Introduction

This book, first published in 1992, demonstrates that American sociology has deep religious roots which continue, both directly and indirectly, to influence the discipline today. Early American sociology was closely aligned with the social gospel movement in Protestantism, which hope to make use of the new science of sociology to help solve social problems and, ultimately, prepare America for the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth. Although American sociology became secularized after 1920, it retained its ameliorative outlook, hoping to save mankind through positivistic analysis and technocratic societal planning.