Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/77

THE GERMAN INNER MISSION 63 conesses are required to learn the art they are to practice, as teaching, or nursing the sick. The Central Committee bestows special attention upon provision for training the administrative officers and assistants.

Forms of work.—No attempt will be made in this place to describe in detail any of the institutions of the Inner Mission. Each kind of social work will be treated in due time in articles by various writers. The present purpose is to show the scope of the movement and its tendencies.

In a general way it may be said that the philanthropy of the church has grown upward as well as outward. It began with the "submerged tenth," with the objects of pity and commiseration; it advanced under socialistic pressure and Roman Catholic competition to touch the labor movement; and in its later phases it has laid hold on the industrial and political organization, with the purpose of making these minister to the highest life of men. It was in this general order that the various institutions of the Inner Mission arose in response to the growing humanity and intelligence of the Christian people. Biblical and theological criticism have removed many topics from church interest and driven men back upon practical manifestations of the certainties of Christian love. The work undertaken has been larger and more varied; there has been increasing division of labor and specialization of function; and the entire movement has been increasingly integrated by contract and confederation.

The duty of the church to assist the weak and defective is admitted by all, and on this ground the Inner Mission meets no theoretical objections. But when the labor question or political measures come into view there is denial of their legitimate connection with missions. Recent decisions of the highest authorities have legally restricted political activity of church people within narrow limits, and a state church is under the control of the dominant party.

Care of Defectives.—In this field private charity has moved far in advance of the state, but is unable to overtake the need.