Hello Catholics! Do we really understand CST?

"The role of U.S. Catholicism as the leading ecclesial and theological hub for the path of the church in political modernity might be over." ~ Massimo Faggioli

A new wave of understanding of Vatican II influenced conservative Catholicism in the United States. This trend does not bode well for Catholic Social Teachings.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is neither conservative nor liberal, nor should it be. However, we often see extremes when we intertwine political ideology with religion. Just look at the rise of Christian nationalism.

CST is a comprehensive collection of principles based on Catholic doctrine. While conservative and progressive Catholics may connect with certain aspects of CST that align with their personal beliefs or biases, it is essential to understand that CST transcends political ideologies. It's crucial to strike a balance and not cherry-pick elements that align with our preconceived notions.

Let's examine both sides of the coin and apply the See-Judge-Act method to enhance our understanding and responses.

Challenges for Conservative Catholics

Conservative Catholics might encounter various challenges when interacting with Catholic Social Teaching:

1. Selective focus: Some conservatives might emphasize CST's backing of free markets while overlooking its critiques of consumerism and calls for economic justice.

2. Balancing principles: Catholic Social Teaching requires a comprehensive approach that integrates principles such as human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity, which may not always conform to conservative political viewpoints.

3. Social change: CST's appeal to tackle social injustices and advance the common good may clash with conservative tendencies to uphold traditional structures.

Key Aspects of CST Relevant to Conservatives

1. Human Dignity: CST underscores the intrinsic value of each individual, which can align with conservative pro-life perspectives.

2. Subsidiarity: This principle, which supports decision-making at the lowest appropriate level, may align with conservative views on limited government.

3. Family and Community: CST emphasizes the significance of family and local communities as essential foundations of society, often aligning with conservative values.

Navigating the Tensions

Conservative Catholics are encouraged to engage with the full scope of Catholic Social Teaching, which may necessitate:

1. Recognizing that CST is not a political ideology but a set of principles derived from Catholic doctrine.

2. Embracing the "both/and" nature of CST, which addresses various social issues without prioritizing one over another.

3. Being receptive to critiques of economic systems and social structures that could challenge conservative assumptions.

Recognizing that although CST offers guiding principles, there remains space for valid disagreement among Catholics regarding specific policy applications. This calls for an open mind and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.

Catholic Social Teaching Challenges for Progressive Catholics

Progressive Catholics encounter multiple challenges when engaging with Catholic Social Teaching (CST), even though some elements resonate with their perspectives. These difficulties arise from CST's all-encompassing nature, which goes beyond political ideologies.

Tensions with Progressive Views

1. Life Issues: CST's strong emphasis on human dignity from conception to natural death may clash with progressive views on abortion and euthanasia.

2. Family and Sexuality: Progressive Catholics may find it challenging to reconcile traditional views on marriage, family structure, and sexual ethics with Catholic Social Teaching.

3. Subsidiarity: The principle of subsidiarity, which advocates for decision-making at the most locally appropriate level, may clash with progressive preferences for centralized government solutions.

Balancing CST with Progressive Ideals

Progressive Catholics face challenges in:

1. Selective interpretation means resisting the urge to focus only on CST elements that match progressive ideologies while ignoring others.

2. Economic Perspectives: Bridging CST's criticism of unregulated capitalism and socialist systems with forward-looking economic policies.

3. Social Change Approach: This approach balances CST's call for social justice, focusing on gradual, organic change instead of radical upheaval.

Navigating the Complexities

To fully engage with CST, progressive Catholics should:

1. Understand that CST is not a political platform but a collection of principles based on Catholic doctrine.

2. Embrace CST's holistic nature. It tackles a broad spectrum of social issues without prioritizing one over another. This comprehensive approach is crucial for a thorough understanding of CST. Be receptive to CST's critiques of specific progressive assumptions, especially those concerning the role of government and individual responsibility.

3. Recognize that while CST provides guiding principles, valid disagreements exist among Catholics concerning specific policy applications.

In conclusion, progressive and conservative Catholics are encouraged to fully engage with Catholic Social Teaching, acknowledging its complexity and resisting the temptation to interpret it selectively through a purely political lens. This requires a readiness to confront elements of CST that may not align with progressive or conservative political views while still pursuing social justice within the framework of Catholic doctrine. All Catholics (West and East) are similarly invited to embrace the entirety of Catholic Social Teaching, recognizing its complexity and resisting the urge to interpret it purely politically.