This article is very well written. It points out issues concerning the Integralist ideology. Particularly the issue of the individual's conscience suffering for the sake of the good of the whole. Ultimately, this would lead to hatred for the faith rather than true love of the faith. The individual cannot authentically live the faith through being forced. However, the alternative relies on culture to be strong in faith for the preservation of Christian values. Culture is easily led astray, as American politics have shown. At this point I agree with Joshua that Integralism is not the answer. For, using America as an example, the culture is able to be freely moved by Religion; to form culture within culture is hard work, but it is our work. The many free individuals make up culture, and culture eventually will form the legislation.
Here is a comment shared from my Protestant attorney friend who has worked through these issues:
"Very well written and very interesting. Joshua has weighed in on one of the subjects that some of the great minds of history have grappled with. In my days at the Rutherford Institute, we used to argue about/discuss these issues on a regular basis. I certainly agree with the thrust of the article about Integralism (which seems to be a Catholic version of, or at least similar to, the Reformed Dominion theology), but some of the broader questions he addresses are up for debate. Very well done! You should be proud of him." David French
This is an excellent and well thought out article. Idealist young people should read this to understand how a Catholic should view government and the purpose and goal of good government. As an older guy who has wrestled with these issues first as an Evangelical Protestant and now as a Catholic, it is essential that our young people are taught to think and reason with good foundations.
By the way, Josh is my 21 year old grandson and I saw this brilliance in him when he was just a small boy. He was already writing and expecting to solve the mysteries of the Universe and change the world. Couldn't be more proud of him!
Great thoughts on a very nuanced and complex topic that needs to be discussed by more thinkers. Wonderful article!
This article is very well written. It points out issues concerning the Integralist ideology. Particularly the issue of the individual's conscience suffering for the sake of the good of the whole. Ultimately, this would lead to hatred for the faith rather than true love of the faith. The individual cannot authentically live the faith through being forced. However, the alternative relies on culture to be strong in faith for the preservation of Christian values. Culture is easily led astray, as American politics have shown. At this point I agree with Joshua that Integralism is not the answer. For, using America as an example, the culture is able to be freely moved by Religion; to form culture within culture is hard work, but it is our work. The many free individuals make up culture, and culture eventually will form the legislation.
Here is a comment shared from my Protestant attorney friend who has worked through these issues:
"Very well written and very interesting. Joshua has weighed in on one of the subjects that some of the great minds of history have grappled with. In my days at the Rutherford Institute, we used to argue about/discuss these issues on a regular basis. I certainly agree with the thrust of the article about Integralism (which seems to be a Catholic version of, or at least similar to, the Reformed Dominion theology), but some of the broader questions he addresses are up for debate. Very well done! You should be proud of him." David French
This is an excellent and well thought out article. Idealist young people should read this to understand how a Catholic should view government and the purpose and goal of good government. As an older guy who has wrestled with these issues first as an Evangelical Protestant and now as a Catholic, it is essential that our young people are taught to think and reason with good foundations.
By the way, Josh is my 21 year old grandson and I saw this brilliance in him when he was just a small boy. He was already writing and expecting to solve the mysteries of the Universe and change the world. Couldn't be more proud of him!
So if I don’t vote for Jesus for President, can I vote for you? Great article!
Love the article! Great insights into politics in America. Will be sharing with my friends.
Expertly crafted opinion Josh! The Integralist point of view needs to be reconsidered in a new light that you have graciously offered!