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BOOK 2
INTRODUCING BAHA'I BELIEFS SECTION
8:
Wellbeing of
mankind
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The establishment of peace is on everyone's mind, and the following
paragraphs will help you introduce the Baha'i point of view on this
subject into a conversation:
Today there is no greater challenge to humanity than the establishment
of peace. Peace is light; war is darkness. Peace is life; war is
death. More than a century ago, Baha'u'llah declared the cause of
universal peace. He brought a number of Teachings that, together, make
the establishment of peace possible.
Among these Teachings is the independent investigation of reality. If
people are allowed to investigate truth, they will come to see the
oneness, of humanity. Truth is one and by its means the unity of the
world can be realized. Prejudices of all kinds race, class, color,
creed, nation, sex and degree of material civilization—are cause of
strife. If we accept to investigate reality rather than blindly
imitate the beliefs of the past, we will arise to abolish every form
of prejudice.
Baha'u'llah's Teachings on religion make a clear distinction between
true religion and superstition. True religion must be in harmony with
science and reason. Religion must be the cause of fellowship and love.
If it becomes the cause of discord and hatred, then it is better to be
without it. Also among Baha'u'llah's Teachings is the equality of men
and women. We may think of the world of humanity as a bird—one wing is
women and the other men. Both wings have to be equally developed for
the bird to fly. Other Teachings of Baha'u'llah shed light on the
importance of universal education, the benefits of adopting a
universal language, and the necessity of seeking spiritual solutions
to economic problems.
Humanity must be freed from the captivity of the world of nature. It
was created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. But there
are two aspects of civilization—material and spiritual—and unless they
become combined, human happiness will not be attained. Until justice
is allowed to govern human affairs, all things will
be in disorder and remain imperfect.
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After
studying this passage in your group, mark the topics of conversation
below into which the above ideas could be introduced in a natural way.
In your group, discuss how you would work these ideas into the
conversation.
____ The banning of weapons of mass destruction
____ The spread of anarchy and terrorism in the world
____ The brutality of war
____ Things that bring us happiness.
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If someone asked
you the following question, how would you respond: "War has always
existed. What makes you think peace is possible now?"
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It is
suggested that you memorize the following quotations of Baha'u'llah:
"The progress of the world, the
development of nations, the tranquility of peoples, and the peace of
all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of
God."
"Religion is verily the chief instrument for the establishment of
order in the world and of tranquility amongst its peoples."
"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable
unless and until its unity is firmly established" |
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