How Catholics Play Tug-of-War

In recent years, the Church has often been described as a big tent: a welcoming place where individuals from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints can find a spiritual home. However, we are living in contentious times. It seems everyone is at odds with someone or something, and there's a strong urge to express our opinions. The blame game is very popular, and Catholicism is not excluded from this trend.

It would be an oversimplification to categorize the Catholic tug-of-war as simply two opposing sides. We understand that life is much more nuanced than that. However, for the sake of discussion, I introduce two contrasting Catholic ideologies that are in constant tension with each other: the conservative (traditionalist) Catholic, and the liberal (progressive) Catholic.

Conservative Catholics are concerned that Sacred Tradition is being threatened. They believe that contemporary society is undermining family values, and that ecumenism is diminishing the differences between Catholics and other Christian denominations. Many desire the return of the Latin Mass. Some think the Church should avoid political involvement and wish for a revival of the pre-Vatican II church style.

Liberal Catholics worry that the Church has ossified and needs to adapt to the “signs of the times.” They already hear a death rattle. They believe that the Church has a duty to address social and political concerns, and that the laity should have a greater voice in Church governance.  While liturgical practices are a rallying cry for the conservative, women’s ordination and the inclusion of LGBTQ persons might be considered the liberal’s causes celebres.

Catholicism is a captivating religion. It is expansive, and Catholics often focus on specific elements of the faith that resonate with them personally. Some are passionate about saying the rosary, others about bible study or social outreach. I believe there are two key virtues at the heart of the differing perspectives held by conservative and liberal Catholics regarding the Church. Conservatives, prioritize justice, while liberals emphasize mercy. Here is how the tug-of-war plays out.

For conservative Catholics, justice serves as a guardian of boundaries. It ensures fair treatment and upholds what is right. Justice relies on laws, rules, and principles to ensure fairness and address wrongs.

Unfortunately, when liberals engage with conservatives, they don’t perceive a fellow Catholic rooted in a love of justice; instead, they see absolutism. They begin with the belief that the conservative's boundaries are rigidly fixed, and any suggestion of change is seen as a threat to Church orthodoxy. Whether it involves liturgical vestments, family size, or the best way to catechize, the liberal assumes the conservative is resistant to exploring new Christian practices.

Conversely, a Catholic with a more liberal perspective is driven by a sense of mercy. Mercy knows no bounds. It is based on compassion, empathy, and a readiness to forgive or show leniency, particularly in situations where justice might demand harsher measures.

 However, when a conservative Catholic joins the discussion, they perceive not a fellow Catholic motivated by love and mercy, but rather unrestricted subjectivism. The conservative interprets the liberal’s moral decisions and push for change as stemming from personal emotions and opinions, rather than any objective moral truths. Instead of recognizing a fellow Catholic's effort to provide a compassionate response, they see a diluted version of moral standards and a reduced sense of responsibility and accountability.

In reality, the majority of Catholics do not align strictly with either conservatism or liberalism. I would suggest that many of us embrace beliefs and practices that encompass both ends of the spectrum. 

We all partake in the same Eucharist, read the same scriptures, and recite the same creed. We share our history, traditions, the Pope, and our universal call to holiness. Yet, our conflicts persist, leading us to focus inward rather than uniting to project a stronger light into the world.

I am optimistic that, over time, the synod process, which is just starting to establish itself in the Church, will teach us to listen to and engage in dialogue with everyone who finds refuge under the big tent. Meanwhile, I believe it's valuable for all of us to reflect on our own attitudes towards fellow Catholics who perceive the Church differently than we do. 

Perhaps we will once again hear someone say: