Time for public testimony.

THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE (JOHN 8:23)

In this edition of Catholic Insight we are carrying forward a discussion begun in February under the title "Elections." It is a pedestrian title, and so might mislead some readers into thinking that this is of little interest to them. Elections come and go and half the time one does not even have an acceptable politician to vote for despite the fact that three, or four, or more political parties run candidates. Moreover, when all is said and done, everything seems to go on as before. As for Catholics and Christianity, in Canada the political-legislative scenarios seem to be getting worse. So what's the point!

My answer: that last observation is the point. That is the reason for discussing "elections." And it is not just because of wanting to know why the Christian position in society seems to be eroding, though to understand that is the beginning of wisdom. It is even more a question of what we intend to do about it, remembering the Christian obligation to 'renew' society.

So the scope of our series on "Elections" is at once very specific and very broad. It is specific because we have to focus first on political parties, leaders, policies, and candidates who stand for office, their voting records, their backgrounds. Also, we try to analyze the media which influences politics through the opinions and biases of editors, reporters and columnists.

On the other hand, the inquiry's scope broadens when theological-philosophical aspects of Christianity require examination. For the Christian the material and the spiritual are inseparable. Each has its own proper purpose and field of action; yet, they do not stand apart: "Love the Lord your God with all your strength, all your minds, and all your soul; and your neighbour as yourself." We cannot love God in eternity unless we love our neighbour in the here and now. Therefore, the life of society expressed in the world of politics is also our 'business.' Judging from letters in the daily press, and even in Catholic weeklies, this understanding is not to be taken for granted. Astounding as it may be, there are Catholics who believe that faith--they use the term Church-should have nothing to do with politics!

One urgent task is to develop a new determination to resist de-Christianization. Today we have either lost the tools previous generations had so carefully fostered (Catholic universities, colleges, schools, hospitals, religious congregations of men and women), or they have been diluted to the point of ineffectiveness. The collapse of the Catholic culture in Quebec after 1960 stands out as the most prominent example of this loss of nerve and faith in our community, an example which is notable even within the Church worldwide.

The December 2006 editorial ("Spiritual energy and Christian roots"), emphasized that the most important aspect of a recovery depends on a re-awakening of faith and knowledge in Christ, the world's only Redeemer and Saviour. That should be the starting point. But such a development cannot take place in a vacuum. Spiritual growth goes hand in hand with active involvement in the world.

When Catholics state--as we do--that Sunday is the Lord's day, we should oppose shopping on Sunday not nada headed? only in theory but personally refrain from doing it. When Catholics oppose the homosexual lifestyle and same-sex marriage--as we do--we should begin by stopping homosexualist teachers in Catholic schools from propagating this lifestyle. Unless we act, we are like the hypocrites denounced by Jesus in the Scriptures.

Society has changed much during the last 40 years. Affluence has produced a culture of frivolity, pleasure, and entertainment with loose morals. It seems all powerful. New ways have to be found to build up the moral resistance of individual Christians.

We invite readers to participate. A 'think-through' of this kind needs many insights, observations, and ideas. Contributions should be concise, stay within the borders of the project, and should be marked "Elections."

FATHER

ALPHONSE DE VALK, C.S.B.

EDITOR