Priest becoming politician - what do you think of it?

[Mary888]

Many Christians complain that the world is too secular and moral values are no longer present by many members of the political class who only cares about personal success and agendas of certain ideologies and parties. Do you think a priest who enters politics (and thus is removed from his priestly duties by the Church) can maybe bring a more Christian view to politics? What about the shortage of priests?
The Church can not, not care about the world even she is outside the world, belonging to God. However are we doing the world a favor more by getting closer to the world to shake them up or by contemplative prayer dedicating it all to God and expect His intervention?
How much should a Christian be involved in political activism?

 

[BartholomewB]

How much should a Christian be involved in political activism?

As much as possible. In postwar Germany and Italy the Church strongly supported the Christian Democratic parties which governed both countries for many years. (In Germany, the CDU is still in power, but it has long ceased to be a primarily Catholic party.)

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Do you think a priest who enters politics (and thus is removed from his priestly duties by the Church) can maybe bring a more Christian view to politics?

No, I would see such a person as a priest who broke his vows for secular glory. I wouldn’t respect that at all. Wouldn’t vote for it either. It’s like the worst aspects of the post-Vatican II social justice era, live and in person.

I had much more respect for certain priests who, when ordered by the Pope to get out of politics, obediently did just that and continued in their lives as priests.

If you want to be a Christian politician, don’t take religious vows. And be aware that you’re probably not going to get elected the first time you refuse to back down on a Christian/ Catholic position.