Miscellaneous - Religion   

All-embracing vision

CHENNAI : The most significant phenomenon in recent years has perhaps been the process of globalisation, the progressive shrinking of the world and an ever greater mixing of its people, culture and economies. For better or worse, human society is being dynamically reshaped in every land. And the ultimate trend is clear: we are witnessing nothing less than the emergence of a new civilisation that is global in nature. More than 100 years ago, Baha'u'llah articulated this new reality when he said: "The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."

The critical question facing humanity today is what sort of global civilisation should we have? Will it be dominated by shallow materialism? Is it possible to create a world in which material and scientific development is governed by ethical and spiritual principles that promote the prosperity of all people everywhere?

The dramatic transformations in the last century — changes that have not yet run their full course — were initiated by the coming of a new messenger of God. And it is the light of a new revelation that illuminates the best pattern for future society.

In other words, religion is the motive force in human society and will continue to set its direction and design. The progressive revelation of God's will to humanity through His messengers has been responsible for the increasing integration of human society, and its advancing civilisation. Today, this process of integration is culminating in the development of a global society.

The spiritual world is the source of those human qualities that engender unity and harmony, that lead to insight and understanding, and that make possible cooperative undertakings. In the past spiritual teachings have been concerned primarily with individual actions. Today, our understanding of spirituality must embrace not only personal and group life, but also the collective progress of humanity. The essential message of Baha'u'llah is the call to unity: "Let your vision be world embracing, rather than confined to your own selves."

A.N. Roy

New Delhi

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