The Individual And The Social Gospel (1914)

The Individual and the Social Gospel, written by Shailer Mathews in 1914, is a book that explores the relationship between individualism and social reform in Christianity. Mathews argues that the social gospel movement, which sought to address social injustices and improve the lives of the poor and marginalized, should not be seen as a rejection of individualism, but rather as a natural extension of it.Mathews begins by examining the historical roots of individualism in Christianity, tracing its development from the teachings of Jesus and the early church to the Protestant Reformation and the rise of modern capitalism. He then explores the social gospel movement, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the social and economic problems caused by industrialization and urbanization.Mathews argues that the social gospel movement was not a rejection of individualism, but rather a recognition that individual freedom and social responsibility are mutually reinforcing. He contends that the social gospel movement was rooted in a deep concern for the well-being of individuals, and that its goal was to create a society in which all individuals could flourish.Throughout the book, Mathews draws on a wide range of sources, including biblical texts, theological writings, and social and political commentary. He also provides numerous examples of social gospel initiatives, such as settlement houses, labor unions, and campaigns for social and political reform.Overall, The Individual and the Social Gospel is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between individualism and social reform in Christianity. It remains a significant work in the history of American religion and social thought.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.