TBD
[Examples of how spiritual beliefs and practices empowered individuals and groups to do extraordinary things that they would otherwise not have the desire or ability to do]
Examples:
Gandhi and the Indian Independence Movement: Mahatma Gandhi‘s philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) and his deep commitment to spiritual and moral principles were deeply influenced by Jainism and Hinduism, as well as ideas from Christianity and other religions. These beliefs empowered him to lead a non-violent struggle for India’s independence from British rule, influencing millions to join his cause without the use of violence.
MLK and the Civil Rights Movement: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister whose Christian beliefs deeply informed his advocacy for civil rights and social justice in the United States. His commitment to non-violence, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and influenced by the non-violent approaches of Gandhi, was crucial in mobilizing a mass movement that sought equality for African Americans and other disenfranchised groups.
The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Freedom Movement: The 14th Dalai Lama has been a spiritual leader and a symbol of non-violence and compassion in the struggle for Tibetan autonomy. His Buddhist beliefs have inspired both Tibetans and a global community to advocate for Tibet through peaceful means, despite the significant challenges and oppression faced by his people.
The Quakers and Abolitionist Movement: The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) played a significant role in the abolitionist movement in both America and Britain. Their strong belief in the equality of all souls before God motivated them to become some of the most fervent activists against slavery, risking their lives and livelihoods in the process.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Resistance to Nazism: A Lutheran pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer became a key figure in the Confessing Church, a movement of German Protestants who resisted Nazi Germany. His deep Christian beliefs and commitment to justice led him to participate in efforts to overthrow Hitler, which ultimately cost him his life.
The Mormon Pioneers: The early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons, undertook a massive migration across the United States during the mid-19th century. Led by their prophet, Brigham Young, their deep faith and communal religious convictions empowered them to settle the harsh, unpopulated Salt Lake Valley, establishing a thriving community despite extreme hardships.
The Pilgrims of Plymouth: The Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 were motivated by a desire for religious freedom and the hope to establish a society built around their Puritan beliefs. Their spiritual convictions empowered them to endure extreme hardships during their first years in North America, ultimately leading to the establishment of a successful colony.
The Templers: The Templers were a German Christian sect originating from the Templar Society, founded in the early 19th century. They believed that by settling in the Holy Land, they could hasten the second coming of Christ. Beginning in the 1860s, Templer colonies were established in what is now Israel, including Haifa, Jerusalem, Sarona (now part of Tel Aviv), and elsewhere. Their deep religious convictions motivated them to endure the hardships of settling in the region and to make significant contributions there in agriculture and industry.
The American Colony in Jaffa: The American Colony in Jaffa was established by a group of Christian settlers from Maine, led by George Adams in 1866. They were motivated by millenarian beliefs, thinking that living in the Holy Land would prepare them for the second coming of Christ. The group bought land in Jaffa and attempted to establish a communal agricultural colony. They faced significant hardships such as diseases and financial troubles, and although this led the endeavor to be eventually abandoned, it marks another example of how deep spiritual beliefs can lead a group of people to embark on a significant project.