Learner Vida Wachob shares what she learned from the 2017 course on Applying Bahá’í Principles to Discourses on Governance in the United States (faculty, Brian Aull). Here, in five short bullet points, are important things she learned from the course and actions she is taking as a result of the course:
ONE
The course has helped me to see different perspectives more clearly and, therefore, has assisted me in getting involved with discourses related to the subject. My perspectives have been expanded some.
TWO
I plan to get more involved with nonpartisan social groups to promote the principles of the training institute process (Dr. Aull’s proposal). I already have made a presentation in a gathering of a non-Bahá’í group and plan to take advantage of the opportunities that I may have in the future. I plan to have a fireside talk about the subject in the future.
THREE
The most important thing I learned is that no matter what system we have, if spiritual, moral, and human values are not practiced, that system ultimately will not survive, and the end result is chaos. I like Dr. Aull’s concept of learning, community, and service, which is close to the concept of training institute process.
FOUR
I feel more confident now when talking with Bahá’í friends or other like-minded people about political issues and Bahá’í solutions, without the need to be associated to partisan politics.
FIVE
Now I do not have a need to walk away from these kinds of discourse. I rather welcome the conversation. I feel that the Bahá’í perspective in solving our social and political issues without the need to be involved in partisan politics must be promoted. In my conversation with my non-Bahá’í friends, I see how sincere they are in their attempt to find remedies for our social ills. However, they cannot think of any other way except approaching the issues through partisan politics. When it is brought to their attention that they need to think out of the box and change the system based on moral and human values, they pay attention and like the idea.
