Admittedly, American politics can be boring, expensive, and even sometimes dirty, but politics is crucial to a nation's success. The church does not condone politics, but rather it embraces the rights it gives to people. "The protection of the rights of a person is indeed a necessary condition so that citizens, individually or collectively, can take part in the life and government of a state" (GS 73). The fundamental aspect of this freedom allows us to make choices not only individually but collectively. The choices we make as Christians can be reflected in the political sphere because of this virtue of freedom.
Many people may feel confused, hopeless, or even "doomed" after seeing the results of the election last night. But one thing to keep in mind is that the church would want people to be the best person and Christian they can be. This does not mean go around to the political parties, supporters, or protestors and push religion into their faces. This means representing yourself as a good Christian through your actions and words. It is through times of tension and divide that we are tested not just as individuals but as Christians. Although we live in a country where church and state are separated, Christians (of all ages) have a "responsibility" of "service to the common good" and they can achieve this through their participation in a political community (GS 75).
It is ok to be concerned with the current political events and aftermaths of the election that are occurring in the U.S. today, but hopefully it will bring a peace to mind that although the church will always be a step above the political system here on earth since "her role and competence, is not bound to any political system" (GS 75). As the sign says above, "No matter who is president, Jesus is King."
Kaitlan, first off- awesome to know there’s another politics major in the class! I really liked what you say about the negative connotation some have of politics. What they may not realize is the good that can come from it! Through active participation of those interested in the common good, politics can be how God reveals himself in our nation’s governance and policy.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this: "But one thing to keep in mind is that the church would want people to be the best person and Christian they can be.". I wish more Christians/Catholics would have thought this way election night! There was no much despair, understandably, last Tuesday, but many people were forgetting the bigger picture. After all, our goal is heaven, that hasn't changed! (Even with this election...)
ReplyDeleteI really like the attitude you take towards the election! It is more or less pointless to sit around and mope about who was or was not elected as our commander in chief. It would be a much better use of our time if we as a nation collectively shifted our focus to how we can truly impact and contribute to promoting the common good. That starts with individuals leading good, moral lives and showing the world what it means to be Catholic: living every moment with love.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting that you say "The church does not condone politics, but rather it embraces the rights it gives to people." I agree with you; the politics that inevitably come with a government based off elections and democracy can be very vicious and counter-productive to the growth of a society. However, it is through politics that we receive the very rights we need to survive as a unified country. It's a vicious circle that keeps us going.
ReplyDeleteGood job! I think it is important, and something you note, that no matter who wins any election, our past, present, and future belong to a King, not just an elected official. We belong to someone who is perfect, who wants us to live as His representatives here on Earth, to help others and call out those who seek to do evil.
ReplyDeleteI really like the points you made about representing yourself as a good Christian through your actions and words. After this election there have been many protests and people have either been injured or have been burning the flags. I do not believe that this is what the Church had in mind when it said people have the "responsibility" of "service to the common good". If people are unhappy with what candidate is chosen, they should start promoting actions that will help the common good of the country instead of spreading hate and violence. The only way to combat something you do not agree with is to try and create a positive change because it is the only way to change something without destroying other things in the process.
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