The Incarnational Theology of William Temple and Dorothy Day: Trans-Atlantic perspectives on Class and Labor with global structures of Capitalism

This paper addresses the question of labor, class and capitalist oriented systems by focusing on the social teaching of the preeminent 20th century theologians and social activists Archbishop William Temple (1881 -1944) and Dorothy Day (1897-1980). Temple and Day advocated for a restructuring of existing capitalist-oriented systems within the United Kingdom and United States respectively. The Great Depression highlighted gross exploitation which their distinct social teaching sought to address. This paper will argue that the doctrine of the Incarnation provides the Christian basis for a counter view of labor and class, focusing on Temple and Day’s incarnational theology. This incarnational theology promotes the equal dignity of humanity, based on Christ’s own embodiment of all humanity as a worker. The contemporary value of incarnationally centered social teaching advocates for a dissolution of capitalist-oriented structures which diminish humanity equality.