Principle of Oneness
The core belief of the Baha'i Faith is composed of three onenesses:
the oneness of God, of religion, and of humanity. Of
the three, the principle of the Oneness of Mankind is the pivot
round which all the teachings of Baha'u'llah revolve.
Oneness of God
The Baha'is believe that even though people have called the Supreme
Creator by different names, there is only one God, "the unknowable
Essence," Who is exalted above any human description. Throughout
the limitless space, only One Supreme Being exists that is the
Primal Force of the universe.
God is Infinite, human beings are finite. While we have an intimate
connection to God through our love for Him and His love for us,
we are unable to comprehend God, nor can we receive His direct
revelation. There needs to be an Intermediary to convey His message
to humanity.
Thus, God, in His wisdom and mercy, sends such Intermediaries
from time to time, to educate and guide humanity. We call these
special beings Messengers of God or Manifestations, because They
manifest or reveal God's qualities and teachings to us.
Oneness of Religion
Since there is only one God, Baha'is believe that all the Messengers
sent from God teach the same religious faith -- each adapted to
the time and needs of the people amongst whom They appear. This
unfoldment of religion from age to age is called "progressive
revelation." Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah is the most
recent Messenger from God, sent to guide humanity for our time.
`Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, said:
"All these divisions we see on all sides, all these disputes
and opposition, are caused because men cling to ritual and outward
observances, and forget the simple, underlying truth. It is
the outward practices of religion that are so different, and
it is they that cause disputes and enmity -- while the reality
is always the same, and one. The Reality is the Truth, and truth
has no division. Truth is God's guidance, it is the light of
the world, it is love, it is mercy. These attributes of truth
are also human virtues inspired by the Holy Spirit." --`Abdu'l-Baha,
Paris Talks, pp. 120-1
These Messengers or Prophets are of the same rank and spiritual
reality. As stated by Baha'u'llah, "Know thou assuredly that
the essence of all the Prophets of God is one and the same..."
-- Baha'u'llah, Gleanings, p. 78
Oneness of Humanity
The Baha'is believe that the central mission of the most recent
Messenger, Baha'u'llah, is to unify the family of humanity throughout
the globe. It is through the firm belief in the organic oneness
of all people that the diverse human heritage will be celebrated
and the united energy of humanity will be channeled for the well-being
of all.
"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are
un-attainable unless and until its unity is firmly established."
-- Baha'u'llah, Gleanings, p. 286
The Baha'i vision is based on this core of beliefs -- the three
onenesses. Guided and inspired by this transcendent vision and
a comprehensive set of spiritual and social teachings, Baha'is
work toward the realization of humanity's highest hope -- a humanity
at peace, worshiping God through sterling deeds of service and
preparing themselves for the spiritual journeys in the endless
worlds of God.
Next Section: Progressive
Revelation
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