Book excerpt: This 64-page booklet is a tool designed to help individuals and small groups study The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. It contains the official text of The Social Principles from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 along with exercises for individuals or small groups, a topical index, and Social Creed. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church are the product of over one hundred years of legislative decisions made by lay and clergy members of The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations. The Social Principles are prayerful and thoughtful efforts on the part of many General Conferences to speak to complex and controversial issues in the global community. Studying The Social Principles provides opportunities to examine your own theology and ethics and to practice discipleship.