Patrick Q. Mason was the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University when this was written. He directs the Department of Religion's programs in North American Religion and Mormon Studies, and also currently serves as department chair. He earned his graduate degrees from the University of Notre Dame in history and international peace studies.  Prior to joining the CGU faculty, Mason held positions at the University of Notre Dame and American University in Cairo.  His current research projects include a biography of Ezra Taft Benson and a co-authored book developing a Mormon theology and ethic of peace.