Overview

From the author's introductory, A Word to the Reader THE articles in this volume, with one exception, have appeared in various magazines, which accounts for their form and for some of their titles, selected by editorial preference. Several of the subjects, too, were suggested by the periodicals that were good enough to ask me to write. Without unity, but dealing with present-day problems, these papers are put together, that, reinforced by at least congenial companionship, they may seek audiences beyond those of the friendly magazines. A clergyman occupies a position favorable for sociological observation. He has lived among the poor and has listened to their problems; he has lived among the rich and understands their point of view. He knows the poor better than the rich do, and the rich better than the poor do. His position should make him a mediator, an interpreter. He has, moreover, dedicated himself to a profession that precludes the prizes of wealth or of political influence. His knowledge of classes, then, is broad and deep; while his attitude is unprejudiced. More clergymen are interested in the workingman's problems than can be found in any other intellectual group. This is truer now than it was twenty years ago when Prof. Ely of Wisconsin University made the statement. The reason for this attentive bearing of clergymen toward workingmen is not hostility to the rich or prejudice in favor of the poor; it is merely that individual, human valuation which Christianity inculcates; it is the democratic spirit which Christianity in its origin, in its primitive exhibition, and in its more direct influence, at any time, displays. This is a good book for readers who like to begin at the end of a volume; for the last article could be treated as an introduction to the first and second: it discloses one of the grounds-and that a fertile one-of my interest in these subjects.

Full Product Details

9781512124552

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available