Name: Catholicmaxxing
Age: Under one year.
Appearance: Embodying Catholicism with a strong physique.
What is this maxxing trend all about? The term “maxxing” is popular among Gen Z, denoting the pursuit of one’s utmost potential.
So, is looksmaxxing solely focused on enhancing physical appearance? Not exactly. Looksmaxxing involves young men going to extreme measures to achieve an exaggerated ideal of attractiveness, possibly akin to the character Handsome Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants, though that may not be the most fitting reference.
Is Catholicmaxxing primarily about deepening one’s Catholic faith? Not entirely. It’s a trendy term for young individuals who are exploring their spiritual beliefs.
How did this movement originate? The concept largely emerged on TikTok, spearheaded by influencers like Anthony Gross, a 22-year-old with 49,000 followers. He shares content such as “Everything I consumed while fasting for Lent,” where he discusses his fasting choices while appearing topless.
That sounds quite bro-centric. Indeed, Catholicmaxxing appeals to a demographic often referred to as “theo bros.”
What does “theo bros” mean? A parishioner explained to the Washington Post that a theo bro is an “extremely online religious man,” often a convert, who engages with faith in a more rules- or power-oriented way, rather than focusing on service and community.
But isn’t community service a fundamental aspect of Catholicism? Perhaps in previous generations. For those involved in Catholicmaxxing, as Gross notes, a significant motivation is the search for a potential romantic partner.
That makes sense. But isn’t this a bit cynical? Perhaps, but if this trend encourages people to return to churches, it might be beneficial.
Are people actually returning to churches? Not really. A study last year indicated that only 1% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 24 joined the Catholic Church, while 12% chose to leave it.
Is this phenomenon limited to the United States? Yes, it is primarily a U.S. trend.
Does it exist across the political landscape, or is it associated with a specific ideology? That’s hard to say. However, JD Vance’s upcoming book, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” set for release in June, may provide more insight.
Could Catholicmaxxing gain traction in other regions? It’s possible, but it’s important not to exaggerate its reach. In the UK, for instance, Gen Z is the least likely demographic to attend any form of church. Perhaps we could even consider a concept like secularmaxxing.
Do say: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth – John 3:18.”
Don’t say: “But first, let’s film a TikTok of us flexing in front of a mirror without our shirts on.”
