With this mendacious stuff the "Religion of Love" systematically poisons the innocent minds of little children. The religion of Socialism is indeed a political religion, as Mr. Snowden, M.P., has stated. FOOTNOTES: [1012] Ball, _The Moral Aspects of Socialism_, p. 23. [1013] Bebel, _Woman_, p. 213. [1014] Bax, _Religion of Socialism_, p. 81. [1015] Snowden, _The Christ that Is to be_, pp. 6, 7. [1016] Bax, _Religion of Socialism_, pp. 58, 59. [1017] Mignet, _Revolution Francaise_, ch. viii. [1018] Sciout, iii. 176. [1019] Sciout, iv. 386. [1020] Leatham, _Was Jesus a Socialist?_ p. 16. [1021] _Socialist Standard_, December 1, 1907. [1022] See Appendix. [1023] _A Socialists' Ritual_, pp. 7-16. [1024] Bax, _Religion of Socialism_, p. 81. [1025] Glasier, _Socialist Sunday Schools_, p. 9. [1026] Glasier, _Socialist Sunday Schools_, p. 10. [1027] Hazell, _The Red Catechism_, pp. 3-10. CHAPTER XXVIII CHRISTIAN SOCIALISM The position of the Christian Churches and of Christian ministers towards Socialism is one of considerable difficulty. Socialism and Christianity are two words which are not easily reconcilable. Chapters XXVI. and XXVII. show that the attitude of British Socialists, not only towards Christianity but towards all religion, is in the main a hostile one. Their attitude is only logical. Socialists see in religious men and in religious corporations obstacles to their revolutionary and predatory progress. However, as many Socialists have declared that the teachings of Christ and of Socialism are identical, some large-hearted Christian ministers have tried to reconcile Christianity and Socialism. Working under the banner of Christian Socialism, these are rather trying to exercise practical Christianity than to assist the Socialist agitation, as may be seen from their programmes given in the Appendix. Many Christian Socialist ministers are pious and worthy men whose actions are wise and moderate. Others have adopted an attitude of hysterical enthusiasm and admiration towards Socialism. Whilst the former have only a few adherents, some of the latter have rapidly secured for themselves a considerable Socialist following, and if one takes note of their views, one cannot help doubting whether their motives are entirely disinterested. The following utterances, for instance, one would expect from the mouth of a Soudanese dervish or an Indian fakir, but not from the pen of a Christian minister: "Socialism is the Greatest Movement for Justice and Brotherhood that this old Planet has ever known. Socialism is the Greatest Passion for the Release and Freedom of the Human Soul that this world has ever felt. Socialism is the Greatest Urge of the Average Man to stand erect, independent, and free, without a Master and without a slave, that the human race has ever experienced.