“That which most divides the religions and sects of the world is interpretation, of passages and similar symbols contained especially in the Holy Books creating disagreements over meanings even within each. Based upon claiming to have the only truth, we are subsequently witnessing far too many sects with differing interpretations stemming from the simple teachings of One Manifestation of One God with each applicable perhaps to the exigencies of a particular era.
Similarly, unless the causes of warfare are reduced or removed there can be nothing in store for humanity but a series of ever increasingly devastating wars! There is no agency known to man capable of stilling the causes of hatred other than the love of God, expressed through love of one’s God and fellowman–which stands above all other loyalties and/or beliefs.
Religion, in its original purity, has always been the source of unity and love. If this were not so, then it would be far better to be without. But what is real unity? In nature we find various collective expressions of unity while within humanity distinction exists between various groups according to linage with each group forming a genetic racial unity separate from the other. Not superior or inferior, only separate and potentially equal, when given equal opportunity, education and healthcare, etc.
There is also unity of speech among those who speak the same language (or dialect) often with wide diversity among motives, methodology and actions! But all of these unities are superficial although with seeming validation as from limited unities can only come limited results, often creating greater disunity.
True unity producing unlimited results is first, Unity through Diversity- of Mankind as one human race! Such awakening, made more perceivable through modern science and technology can only come through heightened spirituality as opposed to more religions which sometimes can become even seemingly competitive. It is through such spiritually united energies and resources that today’s high tech society increasingly strives to produce and provide worldwide motivation and determination to provide spiritual as well as physical and mental healthcare throughout the entire universe!
During this harvest season may we consider the words found in the 3rd Chapter of Ecclesiastes which begins: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven…A time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted…” harvest time, the time to reap the fruits of the seeds sewn—by men and nations! Have we sown seeds of unity and betterment of men and nations, or the wild oats of hatred, fear and division for the comfort of a few over the masses? If as men and nations we continue to sew seeds of prejudice, hatred, selfishness and greed, such will ever be our harvest!
“Oh ye children of men!” state the Baha’i Holy Writings.
“The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the entire human race and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship among men! Suffer it not to become the source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. Whatsoever is raised on this foundation, the changes and chances of the world can never impair its strength, nor will the revolution of countless centuries undermine its structure.”
