"There is a deep yearning among the vast majority of people of all religious and philosophical traditions to make real their most enduring shared principles--to care for creation, to serve others with compassion, and to protect and enhance the gift of life.... We believe that reflecting on these principles strengthens our capacity to embody them."
-from the Introduction

Explore the connections between faith, service, and social justice through the prose, verse, and sacred texts of the world's great faith traditions--Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and more. Drawing from diverse literary genres, religious and philosophical perspectives, and historical periods, these short and provocative readings cut to the heart of the many obstacles and joys that accompany lives devoted to faith and service:

Why do I serve?
Whom do I serve?
How do I serve?

This rich collection will create a platform for discussing and understanding the faith-based service of others as well as inspire you to reflect on the meaning behind your own commitment to improving the world.

"An original and necessary work that deserves to be passed on to reading publics and citizens who gather to make things better in a spiritually and ideologically warring world." --Martin E. Marty, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago

"A usable, wonderful instrument designed to take our dreams of action and make them real. Provides new insight and wisdom that will deepen our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. I commend this book to readers and seekers of all ages!"
--Michelle Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute; cofounder, Hands On Network; author, Be the Change! Change the World. Change

"Brings the best wisdom of our respective traditions to guide us on the journey to faith, service, and reconciliation."
--Rabbi Sid Schwarz, founder, PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values; author, Judaism and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World

"A rich abundance of both provocative readings and, more importantly, good questions to lead those bold enough to explore with others across these lines.... [A] required anthology of readings for those earnestly seeking the path of religious cooperation."
--Rev. Bud Heckman, director for external relations, Religions for Peace; editor, InterActive Faith:The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook