Christian socialism is a religious and political philosophy that blends Christianity and socialism, endorsing socialist economics on the basis of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. Many Christian socialists believe capitalism to be idolatrous and rooted in the sin of greed. Christian socialists identify the cause of social inequality to be the greed that they associate with capitalism. Christian socialism became a major movement in the United Kingdom beginning in the 19th century. The Christian Socialist Movement, known as Christians on the Left since 2013, is one formal group, as well as a faction of the Labour Party.
Jesus Expels the Moneylenders from the Temple by Giovanni Paolo Pannini, 1750
The Masses, 1917 political cartoon by socialist cartoonist Art Young
Socialism is an economic and political philosophy encompassing diverse economic and social systems characterised by social ownership of the means of production, as opposed to private ownership. It describes the economic, political, and social theories and movements associated with the implementation of such systems. Social ownership can take various forms, including public, community, collective, cooperative, or employee. Traditionally, socialism is on the left wing of the political spectrum. Types of socialism vary based on the role of markets and planning in resource allocation, and the structure of management in organizations.
Charles Fourier, influential early French socialist thinker
The celebration of the election of the Commune on 28 March 1871—the Paris Commune was a major early implementation of socialist ideas.
Karl Marx in 1875
Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union and the leader of the Bolshevik party.