CLEP US History II Practice Test

The Social Gospel movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the social issues brought about by industrialization and urbanization. Its advocates emphasized the application of Christian ethics to social problems, seeking to improve society through social reform rather than just individual salvation. Walter Rauschenbusch and Washington Gladden were key figures in this movement.

Rauschenbusch, a Baptist pastor and theologian, is often considered one of the leading voices of the Social Gospel. He argued that the Kingdom of God should be manifested in social justice, advocating for changes that would alleviate poverty and corruption caused by industrial capitalism. His works, including "A Theology for the Social Gospel," provided a framework for understanding how Christian principles could address societal issues.

Washington Gladden was also pivotal in the movement, advocating for social change through faith. He believed in the responsibility of Christians to work towards the betterment of society, emphasizing ethical living and social justice. Gladden's writings and actions contributed significantly to the development of the Social Gospel's ideas.

Both of these preachers highlighted the importance of social justice and moral responsibility among Christians, laying the groundwork for future social activism within a religious context. Their influence on the Social Gospel movement was profound