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Science and religion: God endowed people with reason so that they could discover truth. Bahá’u’lláh taught that science and religion are complimentary branches of knowledge that do not contradict one another when properly understood, and that religious teachings which are at variance with science should not be accepted. An explicit teaching of Bahá’u’lláh requires Bahá’ís to seek and follow the advice of competent doctors in matters of health. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has stated: "acquisition of sciences and the perfection of arts are considered as acts of worship. If a man engages with all his power in the acquisition of a science or in the perfection of an art, it is as if he has been worshipping God in the churches and temples".

Equality of men and women: In the sight of God there is no distinction between men and women, they are spiritually equal. Any differences in capacity or skills that exist today are not inherent, but due to differences in opportunity or education. It is a great injustice when women or any group are systemically disadvantaged compared to another. When women are not treated equally to men and are not granted equal opportunities, mankind as a whole suffers as a result. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states that when women reach a degree and status equal to men that this will bring about a permanent end to war.

Universal education: Bahá’u’lláh taught each person must be educated, He said: "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom." And by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: "When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed. Without equality this will be impossible because all differences and distinction are conducive to discord and strife."

Elimination of all forms of prejudice: Prejudice is described as being the cause of every ruinous war, a disease capable of destroying mankind if not arrested. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá talking on this subject said: "All prejudices, whether of religion, race, politics or nation, must be renounced, for these prejudices have caused the world’s sickness." Every Bahá’í is called upon "to endeavour with a fierce determination to eliminate this defect from his thoughts and acts."

Elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty: Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people were created by God for a purpose, and that extreme poverty arrests the opportunities of education, work and contribution to society that is meant to help each individual realize this purpose. On the other hand the dangers of riches are spoken of in past religions, the degree to which we find comfort in or hold love for riches in our hearts is the degree we cannot hold love a for God or our fellow man.

Bahá’ís seek to establish the unity of mankind not through conquest but by promoting and bringing hearts together around a common set of ideals, to achieve the common purpose of the betterment of all mankind. What unites us as a human family is greater than anyone or anything that seeks to divide us.

These are just a few of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings for today. Explore more...