Christian democracy is a political ideology that seeks to apply Christian principles to public policy. It emerged in nineteenth-century Europe, largely under the influence of Catholic social teaching, and it continues to be influential in Europe and Latin America, though in a number of countries its Christian ethos has been diluted by secularisation.
In practice, Christian democracy is often considered conservative on cultural, social and moral issues and progressive on fiscal and economic issues. In Europe, where their opponents have traditionally been secularist socialists and social democrats, Christian democratic parties are moderately conservative, whereas in the very different cultural and political environment of Latin America they tend to lean to the left. . . .
As a generalisation, it can be said that Christian democratic parties in Europe tend to be moderately conservative, and in several cases form the main conservative party in their respective countries (e.g. in Germany, Spain, Ireland and Belgium). In Latin America, by contrast, Christian democratic parties tend to be progressive and influenced by liberation theology.
These generalisations, however, must be nuanced by the consideration that Christian democracy does not fit precisely into the usual categories of political thought, but rather includes elements common to several other political ideologies:
In common with conservatism, traditional moral values (on marriage, abortion, etc.), opposition to secularization, a view of the evolutionary (as opposed to revolutionary) development of society, an emphasis on law and order, and a rejection of communism.
In contrast to conservatism, open to change (for example, in the structure of society) and not necessarily supportive of the social status quo.
In common with liberalism, an emphasis on human rights and individual initiative.
In contrast to liberalism, a rejection of secularism, and an emphasis on the fact that the individual is part of a community and has duties towards it.
In common with socialism, an emphasis on the community, social solidarity, support for a welfare state, and support for some regulation of market forces.
In contrast with socialism, supports a market economy and does not adhere to the class struggle doctrine. . . .
Christian democrats are usually socially conservative, and, as such, generally have a relatively sceptical stance towards abortion and same-sex marriage, though some Christian democratic parties have accepted the limited legalization of both. Christian democratic parties are often likely to assert the Christian heritage of their country, and to affirm explicitly Christian ethics, rather than adopting a more liberal or secular stance.
On economic issues, Christian democrats tend not to challenge capitalism as an economic system, unlike their explicit repudiation of communism and similar ideologies, though they do see the economy as being at the service of humanity. The duty of the state towards society is of real importance for Christian democrats, though some would see this duty as being merely to create the conditions for civil society to flourish outside the boundaries of the state, while others would see it as a more direct duty of the state towards citizens. In recent decades, some right-leaning Christian democratic parties in Europe have adopted policies consistent with a economically liberal point of view, while by contrast other Christian democrats at times seem to hold views not dissimilar from Christian socialism.
Do you think this model has promise for American Christians? Or is it too statist?
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