Catholic Integralism is a political and religious philosophy advocating that Christian values, particularly those of the Catholic Church, should guide and shape government policies. Integralists believe that the spiritual domain should dominate and integrate with the temporal, or worldly, aspects of life, creating a governance system aligned with Christian principles.
Core Beliefs
- Integration of Spiritual and Temporal: Catholic Integralists argue that the spiritual (religious) and temporal (worldly) spheres should not be separate. Instead, religious values should dominate and direct societal and governmental affairs.
- Opposition to Liberalism: Integralists critique liberalism, which they view as valuing individualism and liberty to the detriment of a unified moral order. They argue that liberalism imposes its own set of values, such as tolerance and pluralism, which can undermine a society’s ability to adhere to a Christian moral framework.
- Two Approaches:
- Advisory Role: Some advocate for Catholics taking advisory roles in government to lead by example and influence policy indirectly.
- Comprehensive Organization: Others seek a more direct integration, where society is organized comprehensively according to Christian principles.
Criticisms of Catholic Integralism
- Vatican II Critique: The Vatican II document “Dignitatis Humanae” asserts that the state should protect religious liberty for all, not just Catholics. This universal approach to religious freedom conflicts with Integralism’s emphasis on Christian dominance.
- Practical Concerns: Critics argue that Catholic Integralism is impractical because it does not account for the diverse values and ideas within a pluralistic society. The integration of religious values into public policy could be seen as unreasonable and unworkable in a democratic society with varied beliefs.
JD Vance and Catholic Integralism
JD Vance, a Republican vice presidential candidate, has been noted for his Catholic beliefs, which align with several aspects of Catholic Integralism. His policy positions include:
- Opposition to Abortion: Consistent with Catholic teachings.
- Support for Traditional Family Values: Reflecting the Catholic view on family and marriage.
- Skepticism of Liberal Policies: His stances on immigration and climate change align with the Integralists’ critique of liberalism.
- Criminalizing Gender-Affirming Care: Reflects the Catholic belief in natural law and gender distinctions as divinely ordained.
Future Implications
Currently, Catholic Integralism remains a niche interest among Catholic academics and conservative political circles in the English-speaking world. Should Vance become vice president, it will be noteworthy to observe if and how he clarifies or expands upon his apparent Catholic Integralist views in his political actions and statements.
FAQ
1. What is the main idea behind Catholic Integralism?
- Catholic Integralism advocates for integrating Christian values into all aspects of governance, where the spiritual domain guides the temporal.
2. How does Catholic Integralism differ from liberalism?
- Integralism criticizes liberalism for prioritizing individualism and liberty, arguing that it imposes its own values that hinder a unified Christian moral order.
3. What criticisms are there against Catholic Integralism?
- Critics point out that it conflicts with the Vatican II emphasis on universal religious freedom and argue that it is impractical in a diverse, pluralistic society.
4. How do JD Vance’s views align with Catholic Integralism?
- Vance’s positions on issues like abortion, family values, and gender-affirming care reflect aspects of Catholic Integralism, though he has not explicitly addressed this alignment.
5. What might happen if Vance is elected vice president?
- It will be interesting to see if Vance clarifies or expands his apparent Catholic Integralist views and how they might influence his policy positions.
