The Near-Death of Charity in the Wisconsin Synod at the Hands of the Social Gospel

Abstract

This paper, titled "The Near-Death of Charity in the Wisconsin Synod at the Hands of the Social Gospel," investigates the conflict between the Wisconsin Synod (WELS) and the Social Gospel, asserting that the Synod’s reaction effectively killed charity in the Wisconsin Synod for decades. The Social Gospel redefined sin as selfishness and demanded social activism and charitable works for salvation, arguing that a salvation confined to the soul was imperfect. Beginning in the mid-1930s, the WELS vigorously countered this movement, rightly defending the essential gospel truth of justification against doctrines that denied original sin and materialized the kingdom of God. However, in avoiding this false teaching, a profound hesitancy toward social programs and charity emerged. While core doctrines were preserved, this overreaction caused the Synod to abandon its duty to provide for both physical and spiritual needs. The paper concludes that while the WELS’s commitment to sound doctrine was commendable, a more nuanced approach to social concern was needed.