Why Catholics CAN’T Be Libertarian: The Lie That Poisoned Both Left and Right | Patrick Deneen

Can a faithful Catholic truly be a libertarian? Patrick Deneen joins Conor Gallagher for a riveting takedown of one of the most seductive lies in modern politics. In this powerful conversation, Deneen exposes how both left and right libertarianism—born of the same liberal root—have poisoned our culture, eroded the family, and hollowed out the soul of the West. He reveals how the obsession with “freedom” without virtue leads not to flourishing, but to fragmentation, isolation, and despair.From the collapse of community and the rise of elite disconnection to the spiritual emptiness of consumerism, this episode confronts the political and moral decay shaping our times. Deneen calls for a radical return to faith, prayer, and the common good—anchored in a mixed constitution that restores balance between leaders and ordinary people.Prepare for a thought-provoking challenge to everything you think you know about politics, freedom, and what it means to live as a Catholic in the modern world.👍 Like, Subscribe, or Follow The Conor Gallagher Show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conorgallaghershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/conorgallaghershow TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conorgallaghershow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qtdMK8FqjAQ3ODlFXCEYt?si=ae4598b16c1d4cde Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conor-gallagher-show/id1789476722CHAPTERS00:01 Trailer05:53 Public Awakening Post-COVID08:42 Synthesis of Left and Right Ideologies11:02 Political Orders and Human Nature14:23 The Evolution of Liberal Order18:22 Consumerism as a Societal Philosophy21:32 Transgenderism and the Limits of Liberal Freedom24:04 Theological Underpinnings of Modern Political Movements27:38 The Illusion of Conservatism in a Liberal Framework30:24 Community Values vs. Market Logic34:55 Populism as a Reaction to Market Liberalism37:51 The Role of Education in Political Divides41:10 Despotism vs. Anarchy in Political Orders44:48 Elites and Their Disconnect from Society50:15 The Revolt of the Elites and Its Implications53:44 Noblesse Oblige: The Duty of the Elite57:06 The Body of Christ: Unity in Diversity1:00:23 Elitism and the Disconnect from Ordinary Citizens1:06:00 Expertise vs. Common Sense1:11:52 Understanding the Common Good1:20:08 Property Ownership and Community Investment1:25:26 Family Management Insights1:28:08 Introducing Aristopopulism1:33:14 The Need for a Mixed Constitution1:37:46 The Importance of Prayer in Society1:41:45 Exploring The Angelus Artwork1:44:45 Cultural Reflections in Media1:47:09 Rethinking Religious Liberty#libertarianism #catholicchurch #catholicfaith #politics #podcast #capitalism