The Social Gospel movement is changing our politics and reshaping our perspectives | CNN

If the Social Gospel was, and is, such a profound movement, why isn’t it better known today?  And how does it differ from the most scrutinized form of Christianity in contemporary America: White Christian nationalism?The second question is a tricky one, because it’s inaccurate to say that White evangelical Christians don’t have a tradition of social reform. In the 19th century, many White evangelical Christians fought for the abolition of slavery as well as women’s rights. Where many diverge from Social Gospel followers, however, is primarily in their attitudes toward poverty.Many White evangelical Christians in the 19th century believed in a trickle-down spirituality — if individuals are saved, they will go on help the poor and transform society, said Evans, the Boston University professor. But the shocking explosion of poverty in cities of the Northeast US in the late 19th century made that belief seem inadequate.

Source: The Social Gospel movement is changing our politics and reshaping our perspectives | CNN