This is a first book on social justice for the thoughtful person in the pew. It begins by clarifying concepts like justice, law, liberty, and the state, and goes on to discuss issues such as economic inequality, taxation, debt, immigration, social and religious tolerance, criminal justice, and war. Issues are set in the context of American politics and history, and two or more perspectives are provided on most of them, in keeping with the multifaceted nature of the Christian tradition. (Protestant traditions particularly influential in America are given emphasis.) Thought questions conclude each chapter, and the book ends with suggestions for further reading for those who feel like continuing to explore the main streams of Christian social thought.