WORLD PEACE - FALSE HOPE or INEVITABLE REALITY

But long before, the leaders of the world had executed mankind's manipulation, and forgotten the Prophecies concerning peace for humanity. In other words, the world leaders did not move to found an order based upon God's Revelation; instead, having some familiarity with the Revelations of the past and in their own present, the world's leaders, you might say, partnered themselves with God and became gods of their own. Many of these world figures were principled, yet others were violently corrupt while acting in God's name.

As the teachings of the Prophets were changed by leaders seeking power and control, the teachings became clouded, or unclear; even literally translated to the extent that the most superstitious of beliefs and interpretations became a reality. These are manifesting themselves in the most heinous of conduct today.

People hoped and many believed that the atomic Bomb would rule out the possibility of war. But we failed to understand a simple fact; once something is made or discovered, it is the nature of man to perfect and develop it. It needs to be strong, it needs to be smaller, and it needs to be developed for various purposes; so it can become profitable, either financially or as an asset of war. Having the means for peace - which seem to be armaments - then how can this discovery be developed and refined for material use so we can recap our development expense and make profits. That seems to be the ultimate purpose behind everything; the resulting use individuals can profit from even if it is short lived. But does this bring, does war bring peace; or does war create enemies?

We have painfully found that war does not bring peace; rather, it brings a determination for vengeance. But war, has changed and now it is possible to commence a war with very little resources and very few soldiers. And with such limited means, it is possible to strike and seriously damage one's so-called enemy. This was evidenced on September eleventh at the World Trade Tower buildings. Now we find a new vulnerability, one that, if cloaked in secrecy, can inflict a huge loss of life and property, and at the same tome disrupt an economy.

So what are these happenings? Are they just incidental, relative to larger conditions, or are they the result of chosen paths starting long ago in a world much different than this one? It has been stated that mankind could have had peace long ago, that there would not have been the need for future Prophets, if mankind had followed the teachings of God revealed to him at any given time. But does the fact that man chose another path; negate the ultimate purpose of God's Prophetic Revelation? That would be like saying I stayed in a dark room this morning so the Sun will not rise. But mankind has two natures, one is physical, or animal; and the other is spiritual. The animal nature of man is to obtain pleasures, to protect and defeat, to resolve larger issues by war rather than negotiation; while mankind's spiritual nature lies more dormant. Mankind's spiritual nature leads to justice, fairness, a broader vision and a selfless attitude commencing in service to humanity guided by right principles and adherence to God's plan for humanity.

The downfall of the old world order

History displays the advance of technology has been fostered from needs. For example, superior mechanisms of war were needed and developed, and then improved. Business development had its needs, as did the city, the family and the State. As technology was developed, whether it appeared from the improvement or evolution of current technology, or from an inspired mind, this had its effect upon humankind. Mankind's spiritual evolution has been much the same, save that the establishment of new civilizations, ways of thinking, rules of justice, and the broadening scope of understanding, this has been due to the Revelations of God.

It is obvious, however, when comparing today's civilization, that mankind itself - while we are exceedingly technologically advanced in comparison to former centuries - still, mankind is not so closely disassociated with his former self. Today, rather than in centuries past, mankind utilizes the similar available technologies to obtain the same results as obtained in former times, though on a much larger global scale. We witness, however, in this current global condition a great difference, one that has not existed in past centuries, the shrinking of the globe; that when this is coupled with an ever advancing technology resource, a complexity of evolving civilization manifests that make the former methods incapable, or unable to deal with the needs of the day without an idealistic and Divine plan. In the year 1863, on an island where the Tigris and Euphrates join, Bahá'u'lláh - translated meaning the Glory of God -announced that He was the Promised Revealer of God's Revelation for this day and age, the Manifestation of God Himself; and that the purpose of his Revelation was to bring World peace to humanity. But He went further to state that the Will of God, which was the unification of the human race, would happen as an act of the will of mankind acting by the Will of God, or by God's Decree, and in either case it was inevitable.

Bahá'u'lláh, Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, gave His Revelation in His own hand in writing, and also by dictation to writers who would gather, edit what they had written down, submit it to Him for changes and approval, and then He would seal the final draft as being authentic. These writings, or Revelations of God, have been preserved and maintained as being the only writings of Revelation written directly by a Prophet of God Himself. In His many writings, Bahá'u'lláh foretold God's plan and the inevitability of world peace; and the downfall of the Old World Order along with the commencement of a new civilization. In this process, He revealed several global principles that would be imbedded in the making of world peace; and further claimed that the Old World Order is in the process of being rolled up and a new one spread out in its stead.

Today, this is what we are witnessing. That which has corrupted the world is failing to provide the former splendor; and that which is part of God's plan for humankind is taking predominance on the stage of life. And we witness these things happening in a compounding nature as day-by-day new corruptions are revealed, while new and accepted principles arise in their stead. I recall from the Bible, a scripture where Jesus was meeting with common people and approached by the Jewish Scholars. They rebuked Him for claiming he was the King of the Jews and for associating with such people. He replied by telling them He came to save those who needed to be saved and then stated; how strange it was they could discern the signs of the weather, but not the signs of the times. Indeed, such is the problem for mankind today; they fail to see the signs of the times, yet they are becoming more obvious.

The Expectation of Revelation

Going back in time to the middle of the 19^th Century, history attests to the expectation of God's Revelation, the Day of God on earth. One recalls the leading words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic written at that time: "Mine eyes have seen the Glory of the coming of the Lord." The leaders of religion throughout the world and several divines eagerly awaited the expectations of a religious materialization. It was time, as they agreed, for God's all-encompassing plan to be revealed and for His "Will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven." But the majority of these was expecting a great material occurrence, and unfortunately for their individual understanding of God's purpose to be manifested. But little knew at that time - as it has been similar to the coming of all Prophets - in Shiraz, Persia, a young man whose title was the Báb (Gate or Door), on May 23, 1844 was revealing to a religious scholar that He was the Promised One; and that the sole purpose of His Revelation (which lasted for 19years) was to announce the coming of "Him Whom God shall make manifest."

There are several examples of mankind's expectations at this time that research can reveal both abroad and in the United States. However, as has been the historical results when a Prophet makes his announcement, it is almost the assurance of His persecution and imprisonment, or His death. Yet, in the face of such punishment and impoverishment, the Prophet of God remains firm in His belief, carries forward His mission, and in the end is triumphant, with His civilization eventually realizing its success and human acceptance. Thus, it was similar with the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh; with the Báb being executed at the Barracks of Tabriz (a historical account witnessed by the British and French Diplomat exists - well worth investigating); and with Bahá'u'lláh being exiled to Israel and remaining a prisoner until He passed in 1892.

In 1863, during his exile, as formerly stated, Bahá'u'lláh announced His station to a group of His followers. He was then moved to Adrianople and Constantinople; and then to the City and Prison of Acre in Israel, where He remained a prisoner for the rest of His earthly life. During this time He revealed hundreds of texts, epistles and tablets revealing God's commands for this day and age, and prophecies concerning what were to come. However, even though the expectations of God's Revelation were high during this age, still even the learned failed to grasp or know about this great event. As well, many who knew about it, even investigated and heralded its acclaim, they even failed to be able to accept it as their own faith though they remained confirmed in belief of its teachings, precepts and claims. Nonetheless, the expectation of revelation was fulfilled.

The new civilization and the birth of the Industrial Age

One will look at the great advancements of our age, the speed at which they occur, and not notice the fact that in 1844 the United States Patent Office was shutting down due to the fact that new inventions and improvements were coming in at a snail's pace. But one cannot fail to realize that on May 22 (dated here in the United States; in Persia it was May 23rd) a great message was sent by Samuel Morse: "What hath God wrought." It is almost as if this message opened the gates of the Patent Office, because from that date -the date on which the Báb made His announcement - forward, the technological advancement of the new civilization was greater than in all the earth's former history. Thus, in this last 150 years, mankind's technological advancement has been more than in all of the thousands of years preceding it. It is obvious that a great potency was released with the advent of this New Age of the civilization of mankind corresponding to the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh.

One can also view this in another panorama; and that is the vastness of the scope and effect of the advent of the Industrial Age, for its effect has encompassed all of mankind into a global society. It might be said this is an evolving process, which is true; but a scientist realizes that the effect always has a cause behind it, thus the law of cause and effect must apply in every case. And there is another aspect to consider as well: mankind is endowed with senses, and it is via these senses that one learns of pain or pleasure, sweetness or sour, beauty and ugliness, wonderful sounds or awful; and through his intellect he improves upon his circumstance always wanting to bring more ease, more wealth, and more pleasure. This relates solely to the material world; but it is the spiritual sense that leads us away from our own concerns and to the best interests for the concerns of others. And in this capacity we rely more upon the spiritual kingdom. It is via this spiritual sense, the degree to which we are both knowledgeable and spiritual, that great deeds of heroism and inspiration are delivered to others, either as a the result of a plan, or in an act of instant concern for someone else rather than ourselves.

Viewing the results of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, its effect upon civilization, it can be discerned that the resulting effects are to both usher in a new age for mankind, with all of its technological and spiritual advancement - the evolution of which we can now witness - yet, as well, to change the old world order through the teachings of this Revelation and by the actions of its adherents; or to bring about this change through the dispensation of justice by God which has been referred to as the "Day of Judgment." As we witness what is happening in the world today, it becomes obvious that reliance upon old world tactics is not going to solve the problems that mankind faces in this new age in the development of the human race. And by our own investigation we can discern that, while the Industrial Age brings with it great material advancement, there is also a new Spiritual Age that must be our guide.

The development of modern technology

The development of modern technology is good. Those things which now are used to destroy mankind can also be adapted for the benefit of mankind; even the technology of war can be utilized for mankind's benefit if applied according to the principles of God, because mankind, as well as any individual, has its right to protect itself and to maintain order. To maintain order seems to be a harsh statement given today's use of such weaponry, but when applied according to just means and in unified agreement guided by Godly principles and laws, the maintenance of order is an essential part of any civilization. So it becomes apparent, as with good technology, when it is applied according to the Revelation of God, its real benefit is realized and improved upon, and the advancement of the human race is assured thereby. It is likewise with the technology now used in war and policing. When these are used for the just and rightful maintenance of order, peace and safety will be the result.

At this time, where once we viewed new developments as the ultimate in their venue, but such recognition causes us to realize that development is without end. The laser, for example, is an improvement on the scalpel, yet its hundreds of other applications have only been partially developed, and more remains in the future. And there are many other products and technologies that have expanded so vastly that to attempt to name them and their benefits would be a useless effort, because they are changing and being improved as I write on this computer, for example, which was an old select-and-punch typewriter not too many years back - a typewriter that was seen as a vast improvement over the pencil which is still in handy use, and with which I could be writing this article. The point being that while modern technology has greatly improved our ability to accomplish things, even necessitated it, at the same time the demise of many stand-bys has been delayed being still desired by mankind. Surely someday, however, these old stand-bys will hold their stage in a museum as discovered by an archeologist of the distant future. But their application will still be satisfactory since it is universal. For example, if you are out in the wilderness without a lighter, or match, if you have a bit of string and a stick, you can use friction to start a fire; and this method will work anywhere, even at home.

As we look upon the scope of modern technology and its sphere of evolution globally, an interesting question arises; will old age methods of governance resolve the issues such advancement presents? Obviously, there needs be new understandings which cope with and resolve issues resulting from this quickly evolving global evolution dealing with every aspect of the human race. There needs to be a plan of unity which addresses global conduct as well as global resolution to which all leaders of nations agree. Indeed, however - viewing historical results - one might reflect that this is impossible; but the ever advancing world civilization and its technology have placed borders in the backgrounds and now "the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." Thus, the advent of modern technology with the Revelation of God for this age will and is making world peace a possible issue recognized as an inevitable necessity.

End