Politics can be antagonizing. Presidential election seasons are even worse. Should Catholics wade into the fray? Should they withdraw from the public square?
Sometimes we Catholics think about the political demands the truth of our faith makes on us on a case by case basis. For example, if a politician supports abortion in theory but is not promoting it, yet is also very influential and properly nuanced in shaping immigration law, can I vote for her?
Before we ask questions about particular issues debated in the political arena, however, we need to understand the more general, guiding principles of how the Church relates to the State and from where each receives its authority.
As contemplators of divine truth, we Dominicans love principles. The student brothers have been contemplating these matters in light of the Catholic tradition, and we are eager to share with you the fruits of our contemplation.
This year’s issue of Dominicana, our annual journal, explores the relationship between Church and State, and also offers some perspective on the complexity of a Catholic entering into politics. We bring this issue to you in early December—after the election. No matter the outcome, certain principles remain true, and it is these truths we wish to share. With essays, interviews, translations, and book reviews, we pray this issue will shed needed light on how we as Catholics can fruitfully participate in the political life of our nation.
For instance, Br. Charles writes “What Hath Jerusalem to Do with Athens?” on the metaphysical foundation of the ordering between Church and State. Br. Pachomius discusses obedience in “What Makes for Peace?: On Freedom and Civil Obedience.” In “When Saints Disagree: St. Catherine and St. Vincent on the Western Schism,” Br. Raymond identifies the importance of sacrifice and prayer as remedies for political disagreement—a particularly Catholic approach to politics. Br. Basil applies the spiritual lessons of the Fathers of the Church to our modern age in “On Interiority for Political Spectators.”
We hope that you will consider subscribing to the print journal for only $10, or ordering it for a friend. A subscription comes with access to our full online archive for one year. Please know that all proceeds support our formation as Dominicans.
As the presidential election nears, we encourage you to consider prayerfully your duty with respect to our nation. The USCCB’s document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, may be helpful. On the other side of the election, we hope that this issue of Dominicana will help you take stock of where we stand as Catholics.
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Photo by Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P. (used with permission)
