Catholic Tools

Before the band wagon police cry “Separation of Church and State,” read a little further.

As a Catholic who is most likely involved in Catholic Parish Ministry or Evangelization (Trick question we are all called to evangelize) it is important to stay informed about current political activities.

School Vouchers, Abortion, Same Sex Unions, Health Care…these are just a small list of topics that greatly effect Catholic Parishes.

Where do we start?

Start with Thomas…That’s Saint Thomas.

Google Books has an online copy of The Summa.  Very difficult, but search for “Natural Law.”

Kinds of Law (Discussed by St. Thomas in the Summa Theologica): (Also just a primer here)

St. Thomas’s definition of law - an ordinance of reason for the common good promulgated by him who has care of the community

Eternal law -God’s rational plan (Providence) for the good of men and the world and eternal, because it is as an exemplar found in God (not subject to time) promulgated in the person of the Logos, or Word of God (Jesus) Eternal law is the basis for any other true law not directly known by men; it is known by its effects (natural law)

Natural law – participates in the eternal law; an imprint of the eternal law in human nature; it is unchanging in all times and places (yet discovered over time); relates to habit; the virtues are habits of living naturally and rationally

Human law- temporal or civil laws, which are added onto the natural law by men.  The state is natural and good; its laws provide restraint and teach virtue.  Human (civil) law must reflect the natural law

Divine law- positive laws of revelation (OT and NT) that God adds to the natural law.  Divine law (and not just natural law) is needed to direct man to his highest end, which is not a natural, but a supernatural end.  The divine law also makes natural law known more clearly.  The divine law addresses interior states concerning which the human law can neither legislate nor punish.

Did you understand all of it?  Natural Law is the big one.

Why is Natural Law so popular within Catholic circles?

Compared to other ethical systems, the natural law is the only holistic basis for making ethical decisions, because it considers the totality of human nature, focusing on reason, but also including a role for the will, the emotions, pleasure, society, etc.

Interesting Conservative Blogs/Videos/Pope Worth Looking At

Signs of Contradiction

Run by a sophomore at James Madison University, this conservative college blog highlights college students and their conservative remarks.  Some of the authors lack experience, but the main author and editor is fantastic.

Guarrentte this will be a big hit in 2010

Campaign for Liberty

The Vatican

I just stumbled upon this one, but was very impressed with their content and information.  Very serious, not entirly sure about them.
However, they produce some awesome material that would be worthy of duplication.  I especially like their “Talking Points.“  Their Talking Points are fast, and easy to remember.

Real Catholic TV

They have been featured before on CatholicTools, but they deserve another shot out.  They are growing ever more popular each day and will dominate the Catholic/Political news arena by the end of the year.  They are Glenn Beck Polished.

The Right Scoop

Another Youtube Video Blog, but this is where news is going.  They have Glenn Beck Content, but really, I would be at a loss not to mention him because his popularity is so high.  He ratings are through the roof.  Content is good, but his delivery is AWESOME.  Take some tips.

The Laura Ingraham Blog

Catholic, easy to listen to, interesting and on the mark.  She host a Radio Show, Podcast, and Blog.  If you are looking into getting into Catholic Blogging or Media…Follow her model.  And she supports Little Sisters of the Poor.

The Heritage Foundation

This is where all the young people are going to get internship and learn about leadership.

ISI

They produce some of the best philosophical books and articles for those interested in natural law.

Lastly Pope Benedict XVI Caritas in Veritate

It is hard to read off the Vatican website, so just save it as a PDF and read it on your computer.  Yes, its long.  Save it for a really rainy day.

Where do I go to School for Political Science?

Check out Christendom College.  They offer an incredible Political Science Program.  Yes, I know I usually support Franciscan University, but wait until you see what Christendom has to offer.

Popularity: 5% [?]