Such an ethos–where each member of the human race is regarded as a trust of the whole–is guided by an inner ethical orientation relevant to the challenges of the next stage of human development, an orientation that comes not only from legislation and education but from a divine source. Third in this outline is the new system of values necessary for the development of a global civilization. Its very existence challenges prevailing theories about human nature and about the prospects for creating peaceful patterns of life.
Embracing more than 2100 ethnic, racial, and tribal groups, the Bahá’í community is quite likely the most diverse organized body of people on the planet. No one is left out, and no one takes second place. Second only to its unity is the universality of the community created by Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’u’lláh asserts, “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” 2 As national, religious, and ethnic conflicts divide peoples around the globe, the imperative to build bonds of reconciliation and understanding takes on greater urgency. The first of these characteristics is unity, the mainspring of humanity’s future in a world where disunity is increasingly recognized as the ultimate source of danger and suffering. Indeed, Bahá’ís believe that humanity is on the verge of an evolutionary leap that will carry humankind to a future where “world peace is not only possible but inevitable.” 1Ī number of other characteristics evident in the Bahá’í community today will, Bahá’ís believe, come to characterize the future of humanity. That it is possible to create societies founded upon cooperation, trust, and genuine concern for others is at the heart of Bahá’í belief and action.
This vision reflects not only an appreciation of humanity’s historic longing for peace and collective well-being, but also an understanding that humanity as a whole has now reached a new level of maturity. Far from fearing it, Bahá’ís the world over are dedicated to creating a new and peaceful world civilization based on principles of justice, prosperity, and continuing advancement.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the worldwide Bahá’í community is the hopeful yet pragmatic way in which its members face the future.
0 kommentar(er)
