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This new column
is my way of bringing into play two very important aspects of
the human experiment – Spirit and politics. One would normally
think the two would have nothing in common, but in reality, they
have become intertwined in our culture. To prove my point, let’s
start by looking at the terms and their meanings.
Spirit or spirituality: the principle of conscious
life; the vital principle in humans; an attitude or principle
that inspires, animates or pervades thoughts, feelings and actions.
Now, here’s the definition of politics: the art
or science of governing, especially the governing of a political
entity such as a nation and the administration of its internal
or external affairs.
Well, what is more important to our internal affairs than our
spirituality? And what’s more important to our external
world than life, liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness?
In order to achieve our goals in life, we have to learn to moderately
and intelligently combine these realities.
The world of the Evangelical and Christian Right became a very
powerful force in politics beginning with the election of President
John F. Kennedy in 1960. As an outgrowth of this event, the mainstream
religious groups have been outspoken on issues such as abortion,
gay rights and the legality of single-sex marriage. Through the
years, they have identified themselves by such names as the Moral
Majority and the Religious Right. The formation of this movement
was a major turning point in American politics, and in its footsteps
we saw the birth of an unprecedented spiritual movement called
Flower Power. Young people all across the nation began to take
a very serious look and spiritual stance against the war in Viet
Nam. As a result, eighteen year olds were given the right to vote.
Logic finally outweighed the law: If they were old enough to fight
and die for their country, they should have to right to vote for
the administration making the decision to send them to war. Although
coming from diametrically opposed ideologies, these two factions
created a synergy that ignited the flame of what I am now calling
Spiritics.
Now, in the 21st century, those of us who are spiritually conscious
and seek to be heard and empowered must get more involved in mainstream
politics. For this is the only way that we will be able to manifest
our dreams, ideals, and hopes of living in peaceful, loving environment.
Without our conscious participation, a safe and viable world may
soon not exist for our children and grandchildren to inhabit.
It is our responsibility to make sure this world survives.
In my next column, I’ll write about news breaking issues
we can all sink our teeth into.
Stay tuned… |
