As contemplated by most people in the 20th and 21st centuries, the word radical generally referred to something extreme, often in a political, economic, or social sense, and was frequently expressed in a direct and uncompromising manner. Though it is true that this is one meaning for the word radical, the dictionary provides several other definitions for radical, many of them are very different from the context expressed in the definition of extreme. In addition to the concept of extreme, Webster’s Dictionary defines radical in the following ways.
- § Fundamental; of or going to the root or origin
- § Slang: great, marvelous, wonderful
- § Existing inherently in a person or thing.
Within the context of the term radical Catholicism, though different from each other, most of the definitions will apply. For example, Catholicism (Christianity) was certainly viewed as being unusual and even extreme by the pagans and many of the Jews in the first and second centuries after Christ. Thus it faced severe persecution and hostility over extended periods of time. Indeed throughout its history, Catholicism was opposed by many in every segment of society, as being something too extreme….too different from the norms of the society of the day. It challenged their personal views on morality and life itself, making them feel uneasy or even hostile to it. Belief in a personal god, who called all men to obey his clear commandments, as a requirement for eternal life, was considered very extreme by many. This same disbelief in god and the view of religion as being dangerous to society is still very prevalent today. Even those who outwardly claim a belief in god do so with reluctance and frequently qualify their religious beliefs so as to harmonize them with positions that are not nearly as challenging….or, if you will, not as radical and or confrontational.
Certainly, Catholicism is the root and foundation of Christian beliefs. Its existence is inherently Christ centered, as Jesus Christ is the source and foundation of the faith. It is certainly marvelous, wonderful, and great because its root is Jesus, from who springs the fundamental principle of whom and what man is….and what he is to be. It is indeed very radical. Catholicism challenges man to thrust outward toward his true end, rather than folding inward upon himself and becoming captive to the slavishness of self. It challenges man to first seek eternal life rather than human choice. Certainly that is a radical concept for many in the modern world, where personal pleasure often trumps all else. It is radical in that it will accept no compromise with those who want to dilute its doctrine with human cultural trends. It demands a decision, which to some is more than they want to give. Many prefer to pick and choose the teachings of Catholicism in order to blend them into the secular mantra of the day, avoiding any difficult decisions.
If one is seeking truth, a selective approach will only lead one away from truth. Either Catholicism, as expressed in its clearly stated teachings, is true or it is not. This emphasis on knowing and accepting the truth is truly radical, challenging. However, the most important aspect of the faith is whether a person acts on its teachings and beliefs. One who accepts the teachings of Catholicism and then acts, as best as one can, on them is a true radical and must accept opposition, ridicule, and even hatred from others, not only by forces of evil but also by family members, friends, and those who profess the faith but act in opposition to it. Those who stand firm for the faith can be consoled in the knowledge that the same type of opponents also hated Christ.