A CHINESE VIEW OF THE BAHÁ’Í CAUSE
BY CHAN S. LIU
IN this war-torn world and in the midst of world economic depression, naturally one begins to think of the deeper problems in life. Can we lessen the amount of sufferings in the world? Instead of spending seventy per cent or more of our revenue for war preparations, will a larger percentage of it go into education and other constructive purposes? In spite of our wonderful scientific discoveries in these few centuries, can better use be made of them for the benefit of humanity instead of killing each other? So much is heard about over-production in certain sections of the world and much suffering is being wrought, yet in many parts of the world the people are in dire want. Can a better system of distribution be devised, so that the entire human family will be mutually benefited? As the prophets foretold, "Peace on earth, peace among men.” When will this prophecy come true? These are some of the vital problems confronting many of the thinking minds of today.
It seems to me that through our modern scientific development and progress, humanity ought to be able to extract itself out of the ancient drudgery and the rule of nature; yet, unfortunately, its moral code and ideas are still of a primitive nature; consequently it has not taken the full advantage of inventions and discoveries. For instance, with our modern communications and method of production, no nation is able to keep her doors closed from other nations and the world ought to be treated as one economic whole; and yet we are prevented by our ancient ideas, prejudices and narrow ideas of nationalism and race; hence, it is no easy matter to tear down our economic barriers, such as high tariff walls, etc., which are partly responsible for our economic depression.
The present economic conference in London is a tendency toward and grows out of necessity for a better world cooperation economically. However, if the world intends to make any progress at all and to save herself from destruction, many other kinds of cooperation are needed besides economic fields.
To be certain of creating a better world order, humanity must undergo a psychological change. In other words, a change of hearts is needed. Moreover, there must be certain sound principles to go by, just like the scientists who in order to carry out experiments successfully, some hypothesis must be formulated to guide their work. In addition to sound principles there must be some practical organization so as to crystallize or to prosecute these principles and for their fulfillment.
In 1921 when I was a student at Cornell University, I first heard of the Cause and was much impressed by its beauty and greatness. I feel that the Bahá’í Cause embodied all the essentials for working out a new epoch which I outline above, and being consistent with the best ideas of the past and present. Having been back to China for ten years I still maintain that these are the best principles to be followed and ultimately they will save humanity. For those who have not yet known the Cause, I shall quote the 12 principles laid down by Bahá’u’lláh some eighty years ago.
The Twelve Principles:
1. Unfettered search after truth, and the abandonment of all superstition and prejudice.
2. The oneness of Mankind: all are “leaves of one tree, flowers in one garden.
3. Religion must be a cause of love and harmony, else it is no religion.
4. All religions are one in their fundamental principles.
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5. Religion must go hand-in-hand with
science. Faith and reason must be in full accord.
6. Universal peace: The establishment of a
Chan S. Liu.
Director of Bureau for the Improvement of Sericulture, Department of Reconstruction, Honglok, Canton, China.
Universal League of Nations, of International Arbitration and an International Parliament.
7. The adoption of an International Language which shall be taught in all the schools of the world.
8. Compulsory education—especially for girls, who will be the mothers and the first educators of the next generation.
9. Equal opportunities of development and equal rights and privileges for both sexes.
10. Work for all: No idle rich and no idle poor, “Work in the spirit of service is worship.”
11. Abolition of extremes of poverty and wealth: Care for the needy.
12. Recognition of the Unity of God and obedience to His Revealed Commands, as revealed through His Divine Manifestations.
