We've pastored churches for more than fifty years and taught in public schools and universities for many years. We've also published both religious and educational materials. Our whole life has been dedicated to bridging the gap between the spiritual and the intellectual worlds. Therefore, when we were asked to develop and teach a course in religion for a state college, we viewed it as an exciting challenge.

We believe faith must be practical and religion must be relevant. With these principles in mind, we wrote a course that surveys today's church. It's not our purpose to compare religions or prove doctrine. Instead, this book examines the "other side." It avoids the orthodox party line. It seeks to disturb complacency, override conditioning, and challenge mindset. It moves parables out of the first century and presents new spiritual models.

We encourage readers to analyze and actualize their faith. Some observations may be provoking and disturbing, but any criticism comes from concern rather than from cynicism.

Whether you are religious or not-whether your views are liberal, conservative, or fundamental-we believe you will profit from information concerning these vital issues. It's our objective to eliminate spiritual illiteracy and enable individuals to speak intelligently when doctrinal and ethical questions arise.

We hope this book will help both leaders and churches to begin truly marching-instead of stumbling-to Zion!