An Apologetical Explanation of

Christian Participation in Society

What is the Christian’s responsibility in society?

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor….

    Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly…. Live peaceably with all…. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Rom 12:9-21)

In order to promote the common good, Christians are required to participate in society by taking responsibility in their family and professional lives, an active role in public life as they are able, and work to strengthen moral values in other individuals and within institutions.

Being a Christian living in the world means more than just a life of prayer and belief in Christ.  The moral law and the example of Christ compel us to take an active role in society in whatever way we are able in order to promote the common good.  Our love for God and for neighbor and the inherent dignity of the human person demands that we take responsibility for the people around us and for the moral caliber of the world in which we live.  (Cf. CCC 1912-1913, 2239)

This obligation presents itself first of all in how we carry out our immediate responsibilities.  By our personal behaviors, our conscientious professional work, and our care for the education and well-being of our families, we fulfill the first level of this social responsibility.  Because the family is the basic unit of society, strong and healthy families contribute to a strong and healthy society.  (Cf. CCC 1914, 2207-2211)

We ought to work within our various societies–family, neighborhood, social organizations, acquaintances, professional organizations, parish, student organizations, fellow hobbyists, etc.–for the continual conversion of society to conform more closely with the moral law so the common good may be better served in a climate of justice and peace.  We should also be involved in civic life as we are able, exercising the right to vote responsibly, advocating for or against proposed legislation, or working with civic officers in an elective or volunteer role.  By engaging the culture at all levels–from private conversations to organizing public action–we can help transform society so all citizens may enjoy the personal freedoms and opportunities for fulfillment that are their right in keeping with their dignity as human persons.  (Cf. CCC 1915-1917)

The Catechism addresses this question in paragraphs 1913 and 2255.

The contents of this page are Copyright © 2014 Rev. James Socias (of the Midwest Theological Forum). These apologetics are reproduced with written consent of said copyright holder for St Patricks Parish, Jaffrey, NH website only. Reproduction of any sort must be approved directly by said copyright holder.

To get a hardcopy of these Apologetics or the Didache Bible please visit the Midwest Theological Forum (publisher) at: http://www.theologicalforum.org