Rauschenbusch in Retrospect

Authors

R. L. Moellering, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Publication Date

8-1-1956

Document Type

Article

Keywords

social gospel, rauschenbusch, industrial revolution, lutheranism missouri synod

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

On the whole, it appears that American Lutheranism was oblivious to the writings of Walter Rauschenbusch. An examination of Lehre und Wehre, the theological journal of the Missouri Synod during the years of his ascendancy, failed to uncover a single reference to the "prophet of the Social Gospel." When he was mentioned in Lutheran circles, he was usually stigmatized as the villain of American Protestantism. His name was associated with all the ignominy heaped on the social gospel. He became the favorite "whipping boy" for those denouncing the trend toward Modernism. Perhaps he was not given a fair hearing. At least there seemed to be no appreciation of his prophetic powers in discerning so clearly the social and religious reverberations of the industrial revolution.

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

Amos 6:1-4;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

Recommended Citation

Moellering, R. L. (1956) "Rauschenbusch in Retrospect," Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 27, Article 45.
Available at: https://scholar.csl.edu/ctm/vol27/iss1/45