Human development (Baha'ism)

Despite the newness of this religion, it emphasizes that answers to the challenges which humanity is faced with are to be found by following moral and spiritual values which have been preached through the ages. The latest challenge, that of the globalization of society, can be met in a similar way. The aim is peace and unity in the world and in the human institutions which make it up - a new world order - through transformation of each individual to become his true self on following teachings based on the revelations of Baha' Allah and their interpretations by Abd al-Baha and Shoghi Effendi. The process of transformation leads to the development of capacities for love (both the giving and attraction of love) and knowledge (including learning and teaching); and for their use in the service of mankind. Further, love for God opens a channel for God's love. The matrix for transformation is the Baha'ai community, commencing with tolerance for the diversity of members, which grows into understanding, love and appreciation. Anxiety and tension are not avoided but used in this process of development; and prejudice (knowledge and love in conflict) faced up to and thus eradicated.