As chaos envelops the world, the
crucial need of the human race is to find a unifying vision of the nature
of man and society. For the past century humanity's response to this impulse
has driven a succession of ideological upheavals that have convulsed our
world and that appear now to have exhausted themselves. The passion invested
in the struggle, despite its disheartening results, testifies to the depth
of the need. For, without a common conviction about the course and direction
of human history, it is inconceivable that foundations can be laid for a
global society to which the mass of humankind can commit themselves.
Such a vision unfolds in the writings of Baha'u'llah, the nineteenth-century
prophetic figure whose growing influence is the most remarkable development
of contemporary religious history. Born in Persia, November 12, 1817, Baha'u'llah
began at age twenty-seven an undertaking that has gradually captured the
imagination and loyalty of several million people from virtually every race,
culture, class, and nation on earth. The phenomenon is one that has no reference
points in the contemporary world, but is associated rather with climactic
changes of direction in the collective past of the human race. For Baha'u'llah
claimed to be no less than the Messenger of God to the age of human maturity,
the Bearer of a Divine Revelation that fulfills the promises made in earlier
religions, and that will generate the spiritual nerves and sinews for the
unification of the peoples of the world.
The Baha'i World Faith claims to be a religion of unique relevance to the
modern world. Its emphasis upon rationalism, human rights, international
peace, education, equality of the sexes, and the eradication of all forms
of prejudice gives the Baha'i Faith a very broad base of appeal. The Baha'i
cry for one world religion appeals to the ecumenical spirit of the age,
especially in light of the continuing insistence that Baha'is are in perfect
harmony with the Christian Faith.
According to Bahá'í teachings, religious history is seen as
an evolving educational process for mankind, through God's messengers, which
are termed Manifestations of God. Bahá'u'lláh is seen as the
most recent, pivotal, but not final of these individuals. He claimed to
be the expected redeemer and teacher prophesied in Christianity, Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism and other religions and that his mission was to establish
a firm basis for unity throughout the world, and inaugurate an age of peace
and justice, which Bahá'ís expect will inevitably arise. [Esslemont,
J.E. (1980). Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era, 5th ed., Wilmette,
Illinois, USA: Bahá'í Publishing Trust]
The Bahá'í religion was listed in The Britannica Book of the
Year (1992–present) as the second most widespread of the world's independent
religions in terms of the number of countries represented. Britannica claims
that it is established in 247 countries and territories; represents over
2,100 ethnic, racial, and tribal groups; has scriptures translated into
over 800 languages; and has seven million adherents worldwide [2005].
The doctrine of Divine Manifestations is the central plank of Baha'i theology.
Through this doctrine Baha'is are able to take seemingly amiable positions
toward members of the major world religions, for each of their founders
were manifestations of God and thus each religion has a measure of truth.
On the same premise Baha'is draw converts from other religions, for, they
insist, the other religions were for other ages while the religion of Baha'u'llah
is for today. To follow it in no way will conflict with one's native faith,
for there is truly only one faith in mankind's history, best represented
now by the Baha'is.
There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose. - Bahá'u'lláh, from Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh
Though the recognized Divine Manifestations represent just about every conceivable world view (Monotheism through Moses and Jesus, polytheism through Krisna, Agnosticism through Buddah, and dualism through Zoroaster), Baha'is insist that they are actually united in purpose and teaching. The Bahá'í Faith recognizes the divine origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Bábí movement. Other religions which are not specifically named in the writings--such as Taoism, Sikhism, or Native American religions--are nevertheless acknowledged to contain genuine spiritual influences. The spiritually initiated see beyond the apparent differences. In fact, Baha'u'llah warned that anyone who saw even the slightest possible difference between their words and messages would be guilty of disbelieving and repudiating God.
Other Modern Ecumenical Movements
- (ECT) Evangelicals and Catholics Together
- Freemasonry
- The New Age Movement
- Pro-Life Movement
- Promise Keepers
