Posted by Sen on November 7, 2008
In many Christian churches, and in Sunni Islam in particular, prayers for the ruler or government are a routine part of collective worship. Bahais too are told to pray for their rulers. But we do not seem to be comfortable with it: how often is a prayer for the government part of a Baha’i meeting? Perhaps some background will help.
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Posted in Church and State, Community, Devotions | Tagged: Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'u'llah, Bahai, Church and State, Majlisi, prayer for government, Religion and Politics, Sen McGlinn | 1 Comment »
Posted by Sen on September 26, 2008
Following a discussion of liberation theology on the Talisman list (talisman9@YahooGroups.com), one of the participants wondered whether “religions that discourage active political involvement” do in fact simply favour the powerful. Could it be that religions “that don’t preach open revolution” do more than might appear, by preaching compassion in an apolitical sense, so encouraging a sense of the oneness of humanity that gets at the root of the problem?
“Discouraging active political involvement” on the one hand and preaching “open revolution” on the other are two extremes. But there is a middle ground: the Bahai Teachings encourage political and social activism, where it is possible without partisanship. The Bahais are intended to be in the party of progress, the party for the betterment of human condition, and they share this stance with many people of all religions. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Church and State, Community | Tagged: Activism, Afghani, Akhunzadeh, Baha'u'llah, Bahai, Bahai civilization, Bahai Faith, bahai theology, civil society, elections, ever-advancing civilization, fascism, ideology, kemalism, liberation theology, Malkom Khan, Mirza Husayn Khan, modernity, Mustashir ad-Dowleh, political engagement, political theology, politics, postmodernity, reform, Religion and Politics, revolution, values, virtues | 4 Comments »
