Driving around the Washington, DC Metro area, it is not uncommon to see a bumper sticker that reads in large letters, “God is not a Republican”. The subtext of the bumper sticker, in much smaller letters, reads, “Or a Democrat”. While many an American may be rightfully annoyed by what is implied through the bumper sticker’s message, particularly through the creator’s choice of font sizes, one must also painfully admit that perhaps those who gripe have a point. No, God is not a part of the American party system; however, many American Catholics often apply their faith based on where their political party lies.
Having grown up in the Midwest in a diocese that is not particularly known for its orthodoxy, I did not know to even think twice about the fact that my home parish didn’t have kneelers, yoga was taught as a part of my Catholic high school religion class, or that the teens circled the altar during the youth Mass. After moving to a diocese that is very much known for its orthodoxy, I was shocked to witness what many labeled the “liberal” church. When I had no other choice but to attend said liberal church (they have very convenient Mass times), I half expected the priest to show up in drag or attempt to consecrate chocolate chip cookies, or to demonstrate some other liturgical horror story I had heard about during my years as a theology major. Sure, the music for the Mass had guitars. This did not bother me, as I am a product of Franciscan University, which is often known for its charismatic flare. The priest was a little more casual than I had been used to, as he preached from within the congregation rather than from the ambo. Could that be the liberalness critics were referring to? I wasn’t sure. In fact, I am still a little unclear as to what exactly the critics were referring to, aside perhaps from the fact that this church has a heavy focus on social justice.
Saint Francis, whose feast day we celebrate October 4, is often misquoted as saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words when necessary.” Even though he did not technically speak these words, social justice does still have a place within the Catholic Church, and Francis probably valued it. Saint Francis did say, “It is in giving that we receive” in his famous prayer. Furthermore, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The equal dignity of human persons requires the effort to reduce excessive social and economic inequalities. It gives urgency to the elimination of sinful inequalities.” While eliminating abortion and spreading the message of its evil, as well as protecting the sanctity of marriage are imperative missions of the Church, it is also important to remember that some of the more so-called liberal-minded works have virtue and should be given attention as well.
A 2013 Pew Research Study said that roughly 50% of White Catholics identify as Republican, 41% as Democrat, and that 9% did not respond. Hispanic Catholics, on the other hand, leaned strongly to the Left at 63% Democrat and 50% of American Catholics overall said they voted for Obama in 2012 (down from 54% in 2008). However, the research results also published that only 41% of those who responded to the survey questions attend Mass on a weekly basis.
While many would argue that those who do not take their Catholic morals with them to the voting poll cannot truly call themselves Catholic, we must also remember that there is still a place for the misguided and poorly catechized within the Church. They need to be taught, and the best way to teach them is not through arguing and accusing, but through charity, meeting people where they are, and maybe even being open to learning something from them. Is respect for life and the sanctity of marriage crucial in the life of a Catholic? Absolutely, but so is respect for those who are currently living and breathing on earth. Believe it or not, even the Pro-Choice soup kitchen advocates often have something to offer.
I recall a time in which I visited a young Catholic professionals’ discussion group. The topic of the discussion was supposed to be Christian service during Lent, but within five minutes it morphed in to whether or not to give panhandlers money and how frustrating it is when they don’t say thank you. I left disgusted, that this is what our polarizing nature had become. Extreme right-wing politics had trickled in to the Catholic sector in the name of faith. A famous story of Saint Francis tells of when he stripped naked in the town square, much to his father’s horror, giving up all of his material goods to better serve the poor. Few would advocate such drastic measures today, but we need to reclaim a love for the poor among the conservative Catholics in our country.
People in the Pro-Life Movement often get upset when churches focus on soup kitchens and clothing drives rather than praying outside abortion clinics. What those in the Pro-Life Movement need to remember is that both are necessary, and, in turn, that those who focus solely on soup kitchens and clothing drives need to take time to spread the Pro-Life (specifically the anti-abortion message) as well. I remember in 10th grade going with my yoga-instructing high school religion teacher to protest a state execution, and was shocked at how few people attended with us, when hundreds would board busses to attend the March for Life. Yes, we are Pro Life, of course, but why do party lines have to dictate what we focus on within the Church? Can we be Republican Catholics who serve at soup kitchens, fight against the death penalty and see the merit in doing so?
God is not a Republican or a Democrat… I would also venture to guess that He’s not a Libertarian or Green either. The danger of adhering to party lines within the Church is obvious, and many important missions have fallen and will continue to fall by the wayside. As Saint Francis reminds us, it is in giving that we receive. We need to focus on unity, meet people where they are and learn from those we disagree with. We have a beautiful faith with many facets. May we not forget to acknowledge all aspects of the Beauty we have been given.
Brittany Higdon is a native of Ohio and has been residing in the Washington, DC area for the past six years. She holds a B.A. from Franciscan University of Steubenville and an M.Ed from the University of Virginia. She is a Reading Specialist and is passionate about Catholic education. When she is not teaching or writing, she is exploring the Smithsonian Museums, traveling, and playing with her ferocious Dachshund/Yorkie cross named Cannoli.
