p. 7 | Socialism and Christianity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1908

Socialism and Christianity

WRITING of socialism in the Christian Commonwealth (London), Dr. R. F. Horton, one of the leaders of English Congregationalism, says:—

It is important to point out that state socialism has just as much and just as little to do with Christianity as any other great political or economic conception, such as liberalism or conservatism, free trade or tariff reform. State socialism is a practical proposal, based on a theory of economic development, for realizing a social constitution which many Christians desire; and if Christians believe that this is the way of realizing the kingdom of God, they should feel that the socialist method is approved by their Master. But observe this: No one is entitled to say that Christianity enjoins that method. And still less is any one entitled to say that those who do not believe in that method are to be unchristianized. To identify state socialism with Christianity is not only a confusion of ideas, but it must have a disastrous effect. We are no more justified in identifying Christianity with the principles of socialism than with the principles of the French Revolution.

Some socialists may be professed Christians, but that does not identify the two cults. Christianity is a divine philosophy, but socialism is a human philosophy.