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@FrDaveNix Two Pre-Vatican II theologians..."may vote for the less evil.. “Voters who, through grave fault by abstaining from voting do not stop an evil decision, election, or law from coming to pass, if they are bound by a specific duty to stop a foreseen harm which follows, are cooperators in evil.”


Fr. Dave Nix
@FrDaveNix
Two Pre-Vatican II theologians on voting: · Tanquerey (traditional moral theologian) – If the vote is between two evil persons, one may vote for the less evil and most profitable to the cause of good. (Tomus Tertius, De Variis Statuum Obligationibus, Caput I, De officiis laicorum, n. 999). Prummer concurs. · Merkelbach (traditional moral theologian) – When given a choice between two candidates who aren’t perfect, it is licit to elect the better candidate to prevent a more unworthy candidate from coming into power if there is no hope that a perfect candidate will be elected. “Voters who, through grave fault by abstaining from voting do not stop an evil decision, election, or law from coming to pass, if they are bound by a specific duty to stop a foreseen harm which follows, are cooperators in evil.” (Summa Theologiae Moralis, Tomus Secundus, Tractatus De Virtute Cardinali Justitiae, Tertia Pars, Sectio A, De Justitia Commutativa, n. 316)
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Anonymous said…
And if we do vote for a lesser evil, will we not also cooperate with the lesser evil’s evil, since not voting for the greater evil we are cooperating with the greater evil’s evil as well?
10:29 AM
Renato said…
Although one votes for a lesser evil, this would obviously not exclude the essence of the origin. But since evil cannot be completely eliminated among us, each of us can transform that same evil into good. This means a recognition of this reality, but an escape from it is not justified. We live in society and we must cooperate for the good of society itself in what is within our power.
12:46 PM
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