Christian Socialism
The Promise of an Almost Forgotten Tradition
by Philip Turner
The history of Anglican socialist thought, its most prominent exponents and its relevance today
Christian Socialism arose in England in the mid-nineteenth century as a response to the philosophy of ‘political economy’ – now commonly called neoliberalism. Seeking not institutional change or nationalisation, but a reform of the moral underpinnings of society, it refuted the assumption that people are essentially selfish, competitive individuals seeking nothing but personal happiness. Although they did not deny the presence of selfishness, its proponents believed that the social nature of humankind lies deeper than such egotism and conflict, and pursued a society built on this belief. Less prominent now than at the time of its inception, Christian Socialism nevertheless continues into the twenty-first century, its goal nothing less than a new society built upon the virtues of equality, fellowship, cooperation, service and justice. Philip Turner’s careful exposition traces the history of this strand of Anglican political thought and restores confidence in its message for the future.
Foreword by Stanley Hauerwas Acknowledgments Introduction Part One: Origins: Historical and Theological A. Historical Change and Establishment B. Theological: The Incarnation as a Foundation for Christian Social Ethics and Ecclesiology Part Two: The Incarnation: How Firm a Foundation? A. Social Ethics B. The Role of the Church in Society Part Three: Moral Ideals: Their Statement and Application A. Statement B. Application 1. The Way of Judgment 2. Walk as Wise Part Four: Assessment, Influence, and Promise A. Assessment B. Influence C. Promise Bibliography Index
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.
- By (author) Philip Turner
"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." Ephraim Radner, Wycliffe College "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 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 "For anyone seeking an introduction to the thinking of key Anglicans within the Christian Socialist tradition, including an insightful assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and an appraisal of their contemporary relevance, this book provides it, and is likely to become a core text for those wanting to better understand and appreciate this strand of Christian social thinking." Joseph Forde, in Studies in Christian Ethics, Vol 36, Issue 1, February 2023
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