A CRITICAL BIOGRAPHY OF EDWIN JAMES BRADY - Mallacoota ...

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The Christian gospel embodying the Golden Rule and the idea that “all men shall
labour in harmony for the food of all” he accepted. But he saw neither capitalism nor
the “decadent” churches fulfilling this ideal, nor attempting to do so. The only hope
then was the socialism of the Labor Party:
This has nothing whatever to do with churchism Bring it down to economic
finalities and you will find it expressed in the Socialistic Objective of the
Australian Labor Platform – Christianity in essence, applied Christianity,
practical Christianity and the one thing on that platform which will inspire the
people and make this Commonwealth a happy and prosperous dwelling-place
for a hundred millions – with the resources of nature and knowledge behind
them and entirely free to worship any god, or none, as they please … And if
the Labor Movement, the Communist Movement and the Socialist Movement
are not inspired by truly Christian intention, then I have misread religion,
history and economics. 1
In fact, in making an examination along these lines, he concludes that socialism
(communism) had a stronger Christian and philosophical ethic than most orthodox
religions. Writing his conclusions about the moral effect of communism in 1931,
Brady begins with the unequivocal statement that he is not a member of the
Communist Party but seeing the progress made in Russia in reforming society he has
a deep admiration for its good effects. “The seven deadly sins are pride,
covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth. Five of these at least are being
practically combated by the Russian system”. 2 He finds the collectivist structure
being introduced into Russia vastly preferable to the competitive society where
“thievery in a thousand forms is inherent”. He considers that the relationship between
producer and consumer under the old system immoral: “Between producer and
consumer a mot demoralising series of robberies takes place, legalised to some extent,
but still immoral and contrary to the teachings of true religion”.
With the benefit of hindsight from the 1970’s we might well question Brady’s
conclusions in regard to moral reformation and perhaps to collectivisation but from
his viewpoint, with the Czarist despotism “buttressed by the Church, applauded by the
Church, upheld by the Church” there was perhaps good reason for his optimism. But
in placing his trust in communism to solve all the problems of society, Brady exhibits
and ingenuous view both of communism and of modern society. He held this view
however, throughout his life although he never joined the Communist Party. He gave
his reasons for this refusal in an article in The Union Voice. He affirmed his
agreement with a Darwinian, evolving kind of Christianity but rejected the orthodox
version. “If I were a believing Christian, I would have to become a
Communist…There would be no alternative in the mind of any sincere and reasoning
person.” 3
1 “What is Christianity”, Labor Call, 10.9.1931
2 “The Moral Effects of Communism”, The Labor Call,12.2.1931
3 “Why I am Not A Communist: A Literary Laborite’s Viewpoint”, The Union Voice, 4.4.1931