Exploring the overlap between traditionalist conservatism and Catholic teachings
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In the intricate dance of faith and politics, it's often observed that many Catholics lean toward conservative views. Conservatism in this case isn't referring to any political party; instead it is a reference to the deeper philosophical aspects of traditionalist conservatism as outlined by the fathers of conservative thought, such as Edmund Burke, Russell Kirk and John Adams, and contrasting them with the rich tapestry of Catholic philosophy and social thought.
Of course, this does not mean that all conservatives are Catholic, nor that all Catholics are conservative. It is simply looking at the shared principles that make these two ideologies so closely aligned in their critique of modernity, secularism and moral relativism.
TRADITION AS A LIVING FORCE
Both traditionalist conservatism and Catholicism hold an immense reverence for tradition, but not as a static relic. Edmund Burke famously described society as a partnership between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born. This sentiment echoes in the Catholic Church's view of tradition as a living force, where the past enlightens the present and informs the future.
The Catholic Church, with its rich liturgy, sacraments, and doctrinal continuity, finds a natural ally in conservatism, which values the wisdom of centuries over the whims of the moment.
The conservative mind builds on Burke's sentiments, recognizing that much of what has shaped traditions and customs is at its root wisdom gained through the ages – wisdom that should not be discarded without significant understanding about what prompted its existence in the first place, as Chesterton so wisely noted.
Catholicism places a similarly high value on tradition, particularly through its long-standing liturgical practices and theological doctrines, which are seen in much the same way as hard earned wisdom preserved through centuries as integral to the identity and continuity of the Church.
This shared respect for tradition forms a foundational overlap, making conservative values resonate deeply with Catholic believers.
HUMAN NATURE AND MORAL CODES
Russell Kirk emphasized the necessity of a moral order, acknowledging human imperfection and the need for virtue to guide society. This acceptance of the fundamental realities of human nature so often avoided in modern philosophical thought (though, sadly, "modern" and "philosophical" find themselves far too often as mutually exclusive entities) aligns well with the Catholic understanding of human nature as fallen, yet redeemable through grace.
The Church's teachings on morality, sin and redemption provide a roadmap for living virtuously despite the realities of our fallen nature – something which traditional conservatism also seeks to express, and believes must be included in any plans on the proper ordering of a society.
Conservatives argue that recognizing the negative aspects of human nature is essential for effectively ordering society. They believe human beings are inherently flawed, with tendencies toward selfishness, greed and power-seeking. By acknowledging these realities rather than idealizing human nature, conservatives advocate for systems like checks and balances in government to prevent the abuse of power, limited government to reduce opportunities for corruption, and strong moral and legal frameworks to guide behavior.
This perspective leads to a skepticism of utopian ideals, favoring instead the preservation of institutions like family, church and community which provide natural checks against individual moral failings. Emphasis is placed on cultural and social norms that have evolved to manage human nature's darker sides, promoting virtues like prudence and justice as countermeasures to negative inclinations, thus fostering stability and gradual societal improvement.
This realism about human nature informs conservative approaches to governance by advocating for structures that counteract negative behaviors through moral education, legal restraints, and the cultivation of personal virtue. Conservatives see these measures as necessary to manage human imperfection, ensuring that society is ordered in a way that accounts for both the potential for good and the propensity for evil in human actions, thereby preventing chaos and promoting a balanced, orderly society.
SOCIAL HIERARCHY AND THE COMMON GOOD
Traditionalist conservatism often advocates for a society where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, somewhat mirroring the Catholic Church's hierarchical structure. Here, the common good is not just an abstract concept, but a lived reality where everyone has a part to play.
Conservative ideals would place the ultimate responsibility on the leader for those under his leadership in much the same way as the Church has each successive leader responsible to God for the souls under his care. Hierarchy is an unavoidable part of human nature. As such (and in reference to the previous point) the conservative mind strives to restrain power by tying it firmly to ultimate responsibility. The concepts of a captain going down with his ship, or a leader being the last to leave in any serious situation, are examples of this.
THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY AND FAMILY
Catholic social teaching speaks to this in its principle of subsidiarity, advocating for decisions to be made at the most local level possible. This principle is in harmony with conservative ideas of localism and decentralization, promoting community-based solutions over centralized authority.
But importantly, neither Catholicism nor conservatism promote a purely individualistic society. After all, a society of atomized individuals is not just weak, but more often than not it is destructive, as each individual maximizes the pursuit of their own desires in conflict with those of other individuals.
We are not all-powerful, nor are we all-knowing. However, in community we are able to work together to overcome hurdles that would be impossible alone.
In the Catholic view, the Church uplifts the family as the fundamental unit of society. This focus on familial bonds and community ties is not just about preserving the past, but is seen as essential for personal and communal flourishing, a view conservatives also hold dear.
This important dichotomy between individual liberty and collective community is something that has been lost in modern society, particularly in societies that have embraced liberal and libertarian views on the proper order. This is not to say there is nothing of value in either of those perspectives, only that we seem to have adopted a pathological version of individualism above all in our current less-than-thoughtful state of being.
JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ORDER
While traditionalist conservatism might be wary of rapid change, Catholic teaching calls for a justice that transforms society, placing a strong emphasis on social justice, rights and duties toward the common good. This was often enacted as a pragmatic (non-political) approach to dealing with issues that arise from any of the flawed political ideologies (all of which are flawed because they arise from flawed human nature.)
Yet, there's an overlap in the pursuit of justice through established, moral frameworks rather than through radical upheaval.
Traditionalists like John Adams argued for a government that reflects the moral law, akin to how the Church seeks laws that align with Divine Will. Meanwhile, Edmund Burke theorized that divine moral law was both transcendent and yet also innate within us. He believed it was this innate sensibility that was the root of man's moral intuition.
Conservatism desires social justice in a similar sense: care for the poor and weak, fair returns for one's labor, and the righting of social wrongs. However, unlike the liberal, Marxist, and other modern versions of this justice, it is meant to be found in properly ordering society so that governments, beginning in the local and scaling to the national, are focused on the flourishing of their people. Wrongs are addressed at the level where they are experienced, beginning with families, then communities, and onward up the line.
In essence, the convergence of Catholic social teaching with traditionalist conservatism is not about political alignment, but about shared visions of human flourishing grounded in tradition, moral order and community.
This overlap explains why many Catholics, seeking to live their faith in the public square, often find themselves aligned with conservative thought, not just in politics but in a broader understanding of what makes a society truly just, stable and good.
Arthur is a former editor and consultant. Born in India to missionary parents, he spent his early career working in development for NGOs in Asia, Central America, and Africa.
Arthur has an educational background in history and psychology, with certifications from the University of Oxford and Leiden in the economics, politics, and ethics of mass migration and comparative theories in terrorism and counterterrorism. He is currently launching CivWest, a company focused on building capital to fund restorative projects and create resilient systems across the Western world.
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