The Baha'i International Community and World Peace
We talk of peace. We all want it, pray for it, believe in it. But few of us actually have in mind as to how exactly it's going to come about. On a Global level. In all levels of society. One organization does. The most unified group of people on the planet. Sounds exciting! Who are these people that not only want peace, but know clearly that it is going to happen and how it is going to come about? They are the Baha'i International Community.
Baha'u'llah (1817 - 1892), the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith, said 155 years ago that;
He claimed that not only was He the latest in a long line of prophets (including Christ, Mohammed, Buddha and Moses) to bring the healing message of peace to the world, but that an ailing humanity was now ready to unite in one world.
However, He also warned the people of the world and its leaders that if they did not come together in peace, dire would be the consequences, and they would be pushed, by forces beyond their control, to unite. It is only after 3 major wars and the threat of another, that humanity if finally recognising the truth of Baha'u'llah's message, and being forced to see the world as one, economically, politically and culturally.
The unique way that the Baha'i Community is structured allows for a grass roots communication to filter up to the international administrative body, called The Universal House of Justice. This enables a network of communication that surrounds the entire globe. Local, national and international bodies that organise the Baha'i are all elected democratically by confidential ballot. No canvassing is allowed. All the administrative bodies use consultation as their means of discussion. this must be in an open, frank but loving manner and be along the guidelines laid down by Baha'u'llah Himself.
The people who follow Baha'u'llah and live by his precepts and teachings live in every country of the world and work in their daily life towards bringing peace to humanity. The way that He asks us to live our lives helps us to live in a peaceful way, both among our fellow human beings and with the earth and it's life. Baha'is refrain from alcohol, taking recreational drugs, back-biting and try to learn more about God's plan for humanity, which involves studying their own teachings and those of others religions and their cultures.
Nothing short of a spiritual revolution will heal this world. The revolution has already begun.
Sarah Munro
