Whenever a major change has to be introduced to a society, an intervention in terms of policies and regulations from the government is obligatory. Without political participation, social issues such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and racial discrimination remain unsolved, making it hard to have a just society. The Catholic Church’s involvement in politics started as a Church strategy to confront Liberalism and Social and Political issues at the beginning of the 20th century. It later diffused the social teaching of the church through its commitment to social, political, and charitable works all over the world. In the 20th century, the Catholic political movement became very strong in countries like Latin America, Italy, and Spain. The Catholic church believes that commitment to politics is among the fundamental aspects of being a true and devoted Christian, particularly when a Christian wants to play the full role of a citizen.
The Catholic church has always participated in politics to bring about positive societal changes, especially those advocating social justice. For instance, in the 20th century, the church adopted a liberalism political philosophy to address religious and civic liberties issues to bring social justice to all. The Catholic romantics wanted the church to go back or cling to the regime of external prestige and privileges, which would shield against the buffeting of anti-Christian currents of viewpoints (Hastings 34). The Catholic Church was asked to make a real Church’s transformation to seek Christian Unity and in the service of the poor and the youth Soldier Of Christ The King. Besides, it was required to put all church members on the same level breaking the traditional hierarchical model of the Catholic Church. In the end, the church denounced the domination of all conceptual prejudice practiced in Latin America through direct or indirect interventions (Hasting 324). In the recent past, the Catholic Church has participated in various movements, such as the anti-racism movement, to ensure social justice for people of color.
The Catholic Church has acknowledged its role in ensuring a morally upright society. In some societies, political actions begin to work against ethical or moral philosophies that are not contained in the church’s social teachings. It is in such a situation that the involvement of the church in politics becomes significant, burdening it with extra but fundamental responsibilities. For instance, for decades now, the government, especially in the United States, has tried to implement laws that legalize abortion and other similar matters, but since it is the responsibility of the church to ensure a morally upright society, the Catholic Church has persistently opposed those laws and educated the public on the danger of such laws.
Usually, Catholic such participates in politics through church teaching and political movements. In the 19th century, the Catholic Church introduced political Catholicism practices or movements, which have continued to promote the principles and ideas described in its social teaching. These practices are present in public life but must be introduced and promoted through government action. For instance, the church recently participated in an anti-racism movement to condemn racism, which can only be eliminated through government actions by taking action against those who violate anti-discriminatory laws that are already implemented (Kellerman). Also, the church participates in politics through its social teaching that contains guidelines on ensuring a just society by connecting the most disadvantaged and poor to provide them with their basic rights. The Catholic Church’s doctrine focuses on the life and dignity of human beings and guides political activities on how to ensure dignity for humankind.
In conclusion, the Catholic Church is called to act politically to ensure a just and morally upright society. Catholics believe that commitment faith requires its followers to be committed to politics is one aspect of being a devoted and true Christian to condemn social injustice and political actions that could compromise human dignity. Such movements movement, along with social teaching, could result in positive change in society.
Works Cited
Hastings, Adrian. Modern Catholicism: Vatican II and After. spck, 1991.
Kellerman, Chris S. “Catholic 101: Church Teaching and the Anti-Racism Movement.” The Jesuit Post, 30 July 2020, thejesuitpost.org/2020/07/catholic-101-should-a-catholic-be-an-antiracist.
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