Center and Periphery in Bahá'í Discourse: The Imperative of Establishing the Core Spiritual Foundation as the Bedrock of the Faith's Social Teachings

Behrooz Sabet

Indeed, the chief reason for the evils now rampant in society is a lack of spirituality. The materialistic civilization of our age has so much absorbed the energy and interest of mankind, that people in general no longer feel the necessity of raising themselves above the forces and conditions of their daily material existence. There is not sufficient demand for things that we should call spiritual to differentiate them from the needs and requirements of our physical existence. The universal crisis affecting mankind is, therefore, essentially spiritual in its causes. The spirit of the age, taken on the whole, is irreligious. Man’s outlook upon life is too crude and materialistic to enable him to elevate himself into the higher realms of the spirit. 

Shoghti Effendi

Historically, particularly in the West, the social principles of the Bahá'í Faith—such as racial justice, economic justice, and gender equality—have played a central role in teaching and promoting the Faith. This approach has been effective and, at times, successful in engaging in social discourse. However, social principles that were once viewed as progressive have, over time, become widely accepted societal norms. As a result, there is a growing need to reiterate the importance of carefully framing these social teachings within the spiritual foundation of the Faith. Without this framework, social teachings may risk losing their deeper meaning and original source, as the core belief of the Bahá'í Faith is that spiritual renewal is the true catalyst for social change and the reconstruction of civilization.

Clearly, in collaborative efforts with governments, institutions, and public policy endeavors, focusing on social principles is essential to share the Bahá'í perspective. However, in deeper discussions, the focus of presenting the Faith should center on the spiritual core that constitutes the true meaning of Bahá'u'lláh's revelation. When progressive social teachings are discussed without the spiritual context, they may lead to mere nodding approval, without inspiring the deeper curiosity needed to recognize the true mission of its founder. Alarmingly, these principles have also become intertwined with ideologies that may not fully align with the original spiritual, moral, and religious context of the Bahá'í Faith. A potential concern is that a Bahá'í discourse focused primarily on social issues could give the misleading impression that the Bahá'í Faith is merely a liberal social movement with religious orientation, rather than a comprehensive, multifaceted spiritual path with a global transformative vision aimed at creating profound changes in human conduct.

In any discourse, it is essential to distinguish between the center and periphery of the subject. The concepts of center and periphery are fundamental in religious, philosophical, and scientific discussions, as they demonstrate how a central element serves as an organizing, supportive, or governing force while influencing and connecting to surrounding peripheral elements. This relationship is ubiquitous in nature, from the microcosmic structure of atoms—where the nucleus dictates the behavior of the electron cloud—to the vast expanse of the Solar System, where the Sun provides gravitational stability and energy, guiding the orbits of the planets in its periphery.

In religion, the center refers to the core spiritual teachings and beliefs that form the foundation of the faith. This includes divine principles, the nature of God or ultimate reality, the purpose of life, spiritual growth, the connection with the divine, and the like. The periphery, on the other hand, encompasses the broader social and cultural applications of these core teachings. It involves how religion addresses social issues, governs relationships between individuals, promotes justice and compassion, and engages with the wider world. In essence, the center focuses on spiritual truths and the relationship with the divine, while the periphery deals with how those truths are lived out in the world.

Similarly, in the Bahá'í context, the spiritual teachings of the Faith form the core, while its social vision resides in the periphery. In other words, the spiritual center precedes, and the social vision naturally emanates from it, with the inner essence flowing outward. This structure ensures that the social vision aligns closely with the intentions of Bahá'u'lláh. However, if this logical progression is not followed, or if the spiritual center is not prioritized or fails to play a central role in the discourse, the resulting social framework may fail to reflect the deeper spiritual foundation and universal vision from which it originates. It may also fail to reveal the spiritual bedrock upon which Bahá'í civilization must be built.

The world is currently facing a crisis of faith, values, and meaning, with many seeking a deeper approach that recognizes spiritual voids as the root cause of numerous societal issues. As societies modernize, spiritual engagement has notably declined, leading to a profound sense of alienation and disconnection from both the divine and a sense of purpose in life. This spiritual void is manifesting in various ways, including societal fragmentation, moral and ethical challenges, and an increasing search for meaning in a world that often prioritizes material success over spiritual growth. In light of these changing times and emerging realities, there is a growing need to present the Bahá'í teachings not merely as principles for social reform but as a comprehensive framework for the spiritual revival of humanity. Thus, Bahá'í discourse will have a broader and more lasting impact if it addresses both the themes of spirituality and the condition of the world that results from its absence. 

Here are some potential categories or thematic areas that enhance and clarify our value position on the core spiritual foundation. These areas serve as frameworks for understanding how spiritual principles provide insights into the true meaning and ultimate purpose of the Bahá'í social teachings. By exploring these themes, we can better articulate the connection between the spiritual foundation and the transformative vision of the Bahá'í Faith.

1. The Spiritual Foundations of the Bahá'í Faith

·         Bahá'u'lláh’s Claim and Vision: A candid discussion of Bahá'u'lláh's role as the promised figure in all religious dispensations, including His unique position in the history of religious revelation and His vision for a united global society.

·         The True Meaning of Religion: Exploration of the Bahá'í perspective on religion, which is seen not as a mere set of rituals or beliefs, but as a dynamic, transformative force guiding human progress toward unity, justice, and peace.

o   The Role of Religion in Individual and Collective Transformation: A comprehensive look at how religion serves not only as a source of personal guidance but also as a dynamic force capable of transforming society and establishing the essential foundation for civilization.

o   The Chaos That Arises When the Light of Religion is Extinguished: An exploration of the consequences when spiritual principles are abandoned or disregarded, resulting in societal instability, moral decay, and the fragmentation of human relationships.

·         The Importance of Placing God at the Center of Our Worldviews: An emphasis on the central role of God in shaping individual and collective perspectives, fostering a worldview where divine guidance informs every aspect of life, from ethics to social structures.

·         The Transitory Nature of Life and the Immortality of the Soul: Discussing the Bahá'í view of life’s temporal nature, the concept of the soul, and the belief in its immortality, underlining the continuity of spiritual growth beyond physical existence.

2. Foundational Approaches to Understanding and Conveying the Core Spiritual Basis of the Faith

·         Science and Religion: Pillars of a Spiritually Grounded Civilization

The harmony between science and religion as pillars of a true civilization enriches the core spiritual foundation of the Bahá'í Faith, providing a framework for understanding and addressing the material and spiritual dimensions of human existence. Within the teachings of the Faith, the integration of these two complementary forces is essential to fostering a civilization that reflects divine principles while advancing human progress. By bridging the empirical insights of science with the moral and ethical guidance of religion, the Bahá'í perspective transcends the fragmentation often seen in society, offering a balanced approach to life that nurtures both the soul and the world. This synthesis not only facilitates material and technological progress but also strengthens the spiritual foundation required to navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges. 

Central to this vision is a deeper understanding of spiritual renewal as a transcendent force that reorients humanity toward higher principles, aligning with the Faith's emphasis on unity, justice, and compassion. The integration of science and religion is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative process that enriches the Faith's social teachings, offering a new paradigm for understanding the purpose and potential of human existence. As humanity faces global challenges, the Bahá'í teachings emphasize the necessity of a civilization rooted in both scientific innovation and spiritual clarity. This integration of material and spiritual dimensions strengthens the core spiritual foundation of the Faith, inspiring a vision of a world where progress is measured not only by technological advancement but by the moral and spiritual development of society, ensuring the well-being and unity of all peoples. 

·         Balancing Continuity and Change: Harmonizing Timeless Principles and Social Teachings 

Addressing the dynamic tension between upholding timeless spiritual principles and adapting to the evolving needs of society, this discussion illustrates how the foundation of Bahá'í belief rests on the interplay between continuity and change. 

Continuity refers to the enduring aspects of religious teachings, which define all religions as components of the tree of life and as "the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past and eternal in the future." Change, on the other hand, speaks to the evolving social conditions of humanity, which allow for further growth and evolution. In every dispensation, as new spiritual regeneration is revealed, humanity requires a favorable social environment to enhance, reinforce, and foster the spiritual growth process.

Therefore, social teachings are not stand-alone principles but tools to create a conducive environment for further spiritual development. Continuity ensures order and stability, while change allows for the emergence of new possibilities. These two forces coexist. Hence, while social change is both essential and inevitable, it cannot find its true meaning outside the forms, patterns, and structure of the spiritual core that binds the changeless Faith of God.

 

3. Challenge and Symptom of Spiritual Voids

·         Addressing the Global Ethical Crisis

o    The Ethical and Moral Vacuum in the World Today: Identifying the current lack of strong ethical and moral guidance in many aspects of life and exploring how the Bahá'í Faith provides a framework to address this gap, emphasizing virtue, justice, and responsibility.

o    The Need for Divine Standards: Arguing that human civilization requires divine standards to restore balance and guide ethical behavior, offering the Bahá'í teachings as a model for moral decision-making in the modern world.

·         The Influence of Materialism

Analyzing materialism not only as a desire for material possessions but as the underlying force shaping contemporary culture and values, revealing its pervasive influence that has effectively made it the spirit of the age. The Bahá'í teachings, offering a modern conception of religion while emphasizing its essential unity with the spiritual foundation of religions of the past, possess a unique explanatory power to address the pervasive influence of unchecked materialism. That is to say, first, when materialism becomes hegemonic, it can extend its rule over the totality of thoughts and behaviors, dominating human priorities and overshadowing spiritual and moral dimensions. Second, the Bahá'í teachings provide a counterbalance by emphasizing spiritual growth and the well-being of humanity as foundational to a balanced and harmonious civilization, where the synthesis of material and spiritual progress fosters true prosperity, justice, and unity.

·         The Crisis of Alienation and Human Identity 

Examining the widespread sense of alienation where individuals feel disconnected from their true selves, struggling to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent or chaotic world. This crisis is characterized by a loss of identity and purpose, leading to feelings of isolation and disorientation. Exploring how Bahá'í principles of spiritual purpose aim to reorient the foundations of civilization and revitalize culture with a new spiritual vision, offering a broader transcendent perspective that guides individuals to reconnect with their true selves and find direction in life.

 

In summary, while referencing social principles is important, especially in social forums and international settings, these discussions need to remain firmly rooted in the Bahá'í Faith’s spiritual and moral framework. Highlighting modern social reform ideas is valuable, and engaging in dialogue with them is essential. However, the Bahá'í Faith's unique contribution to the discourse on social reforms draws from the eternal wisdom of the past, recognizing the spiritual truths that have guided humanity throughout history, ensuring that social reform is rooted in enduring principles rather than fleeting trends. Moreover, the conversation should emphasize that, amidst the current chaos and confusion in the world, a spiritual rebirth is unfolding — one that aims to address not only the superficial symptoms of societal disarray but also the deeper spiritual void at the core of many global crises.