Where Ambition Ends and Faith Begins

Bishop Robert Barron interviewed Vice President JD Vance. They discussed Vance’s new memoir Communion, Catholicism, political philosophy and Western culture, among other topics. Unlike most media engagements with high-profile politicians, this was not an instance where the interviewee attempted to spit out as many catchy sound bites as possible when answering softball questions. Instead, two intellectually curious people participated in a productive and polite exchange.

First of all, it is incredibly refreshing to hear an elected official speak substantively and eloquently. For years, Americans suffered listening to Joe Biden mumble incoherently and Kamala Harris babble mindlessly. But more importantly, it is clear to all viewers that Vance was not regurgitating talking points or rehearsed answers that were prepared by ambitious young staffers.

Vance responded articulately and honestly to very nuanced questions on difficult matters, revealing that he had thought deeply and critically about a variety of complex issues. Those who disagreed with Vance’s responses during the interview must at least concede that he is intelligent and knowledgeable, both of which are unfortunately rare among politicians today.

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Beyond Credentials and Prestige

Vance shared many valuable insights, and although he is affiliated with the Republican Party and MAGA movement, his observations and arguments need not be branded as distinctly right-wing or conservative. He reflected on his student years and the early stages of his career, criticizing the cultural obsession with credentials and prestige. Likewise, he described the dangers of fixating on your reputation and social acceptance.

It would behoove all of us to remember that our lives should not be oriented around curating the perfect resume, and we cannot let the tyranny of public opinion coerce us into accepting falsehoods or embracing vice for the purposes of social approval.

Indeed, Vance explained how the West has adopted the wrong priorities in some areas. When speaking about public policy more generally, he underscored that economic prosperity should not be the sole indicator of a nation’s success; cultivating a healthy society cannot focus exclusively on whether the line on an economic chart is trending upward.

Faith as a Public Commitment

But perhaps what is most striking about the interview is that, for Vance, faith is not a private hobby that should be confined within the walls of churches and the home. He stressed the Catholic teaching that Christ must be omnipresent in our lives, not limited to specific activities or domains. Moreover, we should be willing to integrate our faith and values in a wide range of policies, as opposed to selectively engaging on niche cultural issues.

His testimony is inspiring: Vance’s Catholicism is not a convenient worldview that he comfortably acquired through social osmosis, but instead is a product of long-term deliberation. He spoke openly about his devotional habits, and rather than posing as an unblemished follower, he admitted that he is seeking to improve his prayer practices.

There is a striking contrast between Vance publicly confessing what he understands to be shortfalls in his Catholicism and the self-described Catholics in the Democratic Party, like Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden, defending policies that are unambiguously opposed to the Church’s teaching on significant matters like abortion.

Emboldened, Not Embarrassed

As Christians, we should be emboldened – not embarrassed – by our faith. While we may be uncomfortable in the illiberal culture that demeans us and intimidated by militant secularists who discriminate against us, we must remember that we are called to take up the cross and follow Christ.

But perhaps it is more helpful and encouraging to frame our obligation in a positive tone: We think that we know the truth, and we should want to spread it widely. It would require deep selfishness and hatred to recognize Christ and refrain from sharing Him with the world.