Race Amity: United In Spirit When Exercising Our Civic Responsibility…
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“All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Almighty beareth Me witness: To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion, and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”- Baha’u’llah.
The Baha’i teachings say that our virtues find their highest expression when we use them to promote the oneness of humanity. In this way, spiritual growth and social action are in a reciprocal relationship, joined together as one. The Baha’i teachings also posits that, one’s two-fold moral purpose is service to others, and to develop one’s spiritual capacity, which include: truthfulness, trustworthiness, patience, kindness, understanding and love, to name just a few.
As a society, mankind is experiencing unprecedented calamities throughout every corner of the world, and much of the responsibility rest upon us as individuals. Up to now, much of society has suffered various unfavorable conditions of extreme discomfort and persecution, because we have allowed ourselves to be manipulated by systems that have pitted us against each other on the basis of political ideology, gender inequality, and the false social construct of racial differences.
Our country is now faced with a national election, where we will choose representatives who we hope, will voice our collective wishes in council. As we begin to look through the spiritual lens of Baha’i guidance, on what kinds of attributes we need to discern the characters of those we vote for – A hallmark of the Baha’i Teachings is independent investigation of truth, let us investigate the backgrounds and prior works of those seeking office, irrespective of the candidates political affiliation. It’s our spiritual and civic responsibility to all our fellow citizens.
Civic Responsibility: As defined in the Baha’i Faith, is as a sacred, multi-layered obligation that blends implicit obedience to civil government with active, spiritually motivated service to humanity and the common good. It is more than a mere secular contract, the Baha’i writings frame it as an expression of an individual’s responsibility to God, society, and self.
In this discussion, let’s reflect on the passages that guide our discussion, and consult on actions we can take to forge a path of unity and harmony. Change is inevitable. By once again addressing the vitality of race relations in the U.S., let’s work to hasten its advent. Baha’is are working through-out the world to advance the whole of humankind toward unity and justice. People of all backgrounds, religions, and beliefs are welcome to walk this path of service with us.