Denver Catholic

13 DENVER CATHOLIC | NOVEMBER 11-24, 2017 TWO SPHERES Behind the idea that the Church should not speak on public topics, lies a common miscon- ception: Life is divided into the private and public life. This division implies that the Christian is not to "impose" his views on anyone outside of his private domain. It's disrespectful and unprofessional. "Strictly speaking, everyone is imposing something on every- one," said Wright. "In a pluralistic culture, people try to convince individuals or groups on the way to proceed. So, it's unjust for a Chris- tian to be told to mind his own business and allow other people to apply their own think- ing on him." In fact, it's the mis- sion of the laity to a¡ ect the secular order, as John Paul II said in Christifi deles Laici: "[The lay faithful are] called by God so that they… might contribute to the sanctifi cation of the world." BELIEF AND ACTION "[What we believe] should a¡ ect what we do in the world – the political decisions that we make and what we support or [don't] sup- port," said Wright. "The immigration debate is a great exam- ple," he added. "If you're supporting policies that don't recognize the dignity of the person or the family, then you are putting yourself outside of Catholic teaching." "It's not easy to not separate our faith from our role in the world. We are also sinful," Wright continued. "But I encourage people to take the time to learn [the Church's Magiste- rium], appreciate what it's trying to convey and think about how they can apply it in their lives." WHEN CATHOLICS STRUGGLE In many cases, people disagree with what they think the Church teaches instead of what it actually teaches. For this reason, Wright encourages Christians to "take the time to study [Catholic social doctrine] and not take it to second hand." "It's very sound theologically and phil- osophically," he stated. "It's a very rich way of thinking about our life and community." That's not to say that people who have stud- ied this doctrine more in depth can't disagree. In these cases, how- ever, dialogue is always important. "Christianity isn't easy – it's a narrow gate," Wright concluded. "But the better you under- stand it, the easier it is." SERVING THE DENVER CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SINCE 1890. The heritage behind our mortuaries and cemeteries is one of history and tradition. For more than a century, Catholic families have trusted Olinger Mortuaries and Cemeteries to care for their loved ones because respect for traditions, understanding the needs of the Catholic faith, and providing affordable options is at the heart of what we do. With more than a 85 years of combined experience, parishioners Harry Stevenson and Matt Whale have assisted families with care and compassion. Their expertise combined with those who provide professional services in 11 Olinger neighborhood chapels is virtually unprecedented in serving the Denver Catholic community. (303) 455-3663 www.denverfuneralproviders.com Harry Stevenson 55 Years Matt Whaley 30 Years DR. WRIGHT'S RECOMMENDED SOURCES: • Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1877-1948 • Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church • Leo XIII: Rerum Novarum • Pius XI: Quadragesimo Anno • Paul VI: Populorum Progressio • John Paul II: Centesimus Annus OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY LAWRENCE JACKSON i

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