In recent years, there has been much discussion about the erosion of national identity and the rise of what some describe as “bland bureaucratic liberalism.” This term is often used to express the sense that modern nations—particularly those in the West—have lost the cultural distinctiveness that once defined them. The uniformity of modern liberalism systems, with their emphasis on bureaucracy, individual rights, and secular governance, can feel impersonal and detached from the traditions and values that once gave societies a strong sense of identity and purpose.
A key point in this discussion is the historical role of Catholicism in shaping national identity. In centuries past, Catholic nations were able to form cohesive, unified societies because they understood God as the highest of all goods. This shared belief was not just a matter of personal faith—it was a guiding principle that influenced everything from the laws of the land to the cultural customs of the people. National identity, in these contexts, was deeply knotted with Catholicism and its moral teachings, giving each nation a clear sense of direction and purpose.
But as secularization has taken root in many of these nations, there has been a profound shift. The influence of the Church has diminished, and with it, the moral and spiritual framework that once anchored national identity. In its place, we see the rise of liberalism—focused primarily on individual freedoms and rights, often at the expense of a broader moral vision. This shift has led to a new kind of national identity, one that feels increasingly fragmented and disjointed, especially as liberalism emphasizes personal autonomy over shared community values.
The Role of God in Shaping National Identity
The idea that Catholic nations had a “true national identity” is grounded in the belief that societies once understood their highest good as being found in God. For centuries, Catholic teachings provided a moral compass that informed the laws, social structures, and cultural norms of Catholic countries. The Church’s influence created a sense of unity that transcended political and cultural divisions. National identity was not merely about geography or shared history—it was about a common faith, a shared vision of the good life as lived in relationship with God.
The Catholic Church’s teachings on justice, human dignity, and solidarity were not just abstract concepts—they were the bedrock upon which society was built. In these nations, the good of the people, both individually and collectively, was seen as bound up with their relationship to God and the Church. This moral vision created a sense of national identity that was more than just a political arrangement; it was a spiritual and cultural unity that held society together. In this context, national pride was not simply about celebrating the achievements of a nation but was also about living out the values that were considered most essential to human flourishing—values that were connected to the divine.
The Rise of Secularism and Its Impact on National Identity
As Catholic influence began to wane, the moral foundation that once underpinned national identity began to crumble. Secularism—especially in the form of bureaucratic liberalism—replaced the Church as the guiding force in public life. Instead of shared values based on a belief in God, nations began to prioritize individual rights, personal freedoms, and the ideals of democracy. While these are important principles, they have often come at the cost of a deeper, transcendent purpose.
The shift toward liberalism has led to what some see as the homogenization of national identities. Without a shared moral vision informed by faith, nations today can feel like mere administrative entities, governed by abstract laws and institutions that prioritize efficiency and individual autonomy over community and shared values. As a result, the sense of national identity that once came from a collective commitment to higher principles is now often replaced by a more fragmented, individualized existence. Nations today can feel less cohesive, more divided, and ultimately, less meaningful.
The rise of secularism has also contributed to a lack of direction for many modern societies. Without the guiding light of Catholic moral teachings, nations are left to navigate the complexities of modern life without a clear sense of what is truly good. Instead of being guided by an understanding of the highest good—God—societies are left with competing secular ideologies that may assure equality and justice but often lack a deeper moral vision to sustain them.
A Call for a Renewed Vision of National Identity
So, where does this leave us today? How can we restore a sense of national identity that is not only grounded in history but also rooted in a moral vision that transcends the individual and the political? The answer, I believe, lies in rediscovering the Catholic understanding of the common good.
The Catholic vision of the common good is not simply about the well-being of individuals but about the flourishing of all people in relation to God. It is a vision that recognizes that true happiness is found in relationship with God and in living out the values of justice, peace, and solidarity. When nations understood their highest good as being bound up with the divine, they were able to form cohesive societies that worked toward the common good, not just for the benefit of a select few, but for all people.
In the modern context, the challenge is not to return to a theocracy or to reinstate the political power of the Church, but to reclaim the moral principles that once defined Catholic nations. If we are to rebuild a national identity that is meaningful and grounded in the highest good, we must reintroduce a moral vision that is rooted in God. This does not mean turning back the clock on history, but it does mean recognizing that secularism alone cannot provide the moral and spiritual foundation that is necessary for societies to thrive.
Conclusion: Faith and Identity in a Secular Age
As we look to the future, it is clear that modern nations face a crisis of identity. The shift away from Catholicism has left many societies without a clear moral vision, leading to a sense of fragmentation and confusion. Yet, by returning to the understanding that the highest good is found in God, we can begin to rebuild a sense of national identity that is rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty. In this way, we can move beyond the limitations of bureaucratic liberalism and rediscover the moral vision that once gave our nations meaning and purpose. The true national identity we seek is not one rooted in political ideologies, but in the love of God and the pursuit of the common good.
Recommended Reading
- Benedict XVI. (2009). Caritas in Veritate: Charity in Truth. Vatican Publishing House.
- Deneen, P. J. (2018). Why Liberalism Failed. Yale University Press.
- John Paul II. (1991). Centesimus Annus. Vatican Publishing House.
- Ratzinger, J. (2005). The Spirit of the Liturgy. Ignatius Press.
- Wojtyła, K. (1994). Love and Responsibility. Ignatius Press.
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