Virtue Non-signalling as a Catholic?

[goyim]

I was reflecting on Mathew 6: 5 - 7. This is the part of the Gospel where Jesus makes note of how we ought not to pray like the hypocrites.

This is in some ways a modern day equivalent of warning against virtue signalling. Similiar things are said about those who throw the first stones etc. However, what is the opposite? At what extent does it become unacceptable to keep private your private faith?

My thoughts on this came from a discussion with a friend about whether it is acceptable for a Catholic to not overtly show their faith in a public manner. This could be something like celebrities that dont talk much about their faith in public for example. How could they really be fully commited to following Christ, if they sheltered or hid that aspect of their life away?

I’m sure there’s some opposing views on this. Silence is no doubt an important part of a healthy faith in Christ. But some too like to preach and sing to the Heavens the wonders of the Gospel. Both equaly valid and not at odds(perhaps some may feel different).

Anyway some clarification on this would be nice.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

My thoughts on this came from a discussion with a friend about whether it is acceptable for a Catholic to not overtly show their faith in a public manner. This could be something like celebrities that dont talk much about their faith in public for example. How could they really be fully commited to following Christ, if they sheltered or hid that aspect of their life away?

There’s a difference between hiding your faith (ie denying it if asked) and not being particularly showy about it. I don’t advertise my religion at work either. I’m not trying to hide it; I’ll mention going to mass if it comes up naturally, and my personnel file lists me as a Catholic. At the same time, my office doesn’t have Catholic paraphernalia in it, and I don’t wear a giant pectoral cross. I also don’t debate religion at work or preach at my colleagues. Not because I’m trying to hide my religion, just because I don’t think it’s necessary to be over the top at work.

 

[otrrl]

I must be too old to understand the term “virtue non-signalling.” Does this come from the NFL or something, perhaps MLB?

I’ve seen two individuals in the workplace who were disciplined for evangelizing on the job, by passing out tracts. They are well-intentioned, but I think our employers control our activities and speech at work. I can think of a federal lawsuit that was decided against a relative of mine for doing something (distantly) like this at work.

 

[ZMystiCat]

I must be too old to understand the term “virtue non-signalling.”

Literally, “virtual signalling” means being open about one’s moral living and stances.

Lately, though, it’s generally used pejoratively. On one hand, it mocks public displays of professed empathy that aren’t followed by anything meaningful. Changing a Facebook profile picture or “sending thoughts and prayers” are two such cases. However, I’ve also found it being used among some right-wing people to essentially mean “SJW crybaby”.

 

[otrrl]

“SJW?” I don’t know what that means either.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Social justice warrior - Wikipedia

 

[Gabika50]

Knowing the difference between private prayer and public demonstration of private devotion. IE: is it more important for me to pray or be seen praying- many seminarians struggle with this, and from what I hear, many on the faculty are fooled by such visual “pius chanting.”

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

I also think you have to be consistent in what you say.
If you have the deserved reputation for being a gossip or a back-stabbing jerk, then ostentatiously bow your head over your food in the lunch room, people aren’t going to be impressed with your faith.

 

[Rhubarb]

otrrl:

I must be too old to understand the term “virtue non-signalling.”

Literally, “virtual signalling” means being open about one’s moral living and stances.

I don’t mean to be a contrarian, but that’s not what virtue signalling is.

Virtue signaling is being conspicuous in your beliefs (whatever they might be) in hopes of demonstrating to others of some perceived virtue. It’s ‘showing off’ how virtuous you are - again, whatever the individual considers a “virtue”.

The pejorative comes in when someone is being empty and superficial in their beliefs just to get applauds and kudos for holding those beliefs. When applied to progressives, it implies said progressive is only vocal about progressive ideas to impress other progressives.

Virtue signalling - Wikipedia

 

[angel12]

Virtue signaling is being conspicuous in your beliefs (whatever they might be) in hopes of demonstrating to others of some perceived virtue. It’s ‘showing off’ how virtuous you are - again, whatever the individual considers a “virtue”.

That is, indeed, how it is often used on CAF as an attempted insult. Usually when someone has posted something along the lines of “but Jesus said . . .”