By Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.
Talking about politics can sometimes feel draining and dehumanizing. We might feel like we’re losing touch with who we are.
When we think about politics, it’s easy to feel discouraged or frustrated. It can seem like no one’s telling the truth or that nothing will ever change.
My name is Father Gregory Pine. I teach at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., and work as an assistant director at the Thomistic Institute. Today, I want to offer you a bit of encouragement for engaging with politics.
It seems like the quality of political conversations has declined over the years. People tend to either glorify their candidate or demonize the opposition, and a lot of us prefer to avoid these discussions altogether because they seem messy. But even though engaging in politics can be difficult, here’s why it’s still important.
1. Be Willing to Engage in Politics
We, as human beings, only come to fulfillment in community. God made us to be social, and even political, beings. Politics doesn’t have to be dirty—it can be done well, and virtuously, without losing ourselves in shouting matches.
Engaging in local communities, promoting the common good—whether in your family, neighborhood, or nation—is part of who we are.
Some people may tell you, “Just vote, that’s it.” While voting is important, it’s not the whole picture. The bigger part is being willing to have conversations, especially with friends or people you disagree with. If you always retreat from disagreement, it might be time to engage more, even if it feels uncomfortable. Disagreements don’t have to lead to anger or broken relationships. In fact, they can help you grow in mutual respect and love.
2. Contribute Where You Can
Many of us look at politics and feel powerless. We see big problems we can’t control, and it can lead to feelings of despair. But there are ways to make a difference. Maybe that means getting involved in student government, local charities, or even the neighborhood rec league. It’s not just about being involved for the sake of it—it’s about loving and caring for the things around us so that they improve.
Yes, it will take time and effort, and you may get frustrated along the way, but it can be a labor of love that leads to real change.
3. Don’t Let Anyone Take Away Your Humanity
Sometimes in heated political debates, we find ourselves saying or doing things we later regret.
Hold on to your humanity by recognizing that there are good things out there that can make us better people. Avoid media or conversations that are only designed to stir up emotions, but don’t withdraw completely from the important discussions that need to be had.
Even if our political community seems like it’s in a tailspin, and even if things don’t improve for a while, you have what you need to flourish as a human being—in your family, your nation, and your church. God never gives us trials we can’t handle. He wants to bring us together in bonds that help us go to Him as a community, because ultimately, we reach God together.
As Aristotle said, “The man who lives alone is either a beast or a god,” and we are neither—we’re human beings, meant for relationships, even when they’re hard.
Additional Resources
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