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Sean Johnson's avatar

Interesting:

As a political theorist, I’m wondering whether there is much difference between “reform at a foundational level” and revolution.

It seems to me there are at least two “foundational” problems with the American political system which irretrievably place it at odds with Catholic social doctrine:

1. Secularism

2. Social contract theory (ie., authority comes from “we the people” rather than God).

But rectifying these foundational issues would be so revolutionary as to completely transform (for the better) American society.

This causes me to suspect the authors’ desire for moderation may be overriding his appreciation of both tge degree to which the American political landscape opposes Catholic principles, and therefore the degree to which “foundational reform” would revolutionize same. And for those reasons, I’d count myself as one of those Americans who believes there is no hope for this country.

Having said all this, I do accept that the demarcation between reform and revolution does not avail itself of mathematical precision, and that others may view the American situation through rosier lenses than I do.

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