My awareness of the need for this book was made clear to me when I conducted a seminar on this subject at Oberlin College. No small credit is deserved by the members of that seminar for exciting my further explorations into the issues that it uncovered. The process continued while I was teaching in the summer session at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.<br><br>In the early stages of writing, Prof. Ralph Potter, of Harvard University, prodded and inspired me to finish as quickly as I could. Several individuals, including students, read a penultimate version. Among those whose helpful comments I must particularly acknowledge are the Reverend William Cook, National Field Director of the Council on Religion and International Affairs; Dr. Alan Geyer, Director of International Relations, Council for Christian Social Action, United Church of Christ; Dr. Roger Shinn, William Dodge Professor of Applied Christianity at Union Theological Seminary; and Dr. H. Thomas Frank, an Oberlin colleague.