A basic text to help provide structure, background, and perspective for a first year college course in theology or religious studies. It is ecumenical in approach, though not without some impact from the author’s being a Roman Catholic.

The stiffness of stepped bars is determined by calculating deflections due to applied loads using the finite element method. Nine combinations of step height and fillet radius are studied for each of the following cases: Rectangular cross section under axial load; rectangular cross section under bending load; circular cross section under axial load; and circular cross section under torsional load. A correction parameter, actually a fictitious axial displacement of the step, is derived. It makes possible accurate calculation of deflections of stepped bars using elementary formulas.

"This clearly presented introduction to Catholicism is ideal for the adult reader interested in an academic, yet lively approach to their faith. It answers the question of what it means to be a believing, practicing Catholic today in terms of Vatican II ecclesiology and contemporary theology. ..[from back cover]