"How I Joined the Resistance" by JD Vance

JD Vance being received into the Catholic Church

Some people find a 6,000 word essay a little daunting, so here it is distilled down to 250 words by ChatGPT.

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"On Mamaw and becoming Catholic

The author reflects on his grandmother, Mamaw, and her complex relationship with organized religion. She had a deep personal faith but distrusted religious institutions, often criticizing televangelists as corrupt while still watching them. Her faith was more about a personal connection with Jesus rather than formal worship.

The author contrasts Mamaw’s de-institutionalized Christianity with his own journey. He grew up with certain misconceptions about Catholicism, influenced by his grandmother’s ambivalence and Protestant anti-Catholic sentiments. Despite his initial skepticism, he gradually found Catholicism's historical continuity and balanced authority compelling. His transition included a period of atheism driven by a desire for social acceptance among elites and a flirtation with libertarianism.

His time in the Marines and subsequent education at Yale Law School prompted a deeper introspection. Encounters with intellectuals like Peter Thiel led him to question his pursuit of achievement over character. He began to see Catholicism as embodying virtues he valued: community, compassion, and a demanding yet forgiving Christ.

Overcoming his concerns, including the Church's scandals and the impact on his family, he converted to Catholicism. The process deepened his understanding of faith, emphasizing the importance of humility, community, and consistent practice. He realized that becoming Catholic was necessary to nurture the best parts of himself, particularly those related to family, patience, and forgiveness. The journey was as much about intellectual acceptance as it was about heart and community, leading him to embrace a faith that demanded personal growth and grace."