A Consistent Standard

I have tried in recent weeks to stay out of political "discussions" as much as possible on Facebook. Saint Paul tells both Timothy and Titus (and thereby us) to "… avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9) In the current polarized political environment unless you want to only discuss with people who are going to agree with you then it will quickly devolve into exactly that description. I've described those at both ends of the spectrum as "political cultists" and, after decades in Apologetics dealing with religious cults, I find that they share many of the same attributes except for one thing. After some time of dealing from Scripture and Sacred Tradition with a religious cultist they may be convinced enough of the Truth and be converted. Such is not the case with political cultists. No amount of facts and reasoning make even a slight inroad.

One comment that I read recently did point out a flaw in the approach that many Catholics are taking in applying the standard set by the Canon Law of the Church. The commenter stated that because there is no will among those in Congress to do anything about abortion that those who choose to hold the Presidential candidates to that standard are "being played" by the candidate who does hold it. This is similar to a comment that I personally made in 2016 based on decades of pandering by politicians playing the religious for suckers. That, however, turned out to not be the case since the current occupant of the Oval Office has been the best friend that the Pro-Life supporters have ever had there. In one way the commenter is right, but not because applying the standard to the Presidential field is incorrect.

The problem is an inconsistency in applying the standard. I bring this same point up when talking with people about third party candidates. Yes, there is a need for a third party, but that choice must be a viable one. Parties are not built every 4 years but from the school board up year in and year out. The same is true with applying the Church's standard on abortion and supporting those who enable it. Unless we are willing to consistently hold candidates at all levels to it then we really are "being played". Our Senators and Congressmen must be held to the same standard and must hear our voice clearly and consistently if we ever hope to create the will in Washington to change things.