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Religion is, verily, the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world, and of tranquillity amongst its peoples...The greater the decline of religion, the more grievous the waywardness of the ungodly. This cannot but lead in the end to chaos and confusion.3 Baha'u'llah (1:14) As the body of man needeth a garment to clothe it, so the body of mankind must needs be adorned with the mantle of justice and wisdom. Its robe is the Revelation vouchsafed unto it by God.4 (1:15) Baha'u'llah Each of the world's great religions represents a chapter in the book of divine knowledge entrusted to humanity. As we advance, God adds, once in about every thousand years, a new chapter to the book. The new chapter reiterates and expands some of the fundamentals found in the previous ones, such as loving God and being kind, honest, and charitable. These virtues never change. They stand as eternal and unchanging as God Himself. (1:16) Each new chapter also introduces some new instructions and information, such as those found in the Baha'i Scriptures about unifying the human race and creating a new social order. Religions differ only in relation to social teachings, not in the fundamental spiritual truths. Forgiveness, faith, self-control, self-respect, self-sacrifice, sincerity, justice, detachment, and love-- these virtues have been, and always will be, the very life and light of the world. Thus the only difference between the Baha'i Faith and other faiths is in social, not spiritual, teachings. By studying each of the succeeding chapters of the book of divine knowledge, we gain a deeper understanding of previous ones. We also grow in faith, for we recognize the oneness, the infinite wisdom, and the greatness of its supreme Author and Designer. (1:17) This progressive revelation of truth and knowledge will continue forever: (1:18) Indeed no religion shall We ever inaugurate unless it be renewed in the days to come. This is a promise We solemnly have made. Verily We are supreme over all things...5 The Bab (1:19) References: |