A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
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Chapter 9: True Civilization 133 |
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According to the Bahá’í view, the problems of human life,
individual and social, are so inconceivably complex that the
ordinary human intellect is incapable of itself of solving them
aright. Only the Omniscient fully knows the purpose of creation
and how that purpose may be achieved. Through the
Prophets He shows to mankind the true goal of human life and
the right path of progress; and the building up of a true civilization
depends upon faithful adherence to the guidance of prophetic
Revelation. Bahá’u’lláh says:—
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Religion is the greatest instrument for the order of
the world and the tranquillity of all existent beings. The
weakening of the pillars of religion has encouraged the
ignorant and rendered them audacious and arrogant.
Truly I say, whatever lowers the lofty station of religion
will increase heedlessness in the wicked, and finally result
in anarchy. … Consider the civilization of the people of the Occident—how it has occasioned commotion and agitation to the people of the world. Infernal instruments have been devised, and such atrocity is displayed in the destruction of life as has not been seen by the eye of the world, nor heard by the ear of nations. It is impossible to reform these violent, overwhelming evils, except the peoples of the world become united upon a certain issue or under the shadow of One Religion. … O people of Bahá! Each one of the revealed Commands 134 is a mighty stronghold for the protection of the world.—Words of Paradise. |
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The present state of Europe and of the world in general
eloquently confirms the truth of these words written so many
years ago. Neglect of the prophetic commands and the prevalence
of irreligion have been accompanied by disorder and
destruction on the most terrible scale, and, without the change
of heart and aim which is the essential characteristic of true
religion, the reform of society seems an utter impossibility.
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