Summary
Highlights
Dr. Scott Hahn discusses his book, "It Is Right and Just," which posits that the future of civilization depends on true religion. He refers to paragraphs 2104 and 2105 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which state that all people are bound to seek the truth concerning God and His Church and have a social duty to offer genuine worship. This duty extends beyond individual piety to influencing the mentality, morals, laws, and structures of communities, emphasizing that Christ's kingship extends over all human societies.
Hahn addresses the common concern among Catholics that public religious expression equates to advocating for a theocracy. He defines ancient Israel as a theocracy governed by Mosaic law and Davidic monarchy, but clarifies that Christ's kingship is spiritual and not imposed through force. He emphasizes that sharing Christ's morality is not 'imposing our morality' but rather proposing a truth that sets people free, which may lead to persecution, mirroring Christ's experience.
Dr. Hahn explains the 'cruciform' nature of justice. Vertical justice involves worshipping God in truth, while horizontal justice pertains to our relationships with neighbors. These are distinct but not separate, with holiness (sanctity) being analogous to priestly jurisdiction and righteousness (justice) to kingly authority. He argues against the separation of religion and state, highlighting that the classical tradition views religion as the highest form of justice, to which we owe more than to any earthly entity.
Hahn distinguishes between healthy secularity (lay involvement in the world) and problematic secularism. He clarifies that secularism, like rationalism, makes an exclusive claim on truth, denying anything beyond its chosen scope. He identifies degrees of secularism, from mild disengagement from religious influence in public life to a veiled contempt for religion, especially Christianity. He then introduces the 'Stockholm Syndrome' to describe how Christians can internalize the values of a hostile secular culture, even defending those who undermine religious values.
Hahn addresses the retreat from political engagement, particularly among some homeschooling mothers, who see politics as a distraction from holiness. He emphasizes that 'politics is downstream from culture' and stresses the importance of cultural and political engagement. He reveals that his book is part of a trilogy, with the first book, "The First Society," focusing on the sacrament of matrimony. He relates a story where a professor declared that if Catholics lived out the grace of matrimony for one generation, it would transform society and usher in a Christian culture.
Hahn addresses the historical charge against Catholics of having 'dual citizenship' and explains that our primary citizenship is in heaven, as stated by St. Paul in Philippians 3:20. This heavenly focus liberates us to live faithfully under any earthly circumstances. He cautions against shifting primary allegiance from heaven to earth, which can lead to instrumentalizing faith for political gain. He draws parallels to parenting, where God's mercy and patience guide us, enabling us to act fearlessly and with compromise in earthly affairs without surrendering core beliefs.
For Catholic families in challenging cultural and political environments, Hahn recommends looking to Jeremiah 29 for a message of hope and strength. He highlights Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is our strength," encouraging Catholics to focus on things that bring joy. He suggests sharing joy through friendship rather than arguments, as joy is irrefutable and can draw others to faith. He also advises stopping dwelling on the negative and starting to cultivate gratitude, citing Philippians 4:8 to think on what is true and excellent. He references Ronald Reagan's oath on 2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasizing the need for God to heal our hearts and land, starting with individual transformation.