American Exceptionalism: Its Relevance Today and a Catholic Perspective

 

The recent presidential election in my country, the United States, has prompted me to reflect deeply on how I view my nation and my identity. I still hold to the idea of "American Exceptionalism"—the belief that the United States has a unique mission and set of values that set it apart from other nations and a responsibility to share these values with the world. However, as a Catholic, I am also a citizen of the temporal Kingdom of God on earth and the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven, which transcends all national borders and worldly politics. While I feel strong patriotism for my country, I am called to care about all people and all nations, seeking the global common good and recognizing all people as fellow children of God.

Ultimately, I identify as a Catholic Christian first—a citizen of God’s Kingdom before any earthly nation, including my own. Thus, while I value American exceptionalism and patriotism, I recognize the need to balance this with my commitment to the Kingdom of God and my solidarity with all humanity, regardless of borders. Let’s take a closer look at what this means.

American Exceptionalism: Its Relevance Today and a Catholic Perspective

American exceptionalism—the idea that the United States holds a unique mission and set of values that distinguish it from other nations—has long influenced American identity and politics. Proponents trace its roots to the nation’s founding principles, emphasizing freedom, democracy, and individual rights. For Catholics and Christians, however, engaging with American exceptionalism involves balancing pride in their country with a commitment to the universal values of the Gospel. This reflection examines the concept’s historical roots, its relevance today, and Catholic teaching’s nuanced perspective on patriotism, justice, and global solidarity.

Historical Foundations and Meaning of American Exceptionalism

American exceptionalism draws upon the notion that the United States has a distinctive role and destiny in human history. Its origins can be traced back to the Puritan settlers who, in the 17th century, viewed their New World mission as a “city upon a hill”—a beacon of Christian virtue, as articulated by John Winthrop in 1630. This belief was later embodied in the writings of the Founding Fathers, who saw the newly formed republic as an experiment in liberty and democracy. Thomas Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence, affirming that “all men are created equal” with “unalienable Rights,” underlined this unique mission.

However, historical interpretations of American exceptionalism vary. Some scholars and historians argue that it has been used both as a moral aspiration and as a justification for U.S. political and military actions worldwide. Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th-century French observer, described America as “exceptional” in its commitment to equality and democracy but cautioned against the dangers of pride and isolationism. Thus, while many see exceptionalism as a force for good, others warn of its potential to foster national superiority at the expense of global cooperation and humility.

The Relevance of American Exceptionalism Today

In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of American exceptionalism is sometimes seen as outdated or overly nationalistic. Issues like global migration, climate change, and economic inequality underscore the need for international collaboration and solidarity. Critics argue that American exceptionalism can foster a sense of isolationism or unilateralism, preventing the United States from engaging effectively in global partnerships. At the same time, many Americans continue to view their country’s democratic principles and freedoms as a model for other nations, suggesting that the idea remains relevant as an ideal worth pursuing.

However, American exceptionalism’s place in public discourse has evolved. In a polarized political landscape, interpretations differ significantly across ideological lines. Some view it as an expression of national pride and resilience, while others worry that it may encourage self-interest over global responsibility. For Catholics and Christians, the challenge lies in discerning how to reconcile patriotic pride with a call to love and serve all humanity.

Catholic Teaching on Patriotism and the Common Good

The Catholic Church encourages patriotism as a natural expression of gratitude and love for one’s homeland. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2239-2240) teaches that “the love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity,” emphasizing that good citizenship is a moral duty. However, Catholic teaching also insists that patriotism must be rightly ordered and always subordinate to the Gospel’s call to universal charity and justice.

St. John Paul II consistently advocated for a healthy patriotism that fosters unity and respect for all nations. In his 2005 work, Memory and Identity, he distinguished between true patriotism and “exclusivist nationalism,” cautioning that national pride should never become hostile toward others or lead to national isolation. Rather, patriotism should inspire service to the common good, locally and globally. Pope Francis has echoed this, urging Christians to avoid insular attitudes that view other nations with suspicion, noting in Fratelli Tutti that “love of one’s own country is a virtue, but…we are also called to love all people as brothers and sisters” (Fratelli Tutti, 141).

Thus, while the Church recognizes the value of national pride, it warns against a nationalism that disregards the universal dignity of all people. For Catholics, American exceptionalism may be embraced in so far as it inspires a commitment to justice, compassion, and peace—values that align with the Gospel. But it must be tempered by an awareness of the Church’s teaching on the universal common good.

A Biblical and Christian Perspective on National Identity

The Bible offers principles that are both affirming and cautionary regarding national identity. In the Old Testament, God called Israel to be “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6), emphasizing its unique mission to uphold God’s covenant. Yet, the prophets also warned Israel against pride and self-righteousness, emphasizing justice and compassion for foreigners and the marginalized (Leviticus 19:34, Jeremiah 22:3). Jesus’ teachings further expand on this, calling His followers to love not only their neighbors but also their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to view themselves primarily as citizens of God’s Kingdom (John 18:36).

The early Church Fathers and theologians emphasized a Christian identity that transcends national boundaries. St. Augustine, in his City of God, wrote that Christians should see themselves as citizens of the heavenly city first, reminding believers that earthly affiliations are secondary. For Augustine, loyalty to God takes precedence over loyalty to any earthly nation, and national pride should never overshadow the call to love all people. Similarly, St. Thomas Aquinas argued that patriotism is virtuous only when it serves the greater purpose of justice and charity, both within and beyond one’s country.

Protestant perspectives, too, reflect this balance. Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian, critiqued American exceptionalism’s tendency toward self-righteousness in his work The Irony of American History, warning that it could blind Americans to their own flaws. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., drawing on his Christian faith, urged Americans to live up to their nation’s ideals by pursuing justice for all, particularly those marginalized by society. King’s vision of America as a “beloved community” aligns closely with the Christian call to love and serve others without regard to borders.

Catholicism, Global Solidarity, and the Call for Humility

American exceptionalism’s emphasis on national greatness can sometimes conflict with the Catholic call to global solidarity. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (451) underscores that Christians should prioritize the global common good, seeking solutions to issues that transcend national borders. Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate (“Charity in Truth”) further emphasizes the need for global cooperation and solidarity, urging nations to work together to solve common problems like poverty, environmental degradation, and human rights abuses.

Pope Francis has repeatedly called for humility and a recognition of humanity’s interconnectedness. His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, advocates for a cooperative approach to caring for the planet, emphasizing that environmental issues require a collective response. For Catholics, this global outlook challenges any form of exceptionalism that risks isolationism or an “America first” mentality. Instead, Catholic teaching calls believers to consider their nation’s role as part of a larger global family, promoting peace, compassion, and shared responsibility.

Is American Exceptionalism Still Relevant?

The question of American exceptionalism’s relevance today is complex. In an increasingly globalized world, its value lies not in fostering national pride at the expense of other nations but in inspiring a commitment to justice, equality, and human rights. When viewed through the lens of Catholic teaching, American exceptionalism should ideally prompt Americans to seek ways of promoting the common good both at home and abroad.

For Catholics, pride in America’s democratic ideals can be compatible with faith when balanced by humility, respect for other cultures, and a dedication to global solidarity. Catholics may find value in American exceptionalism if it encourages the pursuit of universal values—freedom, justice, and equality—while remembering that these values are not unique to one nation but part of a broader human dignity rooted in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Conclusion: An Informed, Balanced Perspective

Catholics are called to view American exceptionalism with a discerning and balanced perspective. They are encouraged to appreciate their nation’s unique contributions to democracy and human rights while remembering that all nations are equal in dignity before God. The Church’s teachings on patriotism, solidarity, and the common good suggest that Catholics should resist any interpretation of exceptionalism that fosters division or self-interest, instead embracing a love for country that seeks the good of all humanity.

In the words of Pope Francis, “Let us seek out others and embrace the world as it is, without fear, for the Lord is with us.” For Catholics and other Christians, this means valuing their national heritage while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the Gospel’s call for love, justice, and peace for all people.