Written by Jim Smallwood
Former Colorado State Senator
Being a good Catholic and active in politics can seem contradictory. Perhaps the first thing that came to mind when you came across this topic was, “Being a good Christian and being in politics are two things that don’t match.” Even if you read it in the newspaper or online, it would be hard to criticize someone who thinks that way. That mindset is very unfortunate on many levels.
It’s a shame to start like this. Because I argue that public service should be, and in some cases still is, a noble endeavour. God Himself ordained that governments should be established among peoples (e.g., Romans 13). Those who are called to serve in such a role are therefore obliged to do so as faithfully as possible to honor and true principles. I think this is especially true for civilizations and nations like ours that have inherited the practice of self-government. The sad reality that so many people in this day and age are not living up to those expectations should not detract from the noble purpose of this system.
Regarding my own government service, I look at the issue from several perspectives. First of all, I must always remember that I am a Catholic first and a member of Parliament secondly. This means that every time I vote, every time I introduce a bill, and every time I speak from the well, I not only need to remember God’s law as fulfilled by God and His Son, Jesus Christ; It means we need to remember what we are reflecting publicly. It means being a Catholic and a follower of Christ as a testimony to others.
Second, on a more practical and concrete level, I seek to apply the teachings of Christ and His Church to the public policies I promote. Jesus said to us, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). It is helpful to keep this separation between the two in mind. Indeed, a large part of my job as a state senator was to keep Caesar from encroaching on what belonged to God and to keep his share as limited as reasonably possible.
Finally, and perhaps most complex, is the challenge of determining the difference between the universal principles and morals taught by the Church and the discipline given to Catholics.
In some cases, it was easy to tell them apart. For example, Christ’s teachings on the sanctity of innocent life seem so clear to me that all votes for abortion to be the “clear and only option” for women at all stages of pregnancy are Catholics. It was an easy choice for me. But what about the myriad problems that are never fully resolved?
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The answer is often not obvious or easy. As Catholics, we are called to help those less fortunate, but what is the best way to do that? The simple answer is to take a Robin Hood approach: have more. It may be taking from others and giving to others with less. But is it the right approach? Will forced charity please God? Will taking such a simple approach really help the less fortunate in the long run? Is it even moral?
I believe God has given us the ability to think beyond the obvious and see deeper. If Peter and Simon had chosen the obvious path when the Lord asked them to give up their livelihoods and follow Him, they would have died as fishermen. I have tried to apply a long-term perspective to my approach to public policy.
For example, consider health care, which is my signature policy issue. Many fellow Catholics ask me why I am so vehemently opposed to a socialist approach to a need so important to Colorado families. When it comes to my views on healthcare, I want to help create a system that works for everyone. That system includes arguably the most vulnerable citizens. The reason I opposed progressive government-created health insurance programs like the Colorado Option in the state legislature is because of the unintended consequences we are seeing today. Premiums are rising 10% across individual market plans, enrollment lags half the national average, and options for quality care are decreasing. The Denver Business Journal recently reported that six hospitals in rural Colorado are at risk of closing. That would create a medical desert for people in rural Colorado, who often cannot travel long distances or take precious time to receive treatment. Wouldn’t it be more charitable to go back to the table to prioritize solutions that build on what has proven successful in our current health care system and effectively fix what is broken? Or?
Finally, as a Catholic, I have an inherent respect for tradition and the wisdom of my ancestors. That’s why I’m a conservative. I believe it is best to build on what is guaranteed, rather than throw away decades of experience in the hopes of producing something better overnight, without the benefit of age-old wisdom. I believe. New isn’t necessarily better. As an American Catholic legislator, I believe that our first focus should be on obedience. This includes, as another good Catholic public figure, William F. Buckley, put it, “being obedient to God and the wisdom of our fathers.”
