Why Baha'i's Eschew Politics, Even Though we Vote in Every Election

"…religious interests should not be brought into politics. Religions should treat of morals; politics of material circumstances." – Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, Volume 2, p. 7.

"I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people, and having found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the world a new world, to the end that the old earth may disappear and the new earth appear; old ideas depart and new thoughts come; old garments be cast aside and new garments put on; ancient politics whose foundation is war be discarded and modern politics founded on peace raise the standard of victory; the new star shine and gleam and the new sun illumine and radiate; new flowers bloom; the new spring become known; the new breeze blow; the new bounty descend; the new tree give forth new fruit; the new voice become raised and this new sound reach the ears, that the new will follow the new, and all the old furnishings and adornments be cast aside and new decorations put in their places. I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up; the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the Love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all national anthems harmonized into one melody." – Abdu’l-Baha, Star of the West, Volume 2, p. 1.

My personal reflection

Baha'is eschew politics, and are independent voters, not affiliated with a political party, because politics divides us. So we have no use for it. To me, this is a huge relief; politics are theater of the absurd. Some interesting conversations arise, like can we protest? Yes, peacefully. But what if the protest becomes violent? Do your best to quell it, nip it in the bud, and get back to peace. Can we wear a Black Lives Matter tee shirt? It's up in the air, we support unity and justice but not disunity and violence.

IF YOU WANT MORE...

Why Baha'is Don't Participate in Politics

Baha'i Involvement in Politics

Political Non-Involvement and Obedience to Government