Every day we are confronted with the incomprehensible. From the smallest particles which rotate around each other, to atoms which vibrate our physical platform into being, to a universe spanning out evermore into infinity. Here we are, on a globe which apparently is limited in resources but inexhaustible in its methods to spring back into balance. Nature, so complex, we are dumbfounded by its preciseness and awestruck by its force, reminding us of our fragility. It is this incomprehensible environment which raises the unquenchable desire in us to know what our place is as a species and our purpose.

Over the years we have gained some understanding, yet all knowledge combined adds up to but a drop in this ocean of uncertainties. Despite the major technological and intellectual growth humanity has undergone these past centuries we are still given to childish misfits driven by greed and jealousy; we still naively try to resolve our differences in a brutal way and march forward on a bloody warpath which, we insist stubbornly, is the shortcut to peace. Humanity is in its phase adolescence: we're struggling with our identity as we meet our neighbours and reaching new heigths of physical capacities with which we are unable to cope in a responsible manner.

"We still naively try to resolve our differences in a brutal way and march forward on a bloody warpath which, we insist stubbornly, is the shortcut to peace."

Today we are no longer bound by natural boarders, such as the oceans. Worldleaders are compelled to communicate and negotiate as our economic interests have become interwoven and national security internationally determined. Today we find ourselves in a situation -in which we have no experience- that has rendered our old methods of dealing obsolete. Tension between diverse cultures upholding different values, the credit crisis, untamable mass-consumption and corruption on all levels, are but symptoms of a disease which is unprecedented in its scale. We stand at the precipice and slowly we are becoming aware of the choice we must make: either to head on stubbornly into collision or halt and in a consultative manner plot a new course of action. But we know not the way. This situation cannot be tackled with superficial measures, rather we will have to deal with the cause. And so, we have before us the major task of transformation. How can we attain global adulthood? It is for this matter that we might need to look –unbiased- to our history and seek for a source that has proven to be transformative in its effect. A source that has the inherent capacity to elevate our individual and collective behaviour to a new level, raise our priorities and instills us with a sense of purpose and security.

"We must make a choice: either to head on stubbornly into collision or halt and in a consultative manner plot a new
course of action."

The cultivation of science, for example. It is magnificent and has had, over the past century, a tremendous effect on life on earth. It has given us great insights and has yielded admirable fruits. Such noble outcomes have been spectacular ways of transportation and communication. In fact, it is science that has broadened the individual’s enviroment. It has created the means for a global society. But also, it has yielded some terrible fruits, such as the all-destructing atom bomb. They are all the outcome of our scientific endeavours. The undeniable fact is that it remains up to the human moral and conscience as to how we apply the force of science. Do we build bridges, or dig trenches? In the end, it is the human moral that guides us. And however valuable science can be, it does not feed our conscience sufficiently, which in this day is most needed. The violation of human rights, abusing of animals, a disgracefully large gap between the rich and poor, corruption of institutes, these are all signs of our lack of moral and conscience.

"The undeniable fact is that it remains up to the human moral and conscience as to how we apply the force of science."

As far back as our known history goes, the greatest drive that has influenced our conscience and guided us morally has been religion. But how are we to turn to religion in these times? We see many followers of the various religions of the world trapped in dogmas and insensibilities. We see fanaticism, radicalism and in these tumultuous days terrorism has emerged on stage. Also, how are we to turn to religion for guidance, when there are seemingly so many different religions? Because surely, we think, if they are all different, they can’t all hold the truth? Despite of all these valid reasons to be hesitant or pessimistic. The fact remains that religion has been a very powerful instrument for elevation, consolidation and for strengthening our morality. The prohibition of man-slaughter and stealing, the guidelines for healthy nutrition and hygiene, the institution of marriage, the rebuking of injustice and declaration of racial equality. All this, and more, has emanated from the various religions and has seeped into our constitutional laws and ethical codes. It has lead to the civilizing of nations. But again, do the followers of religion really differ from the non-believers? Are not both parties charged guilty with discrimination and ferocious acts of war? As we all observe, the answer is...yes.

But we should also consider to acknowledge that it is not the instrument religion itself that has been perverted. It is the people. We, as a people, are inclined to lose track of the essence and purpose after a certain lapse of time. The truth of this can be seen throughout our history. It is the human dilemma. We tend to be conservative when we are really dealing with a progressive phenomenon. If we look at the great religions ranging from Zoroastrianism to Hinduism, to the Indigenous Religions, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, to Islam and the Bahai Faith, and consider them all as being ‘divinely inspired’, then they must essentially all emanate from the same Source. In this way, they can all be true even though on some levels they seem contradictory.

"We tend to be conservative when we are really dealing with a progressive phenomenon."

As humanity develops it is only logical that religion should develop with it. But a ground-principle of religion is that it cannot be altered by mankind itself. For if it emanates from on high, then renewal must also come from on high. And it is this logical assumption that validates multiple revelations. As our capacity and receptivity grows, each time religion is renewed it is more elaborate. And as our societal situation changes the social teachings put forward by religion must also change. Only in this way can religion remain a relevant source of guidance. This is the idea of progressive revelation; but not one that is unilineair, rather one that is multilineair and converging. Because as the world is closing in on humanity and borders are fading; religion as a force can now speak with one voice adressing all the peoples of the world, instead of the many voices with which it has spoken to all the peoples of the world. It is this idea of progressive revelation that I find most interesting. If we look at the various religions as chapters of the same story then surely we are all reading the same Book. Better yet, instead of regarding them as ‘various religions’ we should consider regarding them as one.

The world around us is changing. A new superstructure is emerging. A global structure in which cultural or linguistic homogeneity can no longer be taken for granted and can no longer serve for a communal basis. We must find new grounds for consolidation and find new ways to deal with eachother and life in general that suits this day and age. Following the idea of religion as a progressively unfolding and thereby constantly changing (socially) but at the same time reinforcing (spirtitually) force; in 1863 through the person of Bahá'ú'llah it has once again offered new guidelines. It aims to bring all people into one family; it calls for an auxiliary language, that will exist next to the already existing languages; it calls for a global monetary, political and legal structure so that equality is served; it declares the oneness of all people and religions; it declares equality of men and women and states that religion must conform with science.

"If we look at the various religions as chapters of the same story then surely we are all reading the same Book."

This thought of progressive revelation clarifies some of the contradictions we observe today. But is a clarification enough? Is it an acceptable excuse? As many of us are traumatized in one way or another and some bitterly disappointed. To trust once again in this instrument a throrough investigation is crucial. As said before, an unbiased investigation. For this we should not look at the effects the religions of old have on this world today. Instead we ought to dive into the past and examine them, and their results, within the specific periods for which they were logically intended. When we examine the ancient revelations and their results within the timeframe for which they were intended, we find a great source of relief and inspiration. And when we look at the writings that lie at the heart of each religion, and not always take every sentence in it's literal sense, but also dive into the symbolical depths, we will know they are loaded with an inestimable wisdom. This re-evaluation of the past is necessary in order to make the right choices for the future. For today, in the midst of all this turmoil, our vision is clouded and we are enwrapped in a tremendous amount of misunderstandings.

"We ought to dive into the past and examine them, and their results, within the specific periods for which they were logically intended."

To conclude this philosophy. It is not my motive as a Bahá’í to lend another hand to the tug-of-war game of truth claiming. It is my intention to offer an alternative view of the instrument religion as opposed to the general idea currently ruling as a result of the perversion it has undergone by the hands of the extremists. With my music, art and poetry, talks, papers and books I attempt to contribute to the eradication of, at least a few, misunderstandings. I hope to bring more clarity to the table. The strengthening of our conscience and moral has the highest priority. And if religion is the main drive which guides humanity morally then it is simply too important to just let it be corrupted by the ill-minded. As they create a toxic cloud of negativity around something, which is in essence so beautiful, many of us have become suspicious, not just cautious but reluctant and some even aversive. It is withholding us from investigation. And as a result, it is withholding us from attaining the ultimate peace.

Ben Caselin