How Should a Catholic Think About Politics?
Catholics can draw on a rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching which has been clearly developed over the last 100 years or more. It 
sees an essential relationship between ethics and politics, but this is not always recognised these days because of the widely divergent views that people hold about what ethics actually is.
The experience of morality is not a uniquely religious experience, and it is certainly not limited to Catholics. Most people experience the deep down desire to do good and to be good. As St. Paul says: " All have a law in their hearts."
When we do something kind or courageous, there is the effect that this has in the world around us, there is the change that takes place in ourselves, and there is the feeling of goodness that we have. Which, I ask, is the most important?
Ethics can be defined as the "science of morality". It is how we move from the desire to do good, towards the actions that will bring about that goodness. How should I act?
Must I always do what the law says (conformism)? Must I follow my feelings (emotivism)? Must I do whatever will bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people (utilitarianism)?
We all have free will - but freedom is not absolute. It must take into account what we, as persons, are ultimately called to be. In making an ethical decision we must take account of what are the likely consequences and what is it that we intend (conscience). For Catholics, that means that in making ethical judgements, we must allow ourselves to be guided, not only by science and human reason, but also by the Word of God and the teaching of the Church.
Politics is the science of morality for the state, and its purpose is to move us from the desire for a good society, to the kind of actions and decisions that will lead to the common good, which is the good of all and of each individual.
Hence, when voting, I decided to vote for the person(s) who, among other things, were openly pro-life.
I know these things may not resonate with many but Catholicism has been part of the soul of Catholic life in Ireland for nearly two thousand years.
people who are so socially conservative and base that in their "religion" that they would disregard the laws and the rights of the rest of us.
We are NOT a christian country.
Proudly NOT from our very founding.
We are a secular democracy with room for all.
I want people in government who will uphold that tradition.
Therefore, when i vote my conscience I must vote pro-choice.
I must also vote for immigrant rights and LGBT rights and fair labor practices because these are the traditions of my country.
Sadly, the catholic church, while having been in the forefront of labor rights, has not championed individual social rights.
Fortunately, most catholics here ignore the church's positions in those matters.
everyone must vote their own conscience.
we just had lunch with a dear friend whose political opinions are in opposition to ours.
He has the right to vote his way
we have the right to vote ours
if we give him respect we also expect respect
in the modern world no one religion can be the deciding voice in public debate
law must allow for all voices
Edited at 2016-03-02 21:48 (UTC)
Here we have anti- discrimination laws
If you own a business you are a public facility and must serve ALL customers no matter what your private feelings are
Bake for all or don't bake at all!