In the world of nature the dominant factor is the struggle for existence (survival of the fittest) the law of man and beast which is the origin of all difficulties. It is the cause of war and strife, hatred and animosity between human beings. The results, in the world of nature there has always been and continues to be tyranny, egotism aggression, overbearance, usurpation of the rights of others and other blameworthy attributes, all defects of the animal world, becoming only more sophisticated with time and technology.
The world of nature in itself is tyrannical and bloodthirsty–as any creation is incapable of understanding its creator–and especially God.. Therefore the Creator of man and nature (Whomever or However you perceive It), having great love, compassion and mercy, expresses it through human Messengers. This usually occurs thousands of years apart to guide a particular maturity of mankind a certain distance beyond which the followers (through varied interpretation) get the Guidance confused and its essence diluted.
In this New Era how sad and incredible that mankind, despite all quantum leaps in knowledge, science and technology, still controls (and is controlled by) ignorant prejudices of many kinds–national, religious, political, academic, caste and societal among innumerable others. But the king of prejudices with the most devastating effects upon men and nations must surely be racial prejudice.
“Racism is a disease that affects people in society in a conscious or unconscious way,” begins a statement on Concepts read at the beginning of each of the “E’racism” group meetings held weekly for over a 10-year period here in Roanoke starting in the late 90s. “We are affected by the way we are treated or by observing how others are treated or referred to by our family members, friends, teachers, leaders, the media (in particular), books, etc.
“Although it is readily apparent how the victims of racism have been affected by social injustice, it isn’t usually recognized that the members of the perpetrating race are deeply harmed emotionally by conscious or unconscious racist thoughts and practices. Although we may not think of ourselves as perpetrators, we may unwittingly perpetrate racism by repeating unconscious habits and thoughts. Because such thoughts are unpleasant, when they occur we may immediately repress them.
“Denial of the problem prevents its adequate solution, perpetuates the disease and undermines the self-esteem of victims and perpetrators alike. To heal, its important to look into our lives and hearts and find the truth of the effect of racism on our lives as, whatever our race, we are all affected.”
According to a statement issued by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States over 25 years ago, “Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America. To ignore the problem is to expose the country to physical, moral and spiritual danger.…In no other country is the promise of organic unity more immediately demonstrable than in the United States because it is a microcosm of the diverse populations of the earth…America’s peace, prosperity and even her standing in the international community depends on healing the wounds of racism and building a society in which people of diverse backgrounds live as members of one family.
As responsibility for the achievement of racial peace and unity in the United States rests upon both Black and White Americans the appeal is made to individual Americans as the transformation of a whole nation ultimately depends on the initiative and change of character of the individuals who compose it.”
Baha’is believe “The potentialities inherent in the station of man, the full measure of his high destiny on earth, the innate excellence of his reality, must all be manifested in this promised Day of God,” now only in the infancy of its first 100+ years. Other religions are thousands of years its superior. (Investigate! – 1-800-22unite)
