ABSTRACT
A unique commune was established in Georgia in 1896. Its founders had come from among Christian Socialist circles and they intended to create an open, nonselective communitarian society. The concept of atonement was of a special social meaning, and he called on Christians to regard the cross as a symbol of the suffering and agony that any social change would demand. Curiosity and interest in the commune was widespread. Its reputation increased after their monthly the Social Gospel began to appear in February 1898 for the following eighteen months. The social equation was to prove that communism plus Christianity would be the way to man's and society's salvation. There was to be no individual salvation away from social salvation, namely by escaping from obligations to society. In January 1897 the official name was declared to be The Christian Commonwealth Colony, and there were about 100 settlers who had come from Ohio, Florida, Nebraska, Washington, Massachusetts, and California.
