Catholic political identity and engagement defy categorization. The complexities of political realities and the human nature of such institutions as church and government often produce a more fractured reality than the pure unity depicted in doctrine. Yet; in 2003 under the leadership of then-prefect Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI); the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a "Doctrinal Note on Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life." The note explicitly asserts; "The Christian faith is an integral unity; and thus it is incoherent to isolate some particular element to the detriment of the whole of Catholic doctrine. A political commitment to a single isolated aspect of the Church's social doctrine does not exhaust one's responsibility toward the common good." Catholics and Politics takes up the political and theological significance of this "integral unity;" the universal scope of Catholic concern that can make for strange political bedfellows; confound predictable voting patterns; and leave the church poised to critique narrowly partisan agendas across the spectrum. Catholics and Politics depicts the ambivalent character of Catholics' mainstream "arrival" in the U.S. over the past forty years; integrating social scientific; historical and moral accounts of persistent tensions between faith and power. Divided into four parts―Catholic Leaders in U.S. Politics; The Catholic Public; Catholics and the Federal Government; and International Policy and the Vatican―it describes the implications of Catholic universalism for voting patterns; international policymaking; and partisan alliances. The book reveals complex intersections of Catholicism and politics and the new opportunities for influence and risks of cooptation of political power produced by these shifts. Contributors include political scientists; ethicists; and theologians. The book will be of interest to scholars in political science; religious studies; and Christian ethics and all lay Catholics interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the tensions that can exist between church doctrine and partisan politics.
#241515 in Books 2011-02-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.98 x .80 x 6.15l; .99 #File Name: 1586174819300 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Incredible BookBy Luke PliskaI am an avid reader and as a Christian this is probably my favorite book that I have read thus far. Budziszewski states that 'The Abolition of Man' is the best modern work on natural law. While Lewis is incredible I do not think that Budziszewski gives himself enough credit as 'What We Can't Not Know' is a masterpiece. I have recommended this book to friends and family members; all of which have had nothing but good things to say about it.I would strongly recommend anyone interested in natural law theory to check this book out. Budziszewski also does an excellent job of presenting complex subjects in a very easy to understand fashion. Incredible book by an incredible author!3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. What everyone should knowBy D.It's amazing and frightening how we suppress; ignore and myopically treat what we can't not know. Yet here's an author who loudly and clearly in the public square is saying "wrong direction"; "turn back now"; and "wake-up everybody". Only fools ignore what they should know.We've all heard the cry that our country is in decline; can't get it's act together; morally confused; etc. This book provides an explanation for how we've gotten into such a mess and how to bring ourselves out of it. For those who would disagree; they might take a look in the rearview mirror.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. What we can't not knowBy CustomerI found this to be a well organized and written; highly readable argument for the existence of absolute values of right and wrong that are embedded in the conscience of every human being. The author uses the Ten Commandments to express those absolute values. He clearly explains the effects of denying those values on individuals and our society.Readers who buy into political correctness about homosexual conduct; abortion and other fashionable no-longer-regarded-as-sinful behaviors will be seriously offended by his straightforward rejection of such conduct. Those who struggle with the contrasts between the politically correct moral fashions of the day and the urgings of their consciences will find good reasons to listen to their consciences. Those who accept behavioral guidance from their consciences will find powerful affirmations of their beliefs.
