Should (Can) Catholics Be Preppers?
In light of the disaster that is unfolding before our eyes in Appalachia, a question comes up in Catholic circles. Can Catholics be peppers? Does the “selfish” nature of prepping conflict with Catholic teachings?
Well…Yes, Catholics can be preppers, but their approach to preparedness should align with Catholic values and teachings. Being a "prepper" refers to preparing for potential emergencies or disasters, which is compatible with Catholic principles as long as it is done responsibly and ethically. Here's how Catholic teachings can guide someone interested in prepping:
1. Prudence and Stewardship
Prudence: The virtue of prudence encourages foresight and careful planning. Preparing for disasters is an act of prudence, as it involves using foresight to care for oneself, one’s family, and others. It reflects the biblical teaching to “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) and the wisdom of planning for possible challenges (Proverbs 6:6-8).
Stewardship: Catholics are called to be good stewards of their resources, including time, talents, and possessions. Prepping in a way that responsibly manages personal resources while also ensuring that one can help others in need is consistent with this call.
2. Solidarity and Love for Neighbor
Community-Oriented Preparation: While individual preparedness is important, Catholics are called to live in solidarity with others, especially the vulnerable. This means that prepping shouldn’t be solely about self-preservation but also about ensuring that one is ready to help neighbors, particularly in times of crisis.
Avoiding Selfishness: Catholic preppers should avoid the mindset of hoarding or looking out only for themselves. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor and care for those in need (Luke 10:27), so Catholics should be open to sharing their resources with those who may not have the means to prepare.
3. Trust in God
Balance Preparation with Faith**: While it is wise to prepare for emergencies, Catholics must also maintain trust in God's providence. Preparing for possible challenges should not come from fear or a lack of trust in God’s care, but rather from a balanced view that human effort works in cooperation with God’s will.
Avoiding Anxiety: Catholics are taught not to be consumed by worry about the future (Matthew 6:25-34). Prepping should bring peace and a sense of responsibility, not anxiety or paranoia.
4. Focus on the Common Good
Act for the Common Good: Catholic social teaching emphasizes the common good—the idea that society should work to ensure the well-being of all its members, especially the vulnerable. Prepping in ways that consider the needs of others, including one’s community and neighbors, is important. Catholics should encourage others to prepare as well and offer assistance where possible.
Advocacy for Systemic Preparation: Beyond personal or family preparation, Catholics can advocate for better disaster preparedness at the community, governmental, and institutional levels, ensuring that society as a whole is more resilient.
5. Ethical Considerations in Prepping
Avoid Extreme Measures**: Prepping can be taken to unhealthy extremes, such as adopting a "bunker mentality" that isolates one from society or stockpiling in ways that harm others. Catholics are called to live in community and not give in to apocalyptic thinking that encourages a "me-first" attitude.
Respect for the Environment: In prepping, Catholics should also be mindful of environmental stewardship, ensuring that their preparations do not involve wasteful or harmful practices that negatively impact creation.
6. Acts of Mercy
Corporal Works of Mercy**: Being prepared should also involve being ready to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy, which include feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and sheltering the homeless. Preppers who live out these works are contributing to the well-being of others in times of disaster.
Conclusion
Catholics can engage in prepping as long as it is done with the right spirit: prudence, trust in God, love for neighbor, and an orientation toward the common good. Prepping is not inherently at odds with Catholic faith, but it should be approached with a mindset that values both personal responsibility and community support.
Let me know what you think? Do you think Catholics should be preppers, yes or no?