The Civitas Podcast Episode 31: Origins of the Modern State, with Peter Leithart and James Wood
May 29, 2025
The discussion tackles the interplay between the church and modern liberalism, emphasizing potential solutions. A new pope's election sparks debates about unity, public life, and its political repercussions. They clarify papal infallibility and its limits while contrasting Catholic and Protestant theological freedoms. The evolution of the nation-state concept is scrutinized, linking it to warfare and loyalty initiatives that shape identity and immigration. Lastly, ancient Israel's political identity highlights the church's unifying role amid national complexities.
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New Pope's Emphasis on Church Unity
- Pope Leo XIII's legacy profoundly influences the new Pope Leo XIV, especially in church unity and social teaching.
- There's an emergent emphasis on the church engaging and transforming the world politically and socially.
Value of Catholic Encyclicals
- The Catholic encyclical tradition frames social issues through theological first principles rather than direct policy.
- This tradition provides a coherent Christian public voice and contrasts with Protestant fragmentation in social ethics.
Papal Infallibility's Limited Scope
- Vatican I's doctrine of papal infallibility ironically limited the pope's authoritative statements, enabling freedom to address contemporary issues.
- This circumscription allows the pope to weigh in on social and political matters without universal binding authority.
