The roots of this monograph go back to my doctoral dissertation, written at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. What began as an academic exploration of metaphor and the new birth has, through many revisions, conversations, and much encouragement, matured into the work now in your hands. While this monograph remains closely tied to my doctoral dissertation, it reflects the benefit of further reflection, revision, and feedback. Some arguments have been sharpened, language refined, and structure clarified â all with the hope of making the project more accessible and compelling to a broader readership.
The earliest seeds of this project were planted by Ryan Fullerton and Jeff King, my pastors at Immanuel Baptist Church, who first stirred in me a fascination with the radical nature of the new birth. I am especially grateful for the influence of two books that altered my trajectory and ignited my interest in conceptual metaphor: Erin Heimâs Adoption in Galatians and Romans, and the classic Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. Their work inspired me to pursue this project with both academic rigor and creative curiosity.
I owe much to my cohort at Southern Seminary, who made the long and winding journey of doctoral studies not only bearable but joyful. Richard Blaylock, Coye Still, Jarrett Ford, Paul Lamicela, Roberto Carrera, Trey Moss, and many others were indispensable friends and scholars who shaped both the project and the person behind it. I am also profoundly thankful to my committee: Jarvis Williams and Jonathan Pennington â thank you for embodying joyful scholarship and for investing your time and wisdom into this work. And to Tom Schreiner: your supervision was one of the greatest gifts of my academic life. You and Diane are dear friends, and your presence at every stage of this journey has been a grace I will not forget.
One of the unexpected blessings along the way was the support of scholars beyond my institutional walls. Iâm especially grateful for my correspondence with Steffi Fabricius and Karen Sullivan, whose work and feedback helped sharpen my thinking. But no one, besides my wife and supervisor, prayed for, encouraged, and guided me more than Oscar Jiménez. Oscar, your friendship and generosity of spirit modeled for me the kind of scholarship I hope to embody. Though weâve yet to meet in person, I count you as a dear friend.
As the dissertation chapter closed and the monograph process began, fresh encouragement surfaced. Iâm grateful for the additional support from Shawn Wilhite and again from Oscar Jiménez. I am also grateful to Paul Anderson for his thoughtful feedback on the manuscript and his support throughout the process. I also want to thank the editorial team at Brill, especially Nitzan Shalev, Dinah Rapliza, and the production staff, whose careful attention to detail helped bring the manuscript to its final form.
My deep thanks also go to friends and colleagues who walked with me along the way: Dominick Hernandez, Chris Morgan, Tony Chute, Mark and Stephanie Rogers, Chase Porter, Bryan Lupo, and Jeff Marshman. Your friendship and support sustained me.
To my parents, Guillermo and Marta, thank you for your constant love and sacrifice, which have undergirded every step of my education. To Glen and Anne, thank you for your generous support, your prayers, and the joyful rest you gave our family during crucial seasons.
Finally, to my wife: Courtney, thank you for walking with me through every high and low. Your sacrifice, love, and endurance made this possible. You gave so much to our family so I could finish this work. I dedicate this monograph to you with deep affection and gratitude. And to Elyce, Lily, and Lucy â you gave up more than you know. I love being your dad.
Andrés D. Vera
Riverside, CA
December 2024