Kevin Vallier, an insightful author, delves into his book on integralism and post-liberalism, shedding light on the surprising revival of faith-based political ideologies today. He discusses the growing interest among college students in Catholic integralism, addressing cultural tensions within the Catholic community. Vallier also critiques modern liberalism's effects on Catholic identity and explores the evolution of anti-liberal alliances post-Dobbs, revealing their implications for the future of political movements.
The resurgence of religiously infused political movements indicates a global trend challenging the belief in inevitable secularization.
Catholic Integralism emphasizes an intertwined relationship between church and state, advocating for political frameworks that integrate religious principles.
Young college students are increasingly engaging with anti-liberal ideologies, seeking radical solutions to societal issues through the lens of faith and governance.
Deep dives
Revival of Religious Politics in the 21st Century
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of religiously infused political movements, contradicting the prevailing belief that secularization would sweep away such ideologies. Nations like Russia, India, Poland, and Turkey have witnessed a revitalization of faith-based politics, marked by a new generation of political theologians who seek to reclaim the relevance of ancient religious doctrines in contemporary governance. These thinkers argue against liberal ideals such as universal religious freedom and the separation of church and state, advocating instead for a political framework that acknowledges and integrates religious beliefs into state affairs. This phenomenon is not isolated to one region but reflects a global trend where religious identities are being harnessed to influence political structures significantly.
Catholic Integralism: A Case Study
Catholic Integralism stands out as a prominent expression of this religious political resurgence, proposing a specific relationship between church and state marked by the state's partial subordination to the church. The ideology posits that both the temporal authority—responsible for societal governance—and the church, tasked with the spiritual well-being of the faithful, must coexist in harmony. This framework allows the church to influence state policies to align civil governance with religious teachings, advocating for actions like civil penalties for heresy. Integralism has a rich historical lineage, placing substantial emphasis on integrating Christian principles within political life, demonstrating a complex intertwining of faith and governance.
Engagement with Young Intellectuals
The response to the ideas presented in the context of religious anti-liberalism, particularly Catholic Integralism, has been notably enthusiastic among younger demographics, especially in academic settings. College students have shown keen interest in engaging with these doctrines, reflecting a growing curiosity about the intersection of their faith and political theory. This trend is partly a reaction to contemporary liberalism, which many perceive as a failure to adequately address societal issues post-20th century, prompting a search for more radical solutions. Engaging conversations took place during book tours, revealing that many students feel empowered and eager to defend their faith in the context of public policy, despite prevalent cultural challenges.
Intellectual Reactions and Public Engagement
The intellectual community's response to the discourse centered on Catholic Integralism has been diverse, with supporters expressing gratitude for the serious treatment of their ideas while opposing factions criticized the approach as overly generous. The narrative that emerged has highlighted a divide in how these theological and political ideas are perceived, with some viewing them as antiquated while others see them as providing fresh perspectives. Notably, prominent critics and advocates alike have found themselves called to debate, challenging preconceived notions and allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the ideas presented. This active engagement across various platforms has broadened the dialogue around integralism and its implications for modern governance.
The Future of Religious Political Movements
Looking ahead, the trajectory of religious political movements, particularly Catholic Integralism, remains uncertain, especially after pivotal events like the overturning of Roe v. Wade that reshaped the conservative landscape. Though these ideologies faced setbacks, there exist possibilities for revival, particularly if influential figures align themselves within political frameworks that embrace these traditional values. The potential for new alliances and the continuation of intellectual discourse could breathe life into these ideas as they adapt to contemporary challenges. The ongoing struggle for political and cultural relevance indicates that religious anti-liberal movements may yet play a significant role in future political dynamics.
In this episode, Acton director of marketing and communications Eric Kohn talks to Kevin Vallier about his book “All the Kingdoms of the World,” the conversations he’s had with young college students interested in ideas like Catholic integralism and post-liberalism, and where he thinks movements rooted in those ideas are at today.
