In this his first book, Kramer, who lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, brings story-telling to faith and science. Unexpected Grace: Stories of Faith, Science and Altruism (Templeton Foundation Press, $22.95.), should interest many Episcopalians who know about the ministry at St. Paul's Chapel to recovery and relief workers after the terrorist attacks upon the World Trade Towers in New York in 2001.

The first part of Kramer's book, "Love Stronger Than Death," profiles Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who was in the midst of taping a television program at Trinity Church, Wall Street, when the attacks occurred; Courtney Cowart, who was instrumental in the ministry in the weeks that followed; the Rev. Fred Burnham and two dozen others who were forced to flee from Trinity Place on 9/11. Their survival story and the subsequent "holy service work" that was done at St. Paul's Chapel is depicted in powerful detail.

In the book, Kramer investigates occurrences of "unlimited love" in three other cases and goes behind the scenes to share personal stories and offer uplifting portraits of people who struggle to understand the complex issues facing them.

As he explores the human side of scientific investigation, Kramer asks: What makes a scientist undertake a study? What are the personal histories they bring to their research? Who are the participants who volunteer? How do these studies impact their lives? And, ultimately, what can we learn from these studies about the society in which we live -- and our own human condition?

In one study, two students from the University of California Santa Cruz, strangers to one another, one white and one black, embark on a study of how the formation of friendship can reduce racial prejudice. Along the way, three scientists recall their own encounters with stereotyping and prejudice.

The third study, from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, focuses on forgiveness, humility and grace. In a departure for most psychologists, Dr. Julie Exline openly talks about her strong religious convictions, her relationship with God, and how she is dedicated to becoming a bridge between faith and professional psychology.

The final story from the University of Iowa describes how a functional MRI and videos of terminally ill patients were used to measure empathy and answer questions such as, "Is there a point at which empathy shuts down and we turn away?" Ultimately Dr. Stephanie Preston demonstrates that past experience influences our ability to respond empathetically. And, here, the author, himself, becomes a participant in the study.

Each story in Unexpected Grace touches on different social dilemmas. Yet, love connects them all. Like distinct refractions of a prism, love is explored as faith, friendship, grace and empathy.