1. Faithful Citizenship
Choices in a
Presented by
Rev. James T. Bretzke, S.J.

2. A Political First Question
The Christian moral tradition has consistently held that human law should seek as far as possible to make illegal everything which is also immoral.
TRUE or FALSE??

3. Is EVERY Moral Decision ALWAYS a Case of Clear-Cut Black and White?

4. A World without Evil? Yes, in Utopia (Greek for “no place”)
Everywhere else, this side of God’s Kingdom, we must live with evil
In moral theology the recognition of this finitude is enshrined in four basic principles: Tolerance, Compromise, Lesser Evil, & Double Effect
Each of which, when applied by reason, were seen as “good” and “right” and “moral”

5. Moral Duty of Civic Participation
The citizen’s “obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith
[which] lets us see our human dignity in full clarity and compels us to love our neighbors as [God] has loved us.” US Bishops Faithful Citizenship

7. Aquinas on Human Law & Morality
The purpose of human law is not to prevent all vice, and it should lead people to virtue, but gradually
Law does not prescribe every act of virtue, nor should every aspect of moral life be made the object of a law
Human laws can & should change according to need
Laws that are unlikely to be observed should not be promulgated since this may compromise legitimate authority
“In human government, those who rule properly should tolerate certain evils lest other good things are lost and even worse evils come about."

8. Compromise & Tolerance
Recognize our “limitedness” in many real-life situations
Does not mean “giving up” on our moral values and ideals
Nor does it mean “aiding” or “promoting” evil
Maximize the good, and/or minimize evil (which might be otherwise greater)
Principles founded in practical reason: combination of prudence and charity

9. Common Good & Politics Hierarchy of Values & Truths
Not “majority rule” nor “greatest good for the greatest number”
Affirm the Human Dignity of all persons
Stewardship of the earth’s resources
Special attention to society’s most vulnerable (the “widow, orphan & alien in the Hebrew Scriptures)

10. Pope Francis on Politicians
Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good.
I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!
It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and healthcare (Evangelii Gaudium #25)

11. Character Should Count!
A well-formed conscience which helps to inform the electorate “recognizes that all issues do not carry the same moral weight and
[electoral] decisions should take into account a candidate’s commitments, character, integrity, and ability to influence a given issue. US Bishops Faithful Citizenship #37

12. A Difficult Time Indeed!?

13. Moving To a Practical Decision
Making a Prudent Political Choice In A Morally Complex World
Can a Good and Faithful Individual Vote for a Democrat? A Republican? Affordable Health Care? Contraception Insurance Coverage? Stem-Cell Research? Marriage Equality? Domestic Partners Benefits? Immigration Amnesty, Gun-Control Background Checks? Capital Punishment, Assisted Suicide, Progressive Taxation?

14. Compromise or Cooperation with Evil?
Virtue of Prudence
“In human government, those who rule properly should tolerate certain evils lest other good things are lost and even worse evils come about." (ST II-II, q. 10, art. 11)
Prioritizing Social Teachings Based on the Common Good:
Right to life and dignity of the human person
Call to Family, community, and participation
Rights and responsibilities
Option for the poor and vulnerable
Dignity of work and rights of workers
Solidarity
Caring for God’s creation
Slide taken from Thomas Simisky’s Power Point on Catholic Politics done for TM726 Spring 2011

15. Issues Angle Application Angle Judgment Angle Assumptions Features
Principles
Strategies
Truth Claims
Goals
Application Angle
Judgment Angle

16. A Final Word…Finally
"In faith, unity; in doubt, liberty; in all things, charity.“
In fide, unitas: in dubiis, libertas; in omnibus, caritas
Attributed to St. Augustine (died 430),
this is an important principle of ethical discernment:
unity in faith is important, but in cases of doubt a plurality of opinions and practices should be allowed, and the over-riding principle must always be charity towards each other.

17. For Further Reading
Bretzke, A Morally Complex World: Engaging Contemporary Moral Theology
Bretzke, Handbook of Roman Catholic Moral Terms
Cafardi, ed. Voting and Holiness: Catholic Perspectives on Political Participation
Kaveny, A Culture of Engagement: Law, Religion, and Morality