It should be remembered, however, that Macfarlane merged Christianity with Communism:I think one of the most astonishing experiences in the history of humanity was the appearance of the democratic idea in the person of a poor despised Jewish proletarian, the Galilean carpenter's son who worked probably at his fathers trade till he was 30 years of age and then began to teach his idea, wrapped in parables and figures to other working men, chiefly fishermen who listened to him while they mended their nets or cast them into the lake of Gennesaret.Macfarlane's writings show an acute knowledge of Chartist affairs and international politics, written in a punchy, at times knockabout style, expressive of proletarian anger. She critiques the factional opponents of the Red Republicans within Chartism, as well as the great literary figures of her day, such as Thomas Carlyle, Charles Dickens and Alphonse de Lamartine.
Macfarlane's unique blend of Christianity and Communism is worth noting: I think one of the most remarkable events in human history was the appearance of democratic ideals in a poor, oppressed Jewish laborer, the son of a Galilean carpenter who worked at his father's trade until he was 30 before beginning to teach his ideas, using stories and metaphors to connect with other working-class men, mainly fishermen, while they repaired their nets or cast them into the lake of Gennesaret. Macfarlane's writings reveal her in-depth knowledge of Chartist movements and international politics, conveyed in a dynamic, sometimes forceful style that conveys proletarian indignation. She challenges the rival factions within Chartism as well as prominent literary figures of her era, such as Thomas Carlyle, Charles Dickens, and Alphonse de Lamartine.