To begin with, I want to express gratitude to my doctoral supervisors. Dr. Wim Janse, from the beginning until the very end, not only supervised the progression of this research project but also oversaw my growth as a young scholar, and I sincerely thank him for that. His meticulous observations of the structure and style of my writing pushed me to sharpen my writing skills and, under his supervision, I learned much about the fine art of academic research. His constant (and persistent) encouragement helped me to press on even when I faced inexpressible difficulties, and I will remember them with deep thankfulness. I am also grateful to Dr. Aza Goudriaan. As a close companion he directed me to a wealth of scholarship in the field of Reformed scholasticism, and sharply engaged with the assumptions and implications of my arguments. Having an expert like Dr. Goudriaan as my supervisor was indeed a huge blessing and the quality of my arguments is better because of his supervision. More importantly, though, I thank him for inspiring me to become a better historical theologian, as he is already an excellent one at that. My sincere appreciation must be expressed to my examiners too: Drs. Henk van den Belt, David Sytsma, Andreas J. Beck, Barbara Pitkin, and Amy Nelson Burnett all engaged with my research at a constructive level and it was an honour to receive their valuable feedback. Special thanks go to Drs. Sytsma and Beck for providing detailed comments on a number of crucial issues of my argument, and Dr. Sytsma again for his continual encouragement to publish this work.
I fondly recall the joys of studying theology at Westminster Seminary California, my alma mater, and Drs. David VanDrunen, John V. Fesko, and Ryan Glomsrud especially stand out as significant influences on me. It was through Dr. VanDrunen that I learned to read Aquinas as a precious asset in the Reformed tradition, rather than as a perilous threat to Protestantism; Dr. Fesko exemplified a way of doing theology that skilfully integrated Reformed scholastic theology with the insights of modern scholarship; and Dr. Glomsrud taught me the intricate methods of studying historical theology in general. Even to this day I can vividly remember how intellectually gratifying it was to engage with some of the deepest Christian ideas in classrooms, and I will be forever grateful for the seeds sown during my seminary years.
I am also thankful to the Faculty members at Reformed Theological College and Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Their interest in my project over the years has been a source of stable support; and they did not hesitate to encourage me in solitary times, and it has truly been a privilege to know them. Also, Dr. Joshua Schendel, then the Executive Editor at the White
Most importantly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family, without whom the completion of this project could not have been possible. My parents, Jae-Man and Nam-Hee Lee, and my sister Haina (and Herbert, now my brother-in-law), have consistently been supportive throughout this journey. Their spiritual support will remain indelible in my memory and for this I am so grateful. My in-laws in South Korea, on the other hand, always trusted my ability to finish this project, and they were a blessing to me—I would like to express my love to them again. On top of that, my beloved wife, Dasol, who wonderfully exemplifies an encouraging, patient, and sacrificial partner, should receive the honour that comes from this work. Her faith, hope, and love truly made my Ph.D. journey much more bearable and I thank God for every aspect of her in my life. As Proverbs says, an excellent wife is far more precious than jewels, and she has certainly been far more precious than anything else in the past few years. I love her, cherish her, and thank her, just as she has loved me, cherished me, and appreciated me all along.