Foreword by Jean Bethke Elshtain This important book is sure to foster informed public discussion about the death penalty by deepening readers' understanding of how religious beliefs and perspectives shape thiscontentious issue. Featuring a fair, balanced appraisal of its topic, brings thoughtful religious reflection to bear on current challenges facing thecapital justice system. One look at the list of contributors reveals the significance of this book. Here are recognized leaders from the academy, government, and public life who also represent a wide range offaith commitments, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. Like many people of faith and goodwill, the authors disagree with one another, variously supporting retention, reform, orabolition of capital punishment. As a result, the book presents the most comprehensive and well-rounded religiously oriented discussion of the death penalty available. : Khaled Abou El Fadl Victor Anderson Jeanne Bishop J. Budziszewski John D. Carlson Mario M. Cuomo E. J. Dionne Jr. Avery Cardinal Dulles, S. J. Eric P. Elshtain Richard W. Garnett Stanley Hauerwas Frank Keating Gilbert Meilaender David Novak Erik C. Owens George H. Ryan Antonin Scalia Paul Simon Glen H. Stassen Michael L. Westmoreland-White Beth Wilkinson