JD Vance is a practicing Catholic who has publicly stated that Catholic social teaching and theology significantly influence his political philosophy. He embraced Catholicism after a period where he identified as an atheist, converting after finding the intellectual framework of Catholic thought compelling.
Vance's religious identity is intertwined with his political alignment as a national conservative, with his interpretation of these teachings shaping his stances on issues like family structure and national priorities. He selected Augustine of Hippo as his confirmation saint, indicating a deep engagement with Catholic intellectual tradition.
However, Vance's application of his faith has drawn scrutiny. Specifically, his strong stance on nationalism and the treatment of migrants has been criticized by high-ranking clergy for allegedly misrepresenting core Church teaching. Vance has responded to this by invoking the concept of ordo amoris, which he equates with prioritizing the America First agenda.
Context
Religion and faith are central to JD Vance's personal narrative, particularly as detailed in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy and subsequent political evolution. His conversion to Catholicism is presented as a profound shift that solidified his intellectual and political worldview, moving him from an earlier, more libertarian-leaning position.
His embrace of Catholic theology is used to frame his national conservative platform, which contrasts sharply with the secularism he criticizes in his political opponents. This religious grounding is significant as he actively cites it as a source for his policy positions on family and social issues.
Timeline
- JD Vance was born into a family adhering to a "conservative, evangelical" branch of Protestantism.
- Upon enlisting in the Marine Corps and subsequently entering college, Vance became an atheist.
- Vance stated he was no longer an active participant in any Christian denomination but was contemplating converting to Catholicism.
- Vance was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, choosing Augustine of Hippo as his confirmation saint, stating Catholic theology aligned with his political views.
- Vance faced criticism from Pope Leo XIV for misrepresenting Church teaching in his political support for certain policies.
Key Quotes
I became persuaded over time that Catholicism was true [...] and Augustine gave me a way to understand Christian faith in a strongly intellectual way.
We have been influenced by **Catholic social teaching** and Catholic theology in the construction of our political platform.
He also responded by invoking the traditional concept of *ordo amoris* present in Catholic theology, which he interprets as loving his own nationals more than foreigners and equates with the slogan **"America First"**.
Criticism
Criticized JD Vance for misrepresenting Church teaching in his support for policies like the deportation of migrants.
Sources3
- JD Vance was influenced to convert to Catholicism by Peter Thiel.
- Vance has drawn criticism from both Pope Francis and his successor, Pope Leo XIV, for misrepresenting Church teaching in his support for policies like the deportation of migrants
- Vance said he converted because he "became persuaded over time that Catholicism was true [...] and Augustine gave me a way to understand Christian faith in a strongly intellectual way"
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.