Half Finished Heaven

The five best-selling novels of the Social Gospel Movement (1865-1920) are examined in this comprehensive text. Their force is not just in promulgating, but also in developing the movement. Graham delves deep into how these novels were instrumental in shaping theology, directing popular interest, and promoting peaceful progress. Contents: Mission and Methods; Themes and Giants of the Movement, Right and Center; Josiah Strong: The Right Wing; Walter Rauschenbusch: the Movement's Center; God's Special Work; In Charles Sheldon's Step; Sheldon and Individual Redemption; Fiction's Vision; Josiah Holland and Edward Bellamy Prepare the Way; From Lowly Earth to Vaulted Skies: Josiah Holland's Agenda for the Developing Social Gospel; Edward Bellamy: Preparing Fertile Ground; Beyond Charity to Justice with Harold Bell Wright and Winston Churchill; Harold Bell Wright: A Mirror for Readers; Winston Churchill: Fiction's Best Expression of the Social Gospel; A Story Away from the Kingdom.