Christianity and socialism

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The relationship between Christianity and socialism is complex. Christianity emerged in the first and second century CE as an ideology of the oppressed slave class in the Roman Empire. Later, it was adopted by the state during the later Roman Empire and post-Roman kingdoms in Europe during feudalism and served to legitimatize the ruling class, a function which elements of it continues to serve under capitalism.

On the contrary, multiple left-wing movements have emerged which incorporate some aspects of Christian theology into their principles. Among others, this includes liberation theology. Socialist states and their ruling parties have often been atheistic in nature, either enforcing a policy of state secularism or even state atheism.

See also