Political Science?

[BrooklynBoy200]

Im in my senior year of high school now and im torn between two career options: something in politics (there are a few different careers i would want in this field), or a priest. Right now im pretty sure i am called to be a priest and would prefer this career more. But every once and a while i’ll switch to politics. Im deciding on whether i should major in political science or philosophy in college. I mean, if i get a degree in political science i could always enter a seminary for my masters in whatever (divinity?) if i decided i am definitely called to the priesthood after i obtain the degree, right? But im afraid if i do this i’ll end up getting a career in politics and forgetting about my (maybe) vocation just because i’ll be surrounded by so many political connections and all that i would have to. I dont know im confused, anyone have any opinions? Thanks. And its been a long time since i’ve really posted anything so hey guys

 

[SenorSalsa]

Well, not that it helps you decide anything, but I am the same as you, just a year ahead.

I start school at Franciscan University this week in the Pre-theologate program, which is a formation program for discerning men, which entails a degree in Philosophy, but I am also getting a double major in Political Science

 

[brotherhrolf]

Nothing wrong with double majors. History and anthropology here. The thing to remember is best said by Thomas a’ Kempis in his Immitation of Christ - Man proposes but God disposes. Thirty years after grad school and my vocation is neither history or anthropology. It is psychometrics. I validate and write licensure examinations for a living.

I do not regret my formal education. I still read a tremendous amount of history and archaeology even though I will probably never get a chance to use it. God and you will find ways to apply whatever education you receive. So I wouldn’t put it as either/or but rather as both/and. God bless!

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Just keep in mind to enter a major seminary you will need 30 credits of philosophy and 12 credits of theology.

If you go for a degree in political science then you will need to get these credits before you start the major seminary.

 

[Nick9]

Im in my senior year of high school now and im torn between two career options: something in politics (there are a few different careers i would want in this field), or a priest.

I think if you are torn between two options, and all other things being equal, e.g. you have an equal desire for each, then the one to go for is the one which will give more glory to God. This seems to be fairly consistant advice.

Right now im pretty sure i am called to be a priest and would prefer this career more.

This seems like a good disposition in which to aim for priesthood or at least to get it discerned whether you have a true vocation.

 

[Mark77]

Politics are man-made and therefore temporary and corrupt.

The priesthood is made by God and therefore eternal and perfect!

Another way to look at it is, which seems easier? Obviously political science is easier and that means that the priesthood is probably the right choice.

Pursue your calling to the priesthood and if it is God’s will you will know.

You are in my prayers.

Mark

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Politics are man-made and therefore temporary and corrupt.

The priesthood is made by God and therefore eternal and perfect!

Another way to look at it is, which seems easier? Obviously political science is easier and that means that the priesthood is probably the right choice.

Pursue your calling to the priesthood and if it is God’s will you will know.

You are in my prayers.

Mark

I am sorry but I do not think that platitudes such as this are helpful for one who is discerning a vocation.

The best, superior, calling/vocation is the one that you are called to. If you are not called to be a priest then working towards it, even achieving it would not be a good thing.

The most important thing is to get a good spiritual director who can help you out in your discernment.

 

[Mark77]

Those were not platitudes, they were my true beliefs.

I am sorry if I offended anyone, I am only trying to help focus discerning people on the fact that, as Nick9 said, “go for the one that will give more glory to God”.

I also disagree with the idea that working toward the priesthood, even if you are not called to do so, is wrong.

God will make his intentions clear, if you are truly listening.

If you work toward the priesthood and discern that you are not called, you will be that much stronger in your faith and in your true calling to serve God!

May God Bless all those discerning the religious life!

Mark

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I also disagree with the idea that working toward the priesthood, even if you are not called to do so, is wrong.

God will make his intentions clear, if you are truly listening.

If you work toward the priesthood and discern that you are not called, you will be that much stronger in your faith and in your true calling to serve God!

Not always true. First is the “listening” part. Not everyone does it.

There are many who “fail” at the seminary and they are made to feel as if they are failures by “well meaning” people out there.

If you do not feel called to religious life/priesthood then you should not work towards it.

Again, get a good spiritual director to work on your discernment. While one of the possible signs is people encouraging you to go for it, it is not a reliable one nor the only one.

 

[JesuitLoyola]

I’ve always heard if you can imagine being anything besides of a priest and being happy and fulfilled do it. I know it sounds harsh and it is definitely not a good strategy to create vocations but the priesthood is something that few are called to and even fewer are fit for. Just keep that in mind. At least if you can’t imagine anything else fulfilling you; you have a pretty good idea of what you are meant to do