CH259: American Church History 2 — Urbanization, Mass Immigration, and Industrial Faith (1865–1900)

This episode examines the profound transformation of American religion between 1865 and 1900 as the nation shifted from a rural republic to an industrial, urbanized society. The narrative outlines how a massive influx of non-Protestant immigrants shattered the existing Anglo-Saxon Protestant hegemony, forcing established churches to contend with new cultural and theological pluralism. To address these shifts, the text highlights diverse religious responses, ranging from the urban revivalism of Dwight L. Moody to the Social Gospel movement, which sought to address systemic economic injustice and labor exploitation. Furthermore, the source documents the significant institutional contributions of the era, including the expansion of Catholic parochial schools, global missionary efforts, and the pivotal role of northern white Christians in establishing Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Ultimately, this summary illustrates how the Gilded Age created a lasting theological rift between individual piety and social reform that continues to define the American religious landscape.This podcast was created with the assistance of AI tools.