Christian Socialism arose in 1848-1854 in response to social inequality and the threat of revolution in Europe. It was led by figures like F.D. Maurice who sought to apply Christian principles of social justice, equality, and cooperation to address poverty and workers' rights issues through non-violent means. Christian Socialists emphasized applying the biblical model of the early church to create a more classless and equitable society, often through study groups and cooperative organizations. While the movement declined by the 1850s, it helped establish organizations like the Working Men's College and influenced the cooperative movement.

1. Christian Socialism 1848-1854

2. Context French Revolution – Social Change Revolution across Europe Industrial Revolution – Mass Migration Population growth – (1801-1871 Doubled) Church/schools building Karl Marx – Political ideologies (Communist manifesto 1848)

4. Political Economy Church is eschatological! ‘It is widely believed that social inequality was divinely ordained and that the principle of subordination was fundamental to society. On the other hand, the powerful had the duty to rule justly and with paternal compassion.’ Alan Wilkinson

5. The Chartists One response to social conditions among the poor was the ‘Chartists’ Responding to the ‘People’s Charter’ of 1838. Movement that would make its political views heard whatever it took 1848 – Britain on the edge of Revolution 150,000 march on Parliament

7. Christian Socialism Christian Socialism arose partly as a response to the threat of revolution, partly as a response to poverty and inequality. English political and ecclesiastical leaders showed a common aim: the maintenance and defence of a traditional society hierarchy The French revolution of 1789 made leaders of church and state fearful of social change…

8. Main Characters J.M. Ludlow – Barrister, friend of Maurice, saw effects of revolution in Paris; feared that socialist ideas would secularise society – ‘must be Christianised or it would shake Christianity to its foundations.’ F.D. Maurice C. Kingsley – Vicar of Eversley in Hampshire, strong friendship with Maurice. Enthusiastic campaigner and promoter of Christian Social Values.

9. F.D. Maurice

10. Social Reformer Born: 1805 – Normanston, Suffolk Son of a Unitarian Minister Educated in Cambridge Ordained in 1834 Curacy – Bubbenhall, Warwickshire Chaplain – Guy’s Hospital, London 1840 – Professor of English History, King’s college, London. Sacked for his views on eternal punishment! 1866 – Professor of Casuistry and Moral Philosophy, Cambridge. Died 1872

11. Important Works Series of newspapers and leaflets: Politics for the people (1848) Tracts on Christian Socialism (1850) Tracts by Christian Socialists (1850) Books (Too many to mention) The Kingdom of Christ (1838) Theological Essays (1853) The Lord’s Prayer, A Manual (1870)

12. Lecture 1850 Promoting Working Men’s Associations Reasons for Co-operations ‘And what new power was raised up to counteract theirs? The trading guilds and co-operations of the towns; co-operative bodies, founded upon the idea of brotherhood, which had first been established in the monasteries; carrying out this idea even into the most minute detail. To these, Trade owed its origins; by these it grew and flourished; it sprang, not from competition, but from fellow-work.’ (J. Atherton, p65)

13. God and Mammon A sermon to young men (1851) based on the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ ‘I am sure that this is the question for us. We are asked, sometimes, why we bring forward this book, which was written 1800 years ago…to people living in this civilized age of ours. This is my answer. Whenever these words were spoken, they tell us, all of us the secret of our lives – what causes the strife and contradiction in them – how they may be set right….’

14. Main Themes Social Justice: Equality/workers rights/co-operatives/non-violent/classless society/education (night school for me) Morris writes – movement was about the renewal of the ‘Church’s social mission’ Applied Christianity Biblical model Early stages of movement – weekly bible studies ‘These meetings were an exercise in applied exegesis, with the biblical text used as a means through which contemporary social, political, and ecclesiastical difficulties could be explored.’ (Morris p.141)

15. ‘Important Passage’ ‘It affirms God’s Kingdom to be on earth as well as in heaven.’ (Reasons for Co-operations 1850) Resonates with Liberation Theology and Environmental Theology.

16. Three phases Bible studies/ leaflets and literature/ small local projects. (1848-1850) Workers Associations /Co-operatives (1850- 1854) Working Men’s College (1854) Movement ended in the mid 1850’s – legacy: Working Men’s College and a small input into co-operative movement. (Morris 145)

17. Questions Part 1 Is this Christian Socialism or just Christianity? Does Christianity need a separate banner? Part 2 Fundamental question – is Christianity by its very nature, political or eschatological? Would/does Christian Socialism work today seeing as even the Labour Party has moved to the centre ground? Jesus’ manifesto – was it political? Luke 4:16