Articles by David Crenshaw

David Crenshaw’s Pantagraph Articles

Similarities of World Religions Out way differences

Today, the biggest threat to world peace appears to be religious differences. The Christian and Jewish west versus the Muslim east is the most obvious example. Are we doomed to a future of war and terrorism because of religion?

Differences of understanding have fanned the flames of conflict and confrontation between religions for thousands of years. Yet, did you know that the similarities of the world’s religions far outweigh the differences?

Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Baha’is all have scripture believed to be sacred. Based on scripture they believe they have the way to happiness, salvation, forgiveness of sins and life after death.

Let’s look at some examples of similarities of scripture:

Salvation:

“I was born into the world as the king of truth for the salvation of the world.” –Buddhist scripture

“The Lord has made known His salvation… all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our Lord.” –Jewish scriptures

“We, verily, have come for your sakes, and have born the misfortunes of the world for your salvation.” –Baha’i scriptures

“Leave all things behind, and come to Me for thy salvation. I will make thee free from the bondage of sin.” – Hindu scriptures

“ To those who believe and work righteousness… for them will be gardens of eternity.” – Muslim scriptures

“The longsuffering of our Lord is salvation… for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” –Christian scriptures

One Creator:

“The Lord our God is one Lord.” – Christian scriptures

“But just how many God’s are there? One.” –Hindu scriptures

“He is God alone: God the eternal… and there is none like Him.”- Muslim scriptures

“Bear thou witness that He is God and there is no God but Him, the King, the Protector, the Incomparable, the Omnipotent.” – Baha’i scriptures

“I am the Lord, and there is no other, there is no God besides Me.” –Jewish scriptures

God sends messengers:

“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and a rise of unrighteousness… then I send forth Myself, for the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked… I come into being from age to age.” –Hindu scriptures

“I am not the first Buddha who came upon the earth nor shall I be the last… in due time another Buddha will arise.” –Buddhist scriptures

“Think not that I have come to destroy the law of the prophets: I have not come to destroy but fulfill.” –Christian scriptures

“We have sent thee with a truth. A comforter and warner, and there is not a people but a warner hath not passed among them.” –Muslim scriptures

“Indeed no religion shall We ever inaugurate unless it be renewed in the days to come.” –Baha’i scriptures

“Yet, out of thee (Bethlehem) shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, and from everlasting.” –Jewish scripture

Apparent differences of religion have been a source of conflict. However, we have the option to look for teachings held in common.

The differences, Baha’is believe, are due to the variables of the age and culture in which the religion developed. The animosity is largely due to the mistaken notion that religion other than one’s own is misguided or evil.

Unfortunately, few have taken the initiative to honestly seek truth from the scripture of other faiths. Sadly, their eyes look only for theological differences to persuade themselves (and others) to view other faiths as foreign and unholy.

The Baha’i Faith actively promotes unity and understanding between religions. The Baha’i religion is a peaceful bridge on which people of all faiths can meet without rejecting the truths of their religious heritage.

As the world becomes more like a global village, we need to discover how to coexist peacefully. Let’s actively look for ways to increase understanding and peace among the religions of the world.

There is no other sane option, for religious intolerance will only lead to the demise of us all.

Christ’s return unrecognized

Many people expect Jesus Christ to return to earth from the sky. Yet, did you know that during the time of Christ, many expected the prophet Elijah to return from the sky?

In 2Kings 2:11 we read how Elijah ascended to heaven without any account of a physical death given. Then the very last prophecy of the Old Testament is given in Malachi 4:5.

“I will send you (the Jewish people) the prophet Elijah before the day of the Lord comes”.

People in Christ’s day took the prophecy to be literal. They believed God had given them a clear sign to know when to expect the Messiah. They would see Elijah descend from heaven; then the Messiah would come.

Christ’s disciples asked Jesus about the prophecy of Elijah’s return. Jesus responded, “Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him … then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.” (Mat 17:12)

Christ’s explanation was considered outrageous by many. “What!” they may have retorted, “The scriptures foretell Elijah’s return, not a new person named John the Baptist!”

Yet, in Luke 1:17 we learn that John the Baptist was empowered with the “spirit and power of Elijah”. The same spiritual power, born of God, had returned to earth in a completely different person. This return was seen by spiritual eyes of understanding – not by physical eyes looking up into the sky.

What a test this must have been to the Jewish people living at that time of John and Jesus! Those who insisted upon a literal fulfillment of prophecy did not recognize John the Baptist as being the return of Elijah - nor Jesus as being the Messiah.

The trusted clergy at the time called John and Jesus evil imposters. It must have been very difficult for the early Christians to explain this prophecy to the literalists of that day.

Why is Elijah’s return in the different person of John important to us? Christ may return in the same way.

The Bible gives an account of Jesus ascending to heaven as it did with Elijah. The Bible foretells Christ’s return to earth just as it did Elijah’s.

Elijah’s return was fulfilled when his “spirit and power” came again through a different person. Then shouldn’t we expect the spirit and power of Christ to return through a different person as well?

In fact Christian prophecies do indeed predict Christ to return with a “new name.” (Rev. 2:17&3:12).

This brings up a very important question. Is it possible that modern day people could miss the return of Christ - just as people missed the return of Elijah 2000 years ago?

If Christ’s spirit did return in another human person, wouldn’t we be lined up ready to reject his claims? I think to be honest we must say yes.

Did you know that there are a group of about 6 million people who believe this return already happened? They are the members of the Baha’i Faith.

About 150 years ago, Baha’u’llah proclaimed, “If ye be intent on crucifying once again Jesus, the Spirit of God, put me to death, for he hath once more, in my person been made manifest unto you.”

For this message Baha’u’llah was stripped of his princely wealth, imprisoned, beaten, chained with a chain so heavy that he could not lift his head. He was exiled from Persia (Iran), to Iraq, and eventually imprisoned in Palestine (Israel).

Baha’u’llah’s forerunner was executed publicly by a firing squad of government soldiers. Thousands of early Baha’i believers were killed because of their beliefs. To this day Baha’is are persecuted in many land especially in the Middle East.

Baha’u’llah, while a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire, wrote to the kings and rulers of the world prompting them to abandon the ways of oppression, dedicate themselves to the welfare of their people and take specific measures towards world peace. He announced his station to them all.

Baha’u’llah wrote to Napoleon III and foretold his fall from power. He foresaw the demise of Germany in 2 bloody wars. He predicted the longevity of Queen Victoria’s reign and praised her for abolishing slavery and giving powers to the elected parliament of the people.

To Pope Pius IV he wrote, “O Pope! Rend the veils asunder. He who is the Lord of Lords is come… He hath again come down from Heaven even as He came down from it the first time… Beware lest any name debar thee from God.” (Baha’u’llah’s name in Arabic means the Glory of God).

Baha’u’llah raised the call for universal peace and brotherhood as the divinely ordained goal of this age. He revealed the Words of God for people living at this time. He defended and fulfilled the Bible.

The individuals who insisted that Elijah himself return from the sky rejected John the Baptist and the Messiah without further investigation. Can we afford to repeat the same mistake – insisting that the physical body of Jesus descend from the sky before his return can occur?

Could Baha’u’llah be the unrecognized promised one of our time? (Investigate further @ www.promisedday.com)

Was Man Created Violent?

Violence, we see it all around us and it seems to be intensifying. Stories of terrorism and war fill the headlines. Violent movies, games and even violent cartoons have become common place.

I was surprised to read that there are 30 wars going on in the world today. Many are internal conflicts based on ethnic, religious or political animosity.

The pages of history tout the “great” conquerors and recount innumerable wars. My 12 year old daughter complained that her world history class seemed like a history of violence course.

A question comes to mind; are we stuck with a world of violence destined for one conflict after the other? With such a poor track record, are we even capable of change?

According to Baha’i scripture we were created to rise above violent tendencies;

“Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou was created.”

“To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.”

According to Baha’u’llah, man was created to know and love God. A way to show love towards God is to love His creation and work for a better, less violent world.

The way to know about God and His guidance for us is to turn to the Messengers of God. Baha’u’llah claimed to be the Messenger for the current age.

Collectively, according to Baha’u’llah, mankind’s purpose is to “carry forward an ever advancing civilization”. Striving to create a just and unified world is the God given goal for this age.

Conflicts between nations, international terrorist organizations and civil wars are beyond the scope of individual nations to resolve. International problems need international solutions. Otherwise, we are doomed to a future of continued large scale violence and instability in the world.

Baha’u’llah tells us that non-violent means of conflict resolution – justice - is impossible without unity. World peace and security are impossible without world unity and a strong representative international government capable of maintaining law and order.

The example of the United States shows that diverse people and States can live together in peace once unity is firmly established.

After unity is achieved in the world, great things can happen. Peace, cooperation, a more stable economy, philanthropy and individual development are all products of a just and united society.

“The happiness of mankind,” according to Baha’i scripture, “lies in the unity and harmony of the entire human race.”

Today’s world can be compared to a troubled adolescent. The turbulent times we are going through are a reflection of immaturity. Like many adolescents we are learning lessons the hard way. We will no doubt see much more violence in the world before the crying need for international peace is realized.

What can the individual do to reduce violence in the world? One way, of course, is to be less violent ourselves. Avoid violent forms of entertainment and encourage children to do the same. Read and try to live according to the sacred scriptures. And finally, be advocates for justice, unity and peace worldwide.

What parent would not want to see his or her children united and living together in peace? Surely our heavenly Father wants the same for us on this one small earth. The revelation of Baha’u’llah, Baha’is believe, contains the means for all of us to create a better, less violent world.

Emancipation of Women: God-given goal of our age

Recently National Public Radio broadcast a story about economic development in Africa.

Areas in Africa where women had been the most educated were the same areas that had risen from poverty.

PBS recently aired a program about the rebuilding of war-torn Rowanda. Again, the rise of women to the forefront of commerce and government was the focus of the program.

Women the world over are breaking through age old barriers erected under the guise of culture, tradition and religion. Women and men are coming to realize the importance of woman’s abilities in development of a healthy society.

Yet why now, after thousands of years of oppression are women rising to their rightful status?

Over 150 years ago Baha’u’llah called for the emancipation of women as a God-given goal for this age.

Baha’i scripture states, “Humanity is like a bird with its two wings-the one is male, the other female. Unless both wings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards. According to the spirit of this age, women must advance and fulfill their mission in all departments of life, becoming equal to men. They must be on the same level as men and enjoy equal rights”.

The year 1848 is credited as the initiation of the woman’s movement in the West. A conference spearheaded by Elizabeth Caty Stanton was held in Seneca Falls, New York. Fredrick Douglass and other notables attended. Tremendous strides were set in motion to change the rights and privileges of women in western nations.

1848 was also the year of the first Baha’i conference. It was held in Badasht, Persia (know today as Iran). This conference may have marked the first time that a Persian woman dared to publicly remove the veil covering her face. Her name was Tahirih.

Inspired by her faith, Tahirih proclaimed the truth of the Baha’i religion and the need for greater woman’s rights to large audiences throughout Persia. For this she was executed, strangled by her own scarf. Tahirih’s last words were, “You can do whatever you wish to me, but you can never stop the emancipation of women.”

Baha’is believe the religion of God is progressive. God sends messengers to guide mankind according to its current needs.

Baha’u’llah, Baha’is believe, was the most recent divine messenger. One of Baha’u’llah’s teachings is equal rights and privileges for women around the world.

Education of girls and women is fundamental to this change. In fact, if a Baha’i family must make a choice about educating a son or a daughter, the daughter should be chosen because women are the “first educators” of the next generation. Boys and girls of the next generation will benefit.

Through education and opportunity, women are rising to higher positions in world affairs. And this according to Baha’i prophecy is crucial to achieving world peace.

The well-being of men and women is linked to our ability to work well together.

I’ll close with these Baha’i words of inspiration to both sexes; “The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally, for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other.”

Imagine Peace: It’s more than a dream

The Bible foretells of a time of enduring peace. The world’s people “shall beat their swords into plow shares” and “learn war no more.” Is that peace attainable in this modern era?

Nuclear proliferation has made international peace imperative to human survival. Peaceful cooperation between nations is necessary to deal with the global threat of terrorism.

Nowadays, world peace is necessary for a healthy economy. The economy is clearly international. Economic problems in one part of the world affect the whole. Business is international. The stock market is global. Communications, the internet and travel are world-wide.

Fuel prices are soaring due, at least in part, to increasing “global demands” and conflict in the Middle East.

The financial burden of war is colossal. Billions are spent world-wide on military pursuits that could be directed towards education, caring for the elderly and disaster relief.

Of course the greatest tragedy of war is the senseless loss of individual lives and the anguish felt by those who loved them.

The big question is this; how can the nations of the world resolve conflict without waging war? The answer is UNITY!

“A house divided against its self falls.” A family divided cannot maintain peace. A divided community quickly becomes dysfunctional. Imagine if our country was divided - as in the civil war days – could we have lasting peace and security?

The world has become one global community; it can no longer function divided against its self. As Baha’u’llah wrote over 150 years ago, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

Baha’u’llah said, “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable until its unity is firmly established.”

Baha’i scripture foretells of a democratically elected world government similar to our own. The countries will become like our states are today. The states have certain powers, but no longer need to “learn war anymore” because of the collective security they enjoy.

Although Baha’u’llah had much to say about unity in the world, the Baha’i Faith is a religion of God and not political.

Baha’u’llah’s teachings promote unity through the promotion of unifying truths. Mankind is one. Prejudice of any kind is wrong. Men and women are to be valued equally at every level of society. Religion is one by virtue of its common source. Unity is a necessary prerequisite to serving justice in the world. Lasting peace is impossible without unity.

Baha’u’llah claimed to be the Messenger of God for this time; “Not of my own volition have I revealed myself, but God, of His own choosing, has manifested me.” For this, he was chained, beaten, poisoned and imprisoned. Baha’u’llah was exiled from Persia (Iran) to Iraq to Palestine (Israel).

Religion, he said, must be the cause of unity not division or fighting.

Baha’u’llah specifically forbade “holy war”. From the crusades to modern jihad, holy war has been the bane of history – especially in the Middle East. No more. Baha’u’llah “abolished the law to wage holy war against each other.”

The biblical vision of world peace, Baha’is believe, is not only possible but inevitable. It is the will of God for this age.

This vision of a unified world does not include, as some fear, a dictatorial government where nations are lost to a looming central power. It does include a just system of global cooperation where communities and countries strive to create a better world for all.

Of course, the achievement of world peace will not be easy. Yet, the first step to any great achievement is vision as how to achieve it. Baha’is believe Baha’u’llah brought God-given teachings to help mankind achieve peace on earth. You can help. (Learn more on the web www.usbahai.org or call about local meetings (309)827-5936)

Baha’u’llah taught high moral standard

Values and morality were important to voters in the November elections. According to exit poles moral values were ranked the most important reason for one’s selection at the voting booth.

Has the nation recognized its need for greater morality? Rampant immorality is eating away the foundations of healthy family life and our society is suffering as a consequence.

The purpose of this article is to share Baha’i teachings on morality. The Baha’i Faith offers a firm foundation in a morally shaky world.

Over 150 years ago Baha’u’llah revealed principles, laws and moral guidelines which became the basis of the Baha’i Faith. Baha’is believe his teachings were divinely inspired and represent a renewal of religious moral values in the world – a fresh start.

Over time the religions of the world have lost some of their purity and focus. Man made additions have muddied the original teachings. Hence, many people have lost faith in religion as the moral compass in their lives.

This decline in religious purity is why God renews religion by sending a Messenger. When God sends a new Messenger it is like a refreshing spring time. A fresh measure of divine inspiration comes again in order to renew spiritual life in the world. Morals and values are revitalized.

An example of Baha’u’llah’s moral teaching is concerning sexual purity. Chastity or abstinence should be practiced before marriage, which for Baha’is even includes abstinence from kissing. After marriage absolute faithfulness should be observed by the husband and the wife.

The Baha’i Faith recognizes the value of the sex impulse but holds fast to the belief that the institution of marriage has been established as the sole channel for its rightful expression.

Striving to live a moral life is far from being a sour-faced religious fanatic. Baha’i scripture states, “Humor, happiness and joy are characteristics of a true Baha’i life”. “Serious thought, compassion and humble servitude to God” should go hand and hand with enjoyment in life.

When enjoyed within the bounds of decency and dignity, music, dancing, entertainment and the arts are among God’s gifts for us to value. Yet, outside of moral boundaries these same gifts become a source of evil.

Our exposure to immorality may be greater now than at any time in history. One need only to turn on the radio, click on the TV or connect to the internet to gain immediate access to it. To maintain wholesome thoughts and virtuous actions has become a daunting task. One may be tempted to throw in the towel and say, “If you can’t beat them join them.”

Yet, Baha’u’llah has stated, “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.”

Our own daily choices to live a virtuous life have a real bearing on world around us. In the Christmas holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Jimmy Stewart’s character was shown what his town would have been like without his positive influences. He came to realize that his efforts to live a moral life really did make a difference.

Virtuous thought and behavior makes a difference in our emotional and physical health; creates stronger families, more productive communities and ultimately a better world.

Over 100 years ago Baha’u’llah wrote, “In times to come morals will degenerate to an extreme degree. It is essential that the children be reared in the Baha’i (moral) way in order that they may find happiness both in this world and the next. If not they will be beset with sorrows and troubles, for human happiness is founded upon spiritual behavior.”

Sadly, morals have degenerated to an extreme degree. Many children have not been raised to value morality and we see the sorrowful results all around us.

The teachings of Baha’u’llah, Baha’is believe, provide the moral compass so needed in today’s world and offers hope for a brighter, happier future. (Learn more @ www.us.bahai.org)

Children’s morals and good character even more important than book learning

Like it or not, summer vacation has come to a close. It’s time to get back to the important business of reading, writing, mathematics, science, history and social studies. These are usually the subjects we think of to prepare children for their future.

Yet as important as book learning is, it pales in comparison to moral and spiritual education. Baha’i scripture states, “Training in morals and good conduct is far more important than book learning. A child that is cleanly, agreeable, and of good character, well-behaved – even though he be ignorant – is preferable to a child that is rude, ill-natured, ill-behaved and yet becoming deeply versed in all the sciences and arts.”

“The reason for this is that the child who conducts himself well, even though he be ignorant, is of benefit to others, while an ill-natured, ill-behaved child is corrupted and harmful to others, even though he be learned.”

How very true. For example, a well educated child who grows up to be a terrorist learns to fabricate more sophisticated bombs. In the same way, well educated criminals embezzle money and commit identity theft. Well educated “business people” create pornographic sites on the internet.

Fostering values, morals and spiritual interests happens first in the “school” of family.

Parents are typically the first educators. Parents are the primary ones to instill a love for prayer, scripture reading and service to others in their children.

Prayer can begin at an early age. In Baha’i families the first thing a newborn child hears is this simple prayer, “You have come by the command of God. You have appeared to speak of Him. You were created to serve Him, the Dear, the Beloved.”

Family scripture reading can help to shape a positive self image for a child. The question of who am I is one of the first to answer. Baha’u’llah taught that people are essentially spiritual in nature (souls from God) and that this material world (without good things manifest in it) is worth “less than the black in the eye of a dead ant”.

According to Baha’u’llah, we were created by God, to know and to love God and other people, to show forth virtues in our lives and to make a positive contribution towards an ever advancing civilization. These are the kinds of lessons we must teach children.

Baha’is believe true happiness is “founded upon spiritual behavior”. As children come to this realization, they learn to correct their own bad behavior. Well… maybe with a few reminders now and then.

Service to others or to one’s community is a great family activity. Volunteering at a nursing home or food pantry, for example, helps children (and parents) learn to be of service.

Developing a love for prayer, scripture and service happens best at home. School teachers are the first to agree. Good education starts at home and is carried on in schools. When a child is educated to be a good person and develops in school then we have achieved real success as a community.

Both spiritual education and material education are important, but the spiritual is most important. What kind of person the child becomes is more important than how much they know.

However, says Baha’i scripture, “When a child is trained to be both learned and good the result is light upon light.” Have a great school year. And thank you so much to all of the educators.

Vision of earth as one peaceful homeland

“Show us, oh God, what each one of us can do to set forward the coming of universal peace...” This was the prayer from the crew of Apollo 8 as they orbited the moon for the first time in human history. It was December 1968.

How amazing to see earth above the horizon of the moon. How small our blue planet looked with the vast black universe surrounding it.

Our perspective of ourselves changed forever. Earth as one common homeland became clear and unquestionable.

We live in unique times, a new era. We can potentially communicate with almost anyone on the planet through telephone or the internet. In one day we can travel to nearly anywhere on the globe. News coverage is quickly dispersed worldwide. Commerce is international and we have a rudimentary world government in the United Nations.

Contrast today’s world with life 150 years ago and the thousands of years before. Communications and travel were limited by the speed of human feet, land animals or sailing vessels. What an amazing difference!

Beginning in the mid 1800’s, why was there such advancement? Did people just suddenly get smarter or was God’s will somehow behind it?

The Bible predicted a time of great change. It spoke of an “end of the age” and the beginning of a new era when “knowledge shall increase” and “all things shall be made new”.

Some point to the invention of the telegraph as the beginning of the new era. The telegraph was invented in 1844 by Samuel Morse. His first message, “What hath God wrought” flashed instantly between Baltimore and Washington D.C. Morse believed the invention was heaven sent.

Interestingly, the Baha’i Faith began in 1844 in the East at the same time as Morse’s invention in the West. Baha’u’llah claimed to be the Messenger of God for a new era. His message: “The earth is one country and mankind its citizens”. The goal of the current age: “the unity and harmony of the entire human race.”

Consider this Baha’i prayer; “O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home.”

If we are looking to promote the coming of universal peace, we all must live according to these ideals. Let’s work for greater unity in our families, work places, communities, nation and world. Let’s befriend people of all faiths. Let’s strive for peace and justice world-wide.

Let’s endeavor so that future astronauts will look down upon our planet say, “Thank God the earth has become one peaceful homeland indeed.”

Life’s struggles can lead to fulfillment

In the scriptures we read that God is love and we were created out of love. To give and receive love is a fundamental need of every human soul. Yet, this world seems to challenge our ability to love and feel loved.

We see glimpses of love: pure love in the radiant face of a young child, the wisdom of love in a grandmother’s eyes, and the passion of love in a youth.

We see sacrificial love in the lives of the Prophets of God. They tell us of the love of our Creator and of our need to develop our love towards God.

Yet, the multitude of problems in the world seems to quench the fire of love in people. The world seems so cruel and unloving. Materialism, war and terrorism are but a few examples. Sadness and depression abound.

About 150 years ago Baha’u’llah wrote a story about the human struggle to find true love in this world. This story can be found in its entirety in a small book called The Seven Valleys.

“There was once a lover who had sighed for long years in separation from his beloved. He reckoned life without her as a mockery. The doctors knew no cure for him, and companions avoided his company; yea, physicians have no medicine for one sick of love, unless the favor of the beloved one deliver him.

The fire of his hope fell to ashes… He went out of his house and made for the marketplace. On a sudden, a watchman followed after him. He broke into a run, with the watchman following; and the wretched one cried from his heart, and ran here and there, and moaned to himself: "Surely this watchman is my angel of death.”

His feet carried him on, the one bleeding with the arrow of love. Then he came to a garden wall, and with untold pain he scaled it, for it proved very high; and forgetting his life, he threw himself down to the garden.

And there he beheld his beloved with a lamp in her hand, searching for a ring she had lost. When the man looked on his ravishing love, he drew a great breath and raised up his hands in prayer, crying: "O God! Give Thou glory to the watchman. For the watchman was Gabriel, guiding this poor one and bringing life to this wretched one!”

In this story perhaps the man is you and me. In some way we can identify with his emotions of longing for true love, and his feelings of separation and turmoil.

In this earthly existence our soul, our spiritual nature longs for it’s reunion with its beloved, the holy spirit of God. The maiden in the garden beyond the wall seems to represent that spirit of God. Baha’u’llah seems to be teaching us that what satisfies our heart’s deepest quest is not any beauty of this world but the beauty of the holy spirit.

Stress and trials in this world are like the watchman, they seem to be chasing us relentlessly. However, as Baha’u’llah has illustrated here, the purpose of tribulation is to lead us ultimately to our heart’s desire.

If the man in the story could have seen into the future, he would not have felt the slightest desperation. He would have rejoiced the moment he spotted the watchman. His guide had arrived! Yet, the end was veiled to him – as it is to us in our lives.

Perhaps the moral of the story is to have faith. Since the future is veiled to us, we must have faith that the struggles of this world do have a purpose and will in the end lead us to a closer relationship with God.

Finally, the Baha’i scriptures state, “When a man turns his face towards God he finds sunshine everywhere.” Prayer, scripture reading, positive thinking, nature, fellowship with loving friends, service to others are just a few ways that we can tap into true love at any time.

Messengers of God Mirror God’s qualities on earth

Was Jesus God incarnate? This hotly debated topic has created contention among people for centuries. The controversy continues today.

Those who say Jesus is God site scriptures such as these:

“He who sees me (Jesus) sees him (God) who sent me.”(John 12:45)

“I and my father are one.” (John 10:30)

“For in Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”(Col. 2:9)

Others point to scripture which seem to state the opposite:

“I (Jesus) am going to the Father (God), for the Father is greater than I.” (John14:28)

“I can of my own self do nothing …not my own will, but the will of the Father which has sent Me.”(John 5:30)

Jesus prayed to God (Mark 6:46) and said that God had knowledge that he did not know. (Mat. 24:36)

How can both sets of statements be true?

Baha’i scripture explains these quotes by using the metaphor of the sun shining in a mirror; “The Sun (God) does not leave His place in the heavens and descend into the mirror (Christ), for the actions of ascent and descent, coming and going, do not belong to the Infinite, they are the methods of finite beings. In the Manifestations of God, the perfectly polished mirror, appear the qualities of the Divine in a form that man is capable of comprehending.”

With the mirror analogy in mind, look at the quotes again. As a divine mirror, we see how Jesus could represent the Godhead on earth, but at the same time not be God.

Baha’is believe that the founders of all the great world religions were manifestations of God. For example Krishna, Moses, Muhammad and Baha’u’llah can also be understood as “reflections” of the divine on earth. They too spoke like Jesus – as if they were God.

Krishna, founder of the Hindu faith is recorded as saying, “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and a rise of unrighteousness…then I send forth Myself, for the protection of the good. I come from age to age”.

The Hebrew prophets spoke for God, “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind.” (Isaiah 42:6)

The bible says of Moses, “I have made you (Moses) like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.” (Exodus 7:1)

Muhammad spoke the words of God that were immediately written down in the Koran.

Baha’u’llah wrote, “Turn away from all that is on earth and seek none but Me. I am the Sun of Wisdom and the Ocean of Knowledge. I cheer the faint and revive the dead. I am the guiding Light that illumines the way.”

Baha’u’llah claimed to be the most recent representative of God on earth. His teachings are directed to the current needs of mankind. He claimed to be the promised one foretold by the prophets. His teachings promote the unity of mankind, the equality of men and women and the unity of the religion.

Baha’u’llah explained that all of the divine teachers reflect the same light. The mirrors have been many but the light is one.

Because the religions grew up in different ages and diverse cultures they may seem at odds. But their essential teachings are very similar.

By “return” of a messenger is meant the messengers to come. God’s spirit comes again through the new messenger. Religious history confirms this pattern. In this way God revisits earth “from age to age”.

Baha’u’llah Called for Global Peace

“Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age you live in”, wrote Baha’u’llah, founder of the Baha’i Faith. When he wrote these words in the mid 1800s, he said that a new age had begun which would lead all mankind to unity. Achieving world unity, he said was the great need of our current era.

Baha’u’llah called upon the people and nations of the world to reconcile their differences, to recognize their allegiance to the same creator and to view all people as citizens of one common homeland. “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens,” wrote Baha’u’llah.

Old patterns of civilization, he said, are being rolled up like an old carpet resulting in confusion and upheaval. At the same time a new world order is being laid out in its stead. A new world civilization will emerge in which unity and peace between nations will be achieved.

In the Baha’i view, looking out for one’s country should no longer supersede international needs of justice, law and humanitarian concerns. In this day a wider loyalty is called for. In Baha’u’llah’s words, “It is not for him to pride himself who loves his own country, but rather for him who loves the whole world.”

In the past, many societal needs were addressed through nation building. Strong nations could compete best for resources. They could defend themselves from foreign invasion. “Us” versus “them” was necessary for survival.

Borders of nations were largely determined by practical means. A mountain range or body of water separated people so separate societies developed. People within the nation generally shared a common religion and language which helped foster internal unity and peace. International unity wasn’t a relevant issue for the people of the world.

My how the world has changed! The development of science, technology, travel and communications has changed everything. One by one the barriers that divide people have become less significant.

Today’s most urgent problems are no longer national, but collective. Take the problem of global warming and the environment; can we go on pretending that individual nations can solve this problem by each doing their own thing? Can short-sighted industrial interests of any nation supersede the welfare of all?

Obviously we have but one environment shared by all on one planet. Will our clinging to old patterns of thought keep us from acting in time to prevent large scale disaster?

Global problems of the environment, war, nuclear weapons, international terrorist rings, and religious conflict between Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Jews all require international interventions.

Can you imagine our individual states functioning harmoniously without the benefit of the United States government? That is precisely the situation of the world today without the benefit of an effective world government.

The Baha’i writings call for an elected world government similar to that of the United States or Great Britain (minus partisan political methods). A just government is the only real means by which humans unify, create order and solve problems.

According to the scripture of the Baha’i Faith, mankind will either unify by an act of collective will or be forced into unity by ever increasing disasters.

We see an historical pattern developing. The League of Nations was formed after World War I and the somewhat stronger United Nations was formed after WWII.

Is another world-wide disaster necessary for us to take the next step? Or will people and nations arise to face the needs of our day?

Wouldn’t it be great if the people of the world united in this call for international peace; “One planet, one people and one government by the people please!”

Who better to raise this call than the people of the United States. We already are a microcosm of world unity. People from every ethnic, national and religious background live here in relative peace. We have proven that unity in diversity works infinitely better than disunity and war.

What is the great need of our age? World unity! Nothing else will lead to solutions for our global problems. Pass it on. You can make a difference.

The following is a Baha’i prayer for world unity; “O Thou kind Lord, unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home.”

Climate change: global problem needs global response

While accepting the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work regarding the environment, Al Gore stated, “We face a true planetary emergency. The climate crisis is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.”

Climate change may become an important stepping stone to higher levels of consciousness and even greater unity in the world because it is forcing us to work together as one. We are faced with the option of either working together or suffering serious potential consequences together. Either option will bring greater unity to the world. We are all in the same vessel so to speak.

According to the teachings of the Baha’i Faith, when we come to see ourselves as citizens of one world and the members of one human race, the foundation for unity and peace will be laid. This transformation, Baha’is believe, is the divine will for the age in which we live.

“Let your vision be world-embracing”, was Baha’u’llah’s counsel, written 150 years ago. He said, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” Since that time globalization, with its problems and its benefits has been steadily evolving.

Baha’u’llah taught that the chief task facing humanity is the construction of a just, peaceful and world-embracing civilization. A united world, he said, is a prerequisite to peace and justice in the world. Without international unity, the ability to solve global problems efficiently is impossible. Unity enables people and nations to act collectively.

Climate change seems to be such an insurmountable problem only because we lack sufficient unity to deal with it in a timely fashion. When the nations and peoples of the world act together, no global problem is too vexing to conquer. Climate change, war and terrorism, these are world problems that can best be addressed as a united planet.

Baha’i scriptures promote beliefs, attitudes and practices that encourage unity and dissolve age-old differences. Baha’is believe all people pray to one Creator and all the world religions originated from one God. The races, sexes and all humanity are equal; therefore every effort must be made to cleanse the human heart from all forms of prejudice.

During his 40 year ministry, Baha’u’llah laid the groundwork for the transformation of human hearts and provided a blueprint for a peaceful future for all mankind. His teachings are, in his words, “like unto water for quenching the fire of hate and enmity which smolders within the hearts and breasts of men.”

The Baha’i writings offer a glimpse of our future global civilization: “In such a world society...the enormous energy dissipated and wasted on war, whether economic or political, will be consecrated to such ends as will extend the range of human inventions and technical development, to the increase of the productivity of mankind, to the extermination of disease, to the extension of scientific research, to the raising of the standard of physical health, to the sharpening and refinement of the human brain, to the exploitation of the unused and unsuspected resources of the planet, to the prolongation of human life and to the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the intellectual, the moral and spiritual life of the entire human race.^”

A peaceful, global society is the direction we are headed. Current global crises are a wake up call to the dire consequences of disunity and disorder among people on earth.

How can we help the environment? Obviously we can practice conservation and pollution control in our own lives. We can be promoters of unity and collective action among people in our families and communities.

Perhaps most importantly we can be promoters of unity and peace in the world. For it stands to reason that a more united world will be better able to solve its problems.

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