We will never be able to respond to social crises in an effective, much less ethical, way unless we study issues of social justice closely. While there is much to learn in the world of ethics and public affairs, the first step is to learn how to learn, and this volume provides the veritable key to the entire process. Erin Brigham taps her impressive experience in service-learning programs to share the venerable methodology of social analysis, along with many wise and original insights into social justice challenges today. The vivid coverage of complex and disputed issues of global justice, including the crises of immigration and the environment, is even more relevant and more urgent than it was when the original edition appeared just a few years ago.

This is that rare book that successfully bridges the world of academic theology and hands-on experience. As students in service-learning programs (and anyone undertaking service opportunities in any struggling community) encounter human suffering and social injustice, they will benefit immensely from this timely and user-friendly volume. Rooted in the tradition of Catholic social teaching and committed to a pedagogy of engaged learning, this book is a uniquely valuable resource for our time.