Christian Socialism

Annotation

Christian Socialismarose in England in the mid-nineteenth century as a response to the philosophyof 'political economy'. Seeking a reform of the moral underpinnings of society,not simply institutional change or nationalisation, it refuted the assumptionthat people are essentially selfish, competitive individuals seeking nothingbut personal happiness. Although they did not deny the presence of selfishness,its proponents believed that the social nature of humankind lies deeper thansuch egotism and conflict, and pursued a society built on this belief.Less prominent nowthan at the time of its inception, Christian Socialism nevertheless continuesinto the twenty-first century, its goal nothing less than a new society builtupon the virtues of equality, fellowship, cooperation, service and justice. PhilipTurner's careful exposition traces the history of this strand of Anglicanpolitical thought and restores confidence in its message for the future.