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When Religious People do Bad Things
In a world in which crimes are explicitly committed in the name of religion, a conversation about how best to respond to the problem is a necessity as difficult as it may be. Tragically this was how the 21st century begins. This article seeks to reflect on Bahá’u’lláh’s writings, and the Baha’i teachings more broadly, that bear on this question. Of course as a prophet or messenger of God, Bahá’u’lláh’s writings are grounded in a spiritual view of reality – and are concerned with religion. He foresees the decline of religion and the kind of turmoil that we see in the world today. THE world is in travail, and its agitation waxeth day…
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Harmony of Science and Religion — Dispelling Superstition
“Among … principles of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings was the harmony of science and religion.” With words such as these ‘Abdu’l-Bahá introduces us to another core principle he identifies in Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and thought. But what does this principle mean and how does it relate to the quite fractious debates that emerge from time to time in society? ‘Abdu’l-Bahá goes further: Religion must stand the analysis of reason. It must agree with scientific fact and proof so that science will sanction religion and religion fortify science. Both are indissolubly welded and joined in reality. If statements and teachings of religion are found to be unreasonable and contrary to science, they are outcomes…
