Faith, Belief, and Religion (2001)  

The New Testament is all about faith, but says almost nothing about belief. Do you know what this means and why it is important? Faith and belief are not the same. We are called to be faithful, not "belief-ful." The Christian proclamation is that we are saved by faith, not by our beliefs. 

We are not saved by following the rules and rituals of Christian religion, but by living faithfully. How is Christian faith like faith in other religious traditions? Despite different beliefs, Christians have much in common with other people of faith. 

Quest for Truth (2001)

Should Christians cooperate with people of other religious traditions? Yes, in working for a more just and peaceful world. Should churches participate in interfaith activities and organizations? Yes, when these activities and organizations enable all of us to live together more faithfully. 

Should interfaith cooperation encourage dialogue about what is true for all people of faith? Yes, if this quest includes self-critical reflection and mutual respect. The goal of interfaith cooperation should be repentance and forgiveness. 

Faith in Human Rights (1991)

Do Christians support human rights? Contemporary Christian teaching does, although not all Christians have or do. Catholics and conservative and liberal Protestants embraced human rights in the last half of the 20th century. Is there support in other religious traditions? Yes, at least in contemporary teachings. This book is not merely a theological argument for human rights, but documents the support within religious traditions.

There is also "secular faith" in human rights, and secular and religious advocates for human rights struggle together. This collaborative alliance for human dignity is rarely noted but worth understanding. 

Jerusalem Journal: Finding Hope (2006)

In the spring of 2005 Dr. Traer lived in East Jerusalem and traveled on the West Bank as part of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program sponsored by the World Council of Churches.  He interviewed leaders of Rabbis for Human Rights, who defend the rights of Palestinians, and experienced first hand what the occupation of the West Bank means for both the Palestinians who suffer it and the Israelis who enforce it.

In this book Dr. Traer tells of his experiences, reminds us of the history of the Holy Land, gives us a glimpse of the people living in Jerusalem and on the West Bank, explains why the occupation must end, and offers parables of hope.  
 

Doing Ethics in a Diverse World (2007)

This introduction to ethics written in collaboration with Harlan Stelmach challenges ethical relativism by constructing moral presumptions, which is a practical way of reasoning much like the rule of law.  Claims that certain actions or ways of being are inherently or intrinsically right or good are stated in the everyday moral language we all use.  This involves identifying our duty and rights, what kind of person we think we should be, and who should be included in making an ethical decision.  After constructing an ethical presumption as to how we should respond to a dilemma, we consider if the possible consequences of acting on this presumption offer sufficient evidence to act otherwise.