Revelation and Social Reality

by Paul Lample

"It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding," Baha'u'llah states, "to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action." To be a Baha'i, to 'live the life,' means to comprehend the Word of God and act on it, individually and collectively. It is to make the reality of one's personal life and the pattern of society at large reflect the teachings. Baha'u'llah Himself affirms that "the object of every Revelation" is to "effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions." Otherwise, He observes, "the futility of God's universal Manifestations would be apparent."
When a new Revelation is brought to humanity, it upsets the equilibrium of the old social order. It unites the hearts and minds of those who recognize it and thus forges a new community. From within that community must emerge a consciousness that can decipher and a capacity that can apply the new teachings in order to make the world a different place. How do we move from a world centered on materialism and self-gratification to one that is centered on the application of spiritual principle and service to humanity? How do we transcend dissension and destructive criticism to harvest the fruits of critical thought in a united search for truth? What is the nature of the process through which we understand the meaning of the Sacred Texts and put the teachings into practice so that we can contribute to the unfoldment of an ever-advancing civilization?
This book explores how, as Baha'is, we try to understand the Word of God as given to us in Baha'u'llah's Revelation and how we act on our understanding to achieve His purpose.

Genres: Baha I, Spirituality, Religion

293 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Serge Neck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential read for Baha'is who want to gain a better understanding of the larger context in which their community's current pattern of learning -- through study, consultation, action and reflection -- takes place. It also specifically addresses the concepts of knowledge and power as they relate to the individual, the community, and institutions. This not only gives Baha'is a deeper understanding of how their Faith community differs from (and is similar to) the community at large, but also enables them to explain these concepts to outside observers whose healthy skepticism would naturally cause them to question the Baha'is' motives. As such it may also serve those same outsiders who desire to learn more about the Baha'i Faith's goals for humanity and its principles and methods for achieving them.

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I am glad I spent so much time studying it with friends because the application of the learnings I have gained from it will help transform the world.

[Jean-Marie Nau · Rating 5 out of 5]

He presents a framework that makes sense

[Alexandre CABON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must

[Shiqi · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is, indeed, the light of the world.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summary of a wide variety of topics, mostly focused on how the Baha'i Faith translates spiritual concepts into social realities and action. The last two chapters were on the concepts of knowledge and power, which were pretty interesting.

[Sandra]

This is a book for study and contemplation, not to be raced through.