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Commentary

By Liz Quirin

Jesus' Political Affiliation

Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, the clock has almost run out on what seems to be an election season that would not end. Some, who voted early, have finished agonizing over how to cast their vote, not just in the national election but in local races as well. As Catholics, pollsters have tried to pigeonhole our votes and put us in one camp or another. The bishops have repeatedly told us to read “Faithful Citizenship,” a statement crafted to help us form our consciences, which by the way, should have been formed long before we thought about voting for one person or another.

Still, the document, 30 pages not including the end notes, should be kept in sight long after the ballots are counted. The information, like our political responsibility, can’t be tied to a specific, and one-time-only date. The ideas and issues presented in “Faithful Citizenship” must be discussed and acted upon every day of our lives. According to the statement, “As Catholics, we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group.”

Are we Catholics first and Democrats or Republicans second? Try this: Would Jesus be a Democrat or a Republican? Since he was a reformer, he would have to be a Democrat, right? No, he believed in the life and dignity of every person so he would have to be Republican, yes? Not necessarily, if we take into account the social teachings of the church. So Jesus would have to be independent, someone whose moral principles would guide him to “focus on what protects or threatens human life and dignity” in all circumstances. That would mean, then, we should all be standing with Jesus.

Somehow, it’s easier to write about, or perhaps even talk about, belonging to neither party when that affiliation means a great deal to many people. It also tends to box thoughtful people into corners they would rather avoid. No party can hold all the answers to every question about human life and dignity. If that were true, we would all belong to that party, vote a straight “whatever” ticket, and we would have no problems in coming to any decision in any political contest. However, we know that’s not the way it works in this election or in any other one.
The primary point here, is that we must make careful decisions about where we stand before we go to the polls. An uninformed electorate is certainly dangerous not just today or tomorrow but for the foreseeable future. One Catholic voter’s guide suggests the following: “Inform yourself about the church’s teachings. ... Inform yourself about the issues. Seek input from Catholics you respect,” and “pray. Take your concerns, worries and confusion to the Lord and ask for his guidance.” Sounds like good advice.