Where Are We Standing Today?
Many nations today grapple with a stark reality: youth rebellion against archaic and regressive ideals upheld by religious leaders. These leaders have entrenched centuries-old prejudices, superstitions, and earthly philosophies into the fabric of religion for their own gain. They erected churches and mosques in even the tiniest villages, all while stifling the establishment of schools. Education was curtailed as they sought to indoctrinate minds with their doctrines, ensuring people remained ignorant of modernity, new discoveries, and innovations. The root of this issue lies in ego and self-righteousness, which underpin crises not only in the Muslim world but also in the Western world.
Both churches and mosques now stand largely empty, as people gravitate towards evangelists and Muslim clerics who manipulate followers to further their agendas. The prevalent problem in our local and global societies is that they continue to be guided by the same doctrine: ego and self-preservation. Whether politicians, religious leaders, corporations, celebrities, or even revolutionary figures all harbor hidden agendas, they peddle the “best possible solution.” Movements like Brexit, Trumpism, and QAnon, among others, are born from a lack of enlightenment about the true essence of humanity.
Media outlets — broadcasting corporations, social media, television, and radio — further our ignorance, leaving us oblivious. In the 21st century, why should we still grapple with issues like racism, sexism, paternalism, egoism, and nationalism, which seep into our societies, inciting wars and suffering? In an era where our interconnectedness is undeniable, we must acknowledge the imperative for harmonious organizations. We must strive to ensure the well-being of all community members, extending this principle to every individual.
Consider billionaires whose wealth is quantified in pieces of paper. They may ride in million-dollar cars and wear designer clothing, but their existence is fundamentally akin to an average person’s. Unless they embrace a mindset of generosity, sharing their wealth to create employment opportunities and fairer wages for their workers and becoming advocates for comfortable and civilized living, their wealth ultimately amounts to mere paper when they depart this world.
Bahá’u’lláh in the Persian Hidden Words says.
O YE SEEMING FAIR YET INWARDLY FOUL!
Ye are like clear but bitter water, which to outward seeming is crystal pure but of which, when tested by the divine Assayer, not a drop is accepted. Yea, the sunbeam falleth alike upon the dust and the mirror, yet differ they in reflection even as doth the star from the earth: nay, immeasurable is the difference!
#civilization #religious #politics #racism #Bahai
