Gerald N. Lund, born Gerald Niels Lund on September 12, 1939, has made significant contributions to both religious education and literature, particularly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Before his call as a general authority in 2002, a position he held until 2008, Lund was deeply involved in the LDS Church Educational System. His roles included stake president, bishop, and branch president at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Lund's tenure as a general authority was marked by his service in an area presidency in Solihull, England for three years.

Lund is also renowned for his work as an LDS fiction writer, with notable series such as The Work and the Glory and The Kingdom and the Crown, among others. His literary repertoire extends to theological non-fiction works tailored for Latter-Day Saints, like Hearing the Voice of the Lord: Principles and Patterns of Personal Revelation and The Coming of the Lord. Beyond his written works, Lund's contributions to music through poetry set to music by his wife, Lynn, highlight his versatile talent.

His academic achievements include B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University, extended studies in New Testament studies at Pepperdine University, and Hebrew studies at the University of Judaism. Lund's career in the Church Educational System spanned over three decades, encompassing roles from seminary teacher to director of college curriculum and zone administrator.

Throughout his life, Lund has been driven by a passion for teaching, which he expresses through his prolific writing career. His publications, which include both fiction and non-fiction, have sold around three and a half million copies, establishing him as one of the most-read authors in LDS Church literature.

Aside from his professional and religious endeavors, Lund's personal life is marked by his marriage to Lynn Stanard, with whom he parented seven children. His dedication to his family and his faith have been central themes in his life's work.