Advocacy for Prosperity, Health and Happiness

By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | May 03, 2012

Again and again studies show what is obvious through common sense: Men and women who shape their lives and families through a commitment to life-long marriage are happier, enjoy greater prosperity and better health, and live longer than those who do not. The difference is striking at all social levels, including among the poor, where stable family relationships are a key determinant of improved circumstances over time.

Now imagine two different kinds of social advocates, which you will easily recognize as representing two common types. One emphasizes the sacredness of human life and the sanctity of marriage, the need to preserve and support traditional families, the importance of participating in a faith community, and the immense damage done by sexual promiscuity, divorce, the gay lifestyle, and so on. The other emphasizes the need for complete sexual freedom, easy access to abortion, and extensive government involvement in enforcing these “rights” while materially supporting the poor and subsidizing health care.

In the real circumstances of life, which advocate do you suppose does more good for those in need? Which advocate must inevitably make things worse? And finally, which advocate represents Catholic social teaching?