While driving back home from a 40 Day for Life shift I got annoyed at all the political ads on the radio station to which I was listening. I changed stations to a 50s/60s music station and Del Shannon’s 1961 hit “Runaway” was playing.
The song is about a boy’s girlfriend leaving him and the boy wondering why she ran away. For some reason the theme of “running away” caught my attention.
There are many issues in our world that many would just as soon “run away” from. From discussions with many friends and family (especially of my generation), it seems there are three main areas that many would just as soon run away from. Many would actually prefer to not even think about them or deal with them in any way.
Discontent over Abortion
We are in another ‘political rhetoric’ season with the midterm elections. The ads by Democrats in my liberal state of Colorado are loud and misleading. They say this election is all about taking away women’s rights. They infer that pro-life candidates are evil, authoritarian women haters. Even worse, they imply that Pro-lifers are rightwing extremists.
Added to the election noise about abortion, is the disturbing news about all the attacks against Catholic churches (86 since the Dobbs decision leak) and crisis pregnancy centers (74 since the Dobbs leak). While many of us celebrated the Dobbs decision, it is clear that attacks on pro-life views and institutions will be undergoing increased persecution. But we can’t run away from that reality.
Discontent over the Church
Catholic media sites, including this one, have been expressing all kinds of discontent with the hierarchy over many issues facing the Church. The continuing sex abuse scandal and confusing statements from Pope Francis are disconcerting. And the goings on at the German bishops’ synod, and the so called Synod on Synodality can make one’s head spin.
The current happenings have led to a lot of confusion about what exactly the Church teaches. Some say Church teachings are being changed. It can make one just want to go to mass, receive the sacraments, practice the virtues, and forget all the noise. However, if we are true to our faith we can’t run away and ignore what’s happening within the Church.
Discontent with the Culture
The changes in the culture seen in the workplace, in schools and in everyday social contacts are also disconcerting. Transgenderism, homosexuality, gay marriage, etc., all project a distorted ideology of the nature of human beings. Added to that is the progressive agenda of indoctrination, especially in the schools, supporting this “new” sexuality. A growing totalitarianism against free speech if one disagrees with the “enlightened” view on these issues has also emerged.
Many of us just shake our heads and opine how crazy it all is. Likewise, there can be a sense of futility at not being able to do anything about the progressive “march” of this new ideology. Often heard statements are “Our time is over” or “just go with the flow” or “we need to change with the times.”
However, the changing times go against what our faith teaches us. And there is a growing political and social effort to deny religious freedom of speech and practice over these issues. Can we really run away from what is becoming a forced and imposed tyranny?
Run Away or Engage?
Illness, crushing responsibilities, or an overwhelming need for peace of mind may prevent some from engaging these issues. However, for many of us, running away and accepting the notion that there is nothing one can do, is out of the question. There are some efforts that can be considered.
A key question is what can I do about these issues? A second question is what am I willing do about these issues? The old warrior in me has engaged in these three issues and some example approaches are provided below.
Abortion
It’s important to realize that legal decisions and court cases are not the eventual solution to the problem of abortion. Changing hearts and minds is where it’s at. Renewed efforts are necessary to educate and inform the public and fellow Christians about abortion. We especially have to confront the false narratives that deny science.
This can be done in normal conversations. But we can also spread the pro-life message, be involved in pro-life marches, and pray rosaries at abortion sites. For those of us that are so inclined, writing letters to editors of newspapers and writing essays are all opportunities to convey the pro-life message.
Finally, during this election season it’s important to vote for pro-life candidates.
I personally have borne the brunt of pro abortionist’s vitriol. So realize that it is important to know that anyone who chooses to be involved in pro-life efforts needs to develop thick skin.
The Church
The happenings in the Church, especially among the hierarchy, can cause confusion and discouragement. But what is happening now is not new. The Church has undergone controversies over the last 2,000 years. It is important to have faith that the Holy Spirit guides the Church and to remember that eventually God’s will prevails.
In the meantime, a first step is to keep informed of happenings within the Church. I have found that The National Catholic Register website is a solid news source.
I think the focus needs to be on sustaining a faith based on orthodox teachings regardless of current controversies. There are faith based sources that can provide orthodox direction. When confronted with an opinion or narrative about Church teachings that appears at odds with traditional beliefs, reviewing the Catechism and the Bible provides a perspective on the issue.
Going beyond getting personally informed, one can also become involved in one or more Church organizations. The Knights of Columbus and Legion of Mary both support and promote traditional teachings.
The Culture
The culture is the most difficult area to deal with because it is impossible to not engage with the culture at large. School curriculums, work requirements, and informal social norms promote and seem to require following the progressive mantra on a regular basis.
I believe that freedom of speech and religious expression are the ultimate issues. We are definitely in a culture war. With those freedoms at stake, standing up for our beliefs and confronting falsehoods becomes more and more important.
It may be uncomfortable or even risky to stand up and confront the falsehoods being imposed on the culture. While it may be necessary to go along with some requirements at work or in school there are still opportunities to stand up and express the truth. What our faith teaches us formally or informally which can make a difference.
Perhaps the most frequent opportunity to engage the progressive sexual or social agenda is through informal discussions. Don’t run away from a discussion about an issue such as transgenderism. Speak up and use the occasion to “educate” others on the facts. But doing this requires being informed. The Catholic Answers website provides much information and “ammunition” on many issues.
If so inclined, one can also be ‘active.’ Get involved and speak up at public events such as school board and city council meetings. As with abortion, voting for candidates who refuse to go along with the false narratives is important.
Prayer
C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying that Christianity was a “fighting religion.” He wasn’t saying that we are aggressive and war mongers but that we are to stand up for what we believe. Thousands of martyrs have shown that.
Whether abortion, Church controversies, or an increasingly oppressive culture, remaining true to the faith is necessary. Regardless of one’s engagement, prayer is the one tool we all can apply. At the most basic level, it is an action showing that we are not running away.
“And we have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).
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