In this influential book, Ely produced an impact outside his own field of economy that was felt in the world of theological study. Supporting the finest contributions of social thinking in his day, he points out the basic, fundamental social principles of Christianity in his first chapter, but also demonstrates how they are not met. He further addresses the church and the world, philanthropy, ethics and economics, and the opportunity afforded to the church by the social crisis of his day. Still timely and sensible, this treatment of a layman’s view of the social obligations of Christianity maintains its ability to challenge convention and urge for progress. A significant treatment of an essential aspect of ethical religious principles, this book would be profitably read by all who are interested in a fair society.

Richard Theodore Ely (1854-1943) was a noted progressive economist who helped establish the Social Gospel movement. He studied at Columbia University and the University of Heidelberg. He taught at the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Wisconsin, Madison.