Posts tagged politics
An Educated Catholic in Politics
Feb 25th
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: 2% [?]
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Loading ...How to talk about Health Care in the Catholic Church
Dec 18th
CatholicVoteAction.org has just released another incredible video highlighting the dangers of the current Health Care Reform bill. This short Catholic grassroots film is perfect to be used in a youth group, young adult meeting, sent in an email to the parish, or written about in the Sunday bulletin.
The latest commercial targets Senator Casey and his promotion using Pennsylvania tax dollars to fund abortion.
On December 15, 2009 the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops realeased a document regarding abortion and health care reform. Below is a small excerpt followed by the entire article.
Don’t permit federal funds for elective abortion coverage for first time in decades
Let legal immigrants access health benefits for which they pay taxes
Three issues for bishops: respect life and conscience; affordability; fair access for immigrants
http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2009/09-260.shtml
Take Action
The following link allows one to take action and contact their Senator in opposition to providing funding for abortion in the health care reform. It would be beneficial to include this link in your parish website, bulletin, or school announcements.
http://actions.nchla.org/Core.aspx?AID=970&APP=GAC&IssueID=19513&SiteID=-1
Additional Videos from United States Catholic Conference of Abortion
Popularity: 1% [?]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Pro-life Videos for Youth and Young Adults
Dec 16th
There are a myriad of resources to educate youth and young adults on the pro-life topics; however, some are better than others. While at Franciscan University, I saw a number of young people take part in grass root movements using media to spread the Gospel of Life…ie. The Culture of Life that John Paul II proclaimed.
Our young people in the Catholic Church are accomstumed to audio/video education. Here are some professional examples from CatholicVote.org on proclaiming the Culture of Life.
I have put their work up before and will continue because I am so impressed with what they produce.
Open a youth night with these videos or begin a young adult meetings to help facilitate discussion.
Abortion is sadly the most common surgical procedure in America today. For CatholicVote.org and tens of millions of Americans, the right to life is the greatest civil rights issue of our day. Pope John Paul the Great put it succinctly when he said: “the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights — for example, the right to health, to home, to work, to family, to culture — is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition of all other personal rights, is not defended with maximum determination.”
Popularity: 2% [?]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Catholic Vote Action – Young Adult Ministry
Dec 16th
Grassroots initiatives are often highly successful, cost little, and make a huge impact. CatholicVoteAction.org has launched an impressive campaign against the dangers of the current Health Care Reform. Using logic, ‘humor,’ and facts they mount a convincing argument using modern day media…ie. youtube
As our name suggests, CatholicVoteAction.org is proudly Roman Catholic, but we also are proud to count thousands of members of other faith traditions, and even a few agnostics and atheists as fellow members. What we believe is not exclusive to any religious faith. America´s founding principles that uphold the dignity of life, the centrality of the family, and the importance of religion and morality are not Catholic things – they belong to anyone who is human because they are true! These are the truths that bind all Americans beginning with our Declaration of Independence.
This video would make for a great opener at a young adult event. This ‘hot’ topic demands education for our young catholic executives and families. In addition the topic will intrigue people to come. Just make sure you have a qualified speaker to lead discussion.
Popularity: 1% [?]
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