Ohio Senator JD Vance's religious conversion to Catholicism in 2019 has not only shaped his political worldview but also brought him into contact with a little-known Catholic intellectual movement referred to as "postliberal." Vance's rise to the national stage as the Republican vice presidential nominee and running mate to former President Donald Trump has shed light on this movement, which some critics view as having reactionary or authoritarian tendencies.

The "postliberal" movement primarily consists of Catholic intellectuals who reject both the progressive left, with its emphasis on individual rights and identity, and "economic liberalism," which advocates for a free market and limited government intervention. While sharing Catholic conservatives' opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, the postliberals advocate for a muscular government under their control.

These intellectuals envision a society where individuals who align with their views take over government bureaucracies, universities, and other institutions from within, replacing what they see as entrenched "elites." Their goal is to act upon their vision of the "common good" by implementing what they deem necessary for society.

Prominent author Patrick Deneen, a key figure in the movement, outlined this perspective in his 2023 book "Regime Change," where he called for a peaceful but vigorous overthrow of a corrupt liberal ruling class to establish a postliberal order.

Vance has publicly identified as a postliberal and has attended events alongside prominent figures within the movement. He has also privately met with them and spoken positively about their work. His views align with those of other postliberals, advocating for a ruthless exercise of power when his allies are in control of the presidency or Congress, and promoting the idea of Republicans seizing institutions like universities to serve their own agendas.

Vance has also voiced support for government policies aimed at increasing childbearing, which he believes is essential for securing the nation's future. This viewpoint has translated into criticisms of "childless cat ladies" who supposedly have no vested interest in the country's future.

The Trump-Vance campaign declined to comment on Vance's position within the postliberal movement or whether he shares their beliefs. However, it is clear that the movement has gained a foothold with Vance as part of Donald Trump's running mate.

While postliberalism has a following among influential Catholic professors and writers, it has raised concerns among some Catholics, including conservatives, who highlight historical connections to European movements that were associated with authoritarian regimes.

Critics argue that postliberalism leads to a society where citizens become "subjects," and personal liberty is subjected to administrative despotism. The ideas put forth by postliberals vary, but they often center around encouraging childbearing, altering the separation of church and state, banning pornography, reintroducing Sabbath laws that limit business activities, supporting private-sector unions, and strengthening social safety nets for the middle class.

The movement also praises nationalist leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orban, who advocates for an "illiberal democracy." Vance himself has lauded Orban's policies, including financial support for couples who have children and the government's interventions in universities.

Although Vance has acknowledged that his faith has influenced his political worldview, he has sought to downplay the role of his Catholicism in policymaking, particularly on issues like abortion. While Trump's Supreme Court appointees played a pivotal role in reversing Roe v. Wade, Vance recognizes the potential political backlash of imposing strict abortion restrictions as several states have witnessed voters rejecting such measures.

Vance's affiliation with the postliberal movement raises important questions about his future role and policy priorities, as many will be interested to see how his faith and political ideology intersect on various issues if he continues to ascend in national politics.