One People
Baha'is believe that people are like the flowers of one
garden. Like the flower garden, the garden of humanity contains great variety.
Our many different colors, shapes, sizes, cultures, and languages add interest
to and enhance the beauty of our world.
"Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch." (Gleanings, p.
218) |
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Equality of Men and Women
Baha'u'llah also teaches the importance of the equality of
men and women. Baha'is believe that the world of humanity has two wings - one is
women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.
"Not until the world of women becomes equal to the world of men in the acquisition
of virtues and perfections, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be."
(Baha'i World Faith, p. 288)
"The happiness of mankind will be realized when women and men coordinate and advance equally,
for each is the complement and helpmeet of the other." (Baha'i World Faith, p.241)
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Distribution of Wealth
Huge differences in the distribution of wealth
among peoples and nations are a continuing source of division in today's world.
Baha'is may accumulate wealth by ethical means that do not violate the principles
of the Baha'i Faith. Baha'u'llah's economic teachings embrace a strong work ethic,
innovative inheritance laws, community storehouses, and other measures designed
to reduce extremes of wealth and poverty while still allowing for incentives to
produce and create wealth. Baha'is believe this problem will only increase until
mankind realizes that the solution to its economic problems is spiritual in
nature, rather than material. |
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Education For All
In the Baha'i teachings, education for all
is essential and obligatory. Therefore, teaching is considered to be one of the
most valued professions. Baha'u'llah said that a universal curriculum should be
established and a common basis of ethics should be taught.
". . .education is the indispensable
foundation of all human excellence. . ." (Selections from the Writings of
Abdu'l-Baha, p. 129).
" . . . education improves the morals of mankind, confers
the advantages of civilization and elevates man from lowest degrees to the
station of sublimity." (Baha'i World Faith,.p. 249) |
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