The 10 Spectra of Left v Right Catholicism

Left v Right on its own doesn't work - but there is a way...

Plenty of people have written about fragility of the old Left v Right distinction, both in politics and in religion. And, especially since the advent of the Trump GOP, people have begun to think along more than one spectrum… One person may be a "social liberal" but a "fiscal conservative." A non-partisan libertarian may be maligned as alt-right while holding views traditionally held by the center-left… And, of course, we all know that these categories never really fit once we meet real, individual human beings whose life experience makes them more than just a member of a class or group.

In the Catholic Church, the Left v Right distinction is even less useful because we're not even limited to the American or the Political spheres. This or that Cardinal may well be a fervent advocate of the Latin Mass but also a vocal critic of Western Capitalism and wishy-washy on Free Speech and Censorship. Even common political categories like "social conservative" or "fiscal liberal" don't work. As such, I propose we think more broadly and consider a variety of spectra upon which any Pope, Cardinal, Bishop, Priest, Consecrated Religious, or faithful Catholic layperson might categorize their dispositions, opinions, or predilections.

1. Church Mission Supernatural Salvation ↔ Natural Service

2. Liturgy Transcendent ↔ Communal

3. Doctrine Dogmatic Tradition ↔ Pastoral Adaptation

4. Papacy Stability ↔ Reform

5. Church Law Strict ↔ Flexible

6. Social Mission Charity ↔ Justice

7. Governance Centralized ↔ Decentralized

8. Leadership Style Tough ↔ Gentle

9. Cultural Engagement Culture-making ↔ Inculturated

10. Ecumenism Isolationist ↔ Dialogical

Obviously, everyone is going to find themselves somewhere between each extreme of each spectrum. I should add that these spectra are not good v bad, nor are they faithful v unfaithful, nor is it automatically better to be in the middle than on the extreme… Faithfulfulness to Jesus and to His Church is what makes my particular Faith true or false, sincere or wicked. If we assume genuine faithfulness, then saintly people can be all over each of these spectra. Here is my thinking:

Church Mission: Supernatural Salvation ↔ Natural Service

This spectrum addresses the primary focus of the Church's purpose , whether oriented toward spiritual or worldly goals. At one end, Supernatural Salvation emphasizes the Church's role in securing eternal life through sacraments and faith; at the other, Natural Service prioritizes social justice, humanitarian aid, and improving earthly conditions.

Liturgy: Transcendent ↔ Communal

This spectrum focuses on how we view the purpose and style of worship, particularly in the liturgy's tone and execution. Transcendent liturgy prioritizes mystical, reverent worship rooted in tradition, whereas Communal liturgy emphasizes accessible, community-aware worship that reflects local cultures.

Doctrine: Dogmatic Tradition ↔ Pastoral Adaptation

This spectrum examines how we approach Church teachings, balancing fidelity to established doctrine with flexibility in application. Dogmatic Tradition upholds stricter adherence to unchanging teachings; Pastoral Adaptation allows contextual flexibility to address modern pastoral needs.

Papacy: Stability ↔ Reform

This spectrum reflects our views on the papacy's role as either a preserver of tradition or a driver of change within the Church. Stability sees the pope as a guardian of continuity and orthodoxy; Reform envisions the pope as a leader pushing for structural or theological updates.

Church Law: Strict ↔ Flexible

This spectrum concerns how the Clergy interpret and enforce canon law, which governs Church operations and discipline. Strict adherence demands rigorous application of rules (e.g., on liturgy or clergy conduct); Flexible interpretation allows leniency to accommodate local or pastoral circumstances.

Social Mission: Charity ↔ Justice

This explores how we prioritize the Church's outreach to those in need, whether through direct aid or systemic change. Charity focuses on immediate relief like food banks or shelters; Justice emphasizes advocacy for structural reforms to address poverty or inequality.

Governance: Centralized ↔ Decentralized

This spectrum addresses our preferences for how authority and decision-making are distributed within the Church. Centralized governance favors Rome's control over doctrine and policy; Decentralized governance supports greater autonomy for local bishops' conferences or dioceses.

Leadership Style: Tough ↔ Gentle

This tries to capture the personal demeanor and leadership approach the clergy and lay leaders exhibit in their roles. Tough leadership is authoritative and decisive, often prioritizing discipline; Gentle leadership is nurturing and collaborative, focusing on pastoral care.

Cultural Engagement: Culture-making ↔ Inculturated

This spectrum examines how we approach the Church's interaction with modern or local cultures. Culture-making engagement resists secular trends to preserve and instill traditional Catholic identity; Inculturated engagement adapts practices to align with local customs or contemporary values.

Ecumenism: Isolationist ↔ Dialogical

This spectrum reflects our attitudes toward the Church's relationship with other faiths and secular society. Isolationist ecumenism prioritizes Catholic exclusivity and doctrinal purity; Dialogical ecumenism embraces interfaith dialogue and cooperation with other groups.

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Of course, we could continue building out more and more spectra... The ongoing relevance of Vatican II, the Spirit of Vatican II v the Texts, "Synodality," issues surrounding the abuse of the faithful by the clergy and how that abuse has been handled, the questions of Vatican Finance, broader global-political issues...

I've found these helpful in my own thought about the Church.