Bahai Faith; Peace -- Religious aspects -- Bahai Faith
Among other principles of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings was the harmony of
science and religion. 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 of superstition
and imagination. Innumerable doctrines and beliefs of this character have
arisen in the past ages. Consider the superstitions and mythology of the
Romans, Greeks and Egyptians; all were contrary to religion and science.
It is now evident that the beliefs of these nations were superstitions,
but in those times they held to them most tenaciously. For example, one of
the many Egyptian idols was to those people an authenticated miracle,
whereas in reality it was a piece of stone. As science could not sanction
the miraculous origin and nature of a piece of rock, the belief in it must
have been superstition. It is now evident that it was superstition.
Therefore, we must cast aside such beliefs and investigate reality. That
which is found to be real and conformable to reason must be accepted, and
whatever science and reason cannot support must be rejected as imitation
and not reality. Then differences of belief will disappear. All will
become as one family, one people, and the same susceptibility to the
divine bounty and education will be witnessed among mankind.
O Thou forgiving Lord! Thou art the shelter of all these Thy servants.
Thou knowest the secrets and art aware of all things. We are all helpless,
and Thou art the Mighty, the Omnipotent. We are all sinners, and Thou art
the Forgiver of sins, the Merciful, the Compassionate. O Lord! Look not at
our shortcomings. Deal with us according to Thy grace and bounty. Our
shortcomings are many, but the ocean of Thy forgiveness is boundless. Our
weakness is grievous, but the evidences of Thine aid and assistance are
clear. Therefore, confirm and strengthen us. Enable us to do that which is
worthy of Thy holy Threshold. Illumine our hearts, grant us discerning
eyes and attentive ears. Resuscitate the dead and heal the sick. Bestow
wealth upon the poor and give peace and security to the fearful. Accept us
in Thy kingdom and illumine us with the light of guidance. Thou art the
Powerful and the Omnipotent. Thou art the Generous. Thou art the Clement.
Thou art the Kind.
9 June 1912
Talk at Baptist Temple
Broad and Berks Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Notes by Edna McKinney
I am greatly pleased to be present this evening. Truly this is a spiritual
gathering. I perceive the fragrances of the heavenly Kingdom among
you—devotion to God, sincere intention and spiritual love. Glad tidings!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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