Changes

In response to many social problems, some insisted that government should control the economy.  Progressive taxation to redistribute wealth evenly among all citizens arose, and socialism became popular as a result of the industrial revolution.  But many others believed it was the responsibility of Christians, not the government, to care for the poor.  The social problems of industrialization inspired Christians to take action, especially in America and England.  Charles Spurgeon was a minister who attracted huge crowds in London and taught that faith without works is dead.  He urged Christians to take action and help the poor.  He participated in the establishment of Stockwell Orphanage in England in 1867.  In Germany, the Inner Mission was established by Johann H. Wichern.  The Red Cross society was founded in Switzerland by Jean Henri Dunant, and was used in America during the Civil War.  In Bristol, England, George Mueller spent his life working to care for youth delinquents, orphans, and anyone poor and needy.  The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association), originally founded as a place for Bible study and prayer in England in 1844, found enormous popularity and spread to America.  In the 1860s, William and Catherine Booth founded the Salvation Army to provide food, clothing and shelter to the poor and homeless and spread the Gospel.  Many of these Christian institutions continue to exist today.

In response to many social problems, some insisted that government should control the economy.  Progressive taxation to redistribute wealth evenly among all citizens arose, and socialism became popular as a result of the industrial revolution.  But many others believed it was the responsibility of Christians, not the government, to care for the poor.  The social problems of industrialization inspired Christians to take action, especially in America and England.  Charles Spurgeon was a minister who attracted huge crowds in London and taught that faith without works is dead.  He urged Christians to take action and help the poor.  He participated in the establishment of Stockwell Orphanage in England in 1867.  In Germany, the Inner Mission was established by Johann H. Wichern.  The Red Cross society was founded in Switzerland by Jean Henri Dunant, and was used in America during the Civil War.  In Bristol, England, George Mueller spent his life working to care for youth delinquents, orphans, and anyone poor and needy.  The YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association), originally founded as a place for Bible study and prayer in England in 1844, found enormous popularity and spread to America.  In the 1860s, William and Catherine Booth founded the Salvation Army to provide food, clothing and shelter to the poor and homeless and spread the Gospel.  Many of these Christian institutions continue to exist today.