August 28, 2024

Seven Themes to Ponder

You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside… 
Matthew 23:27

To whitewash means to gloss over errors, hide unpleasant facts, alter the truth. It’s not surprising that sometimes politicians and others provide their own spin at the expense of opponents. Truth often gets lost in finger-pointing, and we’re left wondering who’s on the level. That leaves us, as voters, sifting through “facts” that are sometimes clear as mud.

Truth shouldn’t be such a thorny issue. As we work to figure things out, the beauty of these seven themes of our social teaching serve as an important resource: 1) Life and Dignity of the Human Person; 2) Call to Family, Community and Participation; 3) Rights and Responsibilities; 4) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; 5) The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers; 6) Solidarity; 7) Care for God’s Creation.

We may not always agree, but I believe God’s wisdom is ours to draw from—especially as we near the voting booth.

- Gail Goleas