This collection of essays paints a portrait of American Protestantism at the beginning of the 21st century - a denomination that has remained quietly, but firmly, influential in the public sphere. Mainline Protestants may have steered clear of the controversial, attention-grabbing tactics of the religious Right, but they remain culturally influential and continue to impact American society through political action and the provision of social services. The contributors to this volume address religion's larger role in society and covers such topics as welfare, ecology, family, civil rights, and homosexuality.