Christian Socialism: The Promise of an Almost Forgotten Tradition
Ebook
Overview
Christian Socialism is a movement that arose in England in the mid-nineteenth century and continues into the twenty-first century. This form of socialism was aimed, in the first instance, not at institutional reform or the nationalization of the means of production but at what its proponents viewed as the moral rot that lay at the foundation of first industrial and then digital society. They opposed what we call neoliberalism and what was then known as political economy because supporters of these ideologies believed that moral convictions had no proper place in the operation of markets. This conviction rested upon the false belief that people are essentially selfish, competitive individuals seeking personal happiness. The aim of Christian Socialists was to replace this "rotten" moral foundation with another based on the view that people are social and cooperative by nature rather than competitive. Their goal was nothing less than a new society built not upon selfishness and aggression but upon social virtues such as equality, fellowship, cooperation, service, and justice. They did not deny the presence of selfishness; however, they believed that the social nature of humankind lies deeper than egotism and conflict, and they sought a society built upon this belief.
“Turner’s elegant volume casts a welcome light on the Anglican Christian Socialist tradition, from the nineteenth century to the present. While the book lays bare some of the flaws of this movement, more importantly Turner illuminates the positive challenges and promises that its proponents—people like Maurice, Tawney, Gore, or Williams and Milbank—still offer to the diseased and fractured life of contemporary liberal society. Turner’s approach is theological and ethical—just as our social lives in Christian terms ought to be framed—and he brings to bear the sharply honed tools of a master thinker and teacher. Compact, accessible, and penetrating, this is a book for scholars and students alike, and one that demands the attention of the wider church.”
—Ephraim Radner, Wycliffe College
“Touching upon our own world’s rapid social, political, and economic change, Philip Turner has produced a timely book that reclaims the insights of the Christian Socialist movement in the Church of England, tracing its roots and analyzing its present-day influence. Turner values this tradition’s emphasis upon ideals, but tempers it with his own emphasis on the church’s practice of the virtues. In a political climate where ‘socialism’ is bound for reappraisal, Turner’s book is invaluable.”
—John Bauerschmidt, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee
“In a time of mounting concern over inequality in our society, the nineteenth-century Christian Socialists suddenly seem strangely relevant. Philip Turner not only provides a helpful guide to the movement, but offers a sober and unsentimental assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. His treatment of the theopolitics of Rowan Williams and John Milbank brings the story up to date in an engaging, lively way.”
—Joseph Mangina, University of Toronto
“By means of both historical retrieval and theological exploration, Philip Turner examines—appreciatively, though not uncritically—the continuing relevance of the Christian Socialist tradition in England. His study will be a significant vehicle for a deeper and renewed appreciation of ‘the promise of an almost forgotten tradition.’”
—Gilbert Meilaender, Valparaiso University
“Bravo! From Maurice to Temple to Rowan Williams and John Milbank, Phil Turner tells the history not told before of the theological and moral claims and questions that form the Anglican tradition of Christian social thought that reveal the promise and challenge to live and address what is needed in the crisis of failed states.”
—Timothy F. Sedgwick, Virginia Theological Seminary
“Philip Turner finds in Christian—Anglican—Socialism a still-vital tradition of critique of the depredations of capitalistic modernity in the name of catholic counter-witness. Common care for one another, and shared moral commitment, properly precede self-expression and self-interest. Life together comes first. This is, indeed, a hope for today: that the church may speak anew of duty and holiness in the form of the Servant, and model in her own life the gospel of love.”
—Christopher Wells, The Living Church Foundation
“This is so much more than a readable guide to Christian Socialism, its Anglican origins, history, and contemporary advocates. Drawing on decades of teaching and ministry, Philip Turner’s critical engagement with this tradition gives us a much bigger picture—a vision for Christian social ethics and the mission of the church which arises from not only the incarnation but a richer, wider, and deeper biblical and theological vision.”
—Andrew Goddard, Tutor in Christian Ethics, Ridley Hall, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Philip Turner holds a PhD in Christian Ethics from Princeton University and is the retired Associate Dean of the Yale Divinity School. He is the author of Christian Ethics and the Church.