Building a Conscience is a story of conversion in which a high powered lobbyist, Luke McAlarney, and his wife, Bethany, leave their spirituality at the altar to join the ranks of the nouveau rich. They are obsessed with living the American dream of power, privilege and riches. But Luke begins to question whether the ends - big bucks - justify the means - mercenary tactics. Luke's conscience is awakened after a series of developments in which he is challenged to look beyond himself for the common good. Along the way, Luke and Bethany try to hold their marriage and family together as they question what they want from life and how to cope with their potentially suicidal daughter, Bree. There are no easy answers as they undertake steps that allow them to redefine the American dream on their terms.