Discover how embracing diversity can lead to a more peaceful and just society, as explored by the writer through the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith." (85%)
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The unity that must be at the basis of creating a peaceful and just social order, is a unity which embraces and honours diversity. The natural diversity in our human family is what makes the world a more beautiful place in which to live.
Differences are not only in the human family, they are apparent throughout the whole of nature. A beautiful garden, for example, is made of flowers of different kind and colour, charm and beauty, and shrubs and trees of different types and sizes.
The Baha'i Writings state: “The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.” and emphasizing that “If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them”.
The natural diversity of temperament and talents among individuals, as well as humanity's varied and rich experiences, cultures, and viewpoints contribute to the human family's progress and well-being. Our immense wealth of cultural diversity achieved over thousands of years is necessary to the development of the human race, which is experiencing its collective coming-of-age. It represents a heritage that enriches us all and that must be permitted to bear its fruit in a global civilization.
The coming together of the peoples of the world, in a harmonious relationship, is the most crucial need of today. Only by valuing our differences and the cultural characteristics of various groups in our societies can we achieve lasting unity: ‘unity in diversity’.
“The unity that must underpin a peaceful and just social order” in the Bahá’í view, “is a unity which embraces and honours diversity. Oneness and diversity are complementary and inseparable. …Acceptance of the concept of unity in diversity…implies the development of a global consciousness, a sense of world citizenship, and a love for all of humanity”.
Acceptance of the concept of unity in diversity calls for fundamental changes in all aspects of behaviour – individual, interpersonal, corporate, and international; and by overcoming any lingering feelings of racism, religious, or other kinds of prejudice that we may, consciously or unconsciously, harbour.
According to the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith “It is through love for all people, and by subordinating lesser loyalties to the best interests of humankind, that the unity of the world can be realized and the infinite expressions of human diversity find their highest fulfilment”.
With unity – a unity that embraces and honours the full diversity of humankind – even our most difficult current problems can be solved. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, says: “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established”.
"So powerful is the light of unity," is His further testimony, "that it can illuminate the whole earth”.
For feedback please contact: secretary.nsa@bahai.org.za or (011) 801 3100
Websites: www.bahai.org, www.bahai.org.za