I have been told again and again that interfaith organizations should not be political. As AZIFM’s executive Director, I have been urged to veer away from taking any action or statement that would be misconstrued as political. I personally and professionally respond that all our actions, political, or otherwise, should strive to be spiritually based. Hence, we need to be involved in civic affairs; to particularly search our conscience and have our spiritual values inform our actions.
I am thankful to Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Science founder:
“In 1908, the Boston Post printed the following: [Mary Baker Eddy] has always believed that those who are entitled to vote should do so, and she has also believed that in such matters no one should seek to dictate the actions of others.” One of the members of her church echoed Eddy’s sentiments in a 1976 article, writing: “Gratitude for our freedom should keep us willing to exercise our right to vote and so ultimately protection our freedom to vote.”
“Neither animosity” for the opposition “nor mere personal attachment” for the candidate or party of your choice. (Excerpts from “A Rule for Motives and Acts” by Mary Baker Eddy in the Church Manual.)
The following are useful criteria: “1) refuse to be impressed by material sense testimony – by physical appearance, personality, charisma; 2) refuse to be influenced by prejudice or preconceived notions: 3) learn to develop spiritual intuition; 4) listen for God’s direction.”
It is important to note that Christian Science champions the right of the individual: his right to think for himself, his right to choose for himself. Also, its teachings stress that importance of turning to God for the answers to any and every question. As one strive more and more to listen for god’s directions, he finds himself giving up many preconceived opinions—letting go of old thought-habits, dropping many former patterns of human reasoning. He also finds himself less and less cleaving to people or listening to those who “seek to dictate the action of others.” This wholesome shift in attitude affects our politics and voting as everything else.
I do not think that we could either avoid or should be apathetic towards politics. Political actions and decisions impact our individual life and that of our community. To make politics a spiritual act,— spiritually guided, motivated and driven, — can bless everyone.
Albert Celoza, Ph.D., Executive Director, Arizona Interfaith Movement
Voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024 election is October 7, 2024. Here’s the link to the Maricopa County Election and Voter Registration:
https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/election-calendar.html
[For the complete article quoted, see Christian Science Sentinel“How will you vote?” by Helen A. Del Negro, October 1976]
