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Acknowledgements A life of gratitude recognizes the grace given by others for the journey. Here I would like to acknowledge a number of people whose insights and support carried me through every turn. My dissertation committee at Princeton Theological Seminary contributed a diversity of perspectives that strengthened my writing immensely. Professor Darrell Guder’s detailed attention to my manuscript, in spite of his demanding schedule as the academic dean of the seminary, enabled me to better understand the logic behind Barth’s arguments concerning Christian vocation. Professor Cornel West approached this work through the richness of his engagement with issues of human suffering, political activism, and democratic traditions, all while modeling the character of prophetic vocation in his own life and work. Beyond my committee, I thank Professor Jeffrey Stout for welcoming me into his Hegel seminar, which enabled me to construct the framework of formal analysis that I employ throughout this volume. Most of all, this project continues the trajectory found in the teaching, writing, and political activism of my Doktorvater, Professor George Hunsinger, who continually witnesses in word and deed to the sociopolitical implications of a Scripturally grounded, theologically precise, and ecumenically responsible Christian faith. His example, patience, generosity, wisdom, and encouragement enabled this book to become much more than it could otherwise have been. I am grateful to several other academic mentors who have enriched my journey by offering their guidance and wisdom along the way. Professor Ellen T. Charry models not only theological brilliance but also profound concern for the teaching fellows she supervises. She has contributed greatly to my theological and pedagogical formation through her instruction and mentoring. Professor Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen saw theological potential in a young urban minister that I did not see in myself. He serves as a dependable source of encouragement, as a model of kindness and Christlike humility, and as an inspiration as he engages the theologies of the global church. Professor Jude Tiersma Watson and her husband John model a life connected both to the academy and to the struggles of the urban poor, and their generous friendship and street-level wisdom have brightened my journey over many years. Several friends assisted in improving key sections of this volume. Micah Lehner read an early draft of the first chapter and was a continual and insightful vii sounding board for all things related to Hegel. Bonnie Lin edited crucial sections throughout this volume, offering grammatical and linguistic insights that profoundly improved my text. Rob O’Callaghan faithfully and diligently edited an early draft of this volume, strengthening my manuscript in countless ways. Joel Malakoff’s consistent prayers and encouragement throughout the writing of this project provided strength to press on. I would especially like to thank my parents, Orville and Sherida Hieb. More than anyone else I know, they live out the prophetic vocation of Christian witness. Through their faithful service over so many years, they have given me a legacy and a blessing far greater than they know. My dear wife, Bonnie Lin, continually graces my life with strength to endure, wisdom to see God in the small things, and joy in living a life of hope. Many burdens have been made light and many challenges trivial because of her loving presence, wise counsel, and faithful encouragement. With deepest gratitude, I dedicate this book to her. Finally, and above all, I thank Jesus Christ for an enduring hope, rooted in the cross, that breaks into the present moment and that calls us toward a transformed life reflecting God’s love and justice. In a suffering world, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). viii | Christ Crucified in a Suffering World ...

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