Catholic bishop talks about liberalism and politics with professor
Catholic Bishop Robert Barron recently shared his thoughts on the modern understanding of freedom, describing it as a “society of little tyrants.” In an interview with Patrick Deneen, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, Barron discussed the contrast between the contemporary notion of freedom and the ancient, Platonic, and Christian understanding of liberty.
During the interview, which aired on Word on Fire’s “Bishop Barron Presents,” Barron expressed his concerns about the current perspective on freedom. He stated, “We’ve all become our own little tyrant. Now, there’s not one tyrant. We’re all a tyrant because, hey, look, it’s my will, it’s my desire. And as long as I don’t harm you, I’ve got the freedom to do whatever I want. And then you’ve got a society of little tyrants who have no sense of cohesion or of a real common good.”
Barron highlighted the teachings of philosophers from ancient Greece and the Christian tradition to emphasize that the purpose of government is to foster virtue and make individuals good. He explained that true freedom involves disciplining one’s desires to pursue virtue, rather than simply doing whatever one wants.
Author of “Why Liberalism Failed,” Patrick Deneen, also joined the discussion. Deneen’s book argues that the liberal understanding of liberty as freedom from obstacles has resulted in societal breakdowns, impacting various aspects including family and social institutions.
In another part of the interview, Deneen lamented the growing divide between the elite class and ordinary citizens. He pointed out that contemporary elites often have minimal interaction with the general population, leading to a disconnect between different segments of society.
Addressing the issue of economic and political power concentrated in the hands of a few individuals, Deneen suggested that structural changes might be necessary to bridge the gap. In his book, “Regime Change: Toward a Postliberal Future,” Deneen proposed a peaceful yet robust transformation of the existing liberal ruling class to establish a new order that prioritizes a different set of values and principles.
Overall, the interview between Bishop Barron and Patrick Deneen shed light on the complexities of modern interpretations of freedom and the challenges posed by societal divisions and concentrations of power. As discussions on these topics continue, it remains crucial to explore alternative frameworks and solutions to navigate these pressing issues.
