The most dangerous constants of our human condition – selfishness, status-seeking, the thoughtless imposition of will – have no solution absent death and full union with Christ. The state does not give meaning or dignity; every person possesses these inherently wholly apart from that place where individuality and family identity are formed. Unity organized by the state is false in any moment when concepts of “justice,” “rationalism,” and “rights” are taken to the uniformity of existence. Pope Pius XI writes in his encyclical Quadragesimo Anno: “The supreme authority of the State ought, therefore, to let subordinate groups handle matters and concerns of lesser importance, which would otherwise dissipate its efforts greatly. Thereby the State will more freely, powerfully, and effectively do all those things that belong to it alone because it alone can do them: directing, watching, urging, restraining, as occasion requires and necessity demands.” There should be, in other words, an order of voluntary associations serving as a barrier between the state and the individual, family, and community. The state is the arbiter and never a servant to a particular class or metaphysical interest. Our spiritual unity should always be grounded in the shared humanity cleansed by our creator and redeemer. The society possessing spiritual-like goals to be overseen by the state is the society that takes idealism into the realm of prohibitive and unforeseen danger.
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