The reality of man is not his material body but his thought. “As a man thinketh, so is he,” we read in Biblical scriptures. Also that “The thought force and the animal force are partners,” state the Baha’i Holy Writings. Yet although man is part of the animal creation he possesses a power of thought superior to all other created beings! Therefore the glory of man is wisdom, not ignorance; light, not darkness. If man were to care only for himself he would be merely nothing but another animal–“Nay, lower than the animal that has no other choice!
“For it is the animal propensity to live solitary and alone and to look after one’s own comfort and safety. But man was created to be man–to be fair, to be just, merciful and kind to all species and never willing that he himself be well off while others are in misery and distress. To willingly accept hardships for himself that others may enjoy wealth and to endure trouble for himself that others may enjoy happiness and well-being is more becoming of man–as demonstrated in the lives of God’s Holy Manifestations.
“That one indeed is a man who today dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race,” the Holy Writings continue, although issued some three-quarters of a century ago when mankind as well as modern science and technology were yet immature.
Consider how the media in particular serves as the circulatory system of society just as the veins and arteries serve for the human body. If poison is continuously pumped through either, sickness and death will inevitably result.
Prior to run-away advancement in technology, mind pollution, hate and other multiple forms of prejudice were not as easily and massively disseminated. If, on the other hand, healthy, natural and more wholesome substances flow continuously through each, a far more healthy, prosperous and productive body politic will inevitably result.
It was the televised media in its infancy that played a significant role in exposing this nation’s inbred racist inhumane laws and law enforcement policies to the world. How symbolic with man is its progressive contamination with maturation, and how frightening the thought of total uncontrol of anything–the media in particular!
In view of the innumerable accounts of new and continuous wars and the progressive examples of man’s inhumanity to man on every scale, may we take time out, at least during Black History Month, to consider that out of slavery emerged Federal, state and local laws, agencies, administrative framework, religious and other organizations to protect the innocent of this and other nations more so than in any other period of history. They may not have been perfect but the infrastructure was solidly formed for perpetual improvement and adaptation to a fast changing society. May we not allow this all to pale in the heat and flames of increasingly constant, deliberate agitation of hate, made easier through mishandling by the multi-media.
Through steady advancement of such unbridled freedoms, linked with the increased savagery of war on every scale, the vitality of belief in God continues to pale throughout this nation in particular,
“The weakening of the pillars of religion strengthens the foolish and emboldens them to become more arrogant,” assert the Baha’i Holy Scriptures. True religion is the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world and the tranquility of its peoples!
Therefore, if we seek to establish peace we must cast away prejudices, otherwise agreement and composure are not to be obtained.”
In this day of highly sophisticated weaponry and deadly poisons that defy the imagination, the only sane approach is consultation not confrontation–for war begets war; hate begets hate and peace begets PEACE–if but give it a chance! (Investigte–1-800-22-unite
