In this timely collection of essays, leading economic and communication scholars examine major policy issues confronting federal and state regulators in the telecommunications industry. The essays describe how past regulatory decisions have contributed to a growing tension between emerging competition and the preservation of specific social objectives like the continuance of universal service, and thus provide a unique perspective on the current public policy debates. Although each author discusses a different policy issue, the common theme in this volume is the compelling argument that past regulatory decisions, which were often motivated by political compromises rather than sound economic analysis, are the primary source of inefficiency that exists in the telecommunications industry today.

This insight points to potential harm that legislators may create from ignoring economic forces when deregulating an industry. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is an example in which deregulation has created more, not less, regulatory barriers affecting competitors. The authors challenge policy makers to consider no regulation to insure that competitive forces determine prices, quantities, and quality of service for the vast array of telecommunication services available in today's marketplace.

The Pursuit of Godliness argues that holiness or sanctification is not something that someone achieves, but entails something a person becomes. Donald L. Alexander defines sanctification as God's taking possession of people in Christ and setting them apart by restoring the character traits originally present in the creature created in God's image. He derives evidence from the Bible that this restoration lies in the fruit of the Spirit and that Christ died not only to bring an end to sin but also to bring about a newness of life. Alexander places the biblical teaching on sanctification within the context of personal spiritual maturity, rather than as an obligation to fulfill specific religious requirements. He suggests that a developmental connection exists between spiritual formation and personal maturity. This approach connecting sanctification with personal development brings about a new and suggestive understanding of sanctification.