In most western countries each one of us, by the Grace of God, and by virtue of sacrifices made by those before us have the right to have a say in who governs us and under what priciples. To this end, we each have ONE vote entrusted to our stewardship, as part of our means of participating in the process that has thus far allowed us to resolve our issues by ballots instead of bullets. It is a very serious responsibility, as how we use our vote (or not usen it) sets the course for the future. The worldview of those elected to serve in high office is what will guide them in their decisions that have ramifications that can, and often do resonate through decades and even centuries to come. Christians need to detach from the media news and (mostly) opinion cycle of the secular media and social media which calls us to rally around one party or another, and cheer them on as if it was a basketball game. It is anything but. If we havent reached the conclusion that elections have consequences it's time we did, and time to get serious about the power of that one vote entrusted to us.
Street Called Straight is a Christian Conservative publication and we make no bones about that, so obviously we want to see the right kinds of people elected to office who will stop and even reverse the years of Progressive secularism which have shredded the social fabric of our countries.Financial issues are secondary to social issues, as a change in policy can correct and repair most of that, but when the social fabric of the country, the tried and true principle sthat have enabled us to live in peace and settle our differences peacefully are destroyed, it is difficult to recover from, if not impossible.
There are 65 Million people in the United States who idenitfy as Roman Catholic, and a similar number who identify as Christian in one form or another. That is over half the population of the USA. If most or all of them voted according to a well formed Christian worldview, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we would be in a radically different place. But like the proverbial frog placed in a pot where the temperature of the water is gradually raised to boiling, like the frog, many Christians have not noticed that they are being slow-boiled in the cauldron of secular progressivism. , Now is as good a time as any to put out a voter's guide which will help Christians, especially Catholics, make a sound choice on election day. For Non-Catholic Christians these guidelines are in line with Christian teaching, and it is strongly suggested they be followed, but for Catholics, observing the Five Non Negotiables featured in the voters guide is NOT optional. In fact, any Catholic who knowingly votes for a Candidate or party that is on the wrong side of any of these issues, is guilty of aiding and abetting intrinsically evil policies.
Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics was published by Catholic Answers based on The teachings of the Church and papal documents from Pope John Paul II
Without even reading the document, It is fair to say that NO Christian who takes the teachings of Christ seriously may vote for any candidate of any party that does not permit the excercise of conscience to vote freely on such issues of consequence. In Canada , most parties will not even permit a candidate to run who does not agree to espouse and vote consistently the secular progressive line on social issues. such as support for abortion "rights" , euthanasia and same sex "marriage" and other intrinsic evils.
As voters, it is incumbent on each of us to study the Five Non Negotiables) and learn what cannot be supported, and just as importantly why, so that we can credibly engage with others to guide them in proper stewardship of the vote. We cannot wait until election day approaces either, we must familairize orselves with what consitutes a well forrmed Christian worldview, and get involved with the political process at all levels where we may exercise our franchise.
This means doing research on candidates prior to primaries or nomination meetings and persuading as many as possible to join us in supporting the one who best represents the Christian worldview. It means discerning whether we , ourselves should seek elected office and whether we would properly represent that worldview. It means participating in and applying the same principles to all levels of elected office, from school boards, hospital boards and other local offices, in addiction to the big offices that command all the media attention.
By following these principles consistently at every level we can elect people who can stand in the gap, and do what they can on a civic level to reverse the cultural decline and societal schism we see all around us. Politics can take us only so far, for this to be fully effective we as individuals need to turn to Jesus Christ as out Lord and Saviour and live by the teachings He left in the deposit of faith of His Church, and to fortify ourselves through the Sacraments He gave us.
It is not either/or. It is a both/and proposition.
No comments:
Post a Comment