Christ, the Socialist

Boston: Arena Publishing, 1894. 1st edition. Ex-library from a Sunday School in NY state. A scarce Social Gospel novel about the meaning of Christianity. The issue is debated in the context of socialism by a Presbyterian clergyman and a retired schoolmaster in New England. The minister stakes his position with a sermon on "Socialism: Its Evils and its Cure." The schoolmaster takes the opposing view and declares, "'Socialist' is just another name for 'Christian.' Every man who loves justice, and hates tyranny, is a socialist, whether he knows it or not." (p. 247.) The minister undergoes a gradual conversion, unable to reconcile the teachings of Christ with the social inequities and problems of the day. He reconsiders his previous sermon and admits, "I made a mistake in confounding socialism with anarchy and lawlessness." (p. 255.) An interesting title from the progressive Arena press, whose mission was "Fiction of purpose, dealing with social, economic, and political problems." 8vo. Blue clothbound hardcover with gilt lettering. 357, (2) pp. Good with moderate wear and signs of age. Binding intact with some looseness. Spotting of the outer page edges, browning of pages 270-71, but text is generally clean. Spine label and old bookplate of the Congregational Sunday School in Lewis, NY. Protected by a new, clear archival jacket .