141 - Libertarianism, Jazz & Critical Race Theory - Edward Feser
Sep 5, 2022
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Edward Feser, a renowned Catholic philosopher, dives deep into his book, "All One in Christ," critiquing racism and critical race theory. He shares his personal journey from libertarianism to embracing Catholic social teaching, highlighting ethical dilemmas in worldview changes. The conversation seamlessly transitions into jazz, celebrating Thelonious Monk and its philosophical connections. Feser passionately discusses the Church's historic stance against racism and the importance of viewing social justice through a Catholic lens, advocating for humility and constructive dialogue.
Edward Feser shares insights on his transition from libertarianism to aligning his beliefs more closely with Catholic social teaching.
Feser emphasizes the Catholic Church's historical condemnation of racism, countering the misconception that it aligns solely with modern anti-racist movements.
The discussion critiques critical race theory for promoting divisive ideologies that conflict with the Catholic understanding of human dignity and unity.
Deep dives
Background on Edward Fazer and His Works
Edward Fazer is a Catholic philosopher and author, well-regarded for his critique of new atheism and his exploration of Catholic teachings on various subjects, including the death penalty. His notable works include 'The Last Superstition' and 'Five Proofs of the Existence of God.' He discusses how his libertarian past influenced his thinking and belief system, particularly how he reconciled libertarian principles with Catholic social teaching. This background sets the stage for his exploration of current sociopolitical ideologies, particularly concerning critical race theory.
Critical Race Theory and Its Implications
Fazer addresses critical race theory as a pivotal topic that needs thorough critique from a Catholic perspective. He acknowledges his lack of personal interest in the subject but recognizes the urgency of responding to such ideologies that have permeated cultural and academic discourse. The approach of critical race theory posits inherent racial divisions and promotes a viewpoint that contrasts with traditional Catholic teachings on unity and the equal dignity of individuals. His new book, 'All One in Christ,' aims to dissect these issues while emphasizing the Catholic Church's historical stance on racism.
The Church's Consistent Teaching Against Racism
Fazer emphasizes that the Catholic Church has condemned racism for centuries, countering the notion that awareness of such evils only arose recently. He references papal encyclicals and teachings that date back to the early modern period, which condemned the slavery and ideologies that justified it. Pivotal documents, such as 'The Church and Racism,' illustrate the Church's long-standing dedication against racial prejudice and social injustice. He argues that any assertion claiming the Church is merely echoing modern societal values on racism is fundamentally misinformed.
Philosophical Underpinnings of Anti-Racism
Fazer points out that the Church's opposition to racism is grounded not only in moral law but also in the essence of humanity created in God's image. He asserts that every human, regardless of race, possesses equal dignity due to the rational soul bestowed by God. This foundation diverges sharply from contemporary critical race theory, which often analyzes societal dynamics through a lens of power disparities and group identities. Such ideological frameworks risk oversimplifying complex social realities and ignore the philosophical depth of human dignity emphasized by Catholic doctrine.
The Dangers of Ideological Fidelity
Fazer warns against the perilous nature of adopting critical race theory under the guise of social justice without critical examination. He critiques how this ideology may lead to a polarized worldview where individuals see society as a constant struggle of oppressors and the oppressed based solely on racial identities. This perspective can drown out the dialogue necessary for genuine understanding and unity in Christ's teachings. Furthermore, he emphasizes the spiritual dangers of fostering resentment and envy in the name of anti-racism, which ultimately undermine the call to Christian charity and love.
Political Polarization in Theological Discussions
Fazer observes a pattern where individuals may align their faith with political ideologies, leading to a politicization of Catholicism on both the left and right. He highlights how this trend can result in a failure to accurately represent the Church’s stance on social issues, often adopting contemporary societal narratives over theological truths. By framing complex realities through a partisan lens, some Catholics risk diluting the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching, prioritizing political affiliations over doctrinal fidelity. Instead, he advocates for an approach that truly reflects and embodies Catholic convictions, engaging with sociopolitical movements through the lens of faith rather than the inverse.
Catholic philosopher Edward Feser joins the podcast to discuss his new book, All One in Christ: A Catholic Critique of Racism and Critical Race Theory. But before getting to that, he and Thomas discuss their similar paths away from libertarianism, and their shared appreciation for the music of Thelonious Monk.
