Author bio: Chris Tiegreen is an award-winning author of more than 60 books and discussion guides that have been translated into more than 40 languages and read by more than 5 million people worldwide. He is also a collaborative/supporting writer for other communicators (what was once inaccurately called ghostwriting) on more than 40 book projects. As a journalist/photojournalist, he has written hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles covering city and county government, sports, and education. His experiences in media, ministry, and higher education bring a unique perspective to his writing, which often focuses on cultural commentary and devotional themes. He and his wife, Hannah, currently live in Atlanta.

Academic bio:  Chris Tiegreen is a historian of late medieval and early modern European culture, with particular interest in Christian materiality. Other research interests include the history of world religions; paradises, heavens, and utopias in diverse cultures; and the ancient Mediterranean. His academic background includes an ABJ (journalism) from the University of Georgia; an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; an M.A. in political science from Georgia State University; and a Ph.D. in history from Georgia State University.

Unofficially . . . Those bios hit the professional high points, but they leave out a lot about me. I love studying languages, I dabble in art and music (piano and guitar, mostly in private), I thank God for golf even after a bad round, I'm a rabid (but reasonable) college football fan, and I'll travel almost anywhere given the opportunity. I especially love beaches and off-the-beaten-track global adventures. I've had several overlapping careers (journalist, pastor, teacher, photographer, author) and have devoted myself to several fields of study (communications, theology, political science, and history). I was born in Atlanta, where I live now, but have also lived and/or worked in Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, Utah, Idaho, Florida, and Thailand. I continue to write in several genres (no, I'm not just a devotional writer) and teach history at Georgia State University.