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Flora Teckie A Baha’i Perspective
THE main agents of spiritual development throughout history have been the world’s great religions. Moral and spiritual values held by all of the major religions are the principal means for tolerance, reconciliation and advancement.
Through spiritual values and the commitment that they inspire humanity can be reformed: it can be transformed.
In the Bahá’í view “there is no credible replacement for religious belief as a force capable of generating self-discipline and restoring commitment to moral behaviour”.
Religion plays an essential role in civilising human character, defining human identity as well as promoting social order. Religion has exalted the lives of peoples everywhere and has brought cohesion and unity of purpose, within and across societies.
At the same time, one cannot deny that religious fanaticism has been responsible for immense suffering. Fanaticism and conflict poison the wellsprings of tolerance and represent corrupt expressions of true religious values. It is, therefore, necessary to safeguard the transformative power of religion from the forces of extreme orthodoxy on one hand, and irresponsible freedom on the other.
In order to avoid such extremes, investigating reality should be encouraged. To search for truth – to see with one’s “own eyes and not through the eyes of others” as the Bahá’í Writings affirm – is to undertake a process of spiritual discovery with a keen sense of justice and openness.
The right to exercise freedom of conscience in the matters of religion and belief is not only crucial to satisfying the spiritual promptings of the aspiring soul, but also for building harmonious and equitable patterns of living.
“The purpose of religion,” Bahá’u’lláh states “is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife.”
When applied on a universal basis, the teaching that we should treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated, an ethic repeated in different words in all the great religions, will undoubtedly unleash the power of unity. To build a global society based on cooperation, reciprocity, and genuine concern for others is the ultimate expression of unified action.
Therefore, in order to play its part in overcoming the prejudices and suspicions now afflicting the world’s faith communities, religious leadership must devote attention to the commonly-shared spiritual teachings in all religions, rather than doctrinal differences or claims of exclusivity.
It is important that each religion demonstrates its capacity to guide the world’s inhabitants to peaceful co-existence, moral decency and mutual understanding, and not fear and intolerance towards others.
The trend toward inter-faith dialogue around the globe is a positive example of how diverse communities can work together to broaden vision and shape public discourse in a unifying way.
“Shut your eyes to estrangement, then fix your gaze upon unity,” is Bahá’u’lláh’s counsel. “Cleave tenaciously unto that which will lead to the well-being and tranquillity.”
It is possible to be both religious and to be tolerant and respectful towards other beliefs. The promotion of tolerance and mutual understanding among the diverse members of the human family cannot be a passive exercise.
All forms of prejudices must be directly confronted.
Overcoming its effects will require deliberate and sustained effort and an attitude of true humility among all those who believe in a loving and almighty Creator.
In the words of Bahá’u’lláh, “observe tolerance and righteousness, which are two lights amidst the darkness of the world and two educators for the edification of mankind.”
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