Voting and politics

[raqrodriguez]

I am a cradle Catholic and I wanted to know what the Church’s stand is on voting and staying out of politics/goverment issues. Last year i clearly remember the priest telling us at mass that the church does not tell people how to vote but that if we do that it should be for someone who stands for our moral beliefs.

I have been studying the bible and have come across many scriptures regarding staying out of politics. The bible warns us that God does not want us to get involved in those matters and I feel that the priest at my church should have told us to not vote, to stay out of politics. I want to know why that wasn’t the message that day. Was it an error on his part or does the church not teach to stay away from those issues?

Also I listen to Immaculate Heart radio where again the message was to vote for the person who stands for moral issues and not to stay away from politics. Why are we as Christians being told it is ok to vote when the bible tell us not to?

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

actually, as catholics we are called to be involved in all politics that especially relate to morality. Immigration policies, health care, taxes, welfare, all of it relates to morality. We need to be out there in our communities standing up for what is right. We MUST oppose bills that support abortion, harm people based on race, destroy human life, or will oppress someone.

The church doesn’t get involved in one political party or another because there are errors on both sides. The church really is its own entity totally set apart from the two party system. As for me personally, I will never ever EVER vote for a prochoice candidate. Once we cross that hurdle, I’ll re evaluate candidates on a case-by-case basis.

 

[ChristineJD]

Thanks for posting on an interesting topic. Catholics have a moral responsibility to vote and make their voices heard. In light of the large numbers of Catholics, my priest pointed out how different our world would be if Catholics were more active politically. You have to take a stand regarding all sorts of moral issues, particularly the preferential option for the poor.

 

[surritter]

Jesus most certainly called us to “do unto others.” Our great mission to convert the world and bring peace and justice is very well suited to our right to vote! Perhaps you don’t see that when you read the Bible because today our political system is more democratic. Yes, please vote! (And vote with your Catholic principles, of course.)

 

[raqrodriguez]

But the bible tells us not to get involved in politics. We are taught that this world will pass and one day it will be restored by God, that all injustice He will take care of. Why would we risk getting involved in politics and voting and voting the wrong way. Aren’t we then held accountable in the eyes of God for choosing someone to represent us if they fail on moral issues. We know politicians will say anything to obtain our vote. We know that all to well. Would it not just be safer for our souls to stay away from it all together?

 

[diggerdomer]

I am a cradle Catholic and I wanted to know what the Church’s stand is on voting and staying out of politics/goverment issues. Last year i clearly remember the priest telling us at mass that the church does not tell people how to vote but that if we do that it should be for someone who stands for our moral beliefs.

I have been studying the bible and have come across many scriptures regarding staying out of politics. The bible warns us that God does not want us to get involved in those matters and I feel that the priest at my church should have told us to not vote, to stay out of politics. I want to know why that wasn’t the message that day. Was it an error on his part or does the church not teach to stay away from those issues?

Also I listen to Immaculate Heart radio where again the message was to vote for the person who stands for moral issues and not to stay away from politics. Why are we as Christians being told it is ok to vote when the bible tell us not to?

faithfulcitizenship.org/

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

But the bible tells us not to get involved in politics. We are taught that this world will pass and one day it will be restored by God, that all injustice He will take care of. Why would we risk getting involved in politics and voting and voting the wrong way. Aren’t we then held accountable in the eyes of God for choosing someone to represent us if they fail on moral issues. We know politicians will say anything to obtain our vote. We know that all to well. Would it not just be safer for our souls to stay away from it all together?

No. Because through our inaction we are allowing great harm to be done to others. This is the sin of omission.

 

[raqrodriguez]

I think that is the answer i was looking for. I wanted to know if just standing by and allowing it to happen was just as bad if not worse. Very good point. Thank you.