Who Runs Your World?

September 21, 2005

Who do you go to when making a life decision? Mom? Dad? A brother? A sister? A minister? Most of us would probably consult one of these people and, according to a recent poll commissioned by the BBC, we are by no means alone. Of the 51,000 people interviewed in 68 countries, 88% of those in Mexico consult a family member while the number is 35% for those living in the United States and Canada. Globally 61% of the respondents said a family member played the most influential role in making a life decision and religious leaders top the charts for their trustworthiness.

While most of us turn to those we trust in making personal decisions, the poll also revealed a fair amount of global distrust for those making political decisions. 65% of those polled believe that forces other than the will of the people actually run their country. And less than half (47%) believe elections in their countries are run in a free and fair manner. This number is significantly higher in European Union countries (82%) and only marginally higher in the United States and Canada (55%). Figures from West Africa divulge a mere 24% of respondents place much trust in the electoral process.

What might these findings mean? For one thing they might reveal that while we trust our family members and those close to us, we do not feel that we have much control over those who create and implement public policy. In the United States this seems to have more to do with the issues and policies our elected officials pursue rather than the process through which they are elected. Elections are sound; politicians are unreliable, or so we seem to think.

For those of us who call the United States home, this raises the perennial question: How should we go about engaging our elected officials on the issues we find indispensable for a healthy and democratic society? There are few quick and easy responses to this question. For those of us who follow the Way of Jesus, engagement in the political process ought to be a primary interest. In his own day Jesus often engaged political and economic forces and those who managed these structures. And, while Jesus did not vie for a position of prominence within the Roman Empire, he did speak at length about how you and I might go about implementing new relationships throughout the world--including our environment--and between other human beings--both those in our family and throughout all of creation.

Our society is diverse and our various voices, visions, and viewpoints have an immediate impact in our country's politics. Whether you are passionate about Cardinal Bernardin's Consistent Ethic of Life, fostering inter-religious dialogue, or increasing funding for renewable energy, there are millions of people interested in engaging in any number of issues. Few of us find lethargy a worthwhile pursuit in life; most of us crave opportunities to have a meaningful impact on the world.

To explore the recent BBC poll, click on the following link: Who Runs Your World

Catholic Connections

"Faithful citizenship calls Catholics to see civic and political responsibilities through the eyes of faith and to bring our moral convictions to public life. People of good will and sound faith can disagree about specific applications of Catholic principles. However, Catholics in public life have a particular responsibility to bring together consistently their faith, moral principles, and public responsibilities.

"We need more, not less engagement in political life. We urge Catholics to become more involved by running for office; by working within political parties; by contributing money or time to campaigns; and by joining diocesan legislative networks, community organizations, and other efforts to apply Catholic principles in the public square.

"The Catholic community is a diverse community of faith, not an interest group. Our Church does not offer contributions or endorsements. Instead, we raise a series of questions, seeking to help lift up the moral and human dimensions of the choices facing voters and candidates."
--United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility (2003)

Reflection Questions

In what ways should Catholic Christians be more explicit in making links between their religious practices/values and their work in public office?

How does your faith connect to your passions about political and social issues in today's world?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!