Spiritual Perspectives
Religion, the Modern Age, and Global Society

By the Baha’i Community
Special to the Independent

There can no longer be much doubt that the next phase in human society is the emergence of a world civilization. The processes by which such a new planetary life is being constructed are collectively known as “globalization.” And while the debate continues over whether globalization is a good thing or a bad thing, few doubt its inexorable advance. Forces like increased cross-border migration, the ever-expanding reach of the information media, and the accelerating integration of national economies drive globalization. Such trends are unlikely to be reversed. The real need for humanity today, then, is to agree on a set of common values by which to guide these new processes. Without a set of common values, the prospects for building a cohesive — and peaceful — global community are remote.

Throughout history, the most important source of common values in the process of community building has been religion. “The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men,” said Bahá’u’lláh. Indeed, religion, with its emphasis on moral conduct, obedience to law, selflessness, and other virtues, has been the cohesive power behind the creation of the world’s great civilizations. Yet, while the world’s great religions of the past have proved capable of building cohesive communities within their respective regions or epochs, it seems unlikely that they are capable of supplying the kind of common values needed for the unique challenges of the global age.

There is, however, another model — one that arises from the experience of the worldwide Baha’i community. That model is for a system of religious belief and values that is fully consonant with the modern ideal and that embodies within it an outlook that is truly global in nature and that is also able to tap into the power of religion in the process of community building. Representing a cross section of humanity, Baha’is come from virtually every nation, ethnic group, culture, profession, and social or economic class. More than 2,100 different ethnic groups are represented, a demonstration of global “unity in diversity.”

Yet, despite this diversity, the Baha’i community is virtually free of schism or factions. The social principles of the Baha’i Faith stand uniquely in harmony with the emerging global value system that has already been identified in places like the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These principles include the elimination of all forms of prejudice, equality between the sexes, the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth, universal education, and a sustainable balance between nature and technology. The Faith also recognizes the essential oneness of the world’s great religions, promotes the harmony of science and religion, and advocates the establishment of a world federal system, based on collective security and the oneness of humanity. At the same time, the spiritual teachings of the Baha’i Faith have a proven capacity to touch the deepest yearnings for spiritual meaning and purpose — as evidenced by the fact that the Baha’i community is composed of people from virtually every religious background, including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Zoroastrian, and even animist. Many formerly nonreligious individuals have become Baha’is as well.

The Baha’i Faith is able to unite people from such diverse backgrounds because it teaches that there is only one God, Who has throughout history revealed Himself through a series of divine Messengers — including Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. This succession of divine Teachers reflects a single historic “plan of God” for educating humanity about the Creator and for cultivating the spiritual, intellectual, and moral capacities of the human race.

The goal has been to prepare the way for a single, continually progressing global society. “Religion is verily the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world and of tranquility amongst its peoples,” said Bahá’u’lláh. “All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.” The Baha’i Faith also elevates the ideal of creating global community to the highest level. “Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth,” said Bahá’u’lláh. “It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

The Baha’i Community can be contacted at (505) 863-4377, 1-800-22UNITE, or at www.nativeamericanbi.org.

This column is written by area residents, representing different faith communities, who share their ideas about bringing a spiritual perspective into our daily lives and community issues.

For information about contributing a guest column, contact Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola at The Independent: (505) 863-6811 ext. 218 or lizreligion01@yahoo.com.