This book investigates the complex relationship between faith-based educational institutions and the development of moral and civic values in their students. Leslie J. Francis, a prominent scholar in the field of empirical theology and education, utilizes extensive quantitative data and sociological frameworks to analyze whether faith schools successfully instill specific value systems. The work argues that the influence of religious schooling on pupil attitudes is nuanced, often interacting with broader social and familial factors rather than operating in isolation.

Experts in the sociology of education frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the empirical impact of faith-based schooling. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which relies heavily on statistical interpretation to support its conclusions.