I'm not involved in the politics of religion, but I love what the

"I'm not involved in the politics of religion, but I love what the message is." These words from Jane Seymour express a profound truth: the essence of religion lies not in its political influence or institutional structures, but in the universal message of love, compassion, and human connection. Seymour’s distinction between religion’s politics and its message calls attention to the often complicated relationship between the teachings of faith and the way religion is practiced, organized, and sometimes exploited by those in power. The core message of most spiritual paths—whether it is love, peace, or unity—is what resonates most deeply, transcending the divisions that often arise from human interpretation and institutional control.

In the ancient world, religion was closely tied to politics, with rulers and priests wielding tremendous influence over the lives of people. Ancient Egypt was a perfect example of this union between politics and religion. The pharaohs, believed to be divine or semi-divine beings, were the earthly representatives of the gods. The power of religion in Egypt did not merely lie in spiritual guidance but in the control of land, wealth, and people. Yet, despite the political uses of religion, the core message of spirituality—the connection to the divine, the promise of eternal life, and the cultivation of virtues—remained a deeply personal experience for many individuals. Thus, religion’s message was not entirely consumed by politics but continued to offer a source of comfort, hope, and moral guidance to the people, as it has for millennia.

Seymour’s words also echo the thoughts of Socrates, who, though living in a deeply religious society, was known for his criticism of the political misuse of religion. Socrates believed in the importance of personal virtue and truth, and while he participated in the religious rituals of Athens, he often questioned their true moral purpose. For Socrates, the essence of religion was not in the rituals or beliefs of the state, but in the inner pursuit of virtue and wisdom. He saw religion as a means to align one’s life with truth and justice, rather than a mechanism for political control. In this way, Socrates exemplified the belief that while the outward structures of religion may be influenced by politics, its true message lies beyond human manipulation.

Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose commitment to truth, non-violence, and justice came from his deeply spiritual beliefs, though he was often critical of how religion was used for political gain. Gandhi, a devout Hindu, embraced the message of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth), principles that transcended political divisions. His spiritual beliefs motivated his leadership in the Indian independence movement, yet he remained firmly committed to the idea that religion should not be politicized. He loved the message of love, peace, and equality that his faith taught, but he also recognized the potential dangers of using religion as a tool for political power. Gandhi’s life is a powerful example of how spirituality can fuel social change without being corrupted by the machinations of politics.

This tension between the core message of religion and its political exploitation is a theme that runs throughout history. In more recent times, we have seen religious leaders and activists embrace the teachings of their faith to advocate for social justice and human rights, while simultaneously rejecting the ways in which religion has been manipulated by political authorities to suppress, divide, and oppress. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by Martin Luther King Jr., was deeply rooted in Christian principles, yet King’s message was not about promoting a political agenda but about justice and equality for all people. King used the message of love and peace found in Christianity to challenge the politics of segregation and discrimination, showing how the essence of religion can fuel change without being shackled by political systems.

The lesson in Seymour’s words is clear: we must distinguish between the message of religion—which often calls for love, compassion, peace, and unity—and the way religion is sometimes politicized for human gain. Religion at its core is a force for good, offering guidance for individuals and communities to live meaningful lives. Yet, its power can be easily misused when entangled with political agendas or power structures. The true message of any faith—be it Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, or any other—is found in its ability to inspire personal and collective growth, not in its ability to control or divide.

In our own lives, we must seek to live by the message of our faith, while rejecting the temptation to use it for political or personal gain. Let us hold fast to the values of love, compassion, and justice, which are common threads in many of the world’s spiritual teachings, and let us embrace these values not just as religious obligations, but as guides for living harmoniously with others. Whether we practice a particular religion or not, the message of kindness, understanding, and tolerance is one that can uplift our world, transcending political boundaries and uniting us all in the shared human experience. Let us focus on the heart of the message, not the politics of religion, and build a world that reflects the universal truths that bind us together.