CHRISTIAN SOCIALISM by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 18, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 20.

“CHRISTIAN SOCIALISM.”

By Editor

WE give the following candid letter place, tho we should prefer the term “Christianity” to that of “Christian Socialism.” Both terms are greatly abused, and it is the so-called political “Christian Socialism” which was spoken of disparagingly in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

EDITOR SIGNS OF THE TIMES: In two numbers of late you speak against Christian Socialism. That there is such a thing as genuine Christian Socialism is (1) to be inferred from the fact that its counterfeit is in the world, and there can be no counterfeit without the original first being in existence. (2) That Christian Socialism was the primitive condition of the church is proved positively by reading Acts 2: 44-47. Selfishness is the only reason that can be given for its discontinuance. Read Acts 4: 32-37 and 5: 1-11.

That it ever will or can be successfully established and carried out in this mortal state, in a selfish and sinful world, appears very improbable; but in that “new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness,” we may expect to enjoy in its completeness all the benefits of Christian Socialism.

Riverside, Mich. T. L. WATERS.

It is well to note further that in the record of that primitive Christian Socialism the right of private property was recognized. Said Peter to Ananias: “While it [the property, the land] remained [before you sold it], did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?” There was no compulsion; all free giving and community of property was purely and wholly voluntary. Only the Spirit of Christ in regenerated men can do this work.