The Christian Left: An Introduction to Radical and Socialist Christian Thought

by Anthony A.J. Williams

Christianity is often assumed to be pro-capitalist and socially conservative - in short, necessarily aligned with the political Right. But can this be straightforwardly true of a religion founded by a figure who drew his early followers from among the poor and downtrodden and spoke against the accumulation of earthly riches?

In this book, Anthony A.J. Williams shows that this assumption is far from correct by giving an introductory overview of a tradition of socialist and radical Christianity that can be traced back to the communal ownership described in the Acts of the Apostles. Focusing on modern Christian Left movements, from Christian Socialism and the social gospel to liberation theology and red-letter Christianity, Williams examines the major challenges faced by the Christian Left today, both from within Christianity itself and from the secular Left. Does the Bible and Christian theology really support collectivism and universal equality? Can Christian radicalism remain viable in an age of identity politics?

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the relationship between religion and politics.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Politics

Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2022

Reviews

[Jacob Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and accessible primer to thought in the Christian Left. It is at its best when it is dealing with the theological and political animus which motivates this rich tradition, than when it gives a survey (impressively concise yet exhaustive) of the actors involved.

The two concluding chapters are oddly pessimistic, especially when compared with the preceding text. I think the author is a bit uncharitable to both Christians and the Left in them, however, this tonal shift is more than made up for by other chapters, especially the excellent chapter on Liberation Theology in Latin America.

Not quite a recommend, but I'm glad I read it. If this is an area of interest for you, some familiarity with the field would be useful, or if this is your introduction, be prepared to read some of the thinkers Williams references to gain a full sense of their thought.

[MARC L'ESPERANCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source Jacobin Summer 2022, very good read. Historical background of the Christian left and the different strands. The brotherhood of mankind, that Liberation theology relates on, is not explicitly reflected in the bible. The bible should be used as a guide not as a rule book.