Advance and Defend

Eugene J. McCarthy March/April 2012

The Christian in politics should be judged by the standard of whether through his decisions and actions he has advanced the cause of justice. The Christian in politics should be distinguished by his alertness to protect and defend the rights of individuals, or religious institutions and other institutions, from violation by the state or by other institutions or persons. He has a very special obligation to keep the things of God separate from those of Caesar. The Christian in politics should shun the devices of the demagogue at all times, but especially in a time when anxiety is great, when tension is high, when uncertainty prevails, and emotion tends to be in the ascendancy.

“The Christian in Politics,” Commonweal, Oct.1, 1954. Eugene J. McCarthy served in the United States Congress as a representative and senator from Minnesota from 1949 to 1971. He was a candidate for president in 1968 and 1976.

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Article Author: Eugene J. McCarthy