Democratic Spirituality

My previous posts omitted mention of God and spirituality in order to suggest a foundation for democratic political philosophy which would serve that purpose without taking a position with respect theological or spiritual beliefs. But nothing presented in the previous essays should be read as precluding theological or spiritual beliefs. There are many instances in which religions from around the world assert values associated with the ideal of democracy, especially the ideals of equality and compassion. Here are some quotations attributed to various faiths which I believe illustrate my point:

1. Love thy neighbour as thyself. [Christian: Matthew 19:19.] http://www.bartelby.net/100/774.43.html
2. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. [Christian: Matthew 25:40.] http://www.bartelby.net/108/40/25.html#29
3. The Bhikshu who acts with kindness, who is calm in the doctrine of Buddha, will reach the quiet place (Nirvana), cessation of natural desires, and happiness. [Buddhism The Dhammapada] http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/BUDDHISM/DHAMMA.HTM
4. Unwise is the monk who desires undue adoration from others, lordship over other monks, authority among the monastic dwellings and homage even from outside groups. Moreover, he thinks, "May both laymen and monks highly esteem my action! May they be subject to me in all actions, great or small." Such is the grasping desire of a worldly monk whose haughtiness and conceit ever increase. [Buddhism The Dhammapada] http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/dhamma/dham5.htm#Canto5
5. In the name of the merciful and compassionate God.

Hast thou considered him who calls the judgment a lie? He it is who pushes the orphan away; and urges not (others) to feed the poor. But woe to those who pray and who are careless in their prayers, Who pretend and withhold necessaries. [Islam The Koran, sura 107] http://lexicorient.com/e.o/texts/koran/koran107.htm

6. The Talmud tells us further: "Anyone who judges others favorably will be judged favorably in Heaven" (Sabbath 127b). This follows the general principle that G-d rewards and punishes us "measure for measure" (Mishna Sotah 1:7). If we are patient and understanding with others, G-d will act in the same manner towards us. If not, G-d will get his cues, so to speak, from our own behavior. Sadly, G-d's method of judgment is only too just. [Judaism, Mishnah 6(b)] http://www.torah.org/learning/pirkei-avos/chapter1-6b.html