TH 14 - Catholic Political Responsibility: Building the Kingdom of God
The American political climate is becoming more polarized. In the midst of this political tension, Catholics have a moral duty and baptismal responsibility to study the issues, pray, and vote based on conscience (c.f. Gaudium et spes, no. 75). The Church may not endorse specific candidates or political parties; it does, however, advise Catholics on core Catholic Social Teaching principles (e.g. human dignity, solidarity, care for common home) that may be addressed within specific local, state, and national issues.
This continuing education unit discusses Pope Francis’ call for Catholics to engage in missionary action to continue building the kingdom of God through an evangelizing presence and political engagement. Students will review the importance of the New Evangelization, understand how one’s call to be a missionary disciple affects one’s personal and public life, and develop a pastoral outreach media piece to help inform others on specific local, state, and national issues.
Assignment Overview
5 Lessons - Pass/Fail
Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to do the following:
1. Define the term New Evangelization.
2. Examine how the New Evangelization is a “re-proposing of the Gospel”.
3. Review specific selections from Sacred Scriptures and Magisterial documents pertaining to evangelization and political outreach.
4. Assess current pastoral programming specifically toward Catholic Social Teaching principles.
5. Differentiate between evangelization and “de-evangelization” encounters.
6. Analyze the two “feet” of justice: social justice and charitable works.
7. Design a faith-formation media outreach program for a specific local, state, or national political issue.
Credits: 0
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