What is the Social Gospel?

• A. The idea that society should help those in need
• B. A religious ritual
• C. A political platform for laissez-faire
• D. A policy to privatize public services

Answer: (A)

The Social Gospel is a movement within American Protestantism that holds faith should be put into action to improve society. It teaches that helping those in need isn’t just charity but a responsibility to pursue reforms that raise living conditions for the poor—like better housing, sanitation, education, fair labor standards, and welfare programs. It arose as cities industrialized and immigrants arrived, bringing attention to urban poverty and injustice. Leaders encouraged churches to support social reforms and, at times, government action to address these issues, viewing social welfare as part of religious duty. It isn’t a religious ritual, nor a laissez-faire political platform, nor a policy to privatize public services; instead, it connects religious ethics to efforts that create a more just society.