Читать книгу Ultimate Allegiance - Robert D. Cornwall - Страница 5

Every book is the product of a team of individuals. They may not have written the words or even be responsible for the content or production of the book, but each in his or her own way has influenced and helped craft the finished product.

In the case of this book, I must first thank the editors for this series, Allan R. Bevere and David Alan Black, for their willingness to welcome this contribution to a series that wrestles with critical theological issues. I’m especially appreciative that they have been willing to expand the notion of orthodoxy to include the musings of one whose theology is perhaps to the left of theirs. I’d also like to thank my publisher, Henry Neufeld, for his work on this project and for seeing that publishing can be a ministry as well as a business. Henry’s ministry is to publish books that cross the broad middle of the Christian faith so as to broaden the conversation. Being that I come out of an ecumenical tradition, and have traveled a rather intricate pathway in my own spiritual journey, it is good to find a publishing home in that vast middle of the Christian faith. And as with my editors, I appreciate his willingness to include my perspective in this series of books. Finally, I offer a word of gratitude to Jerry Gladson, who carefully read through the text and provided needed and helpful guidance.

Because these reflections on the subversive nature of the Lord’s Prayer began as a set of six sermons, I must extend a word of gratitude to the congregation who received these words and who have encouraged my ministry of writing. So, to the people of Central Woodward Christian Church, who graciously attended to the sermons, allowing me the freedom to develop my understanding of prayer, and this prayer in particular, even if they didn’t agree at every point with my take on the subject, I extend this word of appreciation. I must add a word of thanks to the congregation for their willingness break with tradition, and instead of reciting the prayer, we sang it.

A final word goes to my wife Cheryl, whose love and encouragement has enabled me to pursue a ministry of writing over the length of our marriage.

Pentecost 2010