The intricate and often misunderstood relationship between “Catholic Integralism,” Joseph Cardijn, Albert Nolan, and many others of the JOC movements, including Pope Leo XIII, who inspired the movement for all practical purposes, is a fascinating subject of study.
While some of his teachings are cited in support of integralist ideas, a complete understanding of his thought reveals a more nuanced position.
So, what is Integralism? For starters, Integralism is an ideology advocating for a state explicitly based on Catholic teachings, Evangelical teachings, Lutheran or Baptist teachings, etc., In countries with robust Muslim Integralism, we will see “Sharia Law” put into place. In all situations, the organized religion/Church holds significant influence over public law and governance that will apply to all in the country regardless of religious beliefs.
Pope Leo XIII, Pope from 1878 to 1903, was known for social encyclicals like Rerum Novarum and Immortale Dei. I highlight the dates because the “Sitz im Leben” is critical. What was the world like at the time? What conflicts among human beings are experienced in work, commerce, and lifestyles? What was religion and a way of life like in many European countries at the time?
Church-State Relations: Leo XIII’s outstanding historical merit and brilliant witness to his breadth of view lay in the fact that he subordinated the problem of Church and state in the narrow juridical sense to the problem of Church and human society in the broadest sense. He believed the Church’s right through a well-educated laity was needed to influence culture and law by ethical and moral principles.
Limits to Church Power: However, he recognized the state’s autonomy in temporal matters and emphasized the importance of religious freedom for non-Christians/Catholics/non-Catholics.
Social Justice: Leo XIII was deeply concerned with social issues like poverty and inequality. He advocated for the state’s role in addressing these problems, going beyond mere spiritual guidance.
Misinterpretations and Nuances: In all new ideas and movements, we see the rise of misinterpretations and nuances on a theme. Look at the early movements after Jesus and the battles fought during the Patristic period.
Integralists selectively cite Leo XIII. They often focus on passages emphasizing the Church’s role in society while downplaying his recognition of state autonomy and religious freedom. What we see happening to Leo XIII today in politics: the fine art of “cherry-picking” keywords and sentences and baking them into nuances different from the original meaning.
Leo XIII’s context: It’s crucial to understand that Leo XIII lived in a time of rising secularism and anti-Catholic sentiment. His emphasis on the Church’s role was partly a response to these challenges.
Fast forward to the time we live in now. Think about this quote from Carl Jung:
“The greatest and most important problems of life are fundamentally insoluble…they can never be solved but only outgrown.”
The Key to understanding the SEE—JUDGE—ACT method, the teachings of Joseph Cardijn and his followers, and the documents of Vatican II is to realize that we outgrow our problems through innovation, education, and collaboration.
With collaboration, the first two things will happen.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) IS NOT liberal or conservative. It offers a way of thinking, being, and seeing the world. It provides a vision for a just society in which the dignity of all people is recognized, and those who are vulnerable are cared for.
May I suggest we focus on two areas where the SEE—JUDGE—ACT method will be helpful in our work? One is understanding the differences between Catholic Social Thought and Catholic Social Teaching.
Catholic Social Thought is a broader term encompassing Catholics’ entire body of reflection, analysis, and action on social issues. It includes the thinking and writing of theologians, philosophers, activists, and everyday Catholics like you and me. It’s a dynamic process that evolves in response to changing societal conditions.
Catholic Social Teaching is a subset of Catholic Social Thought. It specifically refers to the Church’s teachings, insights, and understanding of social issues articulated by Popes, Theologians, Philosophers, lay thinkers, religious, and even a few Bishops. These teachings are grounded in Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.
To summarize this in the broadest terms:
Catholic Social Thought: The big picture, including the ideas and actions of all Christians.
Catholic Social Teaching: The pronouncements, writings, books, articles, speeches, podcasts, videos, etc., reflect the deep thinking in Scripture, tradition, and reason as our model for moving forward for the greater good for the common good of all human beings. p.
Think of it like this: Catholic Social Thought is the ocean, and Catholic Social Teaching is a specific island. The island is significant, but it’s only one part of the larger body of water.
Now, Where does this leave us with Pope Francis?
Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of social justice, economic equality, and care for the marginalized, which align closely with many principles of social democracy and the tradition of Catholic Social Teachings.
Pope Francis looks at the world we live in just like Pope Leo XIII looked at his world and developed his teachings. Today, Pope Francis and his teachings often focus on the following key areas:
1. Economic Justice:
Pope Francis has called for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources. He criticizes economic systems prioritizing profit over people and advocates for policies ensuring everyone can access basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare.
2. Care for the Poor and Vulnerable:
A central theme in Pope Francis’s teachings is the preferential option for low-income people. He stresses the importance of supporting and uplifting society’s most vulnerable, including advocating for social safety nets and programs that address poverty and social exclusion.
3. Environmental Stewardship:
In his encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis highlights the connection between environmental degradation and social injustice. He calls for sustainable development practices that protect the planet while ensuring that the needs of low-income people are met.
4. Workers’ Rights:
Pope Francis supports workers’ rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to unionize. He has spoken out against exploitative labor practices and the negative impacts of unregulated capitalism on workers.
5. Solidarity:
Solidarity is a critical principle in Francis’s social teachings. He urges people to collaborate across social, economic, and political divides to build a more just and compassionate world. This includes fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
6. Critique of Consumerism:
Pope Francis often critiques the culture of consumerism and the throwaway culture that prioritizes materialism over human dignity and environmental sustainability. He encourages a more straightforward, mindful way of living that respects people and the planet.
7. Advocacy for Peace and Justice:
Francis frequently addresses peace and justice issues, calling for dialogue and reconciliation in conflict zones and condemning violence and oppression. He promotes a vision of global solidarity and cooperation.
Overall, Pope Francis’s teachings resonate with the values of social democracy by emphasizing the need for systems and policies that prioritize human dignity, social equity, and the common good.