The correct answer is C) Christians had a moral obligation to the less fortunate.
The basis for the Social Gospel Movement was grounded on the belief that Christians had a moral obligation to the less fortunate.
During the second half of the 19th century, people started to realize that they had a moral obligation to help the ones in need. The Social Gospel Movement had initiated primarily with the support of Protestant Christian Ministers. The basic principle was to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus. So to honor him and God, people should put aside personal interests and benefits in order to help people in need.