Across the Humanities the interest in political theology continues to grow. So it is very good to have Anthony Williams' presentation of a less-studied period of Christian Socialism in UK. Williams is a thoughtful guide and his account is doubly to be welcomed in that he covers a wider range of voices than only Tawney and Temple. I learned much from this book, and recommend it. * Professor Peter M. Scott Samuel Ferguson, Professor of Applied Theology & Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute *
'Few people read much history', wrote William Temple in 1942. Even less attention seems to be given to history today, whether in the church or on the political left. But there is plenty of history there, for those who care to look, and Anthony Williams offers a splendid survey of the formative decades of Christian Socialism, undistorted by overt partisan agendas, and suggesting many themes that still resonate more than seventy years on. * Revd Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of Mission and Public Affairs for the Archbishops' Council of the Church of England *
In Christian Socialism as Political Ideology Anthony Williams weaves Christian Socialists' writings and speeches with scripture to offer a fresh perspective of the ideology of Christian Socialism. This fascinating insight into the motivation behind some of the most prominent figures in the early Labour movement and the British political left is well worth a read. * Louise Davies, Director of Christians on the Left. *
Christian Socialism has played a fundamental role in the development and evolution of left-wing politics in the UK. This is particularly true of the Labour Party. This major new work from Dr. Anthony Williams is a fascinating study into this role and into the political thought of some of the most important figures in British political history. It is a must read for those interested in history, politics and religion. * Jonathan Reynolds MP, Chair of Christians on the Left *
Williams' work offers a limpid, deft, and fascinating survey of key decades in British Christian socialism and its influence on the growth of the Christian socialist movement and on the formation of the British Labour party. * Crucible, the Journal of Christian Social Ethics *
