
Preface
The Church and Modern Life
I. The Roots of Religion
II. Our Religion and Other Religions
III. The Social Side of Religion
IV. The Business of the Church
V. Is the Church Decadent?
VI. The Coming Reformation
VII. Social Redemption
VIII. The New Evangelism
In this thoughtful study the author turns a careful eye on the state of American Christianity at the turn of the twentieth century. By tracing the historical roots of religious belief, the book maps how diverse denominations share common foundations despite their theological differences. The opening sections pose a gentle yet urgent question: can the church, long guided by tradition, uncover the reforms it needs to meet modern life?
The writer argues that the church’s primary concern—religion—must be reclaimed from politicized distractions and internal disputes. With particular attention to the younger generation of ministers and lay leaders, the text suggests practical steps for renewing the church’s witness as a unifying light. Readers are invited to ponder how shared faith can shape both personal character and broader society.
The tone remains scholarly yet accessible, blending historical insight with contemporary relevance. Listeners will find the arguments grounded in both biblical reference and social observation, offering a balanced framework for ongoing discussion.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (252K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1836–1918
A leading voice in the Social Gospel movement, this American minister wrote and preached about applying Christian ethics to the hard social questions of industrial America. His work joined faith, reform, and public life in a way that helped shape Progressive Era thought.
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