Voting is a Catholic thing to do.
Politics is a blood sport. Character assassination of your opponent is a regular and presumed part of campaigns. Distortions of the truth have become so commonplace in the process of politics, one is often not sure that what is being said in a radio or TV commercial about a candidate or an issue is real or not.
In this poisonous atmosphere, it is easy to become cynical about politics and politicians. This is nothing new. More than 100 years ago, Mark Twain observed: “The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet.”
It is easy to avoid participation in such a tawdry and mean-spirited affair. Many do not vote; they do not engage in the public square at all. Many others vote with little information, or vote as their political party tells them to vote. Others vote holding their noses, muttering: “A pox on both your houses!” to the major political parties.
And yet, Catholic Social Teaching, the application of Catholic theology and principle to public secular life, encourages us to participate. More than encouragement, we are told: In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. (“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
Why should we? Here are a few reasons: The horrific legal killing of the unborn continues at a rate of 1,000 per day in California, 3,600 nationally; poverty rates are higher than ever in our history; unemployment still is at an historic high; home foreclosures tear apart our families; war and violence persist in being the default action among nations to solve problems; public education, especially for the poor and disadvantaged, is not educating; many neighborhoods in our communities are unsafe; and potholes as big as bomb craters are in our streets.
Being involved in the political process isn’t the only way to change some of these problems, but it is a central and crucial element in working toward solutions.
Catholics are provided a framework of seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching for voting on candidates and issues. Our bishops have told us that forming our consciences centered in our faith and prudential reason is the way to be a good voter. To vote well and faithfully, we must be rooted in the Gospels and the social teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. We are neither right nor left, neither Republican nor Democrat, but we formulate our agenda by the standard of human dignity that is reflected in our faith tradition.
John Paul II advises in “Evangelium Vitae” (“The Gospel of Life”) that it is important for all citizens “to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest.”
We vote and participate in the political process because that is what Catholics do. We are the seeds for a new way of being. We are the leaven in the dough. We are Christ’s people bringing about the reign of God.
George Wesolek is director of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns.
The 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society.
Call to Family Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The basic rights of workers must be respected – the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property and to economic initiative.
Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be.
Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation.
From October 15, 2010 issue of Catholic San Francisco.
In challenging us to participate, the bishops are echoing a profound teaching and tradition of the universal Catholic Church voiced in numerous papal encyclicals over the last 120 years.
