Christian Love in Politics

In response to the discussion about Mark's proposed “Seamless Garment Party,” I wanted to expand on Michael Scaperlanda’s point and Michael Perry’s doubts – I too wonder if the real challenge is not so much to come up with the perfect political platform – but rather with a process for 1) appreciating and encouraging the ways in which current platforms contribute to the common good – and 2) critiquing and challenging current platforms for the ways in which they do not…

It seems like political variety is built into the very dynamic of Catholic Social Thought – for example, some will be drawn to emphasize subsidiarity over solidarity; and others the reverse – but this is not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, perhaps it is in this very dynamic of exchange, of the capacity to listen to the other, and to appreciate how a diversity of viewpoints can enrich political discourse and problem-solving – that we can find the deepest hope for the renewal of political life.

Following up on thoughts about the Christian Democrats and other European models – it’s interesting to note that some of the very latest discussion in Europe is focused not on beefing up the Christian identity of one particular party, but rather on how a Christian spirit of love can increase understanding and animate collaboration for the common good between politicians and citizens of different political parties.

For example, this past May several of the Catholic Ecclesial Movements gathered in Stuttgart, Germany with their ecumenical counterparts to showcase a “Europe of the Spirit.” In the address, “A United Europe for a United World,” Focolare founder Chiara Lubich described the modus operandi for politicians animated by a spirit of Christian love:

“The choice to become politically active is an act of love by which [politicians] respond to a personal calling, or they provide an answer to a social need, to a problem in their city, to the sufferings of the people, to the needs of their times. Believers discern that it is God Himself who calls them; those with non-religious convictions respond to a human need that awakens their conscience: in both cases, they are motivated by love. They become aware of the fact the root of politics is service, love; this leads to understanding that political opponents too might have made their choices out of love. Consequently, they must respect them – indeed, the politicians of unity are also interested in bringing their adversaries’ good projects to fruition. In fact, if such projects answer an authentic need, they are an integral part of that common good which can only be built together. Furthermore, these politicians are not satisfied with loving on their own; they seek to lead others to love, allies or adversaries, because politics is relationship; it is shared projects.”

Her next point emphasizes Vince’s point about the international dimensions built into Church teaching and perspectives:

“A further expression of fraternity in politics is to love the country of others as we love our own. In fact, humanity’s greatest dignity would be to no longer feel that it is a collection of peoples living side by side and frequently in conflict with one another, but rather, through mutual love, it is a single people enriched by one another’s diversity in unity, safeguarding each one’s identity.”

This – I think – sets out the real challenge for the renewal of political life. (I touch on this a bit in my Spirituality of Communion piece as well).

Amy