arthra

At least in the United States there is an election coming up in a little over a month from now and so the news media and social media nowadays is full of partisanship and electioneering.. As Baha'is I think most of us know that we are non-partisan and do not register partisan for elections... So it's probably a good idea around this time to reflect on our principle of non-partisanship.

From Shoghi Effendi in the World Order of Baha'u'llah:

Let them rise above all particularism and partisanship, above the vain disputes, the petty calculations, the transient passions that agitate the face, and engage the attention, of a changing world.

It is their duty to strive to distinguish, as clearly as they possibly can, and if needed with the aid of their elected representatives, such posts and functions as are either diplomatic or political from those that are purely administrative in character, and which under no circumstances are affected by the changes and chances that political activities and party government, in every land, must necessarily involve.

Let them affirm their unyielding determination to stand, firmly and unreservedly, for the way of Bahá'u'lláh, to avoid the entanglements and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician, and to become worthy agencies of that Divine Polity which incarnates God's immutable Purpose for all men.

~ Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 64

Another aspect of this is that early in October in a few weeks there will be Unit Conventions and these are to be held in stark contrast to the devisive and partisan atmosphere o0f the current political culture...

Pete in Panama

This is a passionate subject, and that means we have to speak boldly and still restrain ourselves. Impossible. I'll give it a shot, though my darling wife recommended that I confine my response to just asking if there were a place where Baha'is can consult on current issues. She mentioned that it seems the Guardian had at times spoke out on public policy. She's better with people than I am.

My take is we need to control our emotions and focus on how things work. I honestly want the spark of truth to be seen in the clash of differing opinions. I also want to avoid offending so I'll tag my response with a caution warning:


Not being things and not doing things is easy and is usually my favorite course. I plan to do it full time when I'm dead.

In the mean time I understand that Baha'is are supposed to be in the 'forefront' of social movements, and also speak out on and direct issues of public policy. During difficult elections we discuss the qualities that our selection should have. America is a leading world power and historically has been a tremendous force for good. The fact that America's economic contraction over the past four years has caused enormous suffering is reason enough for all of us to exert extra caution in our upcoming choice.