Is There Too Much Religion In Politics?
January 2005
Donna Zajonc

Yes, there is too much religion in politics today and not enough spirituality. Some would say that even spirituality has no place in politics but I believe that spiritual guidance is exactly what is missing in our political process. How else do we lead from higher motives and concern for others? It is our connection to spirit that shifts our perspective from our own greed and egocentric leadership to the awareness of the interconnectedness of all things.

Try to convince Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi that spirituality is not part of political transformation.
Gandhi, when asked if he was a Muslim, said, "Yes, I am a Muslim, and a Hindu and a Christian, and ….." He understood the enormous political and spiritual power of all religious paths and spiritual callings.

But Gandhi did not believe that our spiritual life must include fearful separation or ignorance of differing views. Conscious political leaders understand their own spiritual path and at the same time respects the spiritual understanding of those they serve, and with whom they serve.

What is the difference between religion and spirituality?
Simply put, religion is a group of people bound together by shared beliefs expressed through specific symbols, icons, stories, rituals and often dogma. Spirituality is an experience of the sacred that can be accessed in many different ways.

We may feel spiritual and sacred during a church service or through prayer, meditation, yoga, contemplative walks, readings, journaling, hiking through the wilderness or other means that brings the awareness of the spiritual spark within us and all things. It is this spiritual spark that allows us to know that we are connected to something much bigger and grander than our own individual ego.

When our own religious beliefs prevent us from accepting another's path to the divine, we find ourselves judgmental and separate from others. We may be unconscious of this fearful disconnection because we have been taught that this is the way the world operates. Indeed, many of the world's wars have been fought over conflicting religious beliefs.

It is focusing on the religious beliefs that separate us rather than the spiritual experiences that unite us that has Americans in a political quandary.

The foundation of this country is based both upon the freedom from religion and the freedom of religion. And yet our Founder's personal letters and public conversation frequently referred to their divine inspiration and knowledge of being guided by Spirit. Two hundred years later we are still grappling with this subject. I am delighted our national debate is taking us deeper into the meaning of spiritual politics.

Finding your spiritual center is the first step to contributing to this conversation. It is also the first practice of the "Seven Practices to Become a Conscious Political Leader" that comprise the second half of my book The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of America. After almost 30 years in the political arena, I know that ordinary citizens can become extraordinary leaders when they develop their leadership capacity by first understanding their spiritual center.

In future newsletters I will continue to share my thoughts and include comments of other writers, political leaders and speakers who are offering their insights on this delicate subject of religion, spirituality, morality, values and politics.

Each month I will focus on one aspect of the "Seven Practices to Become a Conscious Political Leader" and look forward to your responses, ideas and stories. Please pass this newsletter on to others who may be interested in this vital public conversation.

I challenge you in 2005 to develop your own brand of political spirituality. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Rather than react with anger and revenge toward those who have brought religious revival to their political organizations, cultivate your own spiritual voice for good. Understand how Spirit may be calling you to participate in the new political conversation that is so desperately needed in America right now.

I have room for one new coaching client beginning in February.
Email me at donna@politicsofhope.com or call me at 206-780-9900 if you want to begin today to create what you want in your life, work and/or public leadership.

Donna's Schedule of Upcoming Events

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Donna Zajonc is a Political Leadership Coach, a former three-term Oregon Legislator and was her party's nominee for Secretary of State. She has also managed several campaigns including a highly visible governor's campaign. Donna challenges her clients to prepare for public office with the same rigor that all professionals seek.