Daily Life as a Citizen of 천일국 : Society

CP SeminaryKorea

Daily Life as a Citizen of 천일국 : Society

Unification Thought speaks about:The Principle of Mutual ExistenceThe Principle of Mutual ProsperityThe Principle of Mutual Righteousness

These are three characteristics of the ideal society, or 천일국 societyTherefore, a 천일국 spirituality:

• is expressed in/through mutual existence• Is expressed in/through mutual prosperity• Is expressed in/through mutual righteousness

The principle of mutual existence refers to the economic dimension of 천일국 societyThe principle of mutual prosperity refers to the political dimension of 천일국 societyThe principle of mutual righteousness refers to the ethical dimension of 천일국 societyIt is important to remember that a 천일국 society is a society that is centered on God

Divine Principle:Like science, economic activities deal with the practical world. Everyone is concerned

with economics on a daily basis.Religion deals with transcendent phenomena. It is not as “practical” as economics. It

generally sets forth the values by which we should live. Not everyone is as concerned with religion, as they are with economics.

Religion and economy are integrated with our life in society through politics. (334)

As people in the modern world, we are concerned everyday, in a practical way, with:• Economy and politics [mutual existence and mutual prosperity]• Interpersonal interactions or ethics [relating with other people: mutual

righteousness]

• We have to eat and clothe ourselves and our families [economics]– We need to live in such a way as to experience mutual existence

• We have to arrange ways of obtaining or getting what we need [politics]– We need to live in such a way as to experience mutual prosperity

• We have to relate to various other people in our daily affairs [ethics]– We need to live in such a way as to experience mutual righteousness

At the present time:• the economy, which is very changeable, is making people nervous (it is often in “declin

e” - high gas/food prices, higher costs, etc)• politics involves power and control (with numerous scandals and other phenomena, an

d involving immense sums of money), and• ethics or ethical values are becoming very vague and relative (gay marriages, crime, et

c.)

Society, as it is constituted at present, is very “confused” and filled with tensions, and numerous kinds of problems.

In the spirituality of a 천일국 society:

• We need to eat and clothe ourselves and our families [economics]– Thus, we need to live in such a way as to experience mutual existence

• We need to arrange ways of obtaining or getting what we need [politics]– Thus, we need to live in such a way as to experience mutual prosperity

• We need to relate to other people in our daily affairs [ethics]– Thus, we need to live in such a way as to experience mutual righteousness

Let us take a closer look at these concepts, and their practical applications

Here we will consider the three fundamental principles of:• Mutual existence (economy)• Mutual prosperity (politics)• Mutual righteousness (ethics)

These will also be touched upon in later, more specific, contexts, but here we consider the basic ideas.

Mutual Existence (economy)

The principle of mutual existence has to do with the economic aspects of the future ideal ( 천일국 ) society, especially in the area of ownership (owning and using “things”)

Who owns what things? What things can/do I own? What do/can others own?

The concept of economy refers to the totality of activities related to the production, exchange, distribution, and consumption of goods through primary, secondary, and tertiary industries. Secondary and tertiary refer to second and third ranks, importance, or values

In terms of ownership, in a capitalist economy there is private (individual) ownership, while in a socialist economy there is social (i.e. national) ownership. In both economies (personal and national) the element of love is excluded.

This means that the economy, whether private or public, is basically materialistic ownership, without much regard, if any, to the mental aspect.

In a 천일국 society we do not want purely materialistic ownership, whether individual or national (i.e. any level), but an ownership that includes the mental element. And it will certainly include God.

This will be a joint ownership based on God’s true love.This will be a more internal ownership.

In every case, and on all levels (primary, secondary, tertiary) all of our economic activities will be based on God’s true love.

The joint ownership of God and myselfThe joint ownership of the whole and myselfThe joint ownership of my neighbors and myself

Being based on God’s true love means that through God’s infinite love (which it is presumed we will experience and sustain), we (myself, my neighbors and the whole) are entrusted to jointly take care of God’s property, which is given to us as His loving gift.

The created world is God’s possession; it was created to be a source of joy for us, and to be taken care of (“dominated”) with love.

• The sky is the joint possession of all the birds• The water is the joint possession of all the fish• The ground is the joint possession of all animals.

God endowed human beings with the right to have dominion over all things with love, all human beings were to jointly possess the sky, sea, land, and all things.

But we must have a heart of gratitude, based on God’s true love.Therefore, nature is the joint possession of God and human beings. All things

should be jointly owned.

Because of the fall, however, we descended into a self-centered individualism, and came to monopolize things (often without much gratitude)

• Forbes list of richest people in the world• People legally own many things, but often feel little gratitude• People care little for their starving “neighbor”

The family is the basic unit of societyIn a family all property (house, garden, car, pets, etc.) belongs to the parents,

and at the same time, to the children.Thus, even if “legally” possessed by the parents, it is jointly possessed by both

parents and children.In the original world, children respect their parents and have a heart of

gratitude towards their parents, and thus they take good care of the family property.

In a family there are 3 generations: thus, strictly speaking there is joint ownership of the 3 generations.

Grandparents represent God, so joint ownership of 3 generations can be expressed as the joint ownership of God.

The family joint ownership in which 3 generations possess things together is the prototype for various other kinds of joint ownership.

• The family is the school of love• The family is the arena of “ownership” (all things jointly owned in common)

– Joint ownership of God and I, the whole and I, and my neighbors and I– All based on God’s true love

An extension of this joint family ownership of all things is the joint ownership of various other organizations

• God, executives (position of parents), employees (position of children) = God and I, executives and I, my fellow employees and I

• Even a company founded by a particular individual, should (must) be offered to God first (dedicated to God), then it is returned based on God’s true love (and can receive God’s true love, God’s protection, and God’s help/blessing/fortune)

This same principle can be applied to all levels, even to the national or state-owned enterprise [God; the sovereign, president, CEO, chairman; I]

• The “total life offering” (a symbolic condition of offering everything to God, so that we could receive it back from God).

• Involved here is a spiritual condition, and an attitude and way of thinking on our part

• Is there no such thing as “private ownership”? There is, and it is proper and appropriate that there be “private ownership.” Let us consider further.

Private ownership in the ideal ( 천일국 ) worldIt is important to remember that each of us has a universal image (mind and body, yin and ya

ng of body and intellect, emotion, and will) – these are things which all human beings have in common: thus, the universal image

But each of us also has an individual image (my specific uniqueness of body, character, appearance, and abilities/skills)

Thus, we human beings have dual purposes.

All family members, seeking to fulfill the purpose for the whole, jointly seek the life of food, clothing, and shelter. They live under the same roof and spend the same budget.

Yet each family member also has his/her own unique individuality (individual image) and so they will lead their own way of life according to his/her situation, tastes, and so on.

Also, in many cases, children need a room, clothes, or other living necessities for their own exclusive use in the same way that parents do. So, parents will give allowances to their children. This is necessary for them to accomplish their individual purpose.

Private possession is necessary in order to accomplish the purpose for the individual, and, at the same time it is necessary to accomplish the purpose for the whole.

The purpose for the whole is accomplished through a community life or a family life, by using the jointly owned property; at the same time, it is accomplished through personal ways by using personal property.

When children try to please and comfort their parents, they are fulfilling the purpose for the whole.

For example, an elder brother may read may books to get good grades in school; a younger brother paints beautiful pictures using paints; an older sister plays the piano, which she possesses, and is praised by the community at a concert.

In this way they fulfill the whole purpose through their personal possessions.• What career do you wish to follow?

To what extent is personal possession reasonable or acceptable?

This extent is determined according to the appropriate necessity of each person.This kind of possession is called appropriate possession.

• The proper quality of something will be determined according to one’s own conscience (how nice a thing do I really need?)

• The proper quantity of something will be determined according to one’s own conscience (how much of something do I really need?)

An original person (a 천일국 citizen) will easily understand the quantity, quality, and kinds of his/her necessary personal possessions.

One’s conscience will become very important in the future world.True Father: your conscience is your eternal teacher; closer to you than even God

A psychological amount (amount of satisfaction, desire, gratitude, etc.) is a qualitative assessment, made by oneself as to how much is enough.

This psychological amount can then be expressed through material means• “this is worth a million dollars to me”• I would not trade this for anything else in the world• An appropriate gift in exchange• No one other than oneself can best express one’s psychological amount in

a material amount.• Thus, a psychological amount which is appropriate to oneself can easily be

determined by oneself. We know what is appropriate for us to possess.• When we eat meals; number of personal possessions; etc.• Even if determined by our conscience, the quality and quantity of

something may (and probably will) vary from person to person. This is connected with our individual image.

What I need in order to accomplish my purposeHow much of it I need to accomplish my purpose well – no more, no less

My purpose, skill, desire, status, position, mission or task, and capability can all be taken into account, in any specific context.

Each person has her or his unique individual image, and therefore, unique character, taste, and so.

Each person is also a connected being (as well as an individual truth being) and is thus connected to other people in six directions.

The higher the position a person occupies, the greater the quantity and quality of his or her personal possessions become.

If we have adequate personal possessions necessary to love other people, then those possessions are appropriate, even if the amount is higher or lower than average.

Economic activity in the future ( 천일국 ) world will be quite different from what it is today.All economic activities are the union of spiritual processes (heart, love, gratitude, etc.) and

the material process, which is the circulation of commodities (things).Things are also a unity of spirit and matter, and the circulation of things is the same.In the future, the global economy will be one in which regional bloc economies are organic

ally and harmoniously united with the global economy.Local industry will also be fitted for particular regions. There will be no conflict, pollution, e

nvironmental abuse, etc.

In the future, industry will seek to contribute to the welfare and progress of all humankind (of the whole), and not simply for the profit or interest of the entrepreneurs.

Thus, beneficial goods for all humanity will be multiplied through industrial activity.

In the future, society’s problems (such as the food problem) can all be solved.For example, the food problem can be addressed through the development of the marine i

ndustry, aquaculture, etc.

Such a scenario is also predicted and projected by such futurologists as James Canton, a professional trend interpreter.

Such will be the economic aspect (mutual existence) of the 천일국 society.

Let us turn to consider the political aspect (mutual prosperity) of the 천일국 society.

Mutual Prosperity (politics)

The principle of mutual prosperity has to do with the political aspects of the future (천일국 ) ideal society.

Politics has to do with the relationships among people as we relate to others on a daily basis, in various different contexts.

Consider today’s political systems: among the superior forms of state government, is surely democracy, for example.

And yet, the principle of mutual prosperity is proposed as an alternative to democracy, which is the political philosophy of capitalism.

Declaration of Independence: “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”In Democracy, “sovereignty rests with the people.”• of the people, by the people, for the people• Seeking freedom and equality for all people• The “people” = the masses, transcending any and all social classes• After 200 years, has the ideal of democracy been realized? It has not.

Instead, the freedom and human rights (“sovereignty”) of the “people,” of the common masses (the average citizen) are sometimes “trampled upon,” ignored, not respected, violated, taken advantage of, manipulated, coerced, infringed, unfairly dealt with, etc.

Today, often the judicial branch of government overrides the will/voice of the people.

Today, we can see many weaknesses of the democratic system.As has often been said, democracy and the American Constitution were meant

for, and will only work in the context of a free, moral, and religious people.Freedom and human rights are relevant to special interest groups and corrupt

politicians. The masses of the people do not have the same benefits.

Why has Democracy not been able to realize its ideal? Because it is closely united with individualism (egoistic individualism). Individualism is easily taken to excess in numerous ways.

Entrepreneurs seek profit and politicians seek power. Profit and power, when sought individually, can easily be distorted.

Without Christianity (and Christian values), individualism degenerated into egoism.

Nevertheless, the emergence of Democracy had significance in the context of God’s providence. Let us consider this point.

Democracy is a political ideology, established in order to receive the Second Advent of Christ through the will of the people. It is not an ideology able to actualize true liberty, equality and fraternity.

Democracy included the principle of the separation of church and state.Thus, the absolute standard of value which the human spirit should follow was

lost, and in time, democracy degenerated into egoistic democracy.

Thus, we have the present state of society.Actual problems of any/all kinds can be solved fundamentally only with God’s truth

and true love.Thus, it will be possible to solve problems fundamentally only when the Messiah

comes and establishes the Kingdom of the Second Advent.

The principle of mutual prosperity is a theory concerning joint government.Joint government, in turn, refers to a government achieved through “the joint

participation of all people.”This ideal represents the ideal of democracy in the true sense.Joint participation of all people is, in fact, a people’s participation through their

election of their representatives.How does this differ from present democracy?There is one primary difference.

A joint government under the principle of mutual prosperity would have the following characteristics:

• It is not a relationship of rivalry, but of brothers and sisters attending the Messiah

• The candidates would run for office not by their own will, but with the recommendation of many church leads (brothers and sisters), thus, by the will of others.

• Elections would not require enormous sums of money.• First stage, a preliminary election• An election by lottery (with appropriate formality)• Everyone can be thankful to God and could accept the result happily and

sincerely.

Joint government of brothers and sisters, who have inherited the love of True Parents.

This would be a government of brothers and sisters; by brothers and sisters, for brothers and sisters, centered on the True Parents of humanity, rather than of the people, by the people, and for the people.

In short, a government under the principle of mutual prosperity is not a democracy, but is a government of brothers and sisters centered on God.

It is only through such a government as this that true liberty, true equality, true respect for human rights, true fraternity, etc., which are the goals of democracy, but which have never been realized, can be realized completely.

For example, true equality is an equality of true love, that is, an internal equality of equal satisfaction, feeling and fulfillment.

This must result, not in regional brotherhoods, but in a universal brotherhood. Democracy has always been restricted by ethnic and national characteristics.

The actual ideal society ( 천일국 ) will properly be established only after the present time of capitalism (and communism, and any other social system).

Mutual Righteousness (ethical)

The principle of mutual righteousness has to do with the ethical aspects of the future ( 천일국 ) ideal society. This refers to joint ethics.

Ethics refers to the way in which we relate to other people on a daily basis, in various different contexts.

An ethical society is a society in which everyone observes and practices morality (individual norms of behavior) and ethics (interpersonal norms of behavior), both publicly (with other people) and privately (when we are alone), everywhere and at all times. All people, regardless of their positions, will live with the same ethical attitudes.

The principle of mutual righteousness is the very core of the future ( 천일국 ) society of mutual existence, mutual prosperity, and mutual righteousness.

The society of mutual righteousness is the society in which the “three great subjects thought” is fully practiced.

In the future ideal ( 천일국 ) society, religion will not be necessary, since the purpose of religion will have been fully realized. Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam, etc.

The world in which the purpose of all religions has been accomplished is the society of mutual existence (economics), mutual prosperity (politics), and mutual righteousness (ethics). This is the society centered on the Second Advent of Christ.

The teaching of the Christ will embrace the core teachings of all religions. Thus there will no longer be any reason for religion to persist.

The future society will be a society of true love.Religious doctrines centered on faith will be transformed into, and consummated

as, living ethics centered on practice.

This aspect of the future society is called the society of joint ethics or mutual righteousness. This is a society in which the 3 great subjects thought is fully practiced.

The three great subjects thought concerns being a true parent, a true teacher, and true leader.

What is a true parent? What does a true teacher teach? How does a true leader lead?

A true parent is one who has a parent’s heart, and that is nurtured only in a God-centered family.

A true teacher is one who teaches and educates others, through word and example, about true love, which is also nurtured only in a God-centered family.

A true leader is one who leads, guides, and educates with true love, so that all can fulfill their God-given purpose of life, which is to gain the ability to actualize true love. This is also nurtured only in a God-centered family.

True parent, true teacher, and true leader must be embodied in each person. Every person must come to embody all three qualities.

Every person must become a person who is one with God in heart and in life.

In such a society as this, religion (and prayer and other religious rituals and activities) will not be necessary.

The teachings of the second advent (True Parents) embrace all religions.Being a true parents, true teacher and true leader fulfills the purpose of all

religion/s.

Such a society is one wherein everyone will lead a life of true love. All people will live with the same values (trueness, goodness, and beauty).

The characteristics of the future ( 천일국 ) ideal society:

• A “garden of love” (this is a metaphor) [World Student Garden of Bros/Sis] GOP– in which social life will be vitalized, reinforced, and inspired by the true love of the 3

great subjects who practice the 3 great subjects thought.– Parents are the center of the family– Teachers are the center of the school– Company presidents, organizational leaders, heads of state– These individuals will give God’s love continuously and limitlessly to their object partn

ers– The entire society will resemble a garden

• The true creative potential of society will be free to manifest itself in all fields of social life, especially the arts and humanities. Science will develop rapidly for the benefit of everyone. Everyone will have the most excellent nutrition, health maintenance, and housing and living conditions. Life will be a life of joy and beauty. We will be able to live a “hobby life.”

• The concept of a hobby life will be examined in a future session.

• In this future society, all inequalities will disappear:– No more poverty (those who have more will give to those with less)– Those who seek knowledge will have access to all they desire from the top schola

rs who have studied– There will be no alienation– Every human desire will be fulfilled, centering on God

• The society will be like a family, with the love of true parents expressed in everyone, and expanded and extended into the areas of education (in a school), management (in a work place), and all primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, and service industries.

• The basic unit of society will be the family. The practice of the 3 great subjects is first realized in the family (True Family Values) and is then expanded into all areas of the society and world.

• The system of the future ideal ( 천일국 ) world will be a social system based on the 3 great subjects thought.

The basic unit of the society of mutual existence, mutual prosperity, and mutual righteousness is the family.

The practice of the loves of the 3 great subjects is first realized in a family.Grandparents’ love, parents’ love, husband and wife’s love, brothers and sisters’ love, and

children’s love are all fully realized in the family. [Theory of Art in Unification Thought]

The economical, political and ethical society based on the ideal family is the society of mutual existence, mutual prosperity, and mutual righteousness.

End