This book is a guide to understanding both liberation thought and its implications for the unpoor. It argues that our captivities are directly tied to the desperate conditions of the marginalized, both those in the Third World and those in our midst. The theme of the book is "proclamation of the good news of the saving whole-ness offered in Jesus Christ." The author believes that Christians can work for true liberation while working within the democratic system.

"Does liberation theology have anything to say to middle class congregations in the United States? Or is it strictly a Latin American phenomenon that withers if transplanted? Bayer demonstrates that we in the First World have much to learn from the liberation theologians. His careful and compelling case may serve to loosen some of our moorings, but it will also help us cast off shackles forged by our consumer society.