It Takes an Organic Christian Society

by John Horvat II

For a better notion of what we mean by organic society, let’s put it this way: Hillary Clinton wrote a book called It Takes a Village, which develops the idea that it takes a whole village to raise a child. We would certainly disagree with her because she interpreted “village” to mean a socialist state. However, there is a tiny grain of truth in the expression – a community does contribute to the upbringing of a child.

At the same time, we would agree with Rick Sanctorum who wrote a counter-book called It Takes a Family. However, we can also say that it takes more than a family.

The family is the single most important component of a Christian society. While the family is a tremendously vital force for the individual, it alone will not suffice. A regime of separate and scattered families, even very Catholic families, does not a society make. Isolated families alone cannot normally sustain themselves in face of the uncertainties of life. They need the resources of a community and a nation.

And so we would say: Yes, it takes a family—a good Christian and strong family.

It takes a village, that is, Christian communities and associations with ties of mutual trust. We need those bonds with others.

It takes a Christian State to be the framework of order upon which social activity can take place.

It takes the Church, true and orthodox, to guide, teach and sanctify us towards our final end – Heaven.

All these elements are needed to raise a child. Take one out and you have serious problems. In short, if we were to summarize the book, Return to Order, with a new title, it might be called: It Takes an Organic Christian Society because that is what it truly takes.