Values in Harmony - University of St Andrews

Independent investigation of truth“No man should follow blindly his ancestors and forefathers. Nay, each must see with his owneyes, hear with his own ears and investigate independently in order that he may find the truth.”(Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 24)Prohibition on violence, and religious extremism“Religious fanaticism and hatred are a world-devouring fire, whose violence none can quench.”(Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 14)Unity as an aim of religion“Religion must be the cause of affection. It must be a joy-bringer. If it become the cause ofdifference, it were better to banish it. Should it become the source of hatred, or warfare, itwere better that it should not exist. If a remedy produce added illness, it were far better todiscard the remedy. A religion which does not conform with the postulates of science is merelysuperstition.”(Abdu’l-Bahá, Divine Philosophy, p. 82)“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith …… is to safeguard the interests and promotethe unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer itnot to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. ….Whatsoever is raisedon this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength,...…..Our hope is that the world’s religious leaders and the rulers thereof will unitedly arise for thereformation of this age and the rehabilitation of its fortunes.”(Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 215)Religious truth not absolute but relative“The fundamental principle enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh, ….is that Religious truth is not absolutebut relative, that Divine Revelation is a continuous and progressive process”(Shoghi Effendi, Summary Statement - 1947, Special UN Committee on Palestine)Discussing Values in Harmony in the Baha’i Faith focus group - Photo courtesy Carrie Varjavandi18