ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how the first generation of American sociologists can be seen as, each in their own way, responding to the social gospel’s plea for a moralistic, scientific, reform-oriented sociology. Their plea was heard, and soon colleges and seminaries responded with a proliferation of sociology courses, programs, and departments. Sociological surveys and statistics were compiled to benefit the social gospel’s program of scientific social reform. The social science which they argued they needed was continually referred to as sociology. A new version of sociology was necessary, one that was compatible with basic Christian principles and usable for social redemption. Thus Gladden had very specific goals in mind for American sociology and hoped to make it into a useful ally of the social gospel. The economics department brought Edward Cummings to the school in 1892 to introduce sociology courses with an orientation toward social reform.
