The “Discernment” Method: A Blueprint for Catholic Political Apostasy

EWTN News reports on a Colombian priest, Father Duberley Salazar, who has developed a “Discern” method for Catholic voting, presented via Instagram videos through his “Clínica del Alma” account. The method claims to guide Catholics in making “responsible political decisions” based on “Scripture and the social doctrine of the Church.” Salazar frames this as addressing “moral confusion” and “social polarization,” asserting that Christianity possesses “an inescapable social and political dimension.” The method proceeds through steps including prayer, informed analysis of candidates and platforms, reflection on service, consistency with “Christian values,” conscience, virtue, and resilience. Crucially, Salazar explicitly endorses the “lesser evil” principle for situations where no “ideal” candidate exists, and even suggests casting a blank ballot as a “legitimate” option if no candidate respects “fundamental values.” This entire framework, dressed in the language of Catholic piety, is in reality a sophisticated instrument for the complete abdication of Catholic political responsibility and the enthronement of secular democracy as the ultimate arbiter of the common good.