Abstract

Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity

The article provides information on the book "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity," by James Fitzjames Stephen. The author asserts that the political or religious speculation is to be rigidly prohibited. In fact, it will be found that in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the objection made to it by the school which the author so mercilessly assails will be the very one which they themselves have made so light of when used against them by Christians, that his doctrines are dangerous, and likely to work injury "to the framework of society." Stephens makes no pretence even to being a Christian; he confesses that he is by no means sure of the immortality of the soul. He believes that Christianity, either in the complete form in which the early believers embraced it, or in the mutilated form in which some modern humanitarians are trying to hold on to it, furnishes no proper basis for legislation and no adequate rule of conduct.