This book is a sweeping anecdotal view of two thousand years of Christian history. It asks whether we are called to be a righteous community apart from those who are sinners, criminals, and nonbelievers, or if we should embrace all people as Christ did.

Richard Shaw was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1968. Four years later he entered into jail/prison ministry and has remained in this vocation to the present. With a PhD in criminal justice he has taught as a part-time adjunct teacher in several colleges.