Philosophy of life

The recent three-hour hearing of Tonio Borg at the European Parliament was a stark reminder, if any was needed, of the deep-seated prejudice and hostility of a number of MEPs against Catholicism and what it stands for. The aggressive intolerance of these so-called Liberals towards a person with differing views was shocking.

Tonio Borg gave a exposition of how reason is illuminated and enhanced by Faith- Klaus Vella Bardon

It also exposed the poor preparation of some of these interlocutors who are expected to have done their homework before presenting themselves at the hearing.

On the other hand, Borg was brilliant. He is intelligent, has an outstanding track record and was prepared. He gave a scintillating exposition of how reason is illuminated and enhanced by Faith.

The false accusation that Borg is homophobic was repeated more than once. And many female interrogators were hell-bent on shooting him down over the issue of abortion, under the guise of so-called sexual and reproductive rights. One woman even asked if Borg would actively defend the use of condoms in Malta. Such a ridiculous howler is a depressing reminder of what Catholic candidates are up against.

The justified apprehension for animal welfare on one hand and the insistence on the right to kill human foetuses on the other, betrayed flawed reasoning. Borg must have realised the defective hierarchy of value systems that considers it a top priority to ban using animals in testing cosmetics yet proposing abortion of human embryos.

Another public health contradiction was betrayed by the commendable campaign against tobacco products for young people. Yet no MEP expressed concern over promiscuous behaviour that leads to sexually transmitted disease and weakened human relationships, as opposed to wholesome lifestyles.

Borg used his admirable skill and wisdom to uphold reason and logic with remarkable calm and virtuosity, deflecting the insidious barrage from those determined to deny his rightful participation in EU affairs because of his Catholic credentials.

Ironically, Catholics of the calibre of Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide De Gasperi were the founders of a united Europe that has given this continent an unprecedented 60 years of peace. They gave these intolerant MEPs the privilege to grace the European Parliament, a place that should be the epitome of democracy, civility, competence and authentic human values.

As Catholics, we should rally behind credible and trustworthy politicians who champion authentic human rights. Killing a human foetus may be legalised. This does not make it right. Social legislation that undermines the family should also be questioned and challenged because there is no future when this fundamental and vital pillar of society is broken down.

Catholics defend life and the family. So it is unfair that EU-sponsored development aid promotes legalised abortion as part of the solution to the problems of the underprivileged.

If people live in poverty, absence of basic health or ignorance, the answer should not be abortion but a stronger commitment to eliminate their degrading social disadvantages. Infinitely higher numbers of people die of malnutrition and disease than of illegal abortions.

Even in the fight against HIV, Malta has a proud record in its public health services. Borg does not need any lectures from so-called Liberal MEPs regarding respect and support for HIV sufferers.

Thankfully, common sense prevailed. Had a person of Borg’s calibre been voted down as Commissioner, it would have been a sad day for the value of unity in diversity.

In the aftermath of what happened, the appeal of an outstanding European and human rights champion bears repeating. In a 1995 address at Harvard University, the late Czech playwright and President Vaclav Havel called for spiritual renewal, adding that despite our differences we can discover common unifying elements. He stressed: “A better alternative for the future of humanity lies in imbuing our civilisation with a spiritual dimension”.

He said neither the strengthening of regional structures nor those of the UN would save the world if both processes are not enhanced by that renewed spiritual charge he considered as the only hope for the human race surviving another millennium.

The spirit of Advent should be a wake-up call for Christians and men of God to take a stand in proposing a society that upholds real values, promoting an authentic philosophy of life.

klausvb@gmail.com