Catholicism and Politics

[@jackr6896]

Here's a thought- why don't we fund adoption instead of abortion?

[@TheBassetlover]

That sounds great in theory. How many white couples want black babies? How many couples want down syndrome babies? How many couples want babies with birth defects? Most couples i know want healthy white babies. Having less sex would be a better answer, but with the current President being a poor example in that area, what would you suggest?

[@hurin1932]

@@TheBassetlover LOL! Having more children in intact families with no divorce is the answer. Also you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. People adopt babies of all races and down syndrome babies all the time. There's huge waiting lists to adopt. Maybe actually go learn something huh?

[@fragwagon]

@@TheBassetlover every person I know that's adopted a baby has adopted one from a poor country. Perhaps that's anecdotal but it seems to me if you are generous enough to take on a child even if you cannot have one yourself, you're not really looking for a designer babies so to speak. You are looking to love. Yes, I know we hear about these rich parents and so on, but i'm speaking of the normal person that has generously taken a stranger into their home.

[@TheBassetlover]

@@hurin1932 what a stupid comment. You need to do a little research.

[@hurin1932]

@@TheBassetlover the fact that you have no rebuttal to my points demonstrates the failure of your ad hominem attack.

[@Chels924]

My problem with Biden is that he claims to be a “practicing Catholic” but his campaign wants to actively use federal funding for abortion. He’s not even taking a “hands off” approach, he wants to actively increase abortion funding.

[@hurin1932]

Biden supports abortion on demand up until birth. I mean just look at the policy positions on his website.

[@thatguyk.5306]

I used to think that until i discovered that one of the reasons the left doesn't like him much is because he refuses to use federal funding to fund abortion, but he also refuses to defund it. He's washed his hands of the whole thing. He says, i've heard, "I am personally opposed to abortion but i am not one to force my views on society." So take that as you will. :)

[@tomsaltsman]

In America, you can't force a Jew to live by Catholic values. (Jews believe life begins at birth, not conception.) Biden and all Republican legal experts know that. Biden is just more honest. www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2020/09/18/republicans-supreme-court-abortion-overturn-roe-v-wade-pro-life-catholic-trump

[@hurin1932]

@@thatguyk.5306 source?

[@thatguyk.5306]

@@hurin1932 Idk i just heard it from some girl ik who was complaining that he's not really a true leftist or something. I was just putting it out there as a possibility to consider. Ig u can look the quote up if you want :)

[@cdmcintyre1854]

I don’t agree on many points of Catholic Doctrine but on Abortion they are SPOT ON when they say Abortion is Murder!

[@deaconbilcarter5210]

If Democrats really were concerned about gaining the Catholic vote, they would realize that our support for life is not merely a sentimental one. It is at the heart of our identity. No matter what Catholic initiatives are supported by the Left will matter much to voters until they start earnestly supporting life. This is a bigger issue than gay marriage, immigration, LGBT, etc. Supporting the unborn is non-negotiable. It is at the very core of our humanity. Abortion is an intrinsic evil and it must be abolished.

[@deaconbilcarter5210]

@Cuthbert de Jeanville How generous and Christian of you. Thank you for your kind response.

[@aguilacec]

Amen, Deacon. Very well said!

[@deaconbilcarter5210]

@Cuthbert de Jeanville Perhaps I was wrong. You aren't acting much like a Christian at all. Yet you seem obsessed with Christianity. otherwise, why would you be here?

[@deaconbilcarter5210]

@Cuthbert de Jeanville How generous and Christian of you. Thank you for your kind response.

[@Gin0827]

Steven Kerr Please watch Amy Coney Barrett lecture at Jacksonville University. She stated (2016), she did not think Roe v Wade could be overturned. kzbin.info/www/bejne/barNhXiaj51koqs. The media propaganda is doing nothing but trying to keep power hungry career politicians in power so they can keep doing what they do, stealing taxpayer funds that support them and their NWO agenda. I also suggest watching Candace Owens speak before Congress regarding white supremacy and privilege. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpS4gqSGrdxmnsU Truly, an eye opener to the reasons why there are more black babies aborted every year and the problem with government replacing the role of the father in the family. I hope you also know, planned parenthood is selling baby body parts which is why when lawmakers saw the undercover documentary on such, some states are voting on the heartbeat bill. You can watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/laKtg2B_dtl0m5o it is very informative. God Bless us in helping each other through these difficult times.

[@nancymccambridge8327]

The Catholic View on Voting and politics put out by Ascension Press was excellent. It was very clear and to the point. It is a no brainer. The essential issue is whether or not life will be protected or not. If that is not safeguarded then at the end of this era there will be no more civilization. Your message Bishop Barron is confusing and watered down and the issues that you compared the life issues to just do not measure up.

[@CC-td7si]

@@verbalsword673 what action does "the stance" infer? That's where the disagreements lie

[@marypinakat8594]

*The Election Isn't Over Yet* kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqvNe3efm9-Lp9U

[@CC-td7si]

@@marypinakat8594 daily wire is propaganda. Bidens the new president. Pray for your leaders to follow the will of God

[@marypinakat8594]

@@CC-td7si The Dailly Wire hasn't said that Trump is President. Nor do I say. Please view the Video.

[@CC-td7si]

@@marypinakat8594 not sure what the point is. They are just stating a technicality. Doesn't change the outcome

[@DrEmile1]

Regarding the point of leaving it up to the individual conscience at 18:30: "The legal toleration of abortion or of euthanasia can in no way claim to be based on respect for the conscience of others, precisely because society has the right and the duty to protect itself against the abuses which can occur in the name of conscience and under the pretext of freedom." John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae

[@kennybennett9973]

Matthew 25: 31-48. That informs my vote. Maybe you should read it.

[@btrav667]

@@kennybennett9973 Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

[@billwalsh6420]

Amen

[@divemor]

My Pastor's homily yesterday stated that as Catholic's we must support 3 things. 1-----We must respect and protect life from conception to natural death. 2-----We must accept that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. 3-----We must strive for freedom of religion. Though politics was never mentioned I bet that my priest will be attacked for stating these values. In my opinion there's not much room for choice of parties if you follow the 3 rules.

[@billymakesmusic]

I agree whole heartedly with supporting of the 3 issues. Think about what Jesus would do in the voting booth if He were voting? Yes, we must ask ourselves “What would Jesus do” if He were voting?

[@ramongutiwreez670]

@@billymakesmusic Jesus would not vote Republican. thats for sure. Republicns do not defend and protect life from cinceptiob to death. Republicbs are not really pro-life; they are pro-birth, at best.

[@demongeminix]

@@ramongutiwreez670 Jesus wouldn't vote for Joe Biden or today's Democrats either. He and they violate the 3 precepts that divernor's Pastor named in his homily. Father Ed Meeks: Staring into the Abyss homily: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpqUoXt7rdFpi8k

[@panolete]

@@ramongutiwreez670 Between Republicans v/s Democrats the most near to Christianity are Republicans. Don't you know what democrats stand for family values, sanctity of life, marriage, God's creation (biologically man and woman), religious liberty, etc,???

[@ramongutiwreez670]

@@panolete No, Republicans are the antithesis of Christianity. Republicans are nearest to fascism, which is why BBT (Bunker Baby Trump) is in love with the Neo-Nazi. A true Chrustian cannot possibly suplort Trump.

[@loumal1234]

The poor have been with us forever, and will continue to be with us. Legal abortion on the other hand can be abolished.

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

We should still do everything in our power to combat poverty (except voluntary poverty like priests undergo) and not let America's duopoly swindle to continue. Time the Americans stand behind a party that's Christian across the board and not on some issues.

[@killianmiller6107]

I agree. Let’s start with these cities long held by democrats that haven’t seen an inkling of growth for the poor despite all the promises. Fight for school choice and vouchers so that poor kids can get quality education. Increase economic opportunity by relieving regulations. Enforce the law. Work to end welfare slavery and promote personal responsibility and charity. The party in power has been there too long with so few promises fulfilled, it’s time to make them accountable.

[@kennybennett9973]

Matthew 25: 31-48. That will tell you what is important and should inform your vote.

[@Molotov49]

Nope, we could've abolished poverty decades ago if we had a government that actually worked for the people. You know, like a real democracy.

[@kennybennett9973]

@@Molotov49 But we have a half=way democracy and are in danger of losing the 1/2.

[@debheiss316]

Did Moses come down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments of God and say “Now here, form your moral conscience!”? I think NOT!

[@marypinakat8594]

Deb Heiss, God created Humans with conscience capable of recognition of right and wrong. Moses too was one among them. Have we missed the 'context' of Stone Tablets?

[@Gin0827]

I love what Fr. Altman said, “with the commandments, there are no footnotes”.

[@JenniferWilliams-jy7rz]

Exactly! This Bishop waffles on and on. Plus he died his hair!

[@marypinakat8594]

@@JenniferWilliams-jy7rz May God forgive you.

[@marypinakat8594]

@@barnabahs Thank you ☆ Someone ought to buy her some toys. JUST JOKING. God bless her.☆☆☆

[@jarfirst]

Firstly we must accept that this world will never be heaven, we pray for His will on earth but we are not the church militant for nothing. Secondly, ending abortion must be the foremost deciding factor. This nation is putting the greatest evil on the smallest of shoulders. All other injustices are less important. The wages of sin is death, but the unborn have not sinned and are murdered.

[@fragwagon]

Yes. Our tolerance of this grave evil is what has brought our current troubles upon us.

[@escopiliatese3623]

No, other issues are just as important. What disgusting disregard for families in poverty, the lack of a middle class, tens of thousands dying from healthcare dysfunction, US support and funding of current ongoing genocides, and innocent people being killed by the police and through the death penalty. If you kept all that, and got rid of abortions, you’d barely see a difference. You’d live in a marginally better world.

[@killianmiller6107]

Given that the orange human you seem to be criticizing is in favor of amending many of these issues and still includes protection of the unborn, I see no problem voting for him. Abortion is evidently the preeminent issue of our time just like segregation was the preeminent issue of the 50’s and 60’s, because it so clearly violates the dignity of the MOST vulnerable among us. Still, many of these issues you list are important and should be dealt with, though I think some of the assumptions are a bit misguided (like the fact that cities long held by democrats have done almost nothing to improve the standing of the poor despite funneling more and more money into it) and you leave out other things like the 900 officer casualties due to anti-police rhetoric (do their lives count?). Also, what support and funding of ongoing genocides? Yet I have to ask you: should abortion end just like the other things you mentioned? Leaving everything else aside (let’s just assume we agree on those); is abortion immoral and should it be stopped? Or is this some kind of arbitrary either-or? Because if not, if the murder of the in utero is permissible, then you would be in mortal sin and I do not want that for you. There was a great distinction made in the video: that if you’re dead-set on voting for a pro-choice candidate, better to do it in spite of abortion than because of it.

[@peterwestfall2053]

Why is abortion seen as a yes or no issue...it is far more complex

[@Gin0827]

@Killian Miller I totally agree. Abortion is intrinsically evil and cries out for vengeance to our God! The Catholic Church is so blind. As Francis sells the soul of our church to China and the USCCB sells the church to Soros, we will lose it all and be forced underground. Killing 60 million babies and providing the demons to use children in satanic masses is bringing about our own death. I pray for President Trump, AG Barr and Amy Coney Barrett. Pray the deep state be exposed. Pray corruption in our church be exposed. Pray for church Freemasons and Communists to be exposed. Pray for holy, celibate priests, bishops and cardinals and that the rot be left out in the open for all to see. Pray for God to end abortion and that the “Flame of Love (Jesus) burn so bright that Satan will be blinded and souls will not be led into sin”. (Elizabeth Kindelmann)

[@amazzara1]

The dramatic differences in the choices we face over the next 16 days and the consequences both short and long-term not only for Catholics but for our Nation demand that we all take a stand that may be uncomfortable or challenging. Not letting your personal religious beliefs influence your politics is a false and evil “choice,” but one still embraced by some politicos. However, to be a Catholic politician, or just a Catholic citizen, and actively work and vote to subvert the Catholic Faith and it’s social teaching is terribly misguided and immoral. All of us, like Peter who denied Christ and Paul who oversaw the persecution and murder of Christians, are human and flawed. However, our human condition aside, we are still called to respect and defend life and human dignity. Our rights as Americans all start and grow from the first right identified in our Declaration of Independence, the right to life. Concern for economic and social inequities falls flat if one fails to care for the unborn child, the most vulnerable among us. One’s faith hopefully informs and influences one’s political choices and positions. One’s faith if believed to be true and good is not “imposing” on others, but rather in solidarity with others and willing that goodness for the other. The current agenda of the Democrat Party is at its core anti-Catholic and immoral, beyond abortion, beyond our love for the poor. It promotes secular humanist concepts that move the country in a direction directly at odds with Catholic teaching. There is a clear, definitive choice for Catholics, whether they are politicians or not. Finally, everyday practicing, catechized Catholics yearn for more outspoken guidance from our bishops, pastors and priest so that we might better inform our conscience and improve our prudential judgment. Bishop Barron’s words here while helpful in the abstract fall short in meeting the needs of his “flock.”

[@tracyann484]

Woe to the shepherds whose doctrine is liberalism and lead the faithful towards perdition. How terrifying on the day of judgement and how many souls to answer for. God have mercy. Pray pray pray for our shepherds.

[@jimselimos4863]

Praying for them and us all!

[@marypinakat8594]

Ann dear, The shepherds became such because they did pastor and that not for a day or two but over substantial period of time. To add up, they are there for lifetime. (Let there not be a sea of songs now here in the Comments section about the 'fallen shepherds'. Hope we can remind ourselves first that anyone beginning with me and you can fall if not sustained by God's grace.)

[@MrBluemanworld]

Love Bishop Barron, and I'm not even Catholic.

[@carlosd4881]

He is awesome! Btw you should be Catholic haha God bless you!!

[@JesusMary_I_Loveyousavesouls]

I love him too and and am Catholic. May be one day God might bring you home to the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. It's my prayers that it happens

[@kevinrhatigan5656]

Be one then.

[@supernovacreatura9877]

Come on in, The Water is Pristine! Haha! God bless you.

[@metanoia1122]

Me too! I am Catholic and I love Bishop Barron. He is a most excellent and good shepherd.

[@zita-lein]

Your Excellency: With the utmost respect, let me say that while I understand your point that Catholic positions can be found in both parties, and therefore both candidates, my own view is that the issue of abortion is truly so heinous and grievous, and getting worse by the day, that, against all political wisdom, it rates as worthy of becoming a single-issue voter. And, honestly, I'm sorry and troubled that you take such a measured stance so that you can sympathize with both sides. I'm sure you do realize that your position amounts to a tacit "pass" for anyone voting for the Biden/Harris ticket. This doesn't really provide the clarity of moral choice that we need to hear to cast a morally righteous vote. What will help us laity, and therefore the Church as a whole, is to see you take an unequivocal, noble stand for high virtue, and sound out that call clearly and relentlessly so the rest of us can hear it. I offer this most respectfully. God bless and keep you!

[@ipso-kk3ft]

I do have faith that Bishop Barron, in his own personal conscience, is likewise very appalled by the evil of abortion and the loss of sane argument about it, and will vote against this moral wrong. But on public media, he prefers not to appear to endorse a party, since he is already an informal (de facto) spokesperson for the American Church. And he is trying to mitigate the uncivilized polarization between the two parties. The Republicans indeed have the moral high ground this year, but that is not a moral monopoly, we must remember that. Given the devolution of conservative values in the GOP recently. In the end though, I see Bishop Barron is a classical conservative, and a "Communio" guy theologically, like Ratzinger (i.e. Pope Benedict XVI).

[@TT-tx5ng]

That was very well-said. I agree. I know a lot of friends who are Catholics and they have misguided opinions on the most important issues because they do not hear a resounding Yes or No from the Church. Sometimes or most of the time, they even hear the opposite of what’s true from some of the priests. How can we tell them otherwise if they got their information from priests? I believe our shepherds need to lead with clarity. We look to them for guidance in these important issues. Some people, unfortunately, just don’t have a well-formed moral conscience, but if they hear the clear words from the Church, then there’s no doubt where we should stand on these issues.

[@christinekesterson8528]

@@verbalsword673 However, he failed to state this at all in the video; so by ommission, he harms the people.

[@justfeddup3663]

This just in Barron's parish giving away bumper stickers..... You can be as gods join Pro-Choice America

[@justfeddup3663]

@@verbalsword673 Just went and reread what i wrote and the words 'America' and 'Pro- Choice' were deleted fro some reason....

[@Richie016]

😇Concerns for others, national interest are important; Thank you Bishop Barron

[@mrsmaricarment5043]

A in depth perspective in catholic teaching. As a long term registered republican, and 1000 percent pro life catholic. This commentary speaks to me to my heart. One key word for me, it’s Prudence. Our Lord has given us the Grace of discernment and Wisdom. So focusing in Prudence, I have to say it’s key for these elections. A manipulating person can temporarily for personal gain do what it appears to be The Right Thing. What else in that person fits the pattern one way of the other, should be an important factor in figuring out what future actions and behaviors to be expected. In using the Grace and Wisdom powered by an intense prayer, a person can put aside the mask, and perceive the truth. Our Lord and everything that truly derives from Him, will be attired in Truth and Love. Satan is the champion of disguise . Prudence asks me to in prayer sift through the words and actions of the person. Wisdom leads me to see beyond the curtains and in prayer and in union with by the Holy Spirit discern who comes from God and what doesn’t. My mother’s words of wisdom , never make deals w the devil, only with God. I strongly believe in placing my heart , actions and decisions at the foot of the Cross, asking a Jesus who should I vote for. This election season, brought to the radical decision to change my party affiliation to now be an independent. My vote is Love and Truth, all the way through. May God Bless the whole world and bless this country as we go through this election season and end division and hate

[@nancygillett517]

Urgently we need to PRAY and FAST for LIFE, LIBERTY and FREEDOM in America. Truth is absolute, unwavering, timeless. ABORTION IS MURDER OF THE INNOCENT BABY and, as Saints Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta spoke courageously, as long as there is abortion, there will be no peace. Take heart dear Catholic community of the infinite love of God for ALL people and vote LIFE on November 3rd, TRUMP & PENCE. Amen Alleluia.

[@mr5186]

Thank you Bishop Barron. Words of wisdom. "Catholic social teaching". Not left, not right, yet the good from each. No close alignment.

[@judithfejedelem1754]

I want to choose Catholic social justice. How is this possible when we live in a society ruled by justice defined by whoever is in power. Even in the Church, priests and bishops have different opinions of what Catholic social justice is...

[@janetabraham9162]

The issue of life supercedes all other issues!

[@mohamedmuhumedhussein4469]

Extreme capitalism leads to the denigration of poor lives. Leading to prostitution for example. Who will in their desperation go for abortion. It is not simple to only vote on one issue. Improve people’s lives. Less use for abortion in society.

[@kennybennett9973]

Yes but what does that mean. I take it to mean Matthew 25;31-48.

[@timpeterson3191]

The relation between faith and politics is shown very clearly in Luke 4: 5-8, where Satan offers political power to Jesus, explaining that political power is his to give, and Jesus responds by telling Satan to take a hike: “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

[@Mr._Anderpson]

“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend." -- Thomas Jefferson Politics is largely a spectator sport. Like any good spectator sport, it should have an "off" season. At the end of the day, discussing which way we'll vote with people online does little more than alienate people. Hit me up on Nov. 4th & I'll buy you a beer, regardless of which way you voted.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

@@verbalsword673 Considering most discussions degenerate into little more than feigned sanctimony & name-calling, enjoy! ;) While I'll discuss issues with friends & colleagues, online discussion of sweeping issues like a presidential election is largely fruitless. At best, people form camps & take turns digitally stuffing their fingers into their ears by blocking one another when opposing viewpoints are expressed. As they say, "You do you, Boo." If the online world is your arena, have at it. In this age of online activism, I'll be the anachronism who chooses the real world over the monkeys flinging poo on Twitter & the like.

[@brandeemorton5025]

LOVE THIS & couldn't agree more!!👏👏🙌

[@marypinakat8594]

*The Election Isn't Over Yet* kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqvNe3efm9-Lp9U

[@PlayWell520253]

After reading the comments it seems the clergy are at odds with their flock.......God bless the unborn, the immigrants, the homosexual, the trans, the family, and all Catholics living in objective truth. Clarity is charity.

[@eleanorpolchinski7919]

I am upset when I see degrading awful posts of any presidential candidate. I take all of this to heart . Thank you both so very much fir this video it lifted my spirits a bit at this important time . I’m going to trust Jesus . Amen

[@marklar5334]

As an liberal atheist within a predominantly Catholic Texas family, I wish that more of the conversations in my world were as measured and professional as this. Kudos to Barron for his wholistic and inclusive philosophy.

[@ekwang2794]

never too late. faith journey can b long but hopefully the longer, the deeper U go

[@ceilsloan9735]

I have learned so much from the various publications on the Mass, the Sacraments, evangelization sand from you homilies and Gospel reflections. I thank you for putting yourself out there for the spiritual growth of any sincere “seeker of truth”

[@goodrn6279]

Personal values is something but truth in faith ... no discussion needed. This truth we have to fight for. Catholic teaching says abortion is against the commandments therefore I cannot agree with Democrats. I will stand for that truth. The Democrats are so imperative about promoting abortion...no balancing of issues there. So simple...you can’t be pro life and be democrat.

[@wangson]

If you prioritize a pro life position over all other issues, then yes; I totally agree that you cannot consider yourself an American democrat. As a Canadian with staunchly Catholic parents, (I myself don't consider myself to be a Catholic anymore) I subscribe to the pro-life debate. That said, abortion is not the only issue that inspires my political beliefs. There are a number of other issues, positions that I consider as well as the characteristics and personalities of those running for office. My mom and dad (I believe) feel the same way. Though we may be Canadian (and they Catholics) I know for a fact that if they'd the opportunity to vote for either Joe Biden or Donald Trump, there really wouldn't be any persuasion that would cause them to vote for Trump - even though he (supposedly) subscribes to the Pro Life position. There are simply far too many flaws with the man and his position on that one issue wouldn't be enough for us to cast a ballot with his name checked.

[@alt8791]

Well, you can't just vote on one issue. Especially in the current situation. Remember what power the President truly wields. The power of the US's nuclear arsenal. Over a thousand warheads, capable of throwing the planet into a global "nuclear winter" and destroying civilization as we know it. Out of the (effectively) two candidates, which one do you want to wield that power? Who, out of Joe Biden and Donald Trump, are you more comfortable with granting that power to, the power to destroy everything and everyone you've ever known?

[@wangson]

@@alt8791 Oh totally agreed! I wasn't trying to suggest that I myself would base my vote on one issued only! I'm Canadian, so I won't be voting in this upcoming election, but I can tell you that the vast majority of people I know absolutely despise Donald Trump and view him as more of a clown/criminal than a U.S President.

[@marypinakat8594]

*The Election Isn't Over Yet* kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqvNe3efm9-Lp9U

[@alt8791]

@@marypinakat8594 yes it is. Even Fox News admits it. www.foxnews.com/elections/2020/general-results

[@kevinmcosker9557]

"I'm Kevin McOsker and I approve this message". Well said, Bishop Barron. You are a sane, decent man, a true Prince of the Church and a great American.

[@SturFriedBrains]

On abortion, I have to wonder if many of those catholics are voting for it's legalization, but not utilization. Many people I know are for it's legality, but against it's use, and if people they know are thinking of getting an abortion they attempt to talk them out of it, but don't believe politics is the exact place for it's rejection.

[@williamk70]

Excellent! That's the difference between "pro-choice" and "pro-abortion". We can never have an honest debate on this issue until pro-lifers understand this.

[@chidozieezeome2847]

Have you heard of St. Thomas Moore?

[@marycallahan1224]

I am happy that Bishop Baron is not judging other people who may disagree with the church!

[@paulmiller7259]

Does that mean the acts of wanting to do good works by the left, help the poor, the oppressed, immigration, capital punishment, is equal to stopping abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage, preservation of the family by the right? As a Catholic shouldn't we look at what is tearing the world, country and the sanctity of the family apart. There must be some spoken word as to where we draw a line. This going back and forth trying to appease both sides is called division and a house divided will not stand! Forget being right or left. Which side, knowing the stand of the candidates, would cause one to commit a mortal sin? Which vote would be less offensive to God?

[@bcg7752]

This is the most brilliant and most educational interview I have ever listened to, ever, without a doubt, hands down. My Catholic Faith is stronger than ever! Absolutely beautiful 😍 Thank you.

[@lydia21live]

American Solidarity is a newer party that is based on Catholic Social Teaching!

[@joanofarc6402]

Thank you so much for all the time you spend reteaching Catholics their faith and evangelizing !! 😇🙏🏻😇🙏🏻

[@marypinakat8594]

*"... When the arena of objective truth and value is compromised and questioned, all we have left with is clashing experiences; clashing perspectives and wills and that's the formula for conflict, and it spells the breakdown of real argument."* (-23:40f.)

[@marypinakat8594]

@@verbalsword673 No truth of whatever kind frames arguments. It takes humans to do that. If arguments must forge objective truths of whatever kind, conditions ought to apply. There's never going to be some objective truth deriving simply because of argument however strong.

[@marypinakat8594]

@@verbalsword673 Let there be some specifically human truth beside those scientific and religious ones.

[@podecrer81]

Great video, as always with Bishop Barron. The most important thing is to follow the Gospel, pay attention to the Church’s teaching, and never forget to “love thy neighbor”. Pray constantly, go to mass, love the Pope, and try to choose the lesser evil when it comes to politics. A good advice is to keep changing the politicians and parties in power. It is the best way to avoid too much damage.

[@lightkirsche]

Bishop Baron, Where do I get a cross like that, I wish to carry one with me all the time. Though I am not a bishop, I'd like to carry one. Thank you.

[@barbaragoetzman703]

I so appreciate this presentation , Bishop Barron. I , politically, have always felt torturedly in the middle .I have views on each party view I agree with . The points you presented today , on both sides. are what I have always felt. I found this very reaffirming to me. Thank you

[@mktingguy]

While it's most appropriate for the church and bishops to inform the consciences of the laity, one would think it's also appropriate for them to give some sense of priority in the ranges of subjects. One reason there such a huge split between Democrats and Republican Catholics is not necessarily differences in specific matters of conscious but differences in the rankings or relative importance of those matters. Bishops should help us prioritize.

[@robertsell1943]

I DID read the entire USCCB document. It seems that the authors are quite adroit at writing an intentionally “diplomatic piece”. They take ownership of the moral ground but demand a place in the public forum AND insist that Catholics participate with soundly developed consciences as provided by ‘Catholic Social Teaching’. BUT in the quandary of today’s moral challenges ( some ‘claimed’ by the left and some by the right), these Bishops do not offer any helpful prioritizing of the moral positions. So while stating “no moral equivalence” between (say) abortion and climate change, they offer NO guidance for the laity to vote accordingly. In the not-so-distant past, the ‘Johnson Amendment’ “interfered” with the Church’s ability to talk politics from the pulpit,; but no longer since 2017. So without this excuse, the Church could be ( maybe should be) full throated from the pulpit, but why isn’t it? Is a different fear at play here? Fear of fraternal correction? Fear of disunity of the laity and subsequent loss of $ donations? There’s a greater fear IMHO and that is judgement day! “We will be judged by our response to the least (voiceless) among us.” The weighty discussion of justice vs mercy could be a distraction because the real question is how to do both as our Lord exemplified. And given the dilemma of our time, (60 million babies or 1500 capital punishments, BLM stated objectives/violence/ cancel culture vs destruction of precious statues [Mary, C Columbus, Saints] , human sex trafficking vs LEGAL immigration, the wide gate [No real Hell] vs the narrow gate [“Woe to those...”] etc., etc. Would that the Bishops give the laity a more definitive document!!!

[@TT-tx5ng]

I believe we, the laity, can inform each other, but when it comes to the bishops and priests, we need guidance from them and not just information. Some people are just incapable or lack a well-formed moral conscience to make good choices. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep”.

[@dianasun3169]

I want to thank you Bishop Barron for the word on fire bible. By reading this bible i feel more closer to God.

[@BrandonThomasRansom]

In our prudential judgement, how should we factor the positions that are unstated? For instance, it’s apparent that some political leaders place a low value on the continuation of the American classical liberal system. How should we as Catholics view nationalist or socialist fronts?

[@mariannepostiglione7001]

Excellent interview, Brandon. You are very well prepared and obviously have done your research. I have retweeted this to followers.

[@Puddlegrapher]

Overall great points but I’m puzzled by the comment on the death penalty; I’m looking at the Catechism of the Catholic Church right now and it sure seems like the Death Penalty isn’t completely forbidden. Is there new dogma?

[@benthomsen2220]

Not a new dogma no. The current pope contradicts JP II who himself added something not really taught in the past. In other words, its hard to see it anymore than prudential judgment of the times, not a matter of faith and morals (which is required for doctrine).

[@carlingtonme]

Thank you ,Bishop Barron for your years of making interesting,informative videos,you're the Bishop of the internet!

[@Thlastday00]

Who glorified Jesus the son of God? ACTS 3:13 The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our forefathers, has glorified his Servant, Jesus, whom you handed over and disowned before Pilate, even though he had decided to release him. 14 Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous one, and you asked for a man who was a murderer to be given to you, 15 whereas you killed the Chief Agent of life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which fact we are witnesses.

[@frankpalmasani1903]

As Bishop Barron does often, his explanation here is very good. Looking a the whole of CST is the most illustrative. The other aspect that is not discussed in this video but extremely important is to look at the character of the person one is voting for- regardless of party.

[@luluq01]

Bishop Barron, I for one am extremely grateful for this video. You dealt with difficult issues but guided us through the very complicated dilemas we deal with. I am however disappointed at some of the other comments. It seems several people did not “listen” with humility but tried to dictate their own point of view and evaluation. Some comments sounded as if their particular evaluation was the undeniable truth without consideration to the fact that the church’s teaching is so much more complex and encompassing. I, for one, found your video a great teaching moment. Thank you.

[@joserodriguez5211]

Well said! I’m astonished at how dictatorial many of these comments are, imposing their will upon the conscience of their brethren for political ends. We should listen to our bishops. They have authority that we do not, though these laity act like they’re keyboard Cardinals.

[@christinekesterson8528]

The problem is there truly IS a priority among the principles in CST so some rights, ei, Right to Life, IS more sacred than other principles like working for social justice. What good is social justice to a dead baby? You must first help the person stay alive before getting him or her a job.

[@luluq01]

Christine Kesterson I agree that it is of enormous importance and weight but I further agree with the statement from Cardinal Ratzinger, in charge of Doctrine for millions of Catholics. share.icloud.com/photos/0aclmoQMxxMekrL6VUwSKRhLA

[@joserodriguez5211]

Christine Kesterson And that’s your prudential judgment on voting. Some might respond that without taking action on the environment we won’t even have a planet for any of us- adults, kids, fetuses- to even have life in the first place. This is why we have to start with our faith, our values, pray, discern, and then vote.

[@sareezaragoza]

Isn't nearly 63 million babies (in the US alone) killed enough to make this a priority? It's 1.5 billion worldwide.

[@rileyfairchild6873]

How about the five non negotiable moral issues?

[@MissyCoen]

Thank you for sharing your view, Bishop. I couldn’t agree more. God’s unconditional love for humanity is deeper and wider than our political lines allow. I would argue that if you don’t feel conflicted in your vote, then perhaps you aren’t considering the whole picture of Catholic Social Teaching. Make your vote- whether it be on a single preeminent issue or on a variety of issues including “equally sacred priorities” (as outlined by Pope Francis), but our work doesn’t end there, people. Continue advocating for the poor, the unborn, the refugees, any vulnerable population.. keep doing that, regardless of who wins. If we want to truly expand God’s kingdom and create a culture that values life at every stage, keep living by example and keep doing what Jesus would do.. but the here’s a key: don’t be an @$$#•!& about it. It invalidates everything you stand for. And honestly, if you’re a jerk about it, it gives God a bad name.

[@scwendy6302]

Wise words!

[@huntingfortruth1]

Bishop Barron, I would like you to answer a question straightforwardly. Is the protection of life from conception to natural death the fundamental issue Catholics should consider? Is it the Catholic stance that all other issues are subordinate to the right to life? Thank you, Phil

[@BishopBarron]

Of course.

[@huntingfortruth1]

@@BishopBarron Thank you Bishop. You and your team have created a platform that intrigues Catholics and non-Catholics alike. And though, as you say, no Political Party is absolutely congruent with our Catholic Faith on the issues, there is only one that articulates both in their platform and from their mouths in step with the Catholic Church on that issue which is above all others. Your significant influence could help sway the divided Catholic Vote, you and the USCCB by speaking clearly on this issue could perhaps help this Nation move many steps closer to the goal. Thank you again for the work you and your team do. You have my prayers. May God continue to richly bless you and the ministry of Word on Fire. Most Sincerely, Phil

[@CC-td7si]

@@BishopBarron what action does that stance require? Are Republican Catholics right to say voting for any Democrat is an excommunicable offense? Or is there nuance as many Democrat Catholics imply, in opposition to other antiCatholic Republican positions?

[@peggylorence7211]

@@beckyjohnson2514 I TOTALLY agree-I find this video very wishy washy about the importance of standing against abortion and wish Bishop Barron ( and the Catholic church in general) would be more definite about it!!!!!

[@thebestofmae]

@@peggylorence7211 I don't find it wishy washy. Their dialogue laid both sides of the argument and what the Church stands for without overstepping his role. It only shows that he trusts us to have sound minds that knows how to think critically, and able to discern well. I think this was fair.

[@millier9658]

As always, Bishop Barron is dropping so much wisdom. I need to re watch this. This is extremely useful. Thank you!

[@amandah8178]

I’m looking forward to watching this and wanted to share that our family bought your Word on Fire Bible (leather edition) along with four to share. It is a work of art and we are so grateful to own it. Your Catholicism Series helped bring us home to the Catholic Church. God bless you!

[@jams3053]

Abortion is not an equivalent issue. Period.

[@richrosati7146]

All issues don’t have the same weight. Pro life and traditional family values should carry the day. If you vote for the intrinsic evil of abortion your soul is in mortal danger.

[@calebmarks1]

Can I ask when shipping of the WOF bible will be open to Australia?

[@mrsphillips]

I'm from Melbourne and have already recd my bible. Beautifully presented with excellent art, teachings and interpretations. You will be impressed. Postage was high due to the weight but well worth it.

[@shailacarvalho2799]

The Voting for all Catholics should not be for the Candidate but voting should be done on the principles of the agenda of the voting party aligning with the Word of God and the teaching of the Magisterial of the Catholic Church.

[@peggylorence7211]

I agree! A person' faith should TOTALLY influence how they vote! How can you separate the two?

[@ernotaipale802]

Bishop Barron is such a wise and well spoken man. God bless you from Finland.

[@Tessinentdecken]

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS KILLED MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE. Pope Gregory IX, having approved the death penalty for heretics in early 1231, attached great importance to the fact that not the state, but a careful church investigation should determine who really is such a stubborn heretic was that he should be handed over to the state for execution, and to that end, he called, inter alia, in the In November 1231 of the same year, the papal inquisition came into being: an investigative authority that was also a judicial and had to watch over the purity of the faith. JESUS: But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you and pray for those who offend you. And whosoever shall smite thee upon one cheek, offer him the other also: and whosoever shall take away thy cloak, let him not also the skirt. Whoever asks of you, give to him; and whoever takes away yours, do not ask again. Do the teachings and actions of the RCC match the teachings, actions and words of Jesus?

[@itakenaga]

too wise to not say what a good shepherd needed to say and too wise to know if he say it he has so much to loose. Pray for him as I never want to think he is just coward or hypocrite God bless his soul.

[@marypinakat8594]

Emo Taipale, Praise God☆ Stay blessed☆☆

[@fredchopin8614]

Bishop Barron, you're saying it's never appropriate for bishops to get up and say Catholics must vote for this candidate. But God tells us we must learn the lessons of His love. So if there were ever an election where a Hitler-type is running, or the anti-Christ, I believe the bishops must get up and preach the truth about what people should do. We must ALWAYS follow what God wants, and so church leaders must lead in whatever way God shows them, leading in truth and by example. We must be strong and not confused by the devil to ever become lukewarm.

[@snoopdog3771]

American Solidarity Party is based off of all Catholic Social Teaching 🙏🇺🇸❤

[@haydongonzalez-dyer2727]

Thanks be to God that the solidarity party exists. It is a shame that the two popular parties are not Solidarity and Republican. If Democrat Catholics feel politically homeless I would encourage them to look into the solidarity party. Until the day the solidarity party has the hope of winning an election, I think I will still vote Republican. Still really liked the post as not many know that the solidarity party exists. 👍

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

@@haydongonzalez-dyer2727 Right on.

[@jimselimos4863]

A M, i, also, had never heard of that Party, thank you, for raising my attention to it.

[@annforrer8445]

"Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people?" GALATIANS 1:10 A good question to ask ourselves....and perhaps that Litany of Humility would be a wise prayer for us all to pray before we speak.

[@Hawaiianeagle1]

Pro life Bishop has to be the line in the sand. Disappointed you did not make that a black and white decision on who to vote for. Lack of doing so is why many catholic are making decisions of pro choice that you say disappointed you.

[@justfeddup3663]

@@verbalsword673 You can be as gods join Pro-Choice America

[@Chris--Himmy]

I think it is dangerous to assume that Trump will do anything for the pro-life community. I believe he is using the traditional notion that Republicans support pro-life in order to gather more votes from us Catholics. And even if he will promote polices that align with pro-life, I believe almost all other polices of his will have disastrous consequences for our future and additionally will cause even more division and anger in our nation. I mean just looking at the current state of the nation is a testament to that. Meanwhile, while I understand the disagreement with the pro-choice stance of the Democrats, I think if we are looking at the rest of the polices that don't have to do with abortion they will be a push in the right direction. Ultimately, it comes to down to do you want to support the candidate who has one great policy for pro-life, but the rest of his polices are disastrous for our nation, or do you want a candidate who has terrible policy on abortion but the rest of his polices will not solve all our problems but is a step in the right direction? I am sure many Catholics are having this moral dilemma and while I don't think single issue voting is inherently bad, I think in the current state of the nation it is incredibly dangerous to vote Trump just because Republican = pro-life.

[@thomaskorah4115]

Thank God for this voice of reason amidst the cacophony! Thank you Bishop!

[@anthonycovarrubias1451]

I agree that we should look first at the Catholic teaching. However, there seems to be a contradiction from some of the things you say, @Bishop Robert Barron, and what the Catholic Church teaches. You seem to be completely overlooking the Churches teachings on intrinsic evils and the sins that cry to heaven. When bringing in these Catholic teachings, and then approach what each side stands for and advocates, we get a clear image of who we must vote for. When we speak of a platform or politician that advocates all sins that cry to heaven along with intrinsic evils, we would be committing a mortal sin to vote in favor of such side (FYI: I speak of the present state of the Democratic Party and Biden). For this reason, I do believe that it is the obligation of the Shepherds to inform the flock of such consequences, and with what I mentioned it would not be inappropriate to, but rather necessary for the Shepherds to clearly call out the platform or politician that advocates such evils. As the Catholic Church teaches, it would be a mortal sin to vote for such candidate. This doesn't mean that we have to agree with everything a particular candidate/platform believes, but when is comes to intrinsic evils and sins that cry to heaven, it is a no brainer. I think that the Shepherds need to do a better job informing the flock of the Church's teachings, which it seems this video lacks.

[@gemeinschaftsgeful]

A former Holland nazi SS soldier said he used to go to mass and hear from the pulpit the evils of the Communism with their emphasis of athiesm. From the pulpit he heard that this evil must be stopped. So he signed up and joined the nazis. Was his decision a no brainer?

[@hurin1932]

This was a great point. Vatican II has obscured a lot of Church teachings that were previously pretty definitive.

[@hurin1932]

@@gemeinschaftsgeful This is a perfect example of how individual priests and bishops can make mistakes, because they can. Dude, just look at Fr. James Martin attempting to normalize homosexuality right now. The Church however is a different matter. For every priest who may have supported Hitler, there were another 5 that opposed him.

[@anthonycovarrubias1451]

@@gemeinschaftsgeful There is a distinction to be made in the example you give. I would say that it is a no brainer that Communism is evil and that the Church did right by speaking of such evil needing to be stopped. However, the Church did not tell him to sign up to be a Nazi. There is a stronger power in the recitation of the Rosary. In addition, his decision would require a proper discernment of what the Nazi's advocate, for one is not to bring forth/involve oneself with intrinsic evils even if it would bring forth something good. You can read this teaching in CCC1756. In addition, if you are trying to paint a connection between Trump and Hitler, you are far misleaded. I would ask where you get your news from; the media and fake news, such as CNN, are manipulated by the left. This is not an outlandish statement, as it is a basic fact. Just research the bias, and the people that media outlets block, and why they do so. Also, headlines and video clips are not full pictures, but rather they depict what the media wants you to believe. I'm not saying Trump is a saint, he is a sinner, just as we all are. However, it is important to look at and read real news and look at the action he takes as well as the papers he signs. I highly recommend the following resources: A Catholic Vote for Trump by Jesse Romero (only $5): www.tanbooks.com/a-catholic-vote-for-trump-the-only-choice-in-2020-for-republicans-democrats-and-independents-alike-2708.html Matt Fradd and Michael Knowles answer Catholic Objections to voting for Trump in 2020: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqXYeJ6Mq66KfNE

[@anthonycovarrubias1451]

@@hurin1932 Hey Paul, I wouldn't say that it's necessarily Vatican II, but rather the way many Clergy and laymen have interpreted its message and intent, by taking it out of context.

[@JBstufff]

A question about the Word on Fire Bible: any schedule for european shipping?

[@Wonderess220]

With all respect, Your Excellency, I feel there is a disconnect between Catholic teaching and the electoral question. The moral thought of the Church is usually very well formed and definitive on what constitutes a grave act, and the hierarchy of goods as well as evils that a person can commit. If that hierarchy can be reasoned, then it is hard to come to the conclusion that people can come to different conclusions about who to vote for without it coming across as relativistic. There can't be a best candidate for you and a best candidate for me. There must be an objectively correct choice going into elections. With this in mind, it makes me fear that the USCCB remains on the fence for political reasons that affect it rather than it being a truly philo-theological argument for "form and vote your conscience." I could be wrong, but from what I understand the threat of losing non profit status for stating preferred candidates is no longer an issue with a recent executive order, and yet that very objection is still being used to avoid affirming one candidate over another. If anyone finds that I am missing an important point then please feel free to say so.

[@peggylorence7211]

I agree with you !

[@siobhanrearick1895]

Thank you Bishop Barron for this great show! I feel like it's a real shame, though, to omit stating that Pope Francis' exhortation that Care for our Environment is an essential part of being Pro-life in this day and age, along with the obvious elements of anti-abortion stances, etc.

[@harryemerson9401]

I respect and admire Bishop Barron a great deal. I tune in weekly for his commentary on the readings. I here ask: Would Bishop Barron be willing to share who he will be voting for and why? I think this would help to clarify a great many things for a great many people, especially independents. I'm assuming, of course, that Bishop Barron chooses who he votes for based on an outflow of his catholic knowledge/understanding and formation.

[@jimselimos4863]

That is a thought, but it goes against the Church's view of "letting" people make their own choices in Life, and seeing where those choices will lead us, afterwards.

[@77thTrombone]

Face it, folks, *Real Christian Values* will never be more than a passing talking point in U.S. as long as Christians are _content_ to classify themselves thusly: 1) anti-abortion _and_ anti-"do something for the underprivileged" (Republican,) or 2) pro-abortion _and_ pro-"do something for the underprivileged" (Democrat.) *I submit:* Real Christians should be *anti-abortion* _and_ *pro-"doing something for the underprivileged."*

[@julietteugirumurera4955]

I think it would have been helpful to prioritize the social justice issues. From the discussion, it sounds like it's up to the voters to decide which issues are more important. I hope the church provides a guidance on this!

[@akb9297]

You need to be born first - then comes social justice.

[@rypoelk997]

@@akb9297 you need a habitable planet to be born into before you can be born. No planet, no babies.

[@rggebert7160]

Principles and prudence is a nice handle on it, and one that respects rather than forecloses serious dialogue. Thanks Bishop!

[@jeravincer]

we must enrich our language around right to life- start to talk about the humanity of the fetus ... describe its dignity and its attributes ... humanise it so that over time people realise the truth. Same goes for "choice" - start talking about real choice - making the choice to not abort a financial and socially and practically viable choice ... there is much to be done and arguing from 60-year-old entrenched rhetorical positions isn't getting it done.

[@Martin-qm2lg]

Excellent timely discussion that couldn’t be more relevant and important during this crucial time of the US election and the Senate confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett. All these questions and issues playing out in real time!

[@thomasmaddox8688]

Catholic social teaching is absolutely not against the death penalty, that's a serious error

[@pjcrespo1590]

You are incorrect Thomas. Catholic Social Teaching believes in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Capital punishment is not natural death and the Catholic church does oppose it.

[@thomasmaddox8688]

@@pjcrespo1590 God commands the death penalty in the Old Testament. A multitude of previous Popes have supported it. The Council of Trent supports it. The death penalty has not been viewed as immoral up until the late 20th century, and the truth cannot change. www.thecatholicthing.org/2015/03/16/the-traditional-case-for-capital-punishment/

[@77thTrombone]

This thread has made me realize I've been misusing a fairly common word: A *demagogue* or rabble-rouser is a leader who gains popularity in a democracy by exploiting emotions, prejudice, and ignorance to arouse the common people against elites, whipping up the passions of the crowd and shutting down reasoned deliberation. (Ref: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demagogue) For whatever reason, I thought a _demagogue_ was an _autocrat,_ but these 2 terms are not _quite_ the same things -- 1 term is behavioral, 1 term is institutional. I note this here on the suspicion I am not alone in my misunderstanding.

[@hkyman2487]

Your Excellency, I understand, and appreciate, the Church not telling me who to vote for. I think that would be crossing the line. However, why not tell people who NOT to vote for? If abortion is, as the USCCB states, "the preeminent issue", and we have two presidential candidates (and parties) running, one who is explicitly pro life and another who is explicitly pro choice, why is the clergy not explicitly stating that it is immoral to vote for the candidate/party that not only supports, but is pledging to codify the slaughter of 1,000,000+ unborn annually? Let's for a second, pretend we were talking about slavery instead of abortion. If one political party was universally pro slavery and another political party was universally anti slavery, would the clergy still remain silent? Or, let's assume we were talking about stripping religious freedom. If one political party was universally in favor of rounding up and sentencing to death anyone who stepped foot in a Catholic church, would the clergy not explicitly state that you can NOT vote for that party? If the answer is that the clergy, in that instance, would explicitly state that you can NOT vote for that party, then why won't the clergy state that with respect to abortion? I thought that was "the preeminent issue"? "Preeminent" means "surpassing all others". Your excellency...the laity, especially the young people your ministry is looking to evangelize, are starving for Truth with a capital T. With all due respect, what am I missing?

[@alt8791]

You're missing the other issues. Consider the nuclear arsenal. With which candidate are you more comfortable wielding the power to destroy everything you hold dear?

[@ashleyhunter9140]

@@alt8791 Certainly not a candidate from a party who vows to defund the military, law enforcement, and take away any remaining measure of self-defense that I have. You make a good point.

[@alt8791]

@@ashleyhunter9140 you realize that in order to “take your guns,” the constitution would have to be amended to repeal the second amendment, which requires a supermajority in the senate and unanimous approval by all 50 states, right?

[@hkyman2487]

@@alt8791 I understand there are other issues at play, however, respectfully, I think you missed my point. THE USCCB stated that abortion is preeminent, which means "surpassing all others". This doesn't mean the other issues aren't important. It just means they aren't as important. For argument's sake, if Joe Biden and the entire Democratic party were openly in favor of murdering roughly 1,000,000 innocent people living outside of the womb, would you want, and expect the clergy to speak up and explicitly state that it would be immoral to vote for them? If the answer is yes, which I hope it is, then why isn't the clergy explicitly stating that it's immoral to vote for a candidate (and party) that is vowing to codify the slaughter of 1,000,000 innocent lives? Does the fact that the 1,000,000 are inside of the womb change things? If so, that goes against Church teaching. Look, I'm not saying I want the clergy to tell me to vote GOP. I don't want the Church to endorse candidates. I'm just saying it seems cowardly for clergy to not tell Catholics that it's immoral to vote for any candidate that celebrates abortion, which in today's day and age, is nearly 100% of the Democratic party. Do you disagree with my point?

[@thegreatgambino5079]

Starting at 4:00 - Here, Bishop Barron sums-up the problem I've had since reading/studying Nietzsche, particularly with regard to what scholars call Nietzsche's "perspectivism." People often don't share a "frame of reference" or perspective. "All you're left with is a clashing of perspectives and wills," Barron said. Well, I think Nietzsche wasn't saying that this "clashing of perspectives and wills" is the way things SHOULD be but the way things ARE. ...It's the age-old philosophical conundrum of the is-ought problem. There is what is, and there is what we would like it to be. I think that is what Nietzsche was getting at. I think he was saying that perspectivism is the way humans think with regard to ethics, not that that is the way people ought to think. ... I don't think Nietzsche saw much value in the "ought."

[@marymiche]

Is the Church opposed to capital punishment as much abortion? If so then why is it OK for a person to be opposed to abortion but accept Capital Punishment?

[@stevenbergeron8572]

Almost, but not quite. The Catholic Church is opposed to capital punishment wherever there is an assurance that the innocent can be protected from violent criminals. We have such a system in the U.S., so we would say we have to oppose capital punishment in our country. But capital punishment is not an intrinsic evil. Abortion is an intrinsic evil. It is evil everywhere, at every time and in every circumstance.

[@Izumi-sp6fp]

The Holy Mother Church is slowly coming around to the belief that the death penalty is _also_ a mortal sin, no different than elective abortion or euthanasia in the eyes of God.

[@Izumi-sp6fp]

@@stevenbergeron8572 The death penalty _is_ an intrinsic evil. Just because the Holy Mother Church accepted it for a thousand years does not mean it is OK in the eyes of God. Just as the HMC is now heavily involved in addressing social ills like climate change, so too the "ill" of the death penalty must now be addressed as well. And it _is_ being addressed as we speak. The papal encyclical "Frattelli Tutti" has condemned the support of the death penalty and admonished every Catholic on Earth to actively work for it's eternal abolition.

[@Izumi-sp6fp]

@@verbalsword673 And you are not guilty? God loves that man or woman on death row as if that man or woman was the only created being in _existence_ . And He loves the unborn child in exactly the same way. _No_ human has a right to deliberately take another human life, with the possible exception of righteous war, or defense of others at that very moment of danger. And even then, I would tell you that God sees into the heart of every person who takes the life of another and knows the intention-- whether for "good" or, and more _likely_ , for evil.

[@haydongonzalez-dyer2727]

That is a great question! I would direct you to this article here by Catholic Answers: www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-church-and-capital-punishment They are a great source of info for all your current and future Catholic Questions.

[@jeaninesims1211]

Funny this discussion should come out on the first day of SCOTUS hearings.

[@snoopdog3771]

Was thinking the same. Prayers for Judge Amy ❤🙏

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Cue Hitchcock Theme and Twilight Zone Tune...

[@marypinakat8594]

*The Election Isn't Over Yet* kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqvNe3efm9-Lp9U

[@guilhermemilonesilva2476]

If we focus on topics that are NOT acceptable to catholics, we would have to relinquish the left. I am talking about using the force - Big Government - to enforce equal outcome to everybody, but the rulers, of course. Bishop Barron, is it correct to address politics using this appraoch?

[@guardadam7420]

Big government, seriously, oh like using federal forces against states and local's? Hypocrisy.

[@HeartlessConservativ]

I do think there are some things like specific ballot measures it’s appropriate for the church to speak on. Endorsing a candidate would be inappropriate, but for example here in Colorado, the archdiocese of Denver has explicitly endorsed a measure to ban late term abortion. There are aspects of voting which are cut and dry acceptable or unacceptable to the church. Although outside of those I would agree that specific endorsements are usually inappropriate

[@DrEmile1]

It is ironic that on the day of the release of this video, one political party is trying its hardest to block the confirmation of a very capable and devout Catholic woman nominated for the Supreme Court by the other party.

[@stephenwilkinson6657]

Can you explain negotiable vs non negotiable when it comes to voting? Comes from the big green catechism book. My church does not discuss this.

[@leenabeloved2507]

hello. Bishop Barron? you are wrong. the priests i've dealt with, and most of the priests on EWTN DO try to sway the people on how to vote. i'm sure you must know this. and to be honest, the more they do it, the more they push me away...

[@javierserna1000]

Exactly, I'm done with these idiots who support a psychopath for President.. A man who lies every day and never opened a bible.

[@voodooprince5561]

God bless you Bishop Barron

[@hallower1980]

You are mistaken, Your Eminence. The 50/50 split is rather a consequence of human nature and the commonality of Christians who adapt their beliefs to behavior and culture, rather than adapt their behavior and politics to their beliefs. It is human nature to conform to the surriunding culture, which is why the same split can be found in various other groups. In any case, you misidentify the Left/Right political divide, generally. You do so largely by adopting the Left's assumption that government is the best vehicle for social actions. The Right does not neglect the poor, but recognizes that true charity can only be voluntary and that historically the poor can be cared for apart from government programs. We believe human nature is constant throughout history and remember the care of neighbors and strangers by our ancestors before the advent of social security programs. We believe the world is fallen and will not be perfected before Judgment, so poverty cannot be entirely eliminated. Likewise, health care and elder care can be and should be supported by voluntary actions, rather than forced redistribution which is impersonal and unjust. The Right also seeks immigration reform and welcomes immigrants. But we also honor democratic process, rule of law, the right of hospitality, and the practical necessity of political borders. There is not a government or people on Earth more welcoming than the United States. Sadly, the bishops have encouraged lawless fiat, like co-owners of a home who unilaterally invite new inhabitants and spit on the democratic rights of their fellows. We all want more immigrants, but every country must moderate immigration and exercise procedures. The Right acknowledges that neither death penalties nor war has ever been wholly forbidden by the Church. Rather, such violence must be severely limited and restricted to necessary protection of innocents. Thus, just war can only be defensive. Thus, personal self-defense from violence is just. The Church teaches that the death penalty is generally unnecessary in a modern affluent nation, that maximum opportunities for repentance and conversion are just; not that death penalty is always and everywhere unnecessary and wrong. The sad consequence of your mistake is that many Catholics will not learn until too late that powerful centralized government are always jealous of the Church's moral authority. Statists always seek to destroy or control the Church. Democrats believe the answer to all problems is more, stronger government. Violent, destructive mobs roam free only in Democrat cities. The Left doesn't even acknowledge such basic realities as biological sex. It's the spirit of the French Revolution. I'm sure you recall what became of the clergy and the faith then, Your Excellency. Catholics of the Right acknowledge the Church's moral authority and generally try to adhere to it. Catholics of the Left explicitly reject the Church's teachings. I hope you realize soon, Father, that the division is not one of mere politics but one of worldviews. The Left have chosen the world. I welcome them as neighbors and siblings in Christ, but their organized actions are destructive.

[@miguelgalindo777]

Bishop, would it be wrong not voting for either of the two leading candidates? For example, abstaining from voting specifically for president or voting for a third party. Also, I'm sure you're busy, so I don't blame you if you don't see or respond to this question. But thank you for the video anyways

[@miguelgalindo777]

@@verbalsword673 Thank you for your reply! That would make sense if one option was clearly right and the other clearly wrong. If two people came up to me on the street and one offered to shoot me or the other would stab me, would running from both make me lukewarm? One of them would most likely catch up to me, and I would have no say in which one ends up killing me, but would it make a difference?

[@miguelgalindo777]

@@verbalsword673 If only either of the two leading candidates fully respected the right to life (i.e. against abortion, against the death penalty, against unnecessary wars, against euthanasia all of which take innocent lives and are avoidable in these times), voting might be easier

[@Not-CJS]

I agree that Catholic Social Teaching supersedes that which is found in political parties. However, I would argue that it is my faith which guides me to have a certain way of thinking, which is that big government is a big problem. I believe that government doesn’t run its programs efficiently and effectively, and that private non-profits and charities and health care do a far better job. It’s unfair to say that Republicans don’t care about the poor etc, when we just have a different view on how to help the poor

[@hurin1932]

Its important to realize that the Left has sucessfully gained control over many narratives. Bishop's assumption that the Left cares morw about the poor than the Right is an example that he has already bought into the fundamental premise of their narrative. The Left's embrace of socialism already runs counter to Catholic social teaching.

[@Tttb95]

@@hurin1932 he said “classically associated with the left” not with the democratic party. He even followed that up with there are nuances.

[@hurin1932]

@@Tttb95 You'll notice that was the point I elaborated on, I never said democratic party.

[@Tttb95]

@@hurin1932 Well the Left is a colloquial term for the Dems. Even then Bishop Barron never said that the Left cares more about the poor. He just said its classically associated. You need to actually listen to him before casting judgement. Although in an unrelated note, Pope Francis' stance on socialism is very worrying. Hard to believe JP2 was only 2 popes ago...

[@hurin1932]

@@Tttb95 I'm not sure what precisely we disagree with or what your criticism is? He did say the left is classically associated with care of the poor. I agree with you, I did listen to him. My point was that that view is itself a common myth which is promoted by the Left itself. It is a fabrication, which if one believes, only serves to demonstrate that one has uncritically fallen into narrative possession. If anything your last several comments would only serve to reinforce, not refute, my point.

[@michaelwyka9585]

With great respect I believe the bishop assumes incorrectly that most Catholics are familiar with Catholic social teaching. In my opinion, they are not. As such, if that is correct, then the split between Catholic identification as Rep or Dem comes solely (or mostly) from social elements, familial, educational, emotional, and not from the teaching of the Church.

[@michaelbergfeld8751]

Now, if you think coherently, it is wrong to say a bishop better can't take position in the vote, as Fratelli Tutti claerly takes position even if no name is mentionned. There is much at stake and he takes position, so there is no reason why a bishop shouldn't. A bishop is also a sign of contrediction, he should use it as a constructive 《provocation》. The fact that i entirely disagree with Pope Francis doesn't mean that the principle should be denied. You don't leave the church because you think your bischop is taking resposability, on the contrary, it makes teaching alive!

[@lianasammartino8490]

would it be possible to get a DIGITAL copy, of course paying what is needed?

[@harryemerson9401]

If there are so many "catholics" advocating for the advancement of abortion rights, where does the fault lie in regards to the obviously errant formation of these self-described catholics?

[@killianmiller6107]

Infiltration, lukewarmness, and being raised in a secular age.

[@dennisdonnelly7794]

I love Bishop Barron and I respect him greatly if I do have a problem with some leaders in the Catholic Church is they go to Great Lengths to not offend anybody and from what I've read of Jesus's teachings he never worried about offending anybody

[@josephwestin9208]

Catholic Social teaching is not opposed to capital punishment. Popes used to carry out capital punishment.

[@levismadore556]

A very balanced and wise exploration on how to align the act of entrusting a society to its authorities with Catholic social teachings. From where I stand, I seek more light as to what to do when the State uses its power to pass laws that affects the Church’s life at its core - E.G. California’s attempts to shape the sacrament of confession as a tool for civic indictment.

[@killianmiller6107]

If your first and foremost duty and obedience is to a worldly political party, whether Republican or Democrat or anything else, then you do not follow God; for you have replaced God with an idol. To do so is to break the 1st commandment, and it’s not the first for nothing. Our whole obedience is for God alone.

[@schwaglr]

Thank you SO MUCH for taking on this topic. It helped me give myself permission for feeling conflicted during the election season.

[@peggylorence7211]

But wouldn't it be better if you felt LESS conflicted after watching a bishop of the Catholic church talk n this subject?

[@schwaglr]

@@peggylorence7211 I definitely feel less conflicted personally and spiritually! He helped me realize that my Catholic beliefs occupy the center aisle, not the left or right side of it.

[@KingOfAllBlunders]

If we are Catholics why should we vote?

[@jerryw6699]

It's our country, it's our job to try to see through all the smoke and mirrors and vote for the most just and truth seeking leader. I wish there were better people running for high offices.

[@KingOfAllBlunders]

@@jerryw6699 Yeah I agree I supposed the people running are a reflection of ourselves in a sense. The whole world seems to be smoke and mirrors. I worry sometimes if everything is smoke and mirrors. Thanks for the response.

[@Punkyrooster6]

I wish there was more discursive leadership like this. Fr. Altman had me worried that Catholicism was being reduced to a partisan fight.

[@christinelynch1111]

The train has left the station, and now is the time for you and me. I am not going to waste my life and the life of my soul criticizing priests and bishops as so many do now. We are all called to be saints, but I think this century the Holy Spirit is going to help more laity to sainthood. I, for one, hope to be able to cooperate in his plan, in voting and vocation.

[@guardadam7420]

How about the comments one of the candidates states "I don't need God's forgiveness, I've never done anything wrong" or, even better "I've done more for Christianity then Jesus, conservative judges, pro-life" Soooo, this isn't just hypocrisy, its straight up blasphemy. Oh, he's anti-abortion (NOT pro-life, they restarted the death penalty), let us vote for him- clearly a man of God. Ignore the constant lies. Then we need to listen to Priests telling us we will go to hell if we don't support because of his "position" on being anti-abortion. Please someone explain to me what's going on, because my heart will not allow me to support this type of behavior, he sows chaos, not peace. This goes totally against God in almost everyway, yet, I'm threatened to support him. What are we supposed to do everything in, LOVE. Where is it?

[@guardadam7420]

@@verbalsword673 Are we called to be common man? How about the chaos, also his strength? Is God chaos? Why does everyone defend this mans bad behavior as if it's ok, so what your saying is the ends justify the means? The Bible does NOT teach that. How about the lies? He was pro-choice his entire life, up until he decided to run GOP- so he became anti-abortion to buy votes.... again, this is ok? Everything about him is fake, and being able to "relate to the common man", like stuffing children in cages, ignoring the rule of law because he doesn't agree with it... Watch the videos, he's not telling jokes, he believes these things, it's why his circus always has to come out after him denying everything he just said, or explaining "what he really means". Its tragic it just took this to deceive the world, Bible wasn't kidding.

[@guardadam7420]

@@verbalsword673 Nothing "funny" about it, won't be laughing when the world starts really burning. Play with fire, get burnt. If you do laugh, says more about you, then him. Not sure what you'll say before Jesus, but, good luck.

[@haydongonzalez-dyer2727]

I understand your frustration, I have family that feels the same way as you. I do not you want to feel attacked. I think that it can be easy to view Trump as a monster, but I would urge you to please try to understand what is being said. No reasonable person is claiming that Trump is perfect or even that he has not committed grave sins. What is being claimed is that Biden’s positions are less tolerable; that Trump is the lesser of two evils. I would encourage you to closely examine the policies of both and reflect on the ways that the Joe Biden as a candidate falls short in living up to God’s calling just as critically as you would reflect on the ways Trump falls short. Try to find a good Catholic voters guide and look at what issues are more imperative. Try to rank what issues are the most important and see where the candidates line up. Always start with God’s Will and the guidance of Holy people before examining the issue at hand. A conscious must first be formed before it can be applied after all, and you commenting on this videos shows that you want to be an informed Catholic voter. 👍 I have made my own comment under the video on why I think Trump is the better pick that you can look at but my aim is to encourage reflection. I wish you the best in your searching. God Bless and take care. P.S if you want a good place to start I would encourage you to look at Catholic Answers and Ascension Presents. Here is a link to one of the Ascension Presents videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZvXm2uOfZeHd8U

[@keymaker2112]

Compare the platforms of the parties in terms of contradictions to a Catholic- Dems: Abortion, Euthanasia, Gay Marriage, Shot through with Marxists (all intrinsically evil) , Against increased parental control over their child's education. Reps: Capital Punishment, Immigration, Care for the poor All of the Republican issues fall within arguments about application and are not intrinsically evil, though they may be circumstantially evil. 4/5 of the Democrat issues are intrinsically evil. You are trapped in an information matrix of lies if you believe he has been some order of magnitude more chaotic or inept as an executive. It's simply not true. Consider, Harvard University's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy found that in 2017 90% of President Trump's media coverage has been negative. Even Fox news was closer to fair coverage than being overtly biased. NINETY PERCENT. Let that sink in for a moment.