Across the deep blue ocean, church leaders have gathered at the Vatican for a continuation of the ecclesial synod as the pope prays that the church will be welcoming to all people and that governments throughout the globe will promote the dignity of every human person.
Pope Francis recently commented that the American presidential election (probably like many elections) is a choice between the lesser of two evils. His is a philosophical principle that the church has held for centuries, based on the premise that we exist in an imperfect world with complicated political systems. He, according to this viewpoint, assesses the major party candidates according to how they value human life—even in the womb, even on death row, even with severe mental and/or physical disabilities—and finds them missing the mark. Mother Teresa put it more directly thirty years ago in the presence of the American president and vice-president when she said that any nation which allows parents to kill their own children should never expect anything other than violence in their streets, daily reports of killings, and the constant threat of war and death. Both the pope and the saint base their reason, logic, and faith in Catholic Social Teachings which begin with the Dignity of Human Life; every other value and principle flows from it.
Our church holds that there are evil spirits which roam about the world seeking ruin. In light of that belief, we should not easily dismiss the concept of the lesser of evils or, put more positively, a choice for the greater good. The concept originated with Aristotle and has been promoted by many philosophers, theologians, and saints since. They urge us to get engaged in doing what causes the least harm and brings about the greatest outcomes. Political parties and candidates, even Catholic ones, tend to promote their partisan platforms more than theological or spiritual teachings. But I think the pope and other religious leaders simply want them and us to act more like Jesus in valuing the least among us, to realize that whatever we decide and do for them we are doing for God and for God’s sake. On one level, it seems very simple: we should vote for what we believe will bring about better results in a world that suffers the existence of evil forces.
The purpose of the synod, discussions of participants, and recommendations to the pope, are to promote Christ’s mission and message within our world. It is not an easy undertaking, but it may bear fruit over time. In M. Scott Peck’s famous book, People of the Lie, published in 1983, the author makes a compelling case from a psychological and sociological perspective that evil exists in our midst, in individuals, communities, and institutions throughout society. We see it particularly in ideological or extremist groups that fail to listen. Pope Francis, above all else, via the synod, challenges us to listen, especially to the Holy Spirit. If we do, we will hear the voice of the collective good and take the route that benefits more people in more ways.
As the synod ramps up while the national election heats up, let us pray. Pray that good will overcome evil, that we and all humanity will become better listeners, that by our engagement in society we will bring about positive outcomes, that we will especially listen and respond to the Holy Spirit, that when we are faced with choosing the lesser of two evils we will respond with what provides greater good for all, and that we will value the dignity of human life at every age and stage so we can help usher in a more peace-filled world and more grace-filled church.
UPON THIS ROCK 
Thank you Fr Farnan for your UP
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wonderful, balanced view. Thanks.
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So well said. Thank you. Judy Carpenter
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thank you Fr Don…happy fall to you
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Dear Father – I love reading your insights into our church but with this essay I believe you and our dear Pope can’t see the forest for the trees
how can you possibly support such a dishonest, immoral man? All because of abortion? Harris is championing women’s health and a control of her body- no man : doctor, politician or clergy can decide what is write for another as you’re not facing the situations she may find herself facing – where are these people when the baby is born & out on the street with their 10 year old mother?
I truly am so very disappointed in how the church views & treats women – good fat cleaning, cooking but not for sitting at the table with men
you quote mother Theresa – but I ask what would Jesus say as he sat with Mary Magadeline – men cannot continue to ignore a woman’s place in the church – we have had it and you all do so at your peril
I hope & pray we don’t wind up with a liar , convicted rapiist & good old boy ; if we do all the prayers in heaven won’t save this country or church and if Catholic bishops don’t think he won’t come after our church next you are sadly mistaken
I continue to pray God will open the eyes of church leaders to the rights of all people
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Father Don, how does the Pope say Trump is the lessor of two evils when abortion is strictly against the Church beliefs and Democrats/Harris not only accept abortion, they promote it, while Trump’s border control policy is much more than just helping poor immigrants in need. Trump and the GOP are FOR immigration and asylum just not open, uncontrolled borders, and illegal entry. How can the Pope place border control on the same level as abortion?
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Father Don,
As a Catholic, I strive to align my choices with my faith, particularly in light of the guidance of our Pope as to selecting the lesser of two evils, in evaluating the candidates.
I find it challenging to support someone who has consistently demonstrated dishonesty, attempted to undermine democratic processes and engaged in behavior that contradicts the values that I hold, dear. Well, I recognize that one candidate supports a woman’s right to choose. I believe that integrity, truthfulness and respect for democratic institutions are fundamental Qualities that a leader should possess. Ultimately, I feel these principles are critical in determining who is fit to lead our country and I struggle to see how someone who has acted in such a divisive and dishonest manner can be considered a viable candidate for the presidency.
Mary Duffy
I
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I was not aware that the pope said that Trump was the lesser of two evils? We are told it is of duty to vote but then no candidate ever aligns with our Christian beliefs. It seems that one party is more for the downtrodden, those without health insurance, those that can’t afford childcare, etc. etc. but also supporting abortion without many limits, and the other party is mostly for themselves, runaway capitalism, and does not support life once it is born.
I really don’t know how it is possible to support the lesser of two evils as we are asked to do. I will vote. But I don’t know If it is better to vote for birth or for support of the life that has been born
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I don’t like the “lesser of two evils” phrase. For one, in a normal election prior to 2016 I would argue that neither candidate is perfect. No one of us ever would be, but they are not evil either. Strong language for public servants. Second, when some one comes along like Mr Trump and his behavior is everything that I was taught no to do as a Catholic student and his behavior is not denounced by the Pope, bishops and priest we lose our way. I am very disappointed by the leadership of the Catholic church or should I say lack there of. Statements playing it both ways, not wanting to offend Trump voters or Harris voters has to stop. Mr. Trump acts like a child and his behavior would have been denounced by any one of my Catholic school teachers and principals. It’s shocking to me that they are voting for him. If you want to know why the Church is losing its young members, they can look in the mirror. The crazy thing is I believe that some Catholics and church leaders don’t care that someone like me left. They don’t think that I belong. Maybe they are right. I was born Catholic and I will die one, but I feel like I am no longer a member of the church.
Eric M Kratty
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