Render unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life

Archbishop Chaput believes a Catholic politician who does not vote to criminalize abortion should not be given Communion. His stance is not supported by many other Catholic bishops, though all agree, as of course I do, that abortion is a horrendous evil since it terminates the life of an unborn innocent child. But I think a Catholic can in good conscience vote against criminalizing abortion, even though I would not so vote. And certainly there are good reasons often to vote for a Catholic even though he does not vote to criminalize abortion, especially since the pro-life politicians of the Republican stripe often use the issue not to end abortion but to garner votes. The book is well written and is a good exposition of the author's view.

In "Render Unto Caesar," Chaput gives us a condensed history of 2000 years of Catholicism & how Catholics have lived (& died for) their faith under various forms of government during that time. But, his primary focus is Catholicism's effects on the history of the U.S., & where & how Catholics should be living their faith in today's society.

a priest I had only corresponded with suggested I read this book, and I am glad he did. Bishop Chaput makes the case for the involvement of people of faith in the public square, but he goes beyond that to make the case that we cannot be people o9f faith unless we engage with the issues of our day from the perspective of our beliefs.

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., D.D. posits that American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry to survive. He discusses the separation of church and state, pro-choice politicians, and the role of religious believers in politics. The short discourse on the history of Catholics in America is interesting and would make a very long and interesting book on its own. In this book the archbishop urges Catholics to practice their faith openly.

This sounds very sensible. Apparently at least of the younger bishops have decided the best defense is to go on offense.

Denver Bishop is one of the best!