Study of Science Raised to the Level of Worship

Abdu’l-Bahá spoke often of the importance of science and reason. In a talk given in Cambridge, MA (a city well known for institutions of higher education), He said:

Scientific knowledge is the highest attainment upon the human plane, for science is the discoverer of realities. It is of two kinds: material and spiritual. Material science is the investigation of natural phenomena; divine science is the discovery and realization of spiritual verities. The world of humanity must acquire both. A bird has two wings; it cannot fly with one. Material and spiritual science are the two wings of human uplift and attainment. Both are necessary…
Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 138 (23 May 1912, Cambridge, MA)

He also said:

Bahá'u'lláh has declared that religion must be in accord with science and reason. If it does not correspond with scientific principles and the processes of reason, it is superstition. For God has endowed us with faculties by which we may comprehend the realities of things, contemplate reality itself. If religion is opposed to reason and science, faith is impossible; and when faith and confidence in the divine religion are not manifest in the heart, there can be no spiritual attainment.
Promulgation of Universal Peace p. 298-99

To read more about the Bahá'í teaching on the unity of science and religion, see The Unity of Religion and Science, and to read more about what Abdu’l-Bahá said about science, see Abdu’l-Bahá on Science and Religion.

If you'd like to follow along with some of the discussions contemporary Bahá'ís are having on the relationship of science and religion, see this fascinating blog Common Ground, Faith, Reason, Science and Religion.

What are some of your thoughts on this interesting topic?

A Treasure Trove for History Buffs

The blog 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Journey in America follows the journey of Abdu'l-Bahá day by day, chronicling the historical events on each day of His trip. You can find beautiful photos, accounts of conversations, impressions of the early believers, and stories of significant events. You can also find sources of additional information if you want to learn more. What were Juliet Thompson's thoughts on meeting Abdu'l-Bahá? Where exactly did He visit and what did He say in each area? How did people react to Him? You can find all this and more as you follow along on the blog.

What are some of your favorite stories from the visit that you found on this blog? Was there anything that surprised you?

Consultation

‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke of consultation as the investigation of truth. He taught us not to hold on selfishly to our own opinion, but rather offer it forth as a contribution. Here is what He said at the Hotel Plaza in Chicago on May 2, 1912:

In this Cause consultation is of vital importance, but spiritual conference and not the mere voicing of personal views is intended. In France I was present at a session of the senate, but the experience was not impressive. Parliamentary procedure should have for its object the attainment of the light of truth upon questions presented and not furnish a battleground for opposition and self-opinion. Antagonism and contradiction are unfortunate and always destructive to truth. In the parliamentary meeting mentioned, altercation and useless quibbling were frequent; the result, mostly confusion and turmoil; even in one instance a physical encounter took place between two members. It was not consultation but comedy.

The purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for its object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to the consensus of opinion, for the light of reality becomes apparent when two opinions coincide. A spark is produced when flint and steel come together. Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost serenity, calmness and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it immediately and not willfully hold to an opinion of his own. By this excellent method he endeavors to arrive at unity and truth. Opposition and division are deplorable. It is better then to have the opinion of a wise, sagacious man; otherwise, contradiction and altercation, in which varied and divergent views are presented, will make it necessary for a judicial body to render decision upon the question. Even a majority opinion or consensus may be incorrect. A thousand people may hold to one view and be mistaken, whereas one sagacious person may be right. Therefore, true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love. Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order that good results may be forthcoming. Love and fellowship are the foundation.

The Promulgation of Universal Peace

What are some of the Bahá'í principles of consultation that you have found helpful? How do you think this approach may be helpful today?

Historic Journey Transformed Bahá'í Faith

'Abdu'l-Baha's visits to Egypt, North America, London, Paris, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Scotland profoundly changed the Bahá'í Faith. Before the visit, the Faith had already spread to North America and Europe, but those communities were small in number. His journey proclaimed the Bahá'í teachings far and wide, and also consolidated and revitalized the communities already formed.

He stressed the need for understanding between cultures, for interfaith understanding, and world peace. He was also comfortable discussing the dangers of racism, the relationship between capital and labor, impending war, and federalism. He addressed thousands of people from all parts of society and met with and attended to the needs of the poor. Dr. T. K. Cheyne of Oxford called 'Abdu'l-Baha the "Ambassador to Humanity".

He brought the Faith out of obscurity and by the end of His life large numbers of people in Europe, North America, Asia, the Pacific, Australia, South Africa and South America knew of the Faith and thought positively about it.

Dr. Moojan Momen said "His travels were certainly a major religious event of the 20th century. They had much the same sort of effect as St. Paul's journeys which had a sizable impact on the spread of Christianity." The American Bahá'í community was profoundly changed by the visit. Kenneth E. Bowers said "Through His life and words, He was the personification of Baha'u'llah's teachings. He inspired the first handful of Bahá'ís not only to spread their Faith but, just as importantly, withstand all sorts of tests. In a very tactful, loving and wise way, He set the example to be followed." Firuz Kazemzadeh also said "This is where the real impact of His visits lies - in the capacity of the community He raised to continue what He taught them after all these years".

Read the rest of the article which was the source of this information here: "100 years ago, historic journeys transformed a fledgling faith" from Bahá'í World News Service

What do you think the impact of 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit has been? How has the Bahá'í community changed as a result? How are you personally affected by the fact that 'Abdu'l-Baha' has visited our shores? Discuss in the comments!

Teaching Race Unity by Example

‘Abdu’l-Bahá often spoke of racial harmony and the unity of humankind.

In a talk at Howard University in Washington, DC, He said:

Today I am most happy, for I see here a gathering of the servants of God. I see white and black sitting together. There are no whites and blacks before God. All colors are one, and that is the color of servitude to God. Scent and color are not important. The heart is important. If the heart is pure, white or black or any color makes no difference. God does not look at colors; He looks at the hearts. He whose heart is pure is better. He whose character is better is more pleasing. He who turns more to the Abhá Kingdom is more advanced.

The Promulgation of Universal Peace, Talk at Howard University, Washington, D.C.

He did not just teach these principles with words, He also taught by powerful example, even if breaking the social conventions of the time. Although Washington was a racially and socially mixed Bahá’í community, it still was influenced by deep-rooted practices of racial segregation which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá challenged by example.

Louis Gregory, a prominent African American Bahá’í of the time, visited with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when he spoke at Howard University. After the talk, as luncheon was announced, Louis Gregory attempted to leave the house unobtrusively, according to the social protocol of the time. After everyone was seated,‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood up and was very insistent that Mr. Gregory be found. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rearranged the place setting and gave him the seat of honor at His right, and stated He was most pleased to have Louis Gregory there. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá then continued in a most natural way and proceeded to talk on the oneness of humankind.  (source ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Their Midst by Earl Redman)

How do you think the community at the time learned from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? Do you have any other favorite anecdotes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá teaching by example? Let us know in the comments!

Follow Along on the Journey!

There are many wonderful website and blogs you can find for more information about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journey. This beautiful website, Commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ in America, is a treasure house of information!

You can follow along on the Timeline, see where He was speaking, read what the news reports said, view a transcript of the talk He gave, and hear an audio file of someone reading it. There are plenty of photos, background information, and links to numerous resources. 

Enjoy exploring Commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ in America and let us know what you think of the site in the comments below. Did you read or see something inspirational on the site? Did you learn anything you haven't heard before?

Words of Encouragement

`Abdu'l-Bahá often spoke words of encouragement and reminded us of the great value of these days in such a pivotal point in human history. He told us of the many opportunities we have to serve. As always, He told us to have absolute love for one another.

Awake ye to the realization of this heavenly opportunity. Strive with all the power of your souls, your deeds, actions and words to assist the spread of these glad tidings and the descent of this merciful bounty. You are the reality and expression of your deeds and actions. If you abide by the precepts and teachings of the Blessed Perfection, the heavenly world and ancient Kingdom will be yours—eternal happiness, love and everlasting life. The divine bounties are flowing. Each one of you has been given the opportunity of becoming a tree yielding abundant fruits. This is the springtime of Bahá’u’lláh. The verdure and foliage of spiritual growth are appearing in great abundance in the gardens of human hearts. Know ye the value of these passing days and vanishing nights. Strive to attain a station of absolute love one toward another. By the absence of love, enmity increases. By the exercise of love, love strengthens and enmities dwindle away. 

Promulgation of Universal Peace, Talk given by `Abdu'l-Bahá

What are your favorite words of encouragement from `Abdu'l-Bahá? Let us know in the comments below.

Comparing 1912 to today

As we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the visit of `Abdu'l-Bahá to the United States, it is interesting to compare and contrast the conditions in 1912 to the world situation today.

The world in 1912 was engaged in an arms buildup, the United States was increasingly involved in global affairs, the Titanic disaster reminded us of our mortality and limits to progress, a war in Europe was on the horizon, and the United States was racially segregated. In this context, `Abdu'l-Bahá visited the United States and spoke to the needs of the day.

From Shastri Purushotma in 2012: A Special Year for American Baha'is

The American Baha'is had provided money for Abdul Baha to sail on the Titanic. He asked instead that the funds be given to the poor and chose to travel on a more modest ship to New York in April 1912. From there he began an extensive speaking tour to discuss issues critical for the modern world that America and humanity were moving toward. On many occasions, he warned of an impending war in Europe and outlined mechanisms for global peace and disarmament. In synagogues, he warned of the possibility of a holocaust in Europe. In a highly segregated country decades before the civil rights movement, he spoke at the national meeting of the NAACP, Howard University and elsewhere about the critical importance of racial harmony to America. He spoke about economic issues that are topics of heated debate right now: the need for the elimination of the vast extremes of wealth and poverty, and the importance of just ways to harmonize labor and capital.

Read the rest of the article here: 2012: A Special Year for American Baha'is

How do you think the message of  `Abdu'l-Bahá in 1912 is relevant to conditions today?