Sons of Patriarchy The Church and The State
May 19, 2025
Kevin Vallier, a philosophy professor specializing in political theology and a notable author, dives into the intricate relationship between religion and politics. He discusses Catholic integralism, explaining its doctrines and how it contrasts with Christian nationalism. Vallier sheds light on how integralism views baptized versus non-baptized individuals and assesses why it hasn't gained traction compared to other forms of Christian governance. The conversation explores historical precedents of Christian nationalism and why today’s pluralistic society poses challenges to its implementation.
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Catholic Integralism Defined
- Catholic integralism is a coherent, historically deep doctrine proposing church guidance over state policy to pursue the common good.
- It differs from Christian nationalism by drawing on centuries of Catholic theology and natural-law reasoning.
Indirect Spiritual Sovereignty
- Integralism endorses an 'indirect' spiritual sovereignty where the church can deputize state power to protect spiritual goods.
- This is not a pure theocracy, but an integrated church-state order aiming at eternal and earthly goods.
Reformers’ Reaction Shapes Protestants
- Protestant reformers often reacted against papal power by reviving models where the ruler had ecclesiastical authority.
- Protestant doctrines like voluntary church membership and conscience make coercive integralism harder to sustain in Protestant contexts.
