Presently, membership in the Eui Won, the Assembly, is Cheon Il Guk’s only elected position. Nevertheless, the qualifications for every other office are up to the Eui Won to decide, and thus may include election.
In times of old, “election” referred to the decree of God. In modern times, the voice of the people is considered the voice of God. Cheon Il Guk elections combine the voices of God and of the people.
“Cheon Il Guk elections combine the voices of God and the people. “
How? By choosing office-holders by lot from a slate of candidates assembled through popular elections, in which all citizens, regardless of race, religion, gender or nationality, can vote.
This is True Father’s alternative to the secular method of elections. In 1992, he said, “We will use both direct and indirect elections and hold a lottery in the end, so Heaven can choose. This is our election system.”
It hearkens back to how Jesus’ followers replaced Judas among the Twelve: “They nominated two men …Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen…’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
To consider choosing by lot to be a matter of chance is to cheapen it. The wind blows a fire that consumes your house and leaves your neighbor’s standing. Chance? No; an act of God, and your neighbor takes you in. Your baby has a birth defect. Chance? No; an act of God, and your community supports your family.
On the foundation of education, discussion and debate, the nation gives God the final choice. The office-holder is there by grace. This eliminates pride and resentment, electioneering and accusation.
It comes on a foundation of unity.
“The government’s task is to nurture unity and educate on the issues.“
The apostolic church had unity, “one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with [Jesus’] brethren.” Our cherished hope, as the song goes, is for unity.
The government’s task is to nurture unity and educate on the issues facing the nation. Most government positions in Cheon Il Guk are temporary. Governing is not a career and it is not supposed to be complicated. It is not the vocation of a few; it is the honor of all.
(The image is of the prophet Samuel anointing David king of Israel. Citations: Acts 1:14, 23-26; see also Chambumo Gyeong 10-1-2 #16, 8-3-2 #19; Sermons Vol. 239-309, 1992.12.09.)
-TH
