Since our forefathers signed the constitution with the hope of establishing the Land of Freedom, there has been a continuous debate that does not seem to fade away. Should religious leaders be encouraged to play an active role in their country's political life? Or should they refrain from stepping into the political sphere? We desire to have the right understanding on this topic, for there are increasing measures of national debate that affect important national decisions. The separation of church and state is clearly envisioned by the founding fathers, because dictating other religion over a governmental religion is irrational. One of the amendments of the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion. Every citizen with the heart of participating in politics has a right to express his thought to the public, whether he has a similar or different belief.
The prototypes of influencing religious leader are Mahatma Gandhi and Dalai Lama. Mahatma Gandhi was a religious leader of India until 1920 and became a national politician who led many people to Passive Resistance. He wrote in his journal, "Strength lies in the absence of fear, not in the quantity of flesh and muscle we have on our bodies.?It is an adamant statement of peace that has trickled down to many people around the world. Mahatma Gandhi's concern of ethical truth eventually taught many people to overcome fear to preserve peace. Dalai Lama is a self-disciplined leader who persistently tries to gain full independence from China. As a Buddhist and a President of Tibet, he astutely solves the national problems with the sense of kindness, peace, compassion, humility, and happiness. Dalai Lama has been an exemplary politician who proves that it is not impossible to incorporate the seemingly ideal traits to politics. Dalai Lama eventually received Nobel Peace Prize for his political cunning and spiritual purity. To become a successful political leader as Mahatma Gandhi or Dalai Lama, one should genuinely interact with people and carefully listen to the expression of the people in the society.
