Social Gospel
The Social Gospel is a religious movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily within Protestant Christianity. It emphasizes the application of Christian ethics to social problems, advocating for social justice, economic equality, and the improvement of living conditions for the poor. The movement sought to address issues like poverty, labor rights, and education, believing that faith should inspire action to create a more just society.
Key figures in the Social Gospel movement include theologians like Walter Rauschenbusch and Washington Gladden, who argued that the teachings of Jesus should guide efforts to reform society. The movement played a significant role in shaping various social reform initiatives and influenced later movements, including the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary social justice efforts.