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Baha'is differ in their belief on an all-important point from Christian and especially Protestant thought. They visualize religion as an encompassing power which embraces all aspects of our existence and brings order to it. Religion is not confined to the individual and his relationship to God. It is also the power which stabilizes society and gives it order: "Religion is verily the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world, and of tranquillity amongst its peoples (Gl)." It is "a radiant light and an impregnable stronghold for the protecting and welfare of the peoples of the world, for the fear o God impelleth man to hold fast to that which is good, and shun all evil. Should the lamp of religion be obscured , chaos, confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness, of justice, of tranquillity and peace cease to shine." (26:2) This point of view, according to which a religion is the glue which holds society together, is in no way new, but it has been forgotten.. It is therefore no wonder if the moral decadence of our society and the consequent brutalization of our lives and barbarization of our manners are rapidly advancing and nations are being visited by waves of violence, terrorism and lawlessness, with today's spreading unbelief.
(26:3)
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