Why and How are Catholics Called to Political Action
Whenever a major change has to be introduced to a society, an intervention from the government is mandatory. Without political involvement, social issues remain unresolved and it is not possible to have a just society. Commitment to politics is one aspect of being a Christian especially when somebody wants to play their full role as a citizen of a country. Because of this reason, Christians have always been actively involved in politics guided by their faith and conscience. The Church encourages people to participate in various political movements to bring about a positive change in the society; one that advocates social justice.
What is Political Catholicism
Political Catholicism is defined as a movement or practice that serves to promote the ideas and principles described in the Catholic social teaching of the Church. These practices exist in public life but they have to be introduced through some sort of government action. Political Catholicism started in the 19th century to eradicate secular social concepts. Ever since then, a good number of Catholic movements have been seen in various cultures and nations including many European countries. The Church has not fully accepted the doctrine of the modern democracy and it stands against its penetration into the social and economic circles.
The Participation of Catholics in Political Life
In some cultures, political activity starts working against moral principles that are not part of the Church’s social teaching. In such a situation the participation of the Catholics in political life becomes more important and burdened with extra responsibilities. That is why when laws related to abortion and other such matters are put forward by a government, it becomes the duty of every Christian to oppose those laws and stand against them. Christians can defend and promote moral truths concerning the society in which they live, which may include justice, freedom, and respect for human life regardless of a person’s colour, creed, language, and gender.
Catholic Church Political Views
Even though Christians are actively involved in politics all over the world and they consider it as a religious duty, the Catholic Church does not belong to any specific political party. The Church is with any political party that speaks the truth and has the courage to stand up for the rights of all human beings because everybody is created equal and has equal rights to use the resources of the society in which they live. Christian doctrine tells its followers to strengthen their relationships in marriage and family, demote violence, and be merciful to servants and those who are the subordinates.
Catholic Church and Politics
The Church does not want to take over politics due to its intervention for bringing about reforms in a society. The involvement in politics is seen at an individual level by a common person who recognises his duties and strives to bring moral coherence in each and every matter of his life.
How have Catholics Contributed to Social and Political Justice
Catholic social teaching contains guidelines for connecting to the poorest and most disadvantaged of human beings in a society in order to provide them with their basis rights. There are seven pillars of this doctrine, and they all focus on the life and dignity of a person. Each and every Christian should start practicing these principles to bring social justice on an individual level. The Church does not work to promote social justice, but it teaches its followers to understand the concept of divine justice and apply it in their lives. There are times when the involvement of the Church in politics becomes inevitable because inequality takes over social justice in a society and deprives the people of their basic rights.