Democracy is Not Always Better

The principle that a majority should rule might be good in some instances (like when the majority is actually faithful, holy, and wise) but since it is often the case (at least today) that the majority is unfaithful, unholy, and foolish, then how would we ever make that determination of whether the majority is faithful, holy, and wise enough to make the right choices in leading?

The church is not structured like a democracy, in spite of what some liberal minded theologians want you to think. This modernist push towards "synodalism" (often in the name of being more "democratic") is simply a move to give a superficial support to ideas that are very UN-catholic and make it appear that it is "what the people want" so that no one will question it.

In the book of Revelation the church in Laodicea is criticized for being prideful and self-centered; the Laodiceans believe they are self-sufficient and do not need God's rule. Interestingly, the name "Laodicea" comes from two Greek words that mean "the people rule". Do you know what the word "democracy" means? It comes from two other Greek words that also mean, "the people rule". This is not merely an insignificant similarity. When people take authority to themselves (even in situations where it is allowed by law) there are dangerous consequences.

The Catholic principle of subsidiarity means that leadership should always be at the simplest level--families should be led by the father, businesses should be run locally, parishes should be run by the priest--this does not preclude higher authority (like kings, or Popes), but it does keep their authority in a limited and balanced manner. What does this say about the idea of democracy? It tells us that the "little guy" has authority in his own sphere, and he should not seek to take authority from someone else's sphere.

The practical consequences of this are seen whenever some priests allow the laity to make certain decisions (outside of their canonical authority) for the parish. They often do this based on some kind of a democratic -- or should we say "Laodicean"? -- principle of shared authority. It does not work in the home, it does not work in society or the political sphere either. Yes, some try it, and even endure for a while, but things always break down over time. We each are given an authority by God in a particular arena of life. Let us seek to obey our calling to the best of our ability, and pray that others can do the same.