Political views: Catholic

[rlg94086]

So a politician who recognizes the importance of paying a living wage while rejecting across-the-board government mandates (i.e., one size fits all), **could have multiple positions, all of which could be in concert with Catholic social teaching. **There are numerous other issues that dovetail onto this one (minimum wage): immigration policies, government contracting rules, healthcare, tort reform, housing, and so on. There are a diversity of positions that can be taken while maintaining a position that is aligned with the teachings of the Church and that was the OP’s original question, wasn’t it?

This is precisely my point. So, by saying your political views are “Catholic,” you’ve told the person you are talking to absolutely nothing about your political views.

If I tell someone that I am a Catholic conservative or Republican, then they can safely assume that the way I understand the Church social teaching takes subsiarity into account.

So, let’s take another look at the OP’s original question:
Catherine W:

Hello I have a quick question…

If some one were to ask you for 1 word to describe your political views would it be bad to describe them as “Catholic”?

When I say Catholic, I mean that all my political decisions are guided by the teaching of the Catholic Church on Faith and Morals.

But I know the Catholic Church is not in itself a political organization.

What do you all think about this?

Should I instead say something like “pro-life”?

Thanks so much and God bless!

My answer is, quite simply, that one word won’t do it.

btw…your earlier response was an oversimplification. For evidence, I give…your last response. Your elaborated your simplified statement (The best thing to do is to figure out what the Church’s social teaching is on the issues of the day and then stand on that teaching), and demonstrated the more difficult nature of figuring out the Church’s social teaching with regards to politics.

 

[KathleenElsie]

Catholic conservative is about the best definition for my political beliefs. As the Holy Father said we should not divide our lives into separate parts.

 

[Catherine_W]

For those who say the word “Catholic” is not describing much, I disagree.

I don’t see how people like Nancy Pelosi can call themselves “politically Catholic” when they support “pro-death” political decisions.

IMO, the word “Catholic” should not ever be used with political opinions that are contrary to what the church teaches.

Therefore by stating the word “Catholic” that should automatically convey that a person agrees with the Church on absolute moral right or wrong political issues (such as Life issues).

Does that make any sense?

 

[Caesar517]

IMO, the word “Catholic” should not ever be used with political opinions that are contrary to what the church teaches.

Therefore by stating the word “Catholic” that should automatically convey that a person agrees with the Church on absolute moral right or wrong political issues (such as Life issues).

Does that make any sense?

Yes indeed. It’s unfortunate that not all “Catholics” think this way. “Pro-death” “Catholic” politicians cast a poor image of the Catholic Church.

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

For those who say the word “Catholic” is not describing much, I disagree.

I don’t see how people like Nancy Pelosi can call themselves “politically Catholic” when they support “pro-death” political decisions.

IMO, the word “Catholic” should not ever be used with political opinions that are contrary to what the church teaches.

Therefore by stating the word “Catholic” that should automatically convey that a person agrees with the Church on absolute moral right or wrong political issues (such as Life issues).

Does that make any sense?

That is because “pro-death” is a term used by only some groups as the interpretation and popular definition is very narrow and misrepresents the issues it talks about. “Pro-death” is a political label and not a Church label. That is what makes related issues to difficult to discuss as by using the term you narrowly pigeon-hole the discussion right away without an discussion for a real life application of the issue.

 

[KathleenElsie]

That is because “pro-death” is a term used by only some groups as the interpretation and popular definition is very narrow and misrepresents the issues it talks about. “Pro-death” is a political label and not a Church label. That is what makes related issues to difficult to discuss as by using the term you narrowly pigeon-hole the discussion right away without an discussion for a real life application of the issue.

The term could be anti-Magesterium Catholic politicians.

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

The term could be anti-Magesterium Catholic politicians.

Yet, as the JFK years have shown, blind following of the Magesterium does not go over well with the US electorate. It makes it seem they are answerable to only Rome and not the people who are their constituents. Remember, the Magesterium is only part of the Church, not The Church.

 

[rlg94086]

For those who say the word “Catholic” is not describing much, I disagree.

Just for clarity, in case you are talking about me, I said that the word “Catholic” doesn’t describe someone’s political views. I didn’t say it doesn’t describe much. I believe it can tell people how your faith informs your political views.

However, I do agree with you and others that many “Catholic” politicians seem to ignore the non-negotiable teachings of the Magisterium. They certainly aren’t being a good example of Catholicism to the non-Catholics out there.

 

[rlg94086]

Yet, as the JFK years have shown, blind following of the Magesterium does not go over well with the US electorate. It makes it seem they are answerable to only Rome and not the people who are their constituents. Remember, the Magesterium is only part of the Church, not The Church.

You seem to minimize the importance and authority of the Magisterium:

**891 **“The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful - who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. . . . The infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter’s successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium,” above all in an Ecumenical Council. **When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine “for belief as being divinely revealed,” and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions “must be adhered to with the obedience of faith.” **This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.

**2039 **…As far as possible conscience should take account of the good of all, as expressed in the moral law, natural and revealed, and consequently in the law of the Church and in the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium on moral questions. Personal conscience and reason should not be set in opposition to the moral law or the Magisterium of the Church.

So, yeah, the Magisterium is only part of the Church…the part with the authority to set doctrine to which we are to adhere. Which part of “The Church” do you feel has greater authority?

As far as “blind obedience” is concerned, I hope people aren’t blindly obedient. Everyone should be well informed of the basis’ for the teaching of the Church. That said, if a politician says they won’t take an action that is contrary to their faith and Americans have a problem with that, then I guess that person won’t be elected. However, if they are willing to sacrifice their faith for their political advantage, they aren’t a very faithful Catholic.

 

[Verisimilitude]

Hello I have a quick question…

If some one were to ask you for 1 word to describe your political views would it be bad to describe them as “Catholic”?

I think so, yes. It makes Catholic too catholic because too many Catholics are not in agreement on secular non-Catholic social and national political issues.

When I say Catholic, I mean that all my political decisions are guided by the teaching of the Catholic Church on Faith and Morals.

Human migration, border security and soveriegnty, national identity, welfare, war, and personal property are a few examples where Catholics disagree.

But I know the Catholic Church is not in itself a political organization.

So the government has zero to say about Her even if members of the faith espouse poltical views from the lecturn. The government is prevented from establishing a religion for the nation (like England had) but our freedom of speech has been hindered by the government in the form of tax breaks/threats.

What do you all think about this?

The Church would be wrong to abuse the Mass or religious instition to further political measures beyond it’s spiritual jurisdiction.

Its one thing to unconditionally help feed and shelter the illegal immigrant it is another to encourge them to come/stay despite the law. It is one thing to speak against homosexuality and same sex marriage, it is another to amend the Constitution to state the obvious.

Should I instead say something like “pro-life”?

Does that mean anti-war? (Iraq specifically)

Thanks so much and God bless!

Thank you and blessings as well.

I made a few videos on Youtube.

This one (He Knows) could be called Catholic and apolitical without much debate.

Look at some of the others and tell me if you would call them Catholic in your view?

This one is just religious. What do you think?

 

[Cuddy_Duck]

How many Neocons here?
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=3965226#post3965226