The Baha'i Studies Listserv
On 29 Nov 2010 at 8:17, Stephen Gray wrote:
> Social conservatism is a political or moral ideology that believes that
> government has a role in encouraging or enforcing what they consider
> traditional values or behaviors. ... Is the Baha'i Faith socially
> liberal on abortion? embryonic stem cell research? human enhancement?
> same-sex marriage? same-sex adoption? secularism in gov't and soiety?
> drugs? prostitution? pre-marital sex? extra-marital sex? euthanasia?
> pornography?.
There are very few issues on which the Bahai teachings say that
government should, or should not, play a role.
Bahais, for example, do not drink alcohol. But the Bahai writings do
not say whether governments should suppress or control the use of
alcohol in society.
Two item in your list that are discussed in the Bahai writings are
drugs, and secularism in government. As for opium, Abdu'l-Baha
writes:
In this, the cycle of Almighty God,
violence and force, constraint and oppression, are one and all
condemned. It is, however, mandatory that the use of opium be
prevented by any means whatsoever, that perchance the human
race may be delivered from this most powerful of plagues. And
otherwise, woe and misery to whoso falleth short of his duty to
his Lord.
(quoted in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 238)
As I understand it, this comes under the heading of the duty of
governments to provide for security, using force where necessary.
This is in addition to the religious prohibition on Bahais using mind-
altering substances except for medical purposes.
As for secularism in government, Abdu'l-Baha says,
"[To insure] freedom of conscience and tranquility of heart and soul
is one of the duties and functions of government,.." "what need that
the government should persecute this one or that one, or disturb
itself about the ideas and consciences of its subjects and people?
All are the subjects of the king, and are under the shadow of the
royal protection.
(Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveller's Narrative, 97-90)
"... when they removed these differences, persecution, and bigotries
out of their midst, and proclaimed the equal rights of all subjects
and the liberty of men's consciences, the lights of glory and power
arose and shone from the horizons of that kingdom in such wise that
those countries made progress in every direction; and whereas the
mightiest monarchy of Europe had been servile to and abased before
the smallest government of Asia, now the great states of Asia are
unable to oppose the small states of Europe. These are effectual and
sufficient proofs that the conscience of man is sacred and to be
respected; and that liberty thereof produces widening of ideas,
amendment of morals, improvement of conduct, disclosure of the
secrets of creation, and manifestation of the hidden verities of the
contingent world."
(Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveller's Narrative, p. 91)
and Baha'ullah writes, in the Lawh-e Ashraf, (Gleanings, CII):
The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath ever regarded, and
will continue to regard, the hearts of men as His own, His exclusive
possession. All else, whether pertaining to land or sea, whether
riches or glory, He hath bequeathed unto the Kings and rulers of the
earth. From the beginning that hath no beginning the ensign
proclaiming the words "He doeth whatsoever He willeth" hath been
unfurled in all its splendor before His Manifestation.
And in the Surah-ye Bayan, (Gleanings CXXVIII):
Out of the whole world He hath chosen for Himself the hearts of
men - hearts which the hosts of revelation and of utterance can
subdue. Thus hath it been ordained by the Fingers of Baha, upon the
Tablet of God´s irrevocable decree, by the behest of Him Who is the
Supreme Ordainer, the All-Knowing.
It is precisely because of this principle, that one would not expect
to find in the Bahai teachings any detailed statements about what
policies, or taxes, governments should follow. However there are more
general statements about the ethics and goals of government, and in
particular an advocacy of the involvement of the various religious
communities in the process of governance (but not in government).
Baha´u'llah writes:
"O people of God! Give ear unto that which, if heeded, will
ensure the freedom, well-being, tranquillity, exaltation and
advancement of all men. Certain laws and principles are necessary and
indispensable for Persia. However, it is fitting that these measures
should be adopted in conformity with the considered views of His
Majesty ... and of the learned divines and of the high-ranking rulers.
Subject to their approval a place should be fixed where they would
meet. There they should hold fast to the cord of consultation and
adopt and enforce that which is conducive to the security,
prosperity, wealth and tranquillity of the people. For were any
measure other than this to be adopted, it could not but result in
chaos and commotion. (Tablets of Baha´u'llah, 92)
--
"The purpose of religion [in general, not one particular one!] ...
is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world;
make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God
and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of
all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The
progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquillity
of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the
principles and ordinances of God. ... It behoveth the chiefs and rulers
of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God´s House of
Justice [i.e., the leaders of the Bahai community], to endeavour to
the utmost of their power to safeguard its [religion's] position,
promote its interests and exalt its station in the eyes of the
world."
(Tablets of Baha´u'llah, 129)
--
Abdu´l-Baha writes:
"Universal benefits derive from the grace of the Divine
religions, [note the plural] for they lead their true followers to
sincerity of intent, to high purpose, to purity and spotless honor,
to surpassing kindness and compassion, to the keeping of their
covenants when they have covenanted, to concern for the rights of
others, to liberality, to justice in every aspect of life, to
humanity and philanthropy, to valor and to unflagging efforts in the
service of mankind. It is religion, to sum up, which produces all
human virtues, and it is these virtues which are the bright candles
of civilization."
(The Secret of Divine Civilization, 98)
----
Sen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--
Sen McGlinn http://senmcglinn.wordpress.com
Happy are those who spend their days in gaining knowledge, in
discovering the secrets of nature, and in penetrating the subtleties
of
pure truth! Woe to those who are contented with ignorance, whose
hearts
are gladdened by thoughtless imitation, ... who have wasted their
lives!"(~Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions p.137)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--
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