D
DL82
Guest
I’ve been involved in politics in the past, working for a Member of Parliament, being a member of a political party, and working as a full-time executive member of a political organisation, this was all in my student days.
At the same time, I’ve been tempted by a lot of violent and idolatrous thoughts while working in politics. I became hungry for power for its’ own sake, secretly subscribed to some pretty nasty ideologies, and wished harm on political opponents during elections. I began to realise that being involved in the world of politics was incredibly harmful to my soul, and almost completely left that world behind.
Recently though, I had what I can only describe as a conversion experience in my political life. I began to realise, not only the folly of my former violent and hateful thoughts, but also that I couldn’t hide this talent when we live in a society that still kills the unborn, deprives people of the chance to live healthy and holy lives, kills in the name of justice, sends innocent people to die in pointless wars. I started to feel that, even though I’m aware of my many sins in the political sphere, I had to trust in God to be able to use me, and couldn’t hide away scared.
It’s a difficult decision to take. I had assumed that that part of my life was behind me. I’d even thought that I might be called to Religious life with an enclosed order. Not sure what I’m supposed to do now. I’m also aware that this could be a temptation and not from God.
I’m not really looking for advice, I will get that from my Spiritual Director, just sharing my experience, and interested in anybody else’s experience of involvement in political and social justice movements from a Catholic perspective.
At the same time, I’ve been tempted by a lot of violent and idolatrous thoughts while working in politics. I became hungry for power for its’ own sake, secretly subscribed to some pretty nasty ideologies, and wished harm on political opponents during elections. I began to realise that being involved in the world of politics was incredibly harmful to my soul, and almost completely left that world behind.
Recently though, I had what I can only describe as a conversion experience in my political life. I began to realise, not only the folly of my former violent and hateful thoughts, but also that I couldn’t hide this talent when we live in a society that still kills the unborn, deprives people of the chance to live healthy and holy lives, kills in the name of justice, sends innocent people to die in pointless wars. I started to feel that, even though I’m aware of my many sins in the political sphere, I had to trust in God to be able to use me, and couldn’t hide away scared.
It’s a difficult decision to take. I had assumed that that part of my life was behind me. I’d even thought that I might be called to Religious life with an enclosed order. Not sure what I’m supposed to do now. I’m also aware that this could be a temptation and not from God.
I’m not really looking for advice, I will get that from my Spiritual Director, just sharing my experience, and interested in anybody else’s experience of involvement in political and social justice movements from a Catholic perspective.