The Requirement of Political Involvement in the Christian’s Life

Many Christians shy away from politics, thinking it is unspiritual. But as Fr. Chris Alar reminds us, Jesus Himself was deeply political. He was not crucified because He was silent—He was sentenced to death for challenging the political and religious authorities of His time. His teaching unsettled the Pharisees, His actions disrupted the structures of power, and His witness revealed the dignity of every human person.

The Catechism is clear: “It is part of the Church’s mission to pass moral judgments even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it” (CCC 2246). Far from being optional, political involvement is a moral duty for Catholics—especially when fundamental truths are at stake.

The early Christians knew this well. The Apostles defied the worship of the state, refusing to bow to Caesar as “lord.” Instead, they proclaimed that only Jesus is Lord—a profoundly political statement. Likewise, Catholics today cannot remain silent when it comes to the protection of life from conception to natural death, the truth of marriage as between one man and one woman, and the defense of religious liberty. These are not “partisan” issues—they are moral truths rooted in natural law and divine revelation.

Fr. Chris urges us to remember: we do not belong to the party of Republicans or Democrats. We belong to the political party of Jesus Christ. That means we are not called to endorse candidates but to stand firmly for truth, shaping society with the light of the Gospel. To be Catholic is to be engaged, praying, voting, and speaking in defense of what is right, no matter the cost.

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