Whoops! Pope Francis did it again! (Which is it to be? The lesser of two evils OR the mind of Christ?)

Recently the Holy Father told a reporter that American Catholic’s should choose the “lesser of two evils” during our upcoming presidential election; referring to the persons of Harris and Trump.  At his Sunday Angelus, addressing the Church, he exhorted the faithful to truly know Jesus and his mindset, rather than cultivating worldly mindedness. The issue with these two suppositions is that they contradict one another.  One cannot choose between two perceived moral evils AND have the mind of Christ.   

The Lesser of Two Evils

The “lesser of two evils” remark by the Pope was unfortunate because it does not reflect the teachings of Christ and his Church.  It may have been a flippant remark or perhaps it reflects his personal feelings, but in speaking with a reporter – on the record – the Pope was wrong on two counts, theologically speaking.

First, as he knows full well, individual human beings are not intrinsically “evil.”  Evil, according to official teachings of the Church, is without substance; it is non-being.  Candidates Harris and Trump, on the other hand, have being and as such, neither St. Augustine nor St. Aquinas would ever label them “evil” (though both are capable of wicked actions, words and deeds).  

Second, when a Catholic is faced with the dilemma of choosing between two moral evils – and this applies beyond politics - the answer is simple; choose neither.  We are not only encouraged to keep our distance from evil, but to abstain from the very appearance of it (I Thess. 5:22).   If, on moral grounds, a Catholic is unable to support a person, place, or cause, then the best option is to abstain.  To abstain is an action that indicates “none of the above.”   

The Pope’s Recent Angelus: To “truly know the Lord” with the proper mindset.

Christ never said to his followers “Choose the lesser evil.”  When Christ was confronted by a similar scenario, political or otherwise, he often remained silent and in so doing, chose neither.  (Jesus had a gift for keeping his mouth shut when confronted by a Pharisaical question, ruffling many feathers!)  God cannot, by virtue of his nature, chose anything but good, and we, as imitators of Christ, are to follow his example. When any gradation of moral evil is allowed, it is situational ethics which is a worldly mindset.  The mind of Christ rejects moral relativity on the basis that when a moral good is diminished – by 1% or 99% - it becomes unacceptable to God.  And the mindset of Jesus is much more stringent for the Church than it was for the Hebrews.  Prior to Christ an act of evil was judged ex post facto, but with Christ the very thought of evil is judged as the same as the act.  (Reminds me of the movie Minority Report)

The mind of Christ is the highest standard and encompasses thoughts, words and deeds.

Not only is it possible to have the mind of Christ, but Sacred Scripture tells us how – like a detailed recipe!  First, obey the 10 Commandments.  (Jesus fulfilled the Law, he did not destroy it).  Second, read, digest and put to memory Sacred Scripture that will assist you.  (Jesus verbally rebuked the devil with the Old Testament).  Think before you speak (2 Cor. 10:5). Season word salad with grace (Col. 4:6), and limit idle words (Matthew 12:36-37).

The greatest impact that we can make on this world begins with the condition of our heart and mind, which then ripples outward.  Glorify God and leave the rest to him.