Every religion and every religious aspiration may be freely voiced and expressed here. Just as in the world of politics there is need for free thought, likewise in the world of religion there should be the right of unrestricted individual belief. Consider what a vast difference exists between modern democracy and the old forms of despotism. Under an autocratic government the opinions of men are not free, and development is stifled, whereas in democracy, because thought and speech are not restricted, the greatest progress is witnessed. It is likewise true in the world of religion. When freedom of conscience, liberty of thought and right of speech prevail -- that is to say, when every man according to his own idealization may give expression to his beliefs -- development and growth are inevitable. Therefore, this is a blessed church because its pulpit is open to every religion, the ideals of which may be set forth with openness and freedom.
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 197 http://is.gd/54l67
It is stated here that development and growth are INEVITABLE (!) when "every man according to his own idealization may give expression to his beliefs."
What, then, is keeping us from expressing these thoughts of ours (about how to make things better), since we would, by articulation them, improve upon the world?
Bahá'í House of Worship in Ashkhabad before its destruction by an earthquake.
In my understanding, it is saying that even misdirected belief, as long as sincere, well-meaning and conciliatory, should be allowed to be voiced - kind of explodes any conceptions about "absolute truth" one might hold (hail to humility!). Regarding the principle of consultation, 'Abdu'l-Bahá has stated:
What, then, is keeping us from expressing these thoughts of ours (about how to make things better), since we would, by articulation them, improve upon the world?
Bahá'í House of Worship in Ashkhabad before its destruction by an earthquake.In my understanding, it is saying that even misdirected belief, as long as sincere, well-meaning and conciliatory, should be allowed to be voiced - kind of explodes any conceptions about "absolute truth" one might hold (hail to humility!). Regarding the principle of consultation, 'Abdu'l-Bahá has stated:
Take counsel together in such wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. This can... be attained when every member expresseth with absolute freedom his own opinion and setteth forth his argument... The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAB/sab-45.html
- 'Abdu'l-Bahá, Selections From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAB/sab-45.html
Photo Copyright 2009, Bahá'í International Community
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