The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1901-08-01
Christianity and Socialism.

! ton from one source or another, and IN
deed we would have felt rather disap-
pointed had we not found some oppose
ton sooner or later, because we know
that antagonism helps the growth Of
any worthy cause. We were, neverthe-
less, somewhat surprised to find the very
first opposition, even though slight, COM
ing from the representative of class of
people whom it seems should be among
the first to render encouragement and
assistance to the socialistic movement,
since "the ethics of socialism are akin
to, if not identical with, the ethics of
Christianity" We see no valid reason
why the socialist in his effort to assist in
the improvement of the temporal condi-
ton of mankind, should meet with any
thing but the appreciation of the church
or its representatives who are laboring
for the spiritual advancement OF their
fellowmen. Certainly the institution Of
socialism will assist in the spread Of the
influence OF Christianity by doing away,
in great measure, with selfshness and
greed in mankind and making Of hui
mainly one grand brotherhood, plainly
the object of the church. While under
tn" present selfish, greedy, grasping sys-
tenn OF commercialism the church finds
it difficult task to turn the minds of
the masses seriously to thoughts of the
hereafter while the problem of temporal
existence is so difficult of solution. We
can but believe that the opposition we
meet with among the church people is
due mainly to lack OF knowledge of the
principles of socialism and we are proud
to know that there are numbered among
the most earnest workers for the spread
of socialism many prominent ministers
of the gospel, among whom is the Rev.
+. NJ. Sprague, and from whose great
book, entitled Socialism from Genesis
to Revelations" without which no IL
brary is completely we quote below, be-
cause of the eminence of the author, to
show the relation OF socialism to chris
tianity. Mr.. Sprague says:
The recent powerful impulse given
to socialism, both in Europe and Amer
lea, is due to the recognition of its iden-
tity with the Christian religion. Social
ism resembles christianity in eight par
ticulars.
l. 1t is cosmopolitan. embracing all
men everywhere. Christianity says God
has made OF one blood all nations and is
no respecter OF persons. The statutes of
"The International Workingmen's AS
ISOLATION says its cause is not local or
national, but social, and embraces all
countries, and that they recognize truth,
right and morality as the basis of their
conduct toward one another and their fell
low men without respect to color, creed
or nationality" Socialism, therefor,
like christianity, aims to be a world
movement.
2. Socialism is also the friend OF ed
ucation. 1t demands compulsory ed
ucation OF all children under fourteen
years OF age" 1t cannot admit of
] doubt that under socialism the more
general diffusion of knowledge would be
realized.
g. Equality as taught in the Bible is
more honored in socialism than in the
christian church itself. Baboeuf de-
the aim of society is the happiness of all
. and happiness consists in equality. 1t
cannot be denied that the church stops
far short OF the kind and degree OF equal
ity which Christ requires.
4. Socialism insists that the true idea
OF ealth is not for private emolument,
but for the benefit OF society. Christian
| ity also says, Let no man seek his own,
buttach his neighbours good
>. Socialism asks for a recognition of
social Justice. Commercial Justice as
now conceived and administered is crush
| ing and cruel to the weak. 1t says to
| them, "The memorable laws of trade
have fixed prices; give this and take
| that, however much you may suffer by
the transaction" This is law, but not
equity; Justice not tempered with
! mercy Socialists, therefor, demand
the adoption OF social or equitable JUS
!, tice between man and man. Christian
: ty also says, Bear We one another s
: burdens and so fulfil the law OF Christ. y
&. Socialism would have all individ-
: uals in society capable OF work engaged
in socially useful labor. Persons not so
: engaged are unjustly eating bread earned
by the sweat OF another's brow and have
Z no moral right to live. Christianity
z also says, "If any would not work nei-
z ther should he eat.
Z. Socialists have increasingly de-
3 manded that the state should prohibit
all work on Sunday. Christianity also
z requires the Sabbath day to be kept
z holy. 1t is significant fact that body
: OF merely social reformers should come
Z to the rescue of the christian Sabbath
h which capitalistic Christianity, blind
: ed by the mad pursuit OF wealth is rap
idly secularizing.