Craig Detweiler - Selfies: Searching for the Image of God in a Digital Age

T O M Y E D I T O R , B O B H O S A C K , who has the patience of Job and the persistence of Nehemiah. Without your encouragement, I never would have started this project (or completed it). To Brian Bolger, Brandy Scritchfield, Jeremy Wells, Shelly MacNaughton, and the Brazos Press team, who get the job done with minimal drama. Such service is increasingly rare and refreshingly independent in a corporatized world.

To the many cities, schools, churches, and conferences that hosted my extended iGods tour. Your earnest and urgent questions regarding how to navigate the accelerated moment we find ourselves in have challenged me to dig deeper and write faster (two things that do not necessarily go together).

To my colleagues at Pepperdine University, Michael Feltner and Kendra Kilpatrick, who granted the sabbatical to finish this book, and Sarah Stone-Watt, John Mooney, Michael Smith, and John Sitter, who protected and preserved my time zealously.

To my students, who are the canaries in our cultural coal mine. We armed you with a constant companion that did not include an owners manual. My apologies that as digital natives, youve had to do most of the work (while weve watched with a disapproving eye). You make me remarkably hopeful.

To my essential readers, Kathryn Linehan and Gus Peterson. Where do you turn when youre lost among words on the page? To faithful friends willing to offer both affirmations and hard truths.

To the photographers, artists, and friends who allowed me to publish their images in this book. Thank you for exercising such faith and courage in putting yourselves out there to model how much healthy selfies can communicate. May your faces continue to shine.

To my family, who have borne the brunt of my late nights and sheltered weekends. Thank you to Zoe and Theo for answering my questions with boundless enthusiasm. You have been vital teachers and inspirational media leaders. Keep up the creative work.

All honor to Caroline for being my ever faithful, ongoing conversation partner. Forgive me for disrupting your sleep. I have so much gratitude for all of your unattributed suggestions, ideas, and corrections. I offer my ongoing appreciation for your keen eyes, sharp ear, and winsome smile.