God's Will is revealed over time through sending Manifestations of God to humanity in a relatable human form. All are linked in the One Cause of God. Guidance is limited to our capacity and essential for healing and progress. Belief is centered on three oneness: one God, one humankind, one religion of God.
Recognition of Those before Bahá'u'lláh
Bahá'í theology is unique in recognizing that all of the Divinely-sent Prophets, Saviors, Messengers, Manifestations of God—by whatever terminology—occupy the same exalted station, are to be regarded even as One, representing God. Each is like a Divine Physician, diagnosing the illnesses and prescribing the remedy. Each is the Divine Educator, giving a greater measure of truth. The differences in Their messages are attributable to the differing needs of humanity at Their time and place of appearance. The messages, over time, need to be renewed due to the gradual obscuring of the light by humanity. There is one Light, shining from many Lamps. The Light is from the One God, Who created all things in the greatest act of Love and sustains His creation. God invites us to draw nearer unto Him by recognizing all, but particularly, the latest Manifestation of God sent to us, and obeying the Word of God which They convey. The latest message provides the precise guidance needed by the world today.
A Dozen Really Good Ideas to Consider
As you might expect, there's more than a dozen. These twelve are just introductory, and there's nothing special about showing twelve. Elsewhere on internet you might find "The 12 Bahá’í Principles". There's more than 12 of those too.
1. Internalize the oneness of humanity. We must love all as one people, one family, and apply this in all we do. Justice is central to oneness at local and planetary levels. Bahá'u'lláh wrote: "The Earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."
2. Investigate truth independently. We must see with our own eyes and seek truth without prejudice. This is a moral necessity based on justice, calling upon fair-mindedness in personal judgement and carrying that attribute into all of our affairs.
3. Recognize the oneness of religion. All major historic religions are divine in origin, the cause of civilization, are as chapters of a single book. Founders of religion, the true Educators of humankind, have not disparaged the others, nor should we. Each gives a greater measure of Truth and summons us to nearness to the One God. Bahá'u'lláh wrote: "behold them all as the bearers of one Name, the exponents of one Cause".
4. Abolish all forms of prejudice. Prejudices such as by "race", wealth, nationality, religion, gender, ethnicity, education and politics are barriers to unity. They not only inflict injustice upon recipients of prejudice but corrupt the perpetrators.
5. Establish full equality between the sexes. Denial of equality perpetrates an injustice against one half of the world's population. Humanity is like a bird, with women and men as its two wings, which cannot soar to its destined height unless both wings upflit it. This is a moral standard essential for unity and a prerequisite for peace.
6. Eliminate extremes of poverty and wealth. The inordinate disparity between rich and poor, a source of acute suffering, keeps the world in a state of instability. The solution calls for the combined application of spiritual, moral and practical approaches. Everyone should have a just opportunity and fair reward.
7. Establish compulsory universal education. Ignorance is the principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples and the perpetuation of prejudice. The first priority is the education of women and girls, since it is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout society. Teaching the concept of world citizenship must be part of the standard education of every child. Education must also include morality and such skills as will benefit humankind.
8. Establish a universal auxiliary language. A fundamental lack of communication between peoples seriously undermines efforts towards world peace.
9. Think and act coherently. Faith must be in harmony with reason. Science, which seeks truths of physical reality, is complemented by religion, which seeks truths of spiritual reality, providing purpose and meaning. Our actions must reflect our beliefs.
10. Develop in a sustainable manner. Responsible stewardship of planet earth and equitable use of resources is essential, recognizing that true prosperity, happiness and success lay not in materialism but in harmonious coexistence and nearness to God. The needs of the present can be met without compromising the needs of future generations. We must create a new economy based on justice and environmental sustainability.
11. Work towards world peace. World peace is inevitable. However its realization requires all of our collaborative efforts and a shared vision of a new world civilization based on the oneness of humanity. Peace is built upon unity. Unity is built upon the universality of justice and equity. We must practice co-operation and reciprocity.
12. Let deeds, not words, be your adorning. “Let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path” is a call to selfless action with purity of motive.
