Episode 2625: Vote like a Catholic - Part 4 - Voting with Catholic Integrity

Avoiding Indifference or Relativism
"Welcome to today's episode. I'm Sharon, your host, and as always, I'm joined by Walt, our insightful co-host. Today’s discussion centers around a pressing issue for Catholics: avoiding the scandal of indifference or relativism, particularly in how we engage with voting in politics. We'll explore why indifference is not a neutral stance, but a dangerous spiritual condition, and why, as Catholics, we cannot afford to disengage from our civic responsibilities. Walt, I’m eager to dive into this discussion with you, especially since it touches on the practical application of our faith in a world that often rejects absolute truth.
Sharon:
First can I define indifference then share what it says in the Bible about indifference? Some synonyms for indifference are emotional hard-heartedness, unfeeling, uninterested, apathetic, callous, detached, uncaring and unconcerned. In Rev 3:15-16, John writes, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot. [16] But because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold, nor hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth
And, I want to share a quote from St. John Chrysostom: 'What is worse, sin or indifference? To sin is human, but to be indifferent is diabolical.' This highlights the gravity of indifference, particularly when we fail to act in the face of evil. We often think of indifference as a passive, harmless stance, but the reality is that it can be deeply destructive.

Walt:
Absolutely. It reminds me of the Catechism's teaching on sins of omission which is CCC 1853 which falls into the category of neglecting our duties to God, others, and ourselves. When we fail to do what we ought to whether it’s voting or standing up for moral truth we become complicit in the spread of evil. Pope John Paul II said it best in Evangelium Vitae when he stressed the obligation to oppose laws and policies that violate human life. Indifference, especially in elections, means allowing immoral agendas to thrive unchallenged.
Sharon:
And that’s where relativism comes in. We hear so often today that 'all political parties are flawed' or 'every candidate is corrupt,' and it leads to this paralysis, where people don’t vote at all. But that attitude reflects relativism denying that one choice can be better or worse than another. As Catholics, we believe in objective truth, and that means we must choose the path that most reflects Christ’s teaching, even if the choices aren’t perfect.

Walt:
Exactly. St. Augustine addressed this when he said, 'In the absence of what is perfect, that which is less imperfect must be chosen.' So, yes, we are called to engage even when the options are less than ideal. By choosing the lesser evil, we can limit the damage done to society and uphold Catholic values. This is the heart of avoiding indifferentism.
Sharon:
And let’s not forget the societal impact. When Catholics withdraw from public life, it leaves the door open for ideologies hostile to our faith to gain power. As Pope Pius XI said, 'Their silence would mean betrayal of their duty to bring Christ’s light to the world.' Refusing to vote, or becoming indifferent, allows the culture of death things like abortion, euthanasia, and attacks on religious freedom to flourish. May I add, King David was a great king, right? He waited 15 years to be crowned king after he was anointed. He was chased by Saul and had opportunities to kill Saul but wouldn’t because he was a man of integrity. He knew his place. He knew that Saul was God’s anointed as well. He was a man of integrity…although flawed. He sinned with Bathsheba gravely. He even had her husband killed in battle to cover this sin, right? So, how was he a man of integrity? He repented when it was put before him. How about Joseph, and Job, and Daniel and the 3 Hebrew children who were thrown in the fire for not conceding and standing firm in their faith! So, what am I trying to say: Pick a platform people. You see where this indifference has gotten us! We all have family to leave a legacy for. This is important stuff. Sorry, I went off.
Walt:
And when Catholics disengage, it’s not just societal harm we’re looking at, but spiritual harm. There's this deeper issue of practical atheism, where people live as though God has no place in the public sphere. But as Pope Leo XIII taught, 'It is a sin for the State to disregard the laws of God.' We are called to bring our faith into every aspect of our lives, including the political arena.
Sharon:
Right, and this can’t be done haphazardly. Catholics need prudence and courage in political engagement. It’s not always easy to know which candidates or policies align best with Church teaching, but that’s where prayer and discernment come in. Like St. Paul said in Romans 12:21, 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' We are called to be witnesses, to act when necessary, and to trust in God’s grace even when the political landscape seems bleak.
Conclusion (Sharon):
As we’ve discussed today, indifference and relativism are dangerous spiritual attitudes that not only harm society but also our own souls. Catholics have a moral obligation to engage with politics, to vote, and to make decisions based on objective truth. By rejecting indifference, we can fulfill our duty to build a just society, trusting in God’s grace and wisdom in all things. Walt, any closing thoughts?
Walt:
I think the key takeaway is that disengagement is not an option for faithful Catholics. The world may tell us that politics and faith should be separate, but that’s simply not true. We are called to be Christ’s light in every corner of society, including the voting booth.
Concluding Prayer (Sharon):
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, we ask for the grace to be courageous and faithful witnesses in this world. Help us to overcome the temptation of indifference and relativism, and to always stand for truth, even when it is difficult. Guide our decisions, especially in the political sphere, so that we may work for the common good and uphold the dignity of every human life. Strengthen us to be Your hands and feet, bringing Your light into the darkness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."