Catholicism and Political Obligation
Pope John Paul II's recent passing presents a unique opportunity to re-evaluate the political role of the Catholic church.
Catholicism is in decline in Europe and North America, yet it is expanding in the developing world, most notably in Africa and South America. This puts the Vatican in a unique position not only to strengthen its position spiritually, but to influence the expansion of human rights where they are most lacking.
As Karol Wojtyla helped bring down the oppressive Communist regime in Poland, the new pope can help save millions of lives from AIDS and other diseases, ensure proper living conditions and help alleviate poverty. Instead of shortsightedly preaching a doctrine of blind faith, the Catholic church can preach a doctrine of exercising the rights that God gave to the Catholic people: that the earth be enjoyed in its natural splendour, as God intended; that people have fair accesses to the world's resources, which cannot be owned by companies, but are owned by God; to make use of scientific advances, such as contraception, so that rather than dying from AIDS, they can live and raise healthy families when they have the strength and ability to do so; to respect the differences we see in the world today, different races, genders and sexual orientations, as these are the differences divinely created but heretically disrespected; and to insist on a proper education for all, particularly the disenfranchised in the developing world, so that they may support and defend themselves against those who would exploit them and their resources.
The Vatican purports to guide their flock. Well, I say let them truly do so. Their guidance should not only be spiritual. It should not only serve the static-nature of the catechism, it should enhance the dynamic nature of the world. That world is social, political, cultural and economic. If religion and spirituality are to guide us in the whole of our lives, it must fundamentally address these issues.
If the Catholic church truly is concerned for the state of their followers, or of humanity in general, it must demonstrate a lack of self-interest. It must refrain from displays authoritarian stodginess and move towards a greater inclusivity. That it, the Vatican must work not for the preservation of themselves, but for the preservation of all of God's children.
Catholicism is in decline in Europe and North America, yet it is expanding in the developing world, most notably in Africa and South America. This puts the Vatican in a unique position not only to strengthen its position spiritually, but to influence the expansion of human rights where they are most lacking.
As Karol Wojtyla helped bring down the oppressive Communist regime in Poland, the new pope can help save millions of lives from AIDS and other diseases, ensure proper living conditions and help alleviate poverty. Instead of shortsightedly preaching a doctrine of blind faith, the Catholic church can preach a doctrine of exercising the rights that God gave to the Catholic people: that the earth be enjoyed in its natural splendour, as God intended; that people have fair accesses to the world's resources, which cannot be owned by companies, but are owned by God; to make use of scientific advances, such as contraception, so that rather than dying from AIDS, they can live and raise healthy families when they have the strength and ability to do so; to respect the differences we see in the world today, different races, genders and sexual orientations, as these are the differences divinely created but heretically disrespected; and to insist on a proper education for all, particularly the disenfranchised in the developing world, so that they may support and defend themselves against those who would exploit them and their resources.
The Vatican purports to guide their flock. Well, I say let them truly do so. Their guidance should not only be spiritual. It should not only serve the static-nature of the catechism, it should enhance the dynamic nature of the world. That world is social, political, cultural and economic. If religion and spirituality are to guide us in the whole of our lives, it must fundamentally address these issues.
If the Catholic church truly is concerned for the state of their followers, or of humanity in general, it must demonstrate a lack of self-interest. It must refrain from displays authoritarian stodginess and move towards a greater inclusivity. That it, the Vatican must work not for the preservation of themselves, but for the preservation of all of God's children.
posted by Laurelle St. Laurent at 9:43 a.m.
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