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Christians in the New Industrial Economy
Christians in the New Industrial Economy
Feb 11, 2026 10:23 AM

The Acton Institute recently partnered with the Christian History Institute to produce the latest issue of Christian History magazine. The issue (which you can download as a free PDF) examines the impact of automation on Europe and America and the varying responses of the church to the problems that developed. Topics examined are mission work, the rise of the Social Gospel, the impact of papal pronouncements, the Methodist phenomenon, Christian capitalists, attempts munal living and much more.

Check out these feature articles:

Wealth, Socialism, and Jesus

Janine Giordano Drake

Churches in the nineteenth century were divided on how to reach those affected by the new economy

Conquest or Conversion

Jeffrey B. Webb

Missionaries worked hand-in-hand with economic interests but sometimes found their efforts being thwarted instead.

The Life and Times of John

William Kostlevy

How social gospelers applied the teachings of Jesus to economic issues.

Brothers and Sisters of Charity

Kevin Schmiesing

The Catholic response to a transformed world.

Eating Bread With Widows and Orphans

Jennifer Woodruff Tait

Wesleyans in Britain and America helped both the bodies and souls of those the Industrial Revolution left behind

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