| DEMOCRACY: Political Art & Spiritual Nexus |
SIX QUESTIONS FOR OUR COUNTRY AND DEMOCRACY
Can our nation sufficiently withstand and overcome crisis after crisis?
A study of the Great Roman Empire teaches us our potential for self-destruction.
Are there principles greater than “liberalism” and “conservatism”?
Democracy’s principles, when undistorted, supersede narrow political ideologies.
Are there root causes that explain our heightened political division and hostility?
Understanding the influence of individual and group worldviews is essential.
Is politics only a competition for politicians with little citizen involvement?
Politicians dominate political discourse only because we the people have allowed it.
Did the founders provide guidance for divisive times and politics?
The founders established guides and standards they we widely abuse or ignore.
Does “God Bless America” when we’re selfish, greedy and complacent?
It seems that the degree of our favors, mercies, or benefits is tied to our general behavior.
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DEMOCRACY … its ideas… its principles… its spirit:
* Is an inspired creation and process designed to civilize human society
It ideas are based on political consciousness and moral conscience
* Is a check against human nature and our self-destructive inclinations
The founders warned of our potential for individual and group tyranny
* Is under-appreciated for its social artistry and spiritual intersect
Democracy is beyond being simply another political system
* Is liberal and conservative, encouraging necessary changes and just traditions
Specific ideologies sometimes embody democracy’s spirit
* Is poorly taught, with excessive hype and a shortage of basic critical thinking
Democracy’s ideas are not as complex as many academics imply
* Can be taught holistically, raising consciousness and inspiring conscience
A broadened teaching of “government” or “civics” is required
* Warrants greater exploration as it increasingly influences the world
Expanded democracy (undistorted) has extended freedom, justice, and equality
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