This page contains brief discussions on a continually expanding array of topics. The discussion articles are meant to stimulate conversation rather than to offer an exhaustive treatment of subject matter. Call it an introduction and an invitation to engage. If you are interested in discussing any of these topics, please contact us.
Upcoming discussion articles:
Gender Equality, Importance of Family Life,
True Prosperity, Extremes of Poverty and Wealth,
Partisan Politics, Elections,
Individual Rights and Responsibilities, Liberty and Freedom,
Faith & Reason & Science, Truth & Trustworthiness,
Consultation: safe means for dialog and revealing truth, Spiritual but not religious?
Race Unity
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States has called racism "America's most challenging issue". It remains so. This subject is well addressed beginning with the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, then in the writings, talks and actions of 'Abdu'l-Bahá particularly during his lengthy visit to America in 1912, and from his successors. At the heart of dialog is Bahá'u'lláh's declaration of the oneness of humanity, such as:
"Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created."
and
"Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is the Daystar of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."
Race is a real, though contrived, social construct with a horrific history. Humans have created "race" to justify the subjugation and enslavement of people for the enrichment of a few. But the scientific reality is clear. The average genetic difference between humans is 0.4%. There is no scientific basis for race or any form of discrimination. Any population given access to education and opportunity rises and thrives. Nor is there any scriptural basis for spiritual superiority of one people over another from any legitimate scriptures.
The Universal House of Justice, in a letter addressed to the Peoples of the World in October 1985, wrote concisely:
"Racism, one of the most baneful and persistent evils, is a major barrier to peace. Its practice perpetrates too outrageous a violation of the dignity of human beings to be countenanced under any pretext. Racism retards the unfoldment of the boundless potentialities of its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. Recognition of the oneness of mankind, implemented by appropriate legal measures, must be universally upheld if this problem is to be overcome."
In our local Bahá’í community we strive to put all these great ideals into action. Activities of the community are fully inclusive. Children classes and Junior Youth groups mindfully serve a diversity of participants, purposely reaching out to increase the diversity. We sponsor a "Race Amity Day" event each year (known also as Race Unity Day) on the second Sunday of June. Amity means friendship. Even though this is a single day of the year, we encourage the lessons and learning to extend through the entire year. We encourage the forging of lasting friendships, consciously turning any sense of THEM into a sense of US. We aren't perfect. We have to overcome the same subconscious biases as anyone raised in the milieu of our nation even once we succeed in conquering the conscious biases. But we strive to translate Bahá'u'lláh's teachings into reality and keep learning how to improve.
