World Peace is Possible and Will Happen

[CG Didymus]

That's the claim of the Baha'i Faith. Is it true? The claim is that their founder, Baha'u'llah, was sent from God to bring humanity the social and spiritual teachings needed to bring the world together in peace and harmony. So, what are those teachings?

In 1985 the Baha'i governing body, the Universal House of Justice, put out the "Promise of World Peace". Here's how it ends....

In the earnestness of our desire to impart to you the fervour of our hope and the depth of our confidence, we cite the emphatic promise of Bahá’u’lláh: “These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”​

And here's an excerpt from the middle of it...

Acceptance of the oneness of mankind is the first fundamental prerequisite for reorganization and administration of the world as one country, the home of humankind. Universal acceptance of this spiritual principle is essential to any successful attempt to establish world peace. It should therefore be universally proclaimed, taught in schools, and constantly asserted in every nation as preparation for the organic change in the structure of society which it implies.

In the Bahá’í view, recognition of the oneness of mankind “calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life, its political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its script and language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national characteristics of its federated units.”

Elaborating the implications of this pivotal principle, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, commented in 1931 that: “Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs of an ever-changing world. It can conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity”.​

For Baha'is... How's the plan going? For others... What do you think? Will it work?

 

[danieldemol]

@CG Didymus
As one of the "others" you refer to,
I think the attempted murder of Salman Rushdie shows why world peace is not currently possible. We value freedom of speech within the bounds of not harming others. Other people value religion even where it harms others. Since the two are not reconcileable there will be conflict until one of the two parties gains ascendancy.

As to whether world peace is eventually achievable I do not know, but I do feel confident to say it is unlikely to happen under the banner of the Baha'i faith. People are simply too divergent. Some value science and reason, some flee from science and reason, and others are somwhere in between like the Baha'is who have science and reason as marketing slogans but do not practice them closely.

In my opinion.

 

[Link]

Salam

The oppressed have to rise against oppressors and people living in luxury have to sacrifice for taking the stance of the oppressed. If not, God will deliver the believers from their oppressors eventually but in what paradigm and at what cost? It will be catastrophe with very few making it, if we are apathetic and wait without resolve of improving the situation for the return of the Mahdi (a).

Also, Quran and hadiths show the earth cannot be fixed without a leader from God in the present moment ruling humans.

The Shiite plan is just to hold the fort to make the situation easier for the Mahdi (a) to come. However, I've realized but not many Shiites have, that Quran has many dark Prophecies of how justice will be established. Many of the warnings of Quran is to the Haqah in Surah Haqah doesn't happen. And surely if we wait passively and don't change the situation it is coming.

Justice will happen but on what terms? Humans been warned about the Catastrophe coming if they walk on God's warnings, generation to generation, and keep going that path.

We are in trajectory to a devastation from God at a level never seen before.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I believe that local peace leads to world peace, and whether it comes through Baha'i or not I doubt that Bahai's will object to peace.

Consider what happens when a country refuses to take sides in a regional war or a global war. Sometimes it gets it way and stays out of the war. Sometimes it is attacked and overrun and is not helped. Sometimes it is helped. Sometimes it is resented. Sometimes it is praised.

 

[QuestioningMind]

That's the claim of the Baha'i Faith. Is it true? The claim is that their founder, Baha'u'llah, was sent from God to bring humanity the social and spiritual teachings needed to bring the world together in peace and harmony. So, what are those teachings?

In 1985 the Baha'i governing body, the Universal House of Justice, put out the "Promise of World Peace". Here's how it ends....

In the earnestness of our desire to impart to you the fervour of our hope and the depth of our confidence, we cite the emphatic promise of Bahá’u’lláh: “These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”​

And here's an excerpt from the middle of it...

Acceptance of the oneness of mankind is the first fundamental prerequisite for reorganization and administration of the world as one country, the home of humankind. Universal acceptance of this spiritual principle is essential to any successful attempt to establish world peace. It should therefore be universally proclaimed, taught in schools, and constantly asserted in every nation as preparation for the organic change in the structure of society which it implies.

In the Bahá’í view, recognition of the oneness of mankind “calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life, its political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its script and language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national characteristics of its federated units.”

Elaborating the implications of this pivotal principle, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, commented in 1931 that: “Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs of an ever-changing world. It can conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity”.​

For Baha'is... How's the plan going? For others... What do you think? Will it work?

I believe that it's possible, but only if we abandon our childish superstitions in favor of demonstrable facts. We have to stop considering 'strong faith' to be an admirable quality and realize that it's nothing more than than a way for people to deny reality. If we can't do that we're doomed.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I believe that it's possible, but only if we abandon our childish superstitions in favor of demonstrable facts. We have to stop considering 'strong faith' to be an admirable quality and realize that it's nothing more than than a way for people to deny reality. If we can't do that we're doomed.

It is often very logical and rational to invade and take from others that which is needed or desired. That is why people do it. If demonstrable facts were any barrier then wars would have stopped thousands of years ago.

 

[idea]

The nature of humans...

These kids were all pretty much the same - same race, same gender, same religion, same families... and they still decided to hate one another. It would take unlimited resources - nothing to compete over, equal abilities - no heirarchies

 

[F1fan]

Salam

The oppressed have to rise against oppressors and people living in luxury have to sacrifice for taking the stance of the oppressed. If not, God will deliver the believers from their oppressors eventually but in what paradigm and at what cost? It will be catastrophe with very few making it, if we are apathetic and wait without resolve of improving the situation for the return of the Mahdi (a).

Also, Quran and hadiths show the earth cannot be fixed without a leader from God in the present moment ruling humans.

The Shiite plan is just to hold the fort to make the situation easier for the Mahdi (a) to come. However, I've realized but not many Shiites have, that Quran has many dark Prophecies of how justice will be established. Many of the warnings of Quran is to the Haqah in Surah Haqah doesn't happen. And surely if we wait passively and don't change the situation it is coming.

Justice will happen but on what terms? Humans been warned about the Catastrophe coming if they walk on God's warnings, generation to generation, and keep going that path.

We are in trajectory to a devastation from God at a level never seen before.

What about atheists and people who aren't Muslim? What about them?

 

[Aštra’el]

We are humanity. It is not our nature.

 

[Shaul]

World peace isn’t something that will happen externally. It is something that can be internally in anyone that chooses it at anytime.

 

[CG Didymus]

As to whether world peace is eventually achievable I do not know, but I do feel confident to say it is unlikely to happen under the banner of the Baha'i faith. People are simply too divergent.

Yeah, I don't see it as achievable unless all of us jump on board and follow the Baha'i peace plan. But the problem is that the Baha'i Faith is a religion. Will people from divergent backgrounds all be willing to put the plan proposed by a religion into action?

 

[CG Didymus]

Salam

The oppressed have to rise against oppressors and people living in luxury have to sacrifice for taking the stance of the oppressed. If not, God will deliver the believers from their oppressors eventually but in what paradigm and at what cost? It will be catastrophe with very few making it, if we are apathetic and wait without resolve of improving the situation for the return of the Mahdi (a).

Also, Quran and hadiths show the earth cannot be fixed without a leader from God in the present moment ruling humans.

The Shiite plan is just to hold the fort to make the situation easier for the Mahdi (a) to come. However, I've realized but not many Shiites have, that Quran has many dark Prophecies of how justice will be established. Many of the warnings of Quran is to the Haqah in Surah Haqah doesn't happen. And surely if we wait passively and don't change the situation it is coming.

Justice will happen but on what terms? Humans been warned about the Catastrophe coming if they walk on God's warnings, generation to generation, and keep going that path.

We are in trajectory to a devastation from God at a level never seen before.

Lots of people from various religions all expect catastrophic events. Things look pretty bad now and could easily get worse. Is this the "end-times" events? If so, then what happens?

 

[CG Didymus]

I believe that it's possible, but only if we abandon our childish superstitions in favor of demonstrable facts. We have to stop considering 'strong faith' to be an admirable quality and realize that it's nothing more than than a way for people to deny reality. If we can't do that we're doomed.

I think that is one of the barriers that has been a problem for Baha'is. They say the plan came from God through a special prophet/manifestation. Right there, they've already lost a lot of people. Before we even find out what the plan is, some people will already write it off because it's just coming from a religion that claims that the message came from God. But, just in case, is what the Baha'i plan calls for sound workable?

 

[QuestioningMind]

It is often very logical and rational to invade and take from others that which is needed or desired. That is why people do it. If demonstrable facts were any barrier then wars would have stopped thousands of years ago.

Actually because we're a social species it's never logical and reasonable. That's why every civilized society has laws in place to prevent people from taking what isn't theirs. We simply need to start thinking of ourselves as a global society.

Logic, reason, and accepting demonstrable facts isn't all that's needed. But unless we can finally move away from the 'my feelings are equal to your facts' mindset we don't stand a chance. It's going to take a global society if there's any hope at all that we'll manage to deal with climate change in time. That's means accepting and acting on demonstrable facts, not on simply taking it on faith that it's all a huge hoax.

 

[QuestioningMind]

I think that is one of the barriers that has been a problem for Baha'is. They say the plan came from God through a special prophet/manifestation. Right there, they've already lost a lot of people. Before we even find out what the plan is, some people will already write it off because it's just coming from a religion that claims that the message came from God. But, just in case, is what the Baha'i plan calls for sound workable?

If we're going to manage to survive it will be because we come together in common cause to save ourselves, not because of any proposed god being. There was a time when religion was useful in bringing tribes together in common cause, but that's no longer the case. In this day and age religion mostly serves to divide people instead of uniting them

I used to be far more optimistic about the future. I was of the opinion that most people are reasonable and rational beings. Unfortunately recent history has opened my eyes to the reality that there are far more idiots out there incapable of critical thinking and willing to take any ridiculous claim they hear on faith than I ever imagined.

 

[Heyo]

That's the claim of the Baha'i Faith. Is it true? The claim is that their founder, Baha'u'llah, was sent from God to bring humanity the social and spiritual teachings needed to bring the world together in peace and harmony. So, what are those teachings?

In 1985 the Baha'i governing body, the Universal House of Justice, put out the "Promise of World Peace". Here's how it ends....

In the earnestness of our desire to impart to you the fervour of our hope and the depth of our confidence, we cite the emphatic promise of Bahá’u’lláh: “These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.”​

And here's an excerpt from the middle of it...

Acceptance of the oneness of mankind is the first fundamental prerequisite for reorganization and administration of the world as one country, the home of humankind. Universal acceptance of this spiritual principle is essential to any successful attempt to establish world peace. It should therefore be universally proclaimed, taught in schools, and constantly asserted in every nation as preparation for the organic change in the structure of society which it implies.

In the Bahá’í view, recognition of the oneness of mankind “calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole civilized world—a world organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life, its political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its script and language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national characteristics of its federated units.”

Elaborating the implications of this pivotal principle, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, commented in 1931 that: “Far from aiming at the subversion of the existing foundations of society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to remold its institutions in a manner consonant with the needs of an ever-changing world. It can conflict with no legitimate allegiances, nor can it undermine essential loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. It does not ignore, nor does it attempt to suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of climate, of history, of language and tradition, of thought and habit, that differentiate the peoples and nations of the world. It calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspiration than any that has animated the human race. It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world. It repudiates excessive centralization on one hand, and disclaims all attempts at uniformity on the other. Its watchword is unity in diversity”.​

For Baha'is... How's the plan going? For others... What do you think? Will it work?

Contrary to popular perception the world is more peaceful than it ever was in the past. But it is still a long, long way towards (relative) world peace.
"Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided." And that is exactly what has to be done. "Patriotism", which too often easily swaps into nationalism has to be overcome and national autonomy, at least when it comes to the military, has to be sacrificed for a more secure world.

Within our nations we accept that there are laws against theft and aggression and we accept that a police force is there to enforce these laws. Outside of our nations we accept and expect that our diplomats act like toddlers in our behalf. They won't agree to outlaw war and they won't transfer a little part of their autonomy to a global police force.
That's why the Baha'i plan failed so far and why it will not succeed in the futur.

 

[CG Didymus]

It's going to take a global society if there's any hope at all that we'll manage to deal with climate change in time.

That is what the Baha'i Faith is proposing. Here's another excerpt of their peace plan...

Some form of a world super-state must needs be evolved, in whose favour all the nations of the world will have willingly ceded every claim to make war, certain rights to impose taxation and all rights to maintain armaments, except for purposes of maintaining internal order within their respective dominions. Such a state will have to include within its orbit an International Executive adequate to enforce supreme and unchallengeable authority on every recalcitrant member of the commonwealth; a World Parliament whose members shall be elected by the people in their respective countries and whose election shall be confirmed by their respective governments; and a Supreme Tribunal whose judgement will have a binding effect even in such cases where the parties concerned did not voluntarily agree to submit their case to its consideration.

“A world community in which all economic barriers will have been permanently demolished and the interdependence of capital and labour definitely recognized; in which the clamour of religious fanaticism and strife will have been forever stilled; in which the flame of racial animosity will have been finally extinguished; in which a single code of international law—the product of the considered judgement of the world’s federated representatives—shall have as its sanction the instant and coercive intervention of the combined forces of the federated units; and finally a world community in which the fury of a capricious and militant nationalism will have been transmuted into an abiding consciousness of world citizenship​

I don't see how we're ever going to get to a place where every nation is going subordinate themselves to some global tribunal. Unless... like you say... it's our last chance.

If we're going to manage to survive it will be because we come together in common cause to save ourselves, not because of any proposed god being. There was a time when religion was useful in bringing tribes together in common cause, but that's no longer the case. In this day and age religion mostly serves to divide people instead of uniting them

Unfortunately, part of God's plan includes forcing us to have to come together in a common cause. To me, this is what is so annoying about God and religion.

Supposedly, God knew the words of the Baha'i prophet would be rejected. So, God's great plan for peace has him putting the people of the world through all sorts of trials and tribulations to get us to submit to him and adopt his plan. Maybe it's a good plan. Maybe it's exactly what we need to do. But we are being forced into it? But... what I'm wondering... is it really all that great of a plan? Or... is it just another religion making promises... that if we listen to their prophet and follow his rules, all will be well?

 

[CG Didymus]

Contrary to popular perception the world is more peaceful than it ever was in the past. But it is still a long, long way towards (relative) world peace.
"Its purpose is neither to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men’s hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided." And that is exactly what has to be done. "Patriotism", which too often easily swaps into nationalism has to be overcome and national autonomy, at least when it comes to the military, has to be sacrificed for a more secure world.

Within our nations we accept that there are laws against theft and aggression and we accept that a police force is there to enforce these laws. Outside of our nations we accept and expect that our diplomats act like toddlers in our behalf. They won't agree to outlaw war and they won't transfer a little part of their autonomy to a global police force.
That's why the Baha'i plan failed so far and why it will not succeed in the futur.

Yeah, that's asking and expecting a lot. Heck, in the U.S. we can't even get our people to give up their guns. Why would all the nations of the world give up their weapons? Especially when it's out of fear of getting nuked that keeps some of the nations in "relative" peace.

 

[Heyo]

Yeah, that's asking and expecting a lot. Heck, in the U.S. we can't even get our people to give up their guns. Why would all the nations of the world give up their weapons? Especially when it's out of fear of getting nuked that keeps some of the nations in "relative" peace.

The US is a special case. (Special as in "special needs".)
They reserve the right to attack anyone and everyone if they so wish. The people there don't even care when they get manipulated into a costly, unwinnable war. They even re-elect a man who lied them into it.

 

[CG Didymus]

What about atheists and people who aren't Muslim? What about them?

At least the initial "lesser" peace of the Baha'is, they say, has nothing to do with their religion. It's all people coming together and agreeing to put aside their prejudices. But... will that even work? There is just so many things that keep people divided. Do Baha'is expect those things to just go away and no longer be an issue? Which with some things, that is what they seem to be saying. Racial, religious, gender differences... just get rid of them? Sure, and it's happening... slowly. But for racial and gender equality, it's been a fight and struggle. Was that part of God's plan? Either way, that is what it took.