In a remarkable display of faith and determination, United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain led an unprecedented strike against the Big Three automakers, warning auto workers of the necessity to strike due to resistance from automaker CEOs. Fain, a middle-aged, bespectacled leader, not only emphasized the economic disparities faced by UAW members but also intertwined his Christian faith into the discourse.
Quoting scripture, particularly Matthew 17:20–21, where Jesus speaks of faith moving mountains, Fain asserted that for UAW members, organizing and making bold demands of automakers was “an act of faith in each other.” His unconventional approach, blending scripture with labor negotiations, drew attention to a resurgent movement in America: the Social Gospel.
Fain’s efforts bore fruit after a six-week strike campaign, resulting in a historic agreement with General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler-owner Stellantis. The agreement promises workers their most substantial pay raise in decades, providing a significant boost to the labor movement in the U.S. and highlighting the revival of the Social Gospel.
The Social Gospel, a Christian movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a response to rising inequality during rapid industrialization, sought to address the exploitation of workers and unethical business practices. Fain’s use of scripture echoes the movement’s historical approach, turning religion into a tool for economic and political reform.
The resurgence of the Social Gospel extends beyond Fain, encompassing leaders like Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, independent presidential candidate Cornel West, the Rev. William Barber II, the Rev. Liz Theoharis, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond. These figures utilize Christian principles to advocate for economic and social justice, challenging the predominant narrative of White Christian nationalism in contemporary media.
Drawing parallels between historical Social Gospel leaders and their modern counterparts, the article explores how these figures use the Bible to argue that Christian deeds supersede creeds and condemn unfettered capitalism.
The Social Gospel’s impact on shaping public opinion is evident, with increasing support for addressing issues such as Big Tech monopolies, a federal minimum wage hike, and government intervention to assist those struggling with student loans and pandemic-related challenges.
Fain’s approach during the UAW strike, described as “strikingly Christian rhetoric” by commentator Christopher H. Evans, aligns with the Social Gospel’s historical emphasis on Jesus standing in solidarity with laborers. The movement historically galvanized powerful working-class movements, promoting campaigns for improved working conditions and the end of child labor.
Modern-day leaders, including Sen. Warnock and the Rev. Barber, continue the tradition by invoking scripture to advocate for policies addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, immigration, and voter suppression.
The article highlights the unexpected presence of the Social Gospel in the work of Ivy League professor Matthew Desmond, whose books challenge traditional views on poverty. Desmond argues that poverty is not solely an individual’s moral failure but a systemic issue perpetuated by an economic structure that benefits from keeping some citizens in poverty.
While the Social Gospel gradually lost momentum by the mid-20th century, the article suggests its continued relevance in the current political climate. The rise of leaders like Fain indicates a future where non-traditional figures, including labor leaders, scholars, and nontraditional pastors, embody the Social Gospel’s message.
Despite potential challenges in regaining its past prominence, the Social Gospel’s principles resonate in contemporary America. Increasing support for unions, growing income inequality, and a negative view of capitalism among young Americans suggest a receptive audience for the Social Gospel message. The article concludes by acknowledging that Fain’s sermonette moved a mountain, but there are many more challenges that remain unaddressed.
