Editors note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday a topic is printed inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited.
Editors note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday a topic is printed inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week’s subject is on women. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
The Baha’is of Kaua‘i
Our physical world consists of molecules made up of atoms, joined together by adhesion and cohesion in a specific order determined by physical laws. Our ecosystem relies upon the relationships among its inhabitants. Our society consists of relationships among people, communities and countries. These relationships are governed by laws and standards which all should follow. But when these laws, standards and relationships are ignored, chaos ensues.
What is chaos? It is a state of confusion, a lack of order or stability. The opposite of chaos is peace, tranquility, serenity and security.
We are witnessing chaos among us at many levels. Our world environment is in jeopardy. Millions of people suffer from poverty, hunger and oppression. Drugs, alcohol and other mind-altering substances are rampant, resulting in crime, aggression and broken families. What was once considered unacceptable behavior is now becoming the norm. Individual greed has taken over at the expense of the well-being of the rest of society.
How do we stop this spiraling deterioration of our world society?
“Religion”, the Baha’i writings state, “is the greatest of all means for the establishment of order in the world and for the peaceful contentment of all that dwell therein … Those universal spiritual principles which lie at the heart of religion — tolerance, compassion, love, justice, humility, sacrifice, trustworthiness, dedication to the well-being of others and unity — are the foundations of progressive civilization.”
‘Abdu’l-Baha cautioned, “But by religion is meant that which is ascertained by investigation and not that which is based on mere imitation, the foundation of divine religions and not human imitations.” This point is elucidated in a 1994 Baha’i statement entitled “Role of Religion in Social Development” that says “At the same time, it must be acknowledged that man’s perversion of some of God’s revealed religions have also been primary causes of social disintegration, intolerance, hatred, sexism, poverty, oppression and warfare down through the ages. Indeed, many of today’s seemingly intractable problems can be traced to the corruption and misuse of religious authority. It is thus obvious that if religion is to help meet the manifold challenges confronting the world community, it must be free of ignorance, prejudice and animosity.”
Topic for two weeks from today:
• Will you speak to us on humanity?
• Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
• Deadline each week is Tuesday, by 5 p.m.
