dissertation

Let me put it this way: for both of us, as well as for our spouses, the Christmas holiday
of 2011 proved to be an unforgettable time. The pain-staking and unrelenting effort
that Sam put into formatting the present text (the remaining faults being my own) reminds
me of another Sam, helping Frodo to complete his quest.
Last, but definitely not least, I want to express my great gratitude and love for my
wife Margreet, who has supported me in every possible way during the past years; in
more ways, that is, than can be mentioned here. Without her loyalty, love, encouragement
and flexibility there would be no thesis; it’s as simple as that.
My very last words are reserved for something that some readers might think to be
bordering on impertinence, or testifying of a naïve pietism; be that as it may, I want to
thank the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for His enduring patience with, and
totally undeserved grace for what, from time to time, must surely be one of His most
troubled and unruly – but still loyal – children.
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