For those in need

Saving America?

Faith-Based Services and the Future of Civil Society

By Robert Wuthnow

Princeton Univ. Press. 352p $29.95

ISBN 0691119260

First of all, the answers to two questions burning at the back of many of our minds concerning the highly charged issue of faith-based initiatives: Yes, absolutely, faith-based organizations do a better job rendering social services than public or government-funded agencies; and no, absolutely, they cannot and never will be able to provide these services alone--in fact, they meet but a small percentage of overall need. American history is rich with the contributions of men, women and institutions ...