cladis, and Steve Bush for demonstrating exceptional patience and encouragement as scholar-teachers, for pressing me with difficult and sometimes challenging questions, and for giving examples of wholehearted critical engagement. Susan Harvey, Ross Kraemer, and Greg Schopen have extended invaluable encouragement over the past year or so, and Nancy Khalek has been an extraordinary source of sensitive guidance and intellectual inspiration. The practical assistance of Nicole Vadnais and Tina Creamer made academic life much easier and, by default, made me happier. To them I am also thankful.

The supportive wisdom and deep commitment of my personal friends have kept me going, and to them all I owe deep gratitude. I want to especially thank Thomas W. Johnson for doing whatever, whenever; Stephen K. Smith for his generosity of mind and his tender support; Allen Payne for his creative soul and unyielding inspiration; Craig R. Levine for his soulful presence and intellectual grace; Ronald E. Aubert for stability of presence and his exemplary determination; Adam Mansbach for being a wordsmith and a dependable source of connection. My sons, Clark and Coleman, were daily reminders of the importance of completing this project and, along with the care of my mother, Irene, and the strength of my sister, Pam, suffered long with me to complete it. Christina M. Downs has—at the end of this journey—been a crucial interlocutor and an integral source of joy in my life.

Yet, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am most deeply indebted to Patricia Lorraine Rose for her inimitable support, perceptive comments, and incessant love as I attempted not only to complete this manuscript but also to grow in wisdom. She helped me learn how to love better every single day that I worked on this text. I am lucky to have a steadfast partner who can be an anchor in a sometimes stormy sea, an inspiration in an often turbulent world, and a lovely, smiling face when needed. All that comes through me is marked by her profound giving, love, and commitment. I thank her beyond thanks, and I graciously and gratefully watch our souls soar together.