Divine Election: A Christian Guide to Irish Politics
Welcome to Divine Election, a podcast from the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, exploring what it might mean to approach elections from a Christian perspective. I am Cherise McClean. I direct Communications for the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. And as the Republic of Ireland goes to the polls in a General Election on November 29, we thought it was a good time to think theologically about the opportunities and obligations that fall to us as Christians in a democracy. While these issues are especially timely for Irish people, we hope that this series will be of general interest even after the election is completed and a new government is formed and that while it has Ireland as its context, it will be relevant for Christians anywhere.
Over the course of the series we pair big theological ideas with questions of applied public policy. We speak to experts in their fields to inform our reflection on a Christian approach to political life. And we argue that regardless of your particular political persuasion, there are common - and exciting! - commitments that Christians across the spectrum share around what it means to seek the common good. The Christian faith is about love and justice is what love looks like in public. So join us as we invite you to think deeper about these issues
Divine Election: A Christian Guide to Irish Politics
Fr. Peter McVerry SJ - Home | Divine Election: A Christian Guide to Irish Politics
Welcome to Episode 2 of Divine Election.
While in the grand scheme of things, no challenge facing Irish people can compare to the accelerating environmental crisis, it has been clear to us at JCFJ for a decade that we are in the midst of a devastating housing situation.
Last episode, Richard Carson helped us to think theologically about the place where we live and today, Peter unpacks that in concrete terms by discussing the systemic crisis that afflicts every element of trying to make a home in Ireland. Whether a renter, homebuyer, homeowner, or even a landlord, everyone in the equation can legitimately claim that the government policies are failing them. And that is to say nothing of the almost 15000 people - including almost 5000 children - that are officially without a home.
The core concept that Peter presses on us is solidarity. Separately for JCFJ's journal Working Notes, he has written what we think will become a legendary essay about this idea entitled "Ireland in Crisis – How Can Intelligent People Be So Stupid". As Christians, thinking about housing - whether before the election or afterwards - the key question we have to ask is how do we identify with those who are pushed into desolation by our approach to this most basic human need.
This is not remote from our faith. Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who chooses day after day to spurn the opportunity to show solidarity to a homeless man by his gates. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well for him. FR Peter McVerry is rightly regarded as one of the most prophetic, honest, and empathic voices in Irish society. We are proud to share this interview with him, where he talks to his colleague, Kevin Hargaden, about the causes of the housing crisis ... and the solutions.
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