On faith: What would an election be without any politics?

Dr. Chris Gilbert

guest columnist

The fundamental purpose of religion today is unity. Christ’s message of salvation is full of the love we are to show to one another in the creation of a promised heaven on earth.

Muhammad’s words are filled with the love of God and unity of people turning to one another as one great nation — the world.

All great faith traditions teach us that diverse, unified consultation is the only process for finding the truth. And truth is the foundation of all good decisions.

Today’s politics are profoundly influenced by divisions and the clash of political personalities. This fighting often overshadows the voters’ real need — finding truth.

What are our leaders’ voting records? How often do they initiate or support legislation on our behalf? When and where have they rolled up their sleeves to pitch in to vital efforts for those they represent?

The best decision about a candidate for any office comes through a truthful assessment of their records of action, not merely listening to their flurry of words.

The need for truth and trustworthiness in elections is one reason the link between religion and politics is discouraged in the Baha’i Faith. Current politics is fraught with disunity, division and misjudgment — all of which the great faiths of the world remind us to avoid.

While the natural clash of opinions may assist our road to truth, the current clash of personalities does not.

Therefore, the Baha’i’s, while exercising individual judgment and responsibility in voting their consciences, see faith’s involvement in current political processes as completely opposite to religion’s true purpose — unity.

But this does not mean Baha’i’s avoid any responsibility for electing the best leaders our world offers us.

The Seat of loving administration in the Baha’i Faith is located with The Universal House of Justice in our World Centre in Haifa, Israel. Elections for the nine members of this body who share a five-year term occurred this week.

The Universal House of Justice assists in the implementation and support of the Baha’i’ cause around the world. Their foundation comes in the unchangeable words of our prophet-founder Baha’u’llah written more than 170 years ago.

The Universal House of Justice reminds us to avoid political rancor in favor of the more profound effects of unity and diversity.

About politics specifically, The Universal House writes, “It remains for the individuals to so use their right to vote as to keep aloof from party politics, and always bear in mind that they are voting on the merits of the individual, rather than because he belongs to one party or another. The matter must be made perfectly clear to the individuals, who will be left free to exercise their discretion and judgment.”

Baha’u’llah specifically wrote, “Politics are occupied with the material things of life. Religious teachers should not invade the realm of politics; they should concern themselves with the spiritual education of the people; they should ever give good counsel to men, trying to serve God and human kind; they should endeavor to awaken spiritual aspiration, and strive to enlarge the understanding and knowledge of humanity, to improve morals, and to increase the love for justice.”

Why does Baha’u’llah urge us to avoid political declarations?

“All prejudices, whether of religion, race, politics or nation, must be renounced, for these prejudices have caused the world’s sickness. It is a grave malady which, unless arrested, is capable of causing the destruction of the whole human race. Every ruinous war, with its terrible bloodshed and misery, has been caused by one or other of these prejudices.”

In Baha’i, local and national elections are held annually in mid-April. There are no nominations, no speeches — and electioneering is prohibited.

Instead, private ballots are cast based on the work and actions of the members of the Baha’i community, not their words. This process is remarkable in both its impact on the quality of the members elected to our various administrative bodies, and its spiritual potency to bind our communities together.

Based on these actions and spiritual principles, Baha’i’s, while deeply interested and supportive of the responsible actions of all of our political leaders, avoid the arguments and divisions imbedded in our current political processes.

It is a simple but remarkable remedy to overcome political division and eliminate personal gain over unifying leadership.

Reach Dr. Chris Gilbert of Baha’i Faith at ckgilbert9@netscape.net or visit www.bahai.org for more information.