According to the Baha’i Faith, among the youngest of the world’s major religions, the primary key in achieving world unity, the major factor is inevitably racial harmony. Such spiritual destiny could be best achieved only in the United States of America where the largest number of diverse peoples currently reside most harmoniously.
In a prayer revealed in 1912 while visiting the United States, Ab’du’l-Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, prophet founder of the Baha’i Faith referred to this nation as “ just, revered and worthy of God’s favor.” Elsewhere in the Baha’i Writings is stated that America . . must “become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees. . . and lead all nations spiritually!
The Baha’i Holy Writings call for: “the elimination of racial prejudice” as most vital, being essential for life; and challenging, assuring that its achievement will not be easy!
Much has changed since the 1912 statement but recent events remind us that we still have much to do! Many laws have changed but many hearts have not! We can continue to improve laws and systems but much of the work left to do must be done on the personal level! Hearts and minds need to be enlightened; unconscious prejudices must be acknowledged and transformed, wounds must be healed and souls must find ways to overcome and even appreciate differences in order to come together in love!
The breeding ground for all of the tragedies is prejudice–of race and nation, of religion, political opinion, etc., and the root cause is blind imitation of the past! So long as this “aping of the past persists, so long will the foundations of the social order be “blown to the four winds and so long will humanity be continuously exposed to direct peril.”
Therefore, seek haven, association and/or cooperation with such individuals, entities and organizations that are well known for their good works and leadership. This Roanoke Valley remains historic for its plentiful share of such bounty—and there always remains room for more as we continue to fulfill “America’s Spiritual Destiny!
