The Crossroads of Religion & Politics—Part I

Heavenly Father please continue to give me strength I seem to bear the weight of the world on my shoulders as a single mom, I face challenges that can seem impossible especially with raising two children with special needs. Lord I’m struggling to make ends meet, to pay bills, and to put food on the table for my children and I feel so alone. I’m constantly in fear. At times I want to give up. Jesus give me strength and renew my faith.

Greatest man who ever walked on earth, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet rulers feared him. He claimed no territory, yet they called him King. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He defeated all his enemies, yet he never harmend anyone. He committed no crime, yet they crucified him. He was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today . His name is Jesus.

This is a thoughtful and truly essential discussion that accurately characterizes the nature of facets of the American governing framework. I particularly appreciate the correction of the common theme today that individualism is a problem. That part of this discussion—that consideration of the individual instead of the society first—is right, and worth a deep chasing of the implications and reasons. I also appreciate the delineation about the Republic... it is actually helpful in the understanding, even if occasionally used in a nitpicking way. Also, one central conviction that has provided me a framework for transcending every category of earthly organization is this — in my life, the flag of Christ's Kingdom flies highest.

A timely topic. I'm grateful Word of Fire addressed the intersection of Catholic theology and democracy. This year's election is not just about two individuals or two parties. It's about American democracy (the bishop mentioned the multi-governments approach advocated by the Founding Fathers and St. Thomas Aquinas.) vs. authoritarianism. At Sunday mass following the debate, the church I attended offered up a prayer for our democracy. Indeed! We need that. Despite my anxiety for November's election, I know that America has been at a crossroads many times, like in the Civil War, and our democracy prevailed. I pray that continues beyond 2024.

Dear Bishop Barron thank you for clarifying Lincoln in our constitution of freedom of speech and the right of people to receive that. Now democracy is at its best. But is now chaotic.

"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” - Thomas Jefferson

Fabulous overview of the definition, and evolution of Democracy. And the philosical, and biblical influences on the Founding Fathers as they wrote the Constitution.

Excellent, just excellent. I am learning so much from these videos and so grateful you are posting them.

Very interesting and informative...thank you Doctor Worner and Bishop Barron.

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One Nation, evermore! - Oliver Wendell Holmes Quite a challenge when you have different clans, tribes, races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, ethnicities, languages, and human DNA like corruption, and ego. The U.S. and the rest of the world might be at its outer limits of what can actually be accomplished…peacefully. Great discussion. ❤✝️🌎

"Our Constitution was devised for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the governance or any other." John Adams

Watching from the Philippines 🇵🇭

God bless you Bishop 🙏

A large 2014 Princeton study found: US is an [business] oligarchy, not a democracy ... Business artificial "persons" are legalized by the Court as equivalent to natural persons, and granted "free speech" of indefinite money to bought-off (to corrupt) politics! (A study of Princeton University Prof. Martin Gilens and Northwestern University Prof. Benjamin I Page.)

An excellent, nuanced discussion on the actual advantages and disadvantages of a republican democracy. The Simpsons reference at 35:15 is worth its weight in gold. And thank you for the acknowledgement at the end that different systems work for different cultures (in the context of Putin and Russia).

Can't wait!

We have a Republic not a Democracy There is a big difference It is a Republic Balanced so no one group can have More power or control

I am confounded by the power that evil seems to have over good. Trying to advocate for the good of mankind ,as a whole , is like having to push back against the massive brick wall of evil forces.

Deep & thoughtful discussion, as I’ve come to expect from Bishop Barron. Excellent use of a Simpson’s reference as well!

God bless you Bishop