A global society with spiritual teachings for all
This year marks the centenary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, an important figure in the history of the Baha’i Faith, and the Baha’i community of Christchurch is planning a number of events to commemorate this significant date.
A world religion, the Baha’i Faith has adherents in every country.
It is the largest non-governmental organisation with consultative status at the United Nations, contributing to issues on the rights of women, racial prejudice, the elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty and other social and humanitarian issues, originally championed by Abdu’l-Baha and his father before him, Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith.
‘‘In these uncertain times, many people are realising the need for a new moral and spiritual code by which humankind can prosper.
People appreciate that we are now a part of a global society and need spiritual teachings that embrace the concept of ‘the earth as but one country, and mankind its citizens’.
This is a fundamental teaching of the Baha’i Faith – espoused over 150 years ago, in anticipation of the times in which we now live.’’ says John Spurdle, a member of the Christchurch Baha’i community.’’
The goal of the Baha’i Faith is the rehabilitation of the fortunes of humankind, through the implementation of spiritual and social principles revealed by Baha’u’llah and brought to the West by his son Abdu’l-Baha in 1910.
These principles include a belief in the oneness of God, religion and humankind; the equality of men and women; the need for a system of universal education; the elimination of racial prejudice; the harmony of science and religion and the elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty.
‘‘Now, as never before, humankind must unite to combat the multiplicity of ills that have arisen from our lack of unity,’’ John says.
‘‘Only through the agency of an organisation capable of transforming the minds and hearts of the people of this planet, can we ever hope to achieve the unity of action necessary to combat the current difficulties we are facing.’’
Led by the example of Abdu’l-Baha, the Exemplar of the Baha’i Faith, the religion has grown in size and stature and its capacity to contribute in a meaningful way to the progress of society has increased.
Its pursuit of spiritual and social objectives find expression in a variety of community growth programmes both here in New Zealand and throughout the world.
Baha’is and other like-minded souls work together to serve the best interests of humanity in educational programmes and humanitarian endeavours, according to the capacity of each local Baha’i community.
If you would like to participate in and contribute to the ongoing development of a united global society, you are invited to find out more about the Baha’i Faith.
Email isa-christchurch@bahai.org.nz, or call 027 268 5499 or 021 027 42979; or visit bahai. org or bahai.org.nz