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The Bahá’í Faith in
The Bahá'í Faith has been an active part of
religious and social life in Middle Tennessee since the 1930's.
We are a recognized advocate for spiritual solutions based on the
Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh on issues such as the
elimination of all forms of prejudice with an emphasis on race unity, the
equality of women and men, the spiritual education of children, the
importance of family cohesion, and the establishment of world peace. Bahá'u'lláh
is God’s Messenger for this day, a day in which all humanity is spiritually
mature and can visualize the reality of uniting to build the Kingdom of God
on Earth. Teachings on Christ Bahá'u'lláh
fulfills the paradoxical promises of Christ's return "in the Glory of
the Father" and as a "thief in the night." That the Faith was founded in
1844 relates to numerous Christian prophecies. Bahá'ís
note, for example, that central Africa was finally opened to Christianity in
the 1840s, and that event was widely seen as fulfilling the promise that
Christ would return after "the Gospel had been preached 'to all
nations.'" In Bahá'u'lláh's
teachings Bahá'ís see fulfillment of Christ's
promise to bring all people together so that "there shall be one fold, and
one shepherd." Here is how this promise is reflected in
the Bahá’í sacred texts: "Thou hast created all humanity from
the same stock. Thou hast decrede that all shall belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy
servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have
gathered at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined through the light of Thy Race
Unity Racism is the most challenging
issue confronting Racism is an affront to
human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates
society. The oneness of humanity is the pivot round which revolve all
the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. It is at once a
statement of principle and an assertion of the ultimate goal of human
experience on the planet. More than a century ago, Bahá’u’lláh,
the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote: “The
well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and
until its unity is firmly established.” The oneness of humanity is a
spiritual truth abundantly confirmed by science. Recognition of this truth
compels the abandonment of all prejudices of race, color, creed, nation, and
class—of “everything which enables people to consider themselves superior to
others.” The responsibility for
the achievement of racial peace and unity in the To build a society in which
the rights of all its members are respected and guaranteed, both races must
be animated with the spirit of optimism and faith in the eventual realization
of their highest aspirations. Neither Black nor White Americans should assume that the
responsibility for the elimination of prejudice and of its effects belongs
exclusively to the other. Both must recognize that unity is essential for
their common survival. Both must recognize that there is only one human species. Both
must recognize that a harmoniously functioning society that permits the full
expression of the potential of all persons can resolve the social and
economic problems now confounding a society wracked with disunity. Both groups must understand that no real change will come about
without close association, fellowship, and friendship among diverse people. Diversity of color,
nationality, and culture enhances the human experience and should never be
made a barrier to harmonious relationships, to friendship, or to marriage. “O
well-beloved ones!” Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “The
tabernacle of unity has been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers.
Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch.” Gender Equality Bahá'ís
believe that the achievement of full equality between the sexes is essential
to human progress and the transformation of society. Inequality retards not
only the advancement of women but the progress of civilization itself. For more than a century the
United States Bahá'í community has been involved in
advancing the status of women and bringing to realization the principle of
the equality of women and men through involvement with like-minded local and
national programs and organizations. Spiritual Education The purpose of religion is to
bring about fellowship and harmony among people. True civilization is based on
the laws and teachings of God, and is spiritual. For such a civilization to
emerge requires that individuals dedicate themselves to serving others in the
light of divine principles: ” Do not busy yourselves in your own concerns; let your thoughts be
fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify
the hearts and souls of men. This can best be achieved through pure and holy
deeds, through a virtuous life and goodly behavior...Cleave unto
righteousness.” Education is an important
aspect of human progress, because it helps to ensure that people acquire the
outlook and skills necessary to contribute to an ever progressing society.
Education should include moral issues as well as intellectual knowledge. As
is stated in the Bahá’í writings: “It is incumbent upon the
friends of God to exert such an effort and strive with such eagerness to
promote Divine Knowledge, culture and the sciences, that erelong those who
are schoolchildren today will become the most erudite of all the fraternity
of the wise. This is a service rendered unto God Himself, and it is one of
His inescapable commandments." |
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