1.6 The New World Order
(Peace &
Unity)
1.6.3
The New World Order – an all-embracing assemblage
The Great
Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the
world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when
the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage
of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must
needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such
ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace amongst
men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake
of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among
themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly
arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer
require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of
their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This
will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation. We
fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the
gracious and almighty name of God, may attain unto this station, and shield
mankind from the onslaught of tyranny. ...The day is approaching when all the
peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common
script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be
as if he were entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely
essential. It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive
to translate that which hath been written into reality and action.... That one
indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire
human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to
promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another
passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his
own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one
country, and mankind its citizens.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 248)
1.6.4
The New World Order – Lesser Peace
Now that
ye have refused the Most Great Peace, hold ye fast unto this, the Lesser Peace,
that haply ye may in some degree better your own condition and that of your
dependents.
O rulers
of the earth! Be reconciled among yourselves, that ye may need no more armaments
save in a measure to safeguard your territories and dominions. Beware lest ye
disregard the counsel of the All-Knowing, the Faithful.
Be united,
O kings of the earth, for thereby will the tempest of discord be stilled amongst
you, and your peoples find rest, if ye be of them that comprehend. Should any
one among you take up arms against another, rise ye all against him, for this is
naught but manifest justice.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 254)
1.6.5
The New World Order – True civilization
True
civilization will unfurl its banner in the midmost heart of the world whenever a
certain number of its distinguished and high-minded sovereigns -- the shining
exemplars of devotion and determination -- shall, for the good and happiness of
all mankind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vision, to establish the Cause
of Universal Peace. They must make the Cause of Peace the object of general
consultation, and seek by every means in their power to establish a Union of the
nations of the world. They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a
covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They
must proclaim it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the
human race. This supreme and noble undertaking -- the real source of the peace
and well-being of all the world -- should be regarded as sacred by all that
dwell on earth. All the forces of humanity must be mobilized to ensure the
stability and permanence of this Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact
the limits and frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the
principles underlying the relations of governments towards one another
definitely laid down, and all international agreements and obligations
ascertained. In like manner, the size of the armaments of every government
should be strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the military
forces of any nation should be allowed to increase, they will arouse the
suspicion of others. The fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact
should be so fixed that if any government later violate any one of its
provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter
submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with every power at
its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this greatest of all remedies
be applied to the sick body of the world, it will assuredly recover from its
ills and will remain eternally safe and secure.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 64)
1.6.6
The New World Order – America and its spiritual destiny
This is a
beautiful city; the climate is pleasant; the views are charming. All the cities
of America seem to be large and beautiful, and the people appear prosperous. The
American continent gives signs and evidences of very great advancement; its
future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are
far-reaching, and it will lead all nations spiritually. The flag of freedom and
banner of liberty have been unfurled here, but the prosperity and advancement of
a city, the happiness and greatness of a country depend upon its hearing and
obeying the call of God. The light of reality must shine therein and divine
civilization be founded; then the radiance of the Kingdom will be diffused and
heavenly influences surround. Material civilization is likened to the body,
whereas divine civilization is the spirit in that body. A body not manifesting
the spirit is dead; a fruitless tree is worthless. Jesus declares that there is
spiritual capacity in some people, for all are not submerged in the sea of
materialism. They seek the Divine Spirit; they turn to God; they long for the
Kingdom. It is my hope that these revered people present may attain both
material and spiritual progress. As they have advanced wonderfully in material
degrees, so may they, likewise, advance in spiritual development until the body
shall become refined and beautiful through the wealth of spiritual potentiality
and efficiency.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 104)
1.6.7
The New World Order – The future civilization
The world
of humanity shall become the manifestation of the lights of Divinity, and the
bestowals of God shall surround all. From the standpoints of both material and
spiritual civilization extraordinary progress and development will be witnessed.
In this present cycle there will be an evolution in civilization unparalleled in
the history of the world. The world of humanity has, heretofore, been in the
stage of infancy; now it is approaching maturity. Just as the individual human
organism, having attained the period of maturity, reaches its fullest degree of
physical strength and ripened intellectual faculties so that in one year of this
ripened period there is witnessed an unprecedented measure of development,
likewise the world of humanity in this cycle of its completeness and
consummation will realize an immeasurable upward progress, and that power of
accomplishment whereof each individual human reality is the depository of God --
that outworking Universal Spirit -- like the intellectual faculty, will reveal
itself in infinite degrees of perfection.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 37)
1.6.8
The New World Order – America and the Faith of God
…the
continent of America is, in the eyes of the one true God, the land wherein the
splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall
be unveiled, where the righteous will abide and the free assemble.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 61)
1.6.9
The New World Order – America and the Most Great Peace
I have
traveled this long distance, crossed the Atlantic Ocean to this western
continent in the desire and hope that the strongest bond of unity may be
established between America and Persia. I know this to be your wish and purpose
also and am sure of your cooperation. We shall, therefore, offer supplication in
the divine threshold that a great love may take possession of the hearts of men
and unite the nations of the world. We will pray that the ensign of
international peace may be uplifted and that the oneness of the world of
humanity may be realized and accomplished. All this is made possible and
practicable through your efforts. May this American democracy be the first
nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be the
first nation to proclaim the universality of mankind. May it be the first to
upraise the standard of the Most Great Peace, and through this nation of
democracy may these philanthropic intentions and institutions be spread
broadcast throughout the world. Truly, this is a great and revered nation. Here
liberty has reached its highest degree. The intentions of its people are most
praiseworthy. They are, indeed, worthy of being the first to build the
Tabernacle of the Most Great Peace and proclaim the oneness of mankind. I will
supplicate God for assistance and confirmation in your behalf.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 36)
1.6.10
The New World Order –
Unity
between the East and the West
I am an
Oriental and have come into the West to meet the people of the Occident. Praise
be to God! Upon the faces of those assembled here I perceive the light of God.
This I consider an evidence of the possibility of uniting the East and the West,
of establishing a perfect bond between Persia and America -- one of the objects
of this conference. For the Persians there is no government better fitted to
contribute to the development of their natural resources and the helping of
their national needs in a reciprocal alliance than the United States of America,
and for the Americans there could be no better industrial outlet and market than
the virgin commercial soil of Persia. The mineral wealth of Persia is still
latent and untouched. It is my hope that the great American democracy may be
instrumental in developing these hidden resources and that a bond of perfect
amity and unity may be established between the American republic and the
government of Persia. May this bond -- whether material or spiritual -- be well
cemented. May the material civilization of America find complete efficacy and
establishment in Persia, and may the spiritual civilization of Persia find
acceptance and response in America.
(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 35)
1.6.11
The New World Order – Politics
Speak thou no word of politics; thy task concerneth the life of the soul, for
this verily leadeth to man's joy in the world of God. Except to speak well of
them, make thou no mention of the earth's kings, and the worldly governments
thereof. Rather, confine thine utterance to spreading the blissful tidings of
the Kingdom of God, and demonstrating the influence of the Word of God, and the
holiness of the Cause of God. Tell thou of abiding joy and spiritual delights,
and godlike qualities, and of how the Sun of Truth hath risen above the earth's
horizons: tell of the blowing of the spirit of life into the body of the world.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 92)
1.6.12
The New World Order – The Unity of human race
The unity
of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá'u'lláh, implies the establishment of a
world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely
and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the
personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are
definitely and completely safeguarded. This commonwealth must, as far as we can
visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose members will, as the
trustees of the whole of mankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all
the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate
the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all races and
peoples. A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the
decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world legislature, and
will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal
will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any
disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal
system. A mechanism of world inter-communication will be devised, embracing the
whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning
with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity. A world metropolis will act as
the nerve center of a world civilization, the focus towards which the unifying
forces of life will converge and from which its energizing influences will
radiate. A world language will either be invented or chosen from among the
existing languages and will be taught in the schools of all the federated
nations as an auxiliary to their mother tongue. A world script, a world
literature, a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures,
will simplify and facilitate intercourse and understanding among the nations and
races of mankind. In such a world society, science and religion, the two most
potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will cooperate, and will
harmoniously develop. The press will, under such a system, while giving full
scope to the expression of the diversified views and convictions of mankind,
cease to be mischievously manipulated by vested interests, whether private or
public, and will be liberated from the influence of contending governments and
peoples. The economic resources of the world will be organized, its sources of
raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, its markets will be coordinated
and developed, and the distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.
(Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 203)
1.6.13
The New World Order – The Baha’i Administration
It is the
structure of His New World Order, now stirring in the womb of the administrative
institutions He Himself has created, that will serve both as a pattern and a
nucleus of that world commonwealth which is the sure, the inevitable destiny of
the peoples and nations of the earth.
Just as
the organic evolution of mankind has been slow and gradual, and involved
successively the unification of the family, the tribe, the city-state, and the
nation, so has the light vouchsafed by the Revelation of God, at various stages
in the evolution of religion, and reflected in the successive Dispensations of
the past, been slow and progressive. Indeed the measure of Divine Revelation, in
every age, has been adapted to, and commensurate with, the degree of social
progress achieved in that age by a constantly evolving humanity.
(Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 118)
1.6.14
The New World Order – The character of Baha’i Commonwealth
To the
general character, the implications and features of this world commonwealth,
destined to emerge, sooner or later, out of the carnage, agony, and havoc of
this great world convulsion, I have already referred in my previous
communications. Suffice it to say that this consummation will, by its very
nature, be a gradual process, and must, as Bahá'u'lláh has Himself anticipated,
lead at first to the establishment of that Lesser Peace which the nations of the
earth, as yet unconscious of His Revelation and yet unwittingly enforcing the
general principles which He has enunciated, will themselves establish. This
momentous and historic step, involving the reconstruction of mankind, as the
result of the universal recognition of its oneness and wholeness, will bring in
its wake the spiritualization of the masses, consequent to the recognition of
the character, and the acknowledgment of the claims, of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh
-- the essential condition to that ultimate fusion of all races, creeds,
classes, and nations which must signalize the emergence of His New World Order.
(Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 123)
1.6.15
The New World Order – The spiritualization of the world
The Most
Great Peace, on the other hand, as conceived by Bahá'u'lláh -- a peace that must
inevitably follow as the practical consequence of the spiritualization of the
world and the fusion of all its races, creeds, classes and nations -- can rest
on no other basis, and can be preserved through no other agency, except the
divinely appointed ordinances that are implicit in the World Order that stands
associated with His Holy Name.
(Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 162)
1.6.16
The New World Order – The development of the Baha’i community
This
present Crusade, on the threshold of which we now stand, will, moreover, by
virtue of the dynamic forces it will release and its wide repercussions over the
entire surface of the globe, contribute effectually to the acceleration of yet
another process of tremendous significance which will carry the steadily
evolving Faith of Bahá'u'lláh through its present stages of obscurity, of
repression, of emancipation and of recognition -- stages one or another of which
Bahá'í national communities in various parts of the world now find themselves in
-- to the stage of establishment, the stage at which the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh
will be recognized by the civil authorities as the state religion, similar to
that which Christianity entered in the years following the death of the Emperor
Constantine, a stage which must later be followed by the emergence of the Bahá'í
state itself, functioning, in all religious and civil matters, in strict
accordance with the laws and ordinances of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy, the
Mother-Book of the Bahá'í Revelation, a stage which, in the fullness of time,
will culminate in the establishment of the World Bahá'í Commonwealth,
functioning in the plenitude of its powers, and which will signalize the
long-awaited advent of the Christ-promised Kingdom of God on earth -- the
Kingdom of Bahá'u'lláh -- mirroring however faintly upon this humble handful of
dust the glories of the Abha Kingdom.
This final
and crowning stage in the evolution of the plan wrought by God Himself for
humanity will, in turn, prove to be the signal for the birth of a world
civilization, incomparable in its range, its character and potency, in the
history of mankind -- a civilization which posterity will, with one voice,
acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden Age of the Dispensation of
Bahá'u'lláh, and whose rich harvest will be garnered during future dispensations
destined to succeed one another in the course of the five thousand century
Bahá'í Cycle. [May 4,
1953]
(Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Baha'i World - 1950-1957, p. 155)