America at 250: A Spiritual Conversation (Free Event)

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, it stands at a moment not only of historical reflection, but of spiritual opportunity. Woven within its fabric, this nation’s diversity—of race, culture, and belief—is not merely a social reality but a profound spiritual asset. The question before us now asks how we can harness that asset in this moment of opportunity and help advance the ongoing project so many are engaged in of building a more perfect union? When this nation was officially founded those 250 years ago, a seemingly simple phrase became its unofficial motto: "E pluribus unum" – meaning out of many, one. And for many, this idea became an essential part of understanding the American project and her story, that these United States are made of multitudes, of a diverse array of individuals that have (at times painstakingly and imperfectly) come together – whether the first inhabitants of this land, those brought here in forced servitude, or those who came in search of freedom and opportunity – to form something greater. And at the same time, the history of this country is built on the challenges of what that means and the reality of its application. Using material, political, and social means, a vast array of approaches have tried and often fallen short of building unity within the diversity of the American citizenry. And at times, those same means have resulted in this citizenry devolving further into factions, seemingly now more divided than ever. But what if instead of seeing these causes for division we were able to recognize the opportunity they provide in bringing us closer together? How might a more spiritual understanding of our humanity and of our inherent oneness help lay the bricks needed to build a more solid foundation of peace and harmony in this country? What unique role can faith communities, people of faith, spirituality, and all individuals play in contributing to the transformation of this diverse nation and help advance the ongoing project of building a more perfect union, one where this diversity is not supplanted by uniformity, but rather where it comes together to help this nation realize its highest spiritual destiny? Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on the spiritual destiny of America. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role each of us has in writing America's next chapter, one built on a foundation of peace and harmony amongst the diversity of the American population. “O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees...” – Bahá’í Teachings *** This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted. The event is held at the Austin Bahá’í Center