I have noticed in several of Pope Francis’s speeches and most recently in his apostolic letter on the Youth synod that he lists “individualism” as a moral or societal trend which leads to issues and sin on a wide scale. It is usually preceded by a very negative adjective for instance rampant individualism. Also usually listed along side such evils as consumerism and greed. He n ver explains it however or goes into detail as to why it is a contributor to global sin, he seems to hint that it is related to selfishness or I’m only in it for myself, but does not really expand on it. I tend to associate individualism with taking responsibility for my own actions and at worst consider it a neutral trait. I would really love to hear thoughts from others on what the evil of individualism is or what Francis is getting at?
Individualism can go as far as to say, "I don't care about anyone else. I'll get all I can, by whatever means I can, wherever I can." This would include putting others down. "No one is as important as I am." We put ourselves first, no matter what. As far as Christians go, we are to think of others. "Love your neighbor as yourself." No one is more important than anyone else. Well, except God, of course. When we put him and his people first, then everyone comes out ahead. Of course, there are those who think that loving your neighbor means hating yourself to the point that you never do anything for yourself. But that isn't what it means when we are told to love our neighbor. We are to love them "as ourselves." We must have a healthy amount of self love, the kind where we take care of our health so that we can be useful to others. We can't love our neighbor if we don't love ourselves first. God gave us our bodies, and he expects us to take care of what he has given us. And that goes for the other people in our lives.
Thanks Christy Beth Great Points - I am sure these selfish tendencies are the issues which the Pope is driving at. I think the piece missing from some of his speeches is the more balanced perspective you bring up, which is having a healthy sense of self. It seems to me in the US at least, some people use their opinion of the 'common good' to bludgeon people into submission who do not agree with their positions. I think I am very sensitive to that perspective in some of Pope Francis's statements and it causes me great concern.
I keep thinking about Peter asleep in the garden of Gethsemane and Jesus saying “Could you not stay awake one hour? Watch and pray that you not be put to the test “ (rough quotation did not lookup). Catechism says the church will go through all of Jesus passion before the end.
