Hope that comes from faith
Back in 2016, I joined a Facebook group inviting discussion on Catholic social teaching and politics. Religion and politics on social media in the 2016 election season — what could go wrong?
Before engaging in any discussion, I pledged that I’d never respond to ad hominem in kind, nor would I become an unauthorized spokesman for my employer. When the charitable work of the Church is questioned, I hold up in general terms the good work that Catholic organizations are doing all over the US and around the world, work done as we love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves.
Many times, when I asked a question about a position that I didn’t think was in accord with Catholic social teaching, I was accused of being on the opposite side: clearly a red-hatted MAGA member or a closet Communist. I never let ad hominem shut me down.
Drawing on conflict management training, I ask why the person felt that way, often opening up a deeper dialogue. I’ve learned a lot, and especially that there’s one thing that’s common across the political spectrum, and especially on the extremes: fear. Fear and anxiety are real — as we doubtless know from our work — and intensified by both parties.
Hosea’s words, and similar words in Isaiah, calling Israel to return to the Lord, make me think of our own country with concern and my own fear that, even though religious belief is widespread in our land, political discourse subordinates our deep-seated values to partisan narratives. Both sides deny inconvenient aspects of science; neither party has done enough to guarantee that the stranger is welcomed with dignity. I don’t have to tell anyone reading this how our government and our society have failed the poor and vulnerable.
Experiences in ministry, friendships and work relationships with people of many faiths have taught me that true adherents to their faith’s tenets share God’s concern for the poor and vulnerable.
I’m happy that my agency, like many of yours, says that we serve people of all faiths — and that we stop short of saying “and people of no faith,” for everyone has faith in something, or they’d never get out of bed! When we encounter people headed toward despair, our work gives them hope — hope that ultimately comes from our own faith, whatever creed we profess.
Deacon Frank Daggett is Director of Parish Social Ministry with Catholic Charities Maine. He has served in Catholic and multifaith ministry at Saint Joseph’s and Bates Colleges.