"...then the voter sins mortally."
This entry originally appeared in The Black Republican.
The Catholic television network EWTN has a voter guide explaining the "Moral Duties Concerning Voting". It's an impressive statement of principle for pro-life voters, especially in this age when cardinals and candidates alike are telling Catholics they may have "proportionate reasons" to vote for a Democrat. (hat tip: Bettnet.com)
I can't help but wonder if the course of the nation could have changed in the 19th century, if twenty years before Lincoln the churches in America had been told they should vote against slavery with the same principles.
UPDATE: I just found several posts in our archives that I'd forgotten touch on the capital punishment angle. Note how much more hawkish EWTN seems to be on this issue, compared with Lopez and Dulles.
ANOTHER UPDATE: "Pro-choice agnostic" John Rosenberg makes a similar argument as I do regarding preantebellum morality. When people who would otherwise support you start showing the yellow caution flag over your political contortionism, you're in trouble. (Hat tip: Catholic[?] Kerry Watch)
Comments
True enough about slavery.
Too many, I think, are concerned about walking the 'narrow line' between political accomodationism and the minimal requirements of Church law and praxis. When we have an issue which looms as large as abortion does, however, treading narrow lines simply doesn't do justice. This is where the 'prophetic' mission of the Church (and in particular, its shepherds) comes in. The prophets didn't get the job done without turning a few heads.
Love the blog, btw, Chris.
Posted by: jamie | July 13, 2004 11:03 AM
Thanks Jamie, though I've got to do something with this layout. The stock template is driving me to drink.
Posted by: Chris | July 13, 2004 09:39 PM