Find Communities in Australia

Join activities, celebrations, study groups, spiritual empowerment and education programs for young people, and more.

Learn about the Baha’i Faith

Baha’i beliefs address essential spiritual themes for humanity’s collective and individual advancement. Learn more about these and more.

DISMISS MENU

The Tide of Conflict and Disorder – How Can We Help?

September 8, 2015, in Articles > Baha'i Life, by

The recent news and accompanying images of those who drowned while attempting to flee war-torn Syria has brought the entire world to tears. No matter what their age, background, or religious affiliation, people have been deeply affected by the tragedy and almost everyone has been left feeling helpless and searching for a means to ‘fix’ the current global refugee crisis.

In light of this news, I was particularly moved by the following excerpt taken from The Promise of World Peace by the Universal House of Justice:

Whether peace is to be reached only after unimaginable horrors precipitated by humanity’s stubborn clinging to old patterns of behaviour, or is to be embraced now by an act of consultative will, is the choice before all who inhabit the earth. At this critical juncture when the intractable problems confronting nations have been fused into one common concern for the whole world, failure to stem the tide of conflict and disorder would be unconscionably irresponsible.

Universal House of Justice, The Promise of World Peace, October 1985

These “unimaginable horrors” are now more evident than ever, and this “tide of conflict and disorder” is getting stronger. We see how imperative it is to work together to address the global issues we hear about on a day-to-day basis – death, poverty, war, hatred. But how do we go about doing this when these problems seem way beyond our control? To explore this question in detail, I have divided this blog post into three sections:

The Process of Disintegration

As Baha’is, we understand that the dual process of integration and disintegration is inevitable. In order for society to progress, it must break down and rebuild concurrently. This recent news is just one concrete example of how society is indeed crumbling before our eyes. The Universal House of Justice states:

Baha’is are encouraged to see in the revolutionary changes taking place in every sphere of life the interaction of two fundamental processes. One is destructive in nature, while the other is integrative; both serve to carry humanity, each in its own way, along the path leading towards its full maturity. The operation of the former is everywhere apparent – in the vicissitudes that have afflicted time-honoured institutions, in the impotence of leaders at all levels to mend the fractures appearing in the structure of society, in the dismantling of social norms that have long held in check unseemly passions, and in the despondency and indifference exhibited not only by individuals but also by entire societies that have lost any vital sense of purpose.

Universal House of Justice, Message dates March 2, 2013 To the Baha’is of Iran, Baha’i World Centre

The Process of Integration

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The Supreme Body goes on to shed light on the process of integration, which as Baha’is, we have a major role in carrying out:

Though devastating in their effects, the forces of disintegration tend to sweep away barriers that block humanity’s progress, opening space for the process of integration to draw diverse groups together and disclosing new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration. Baha’is, of course, strive to align themselves, individually and collectively, with forces associated with the process of integration, which, they are confident, will continue to gain in strength, no matter how bleak the immediate horizons. Human affairs will be utterly reorganized, and an era of universal peace inaugurated.

Universal House of Justice, Message dates March 2, 2013 To the Baha’is of Iran, Baha’i World Centre

Although the news coming out of Europe is tragic beyond compare, we can already see how it has resulted in such aforementioned “new opportunities for cooperation”. Individuals the world over are banding together, each with a common desire to make a difference. Many have donated to various charities and global organisations such as Save the Children, Oxfam and UNICEF. Others have taken it upon themselves to volunteer in war-torn or developing countries, while some are pledging to work within their own communities to contribute towards change at a local level. Even the media is playing a significant role in changing perceptions, elevating discourse and influencing government policies, with countries now opening their doors to welcome refugees as a result. In any case, it is evident that people are yearning to contribute towards a better world.

What is Our Role?

So as Baha’is, what can we do, and what should we do, to align ourselves individually and collectively with the forces of integration? How exactly do we “stem the tide” and ensure such tragedies don’t happen again? Our job is to work towards world peace, but to think of it on such a large scale is much too overwhelming. Referring to the Guardian, the International Teaching Centre states:

He is constantly pointing out to the Baha’is that their direct Baha’i work – teaching, perfecting the administration, propagating the Cause of God is their job and of immediate importance because, it is, so to speak, spiritually organic. What they are doing will release forces which will combat the terrible disintegration of society which we witness today in every field, political, economic or otherwise.

Shoghi Effendi, quoted in the International Teaching Centre, 1984 Jul 01, Concerns about Retributive Calamity

Everything we are participating in at the grassroots including devotional gatherings, study circles, Baha’i children’s classes, and junior youth programs, every act of teaching we engage in, every time we attend an institutional meeting, and whenever we collaborate with like-minded individuals, we are combatting the process of disintegration and contributing towards society’s integration as a whole.

So, the next time we feel saddened by the forces of destruction taking place in society, let us take comfort in the knowledge that we have the answers in Baha’u’llah and His Revelation. Let us keep doing what we’re doing, while praying to God for guidance, because that’s what will ultimately make a difference.


Posted by

Dellaram

Dellaram is a Baha'i, wife, and mother of three, who works as a freelance journalist and copywriter in her hometown of Ballarat, Australia. She is passionate about building community and loves the thrill that comes with op-shopping!
Dellaram

Discussion 5 Comments

“The whole earth,” Bahá’u’lláh, on the other hand, forecasting the bright future in store for a world now wrapt in darkness, emphatically asserts, “is now in a state of pregnancy. The day is approaching when it will have yielded its noblest fruits, when from it will have sprung forth the loftiest trees, the most enchanting blossoms, the most heavenly blessings.” “The time is approaching when every created thing will have cast its burden. Glorified be God Who hath vouchsafed this grace that encompasseth all things, whether seen or unseen!” “These great oppressions,” He, moreover, foreshadowing humanity’s golden age, has written, “are preparing it for the advent of the Most Great Justice.” This Most Great Justice is indeed the Justice upon which the structure of the Most Great Peace can alone, and must eventually, rest, while the Most Great Peace will, in turn, usher in that Most Great, that World Civilization which shall remain forever associated with Him Who beareth the Most Great Name.

(Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day is Come, p. 4)

Hooshang Sadeghi-Afshar

Hooshang Sadeghi-Afshar (September 9, 2015 at 2:00 AM)

Aunque estoy de acuerdo con su artículo, me resulta frustrante que los Bahais den por sentado que los procesos de integración y desintegración son naturales, frente a esta percepción viene la resignación y es poco lo que verdaderamente se hace para influenciar las estructuras de poder del mundo y acelerar los cambios tan necesarios como urgentes. Un nuevo vigor en el núcleo mismo de la enseñanza debe ser implementado, más protagónico deben ser las instituciones, ampliar su radio a otras esferas políticas y sociales exige ejercer una influencia mayor que deba ser ejemplificada por los lideres, dirigentes dentro de la estructura de gobernanza de quienes dirigen los asuntos de las comunidades.

Alonso

Alonso (September 9, 2015 at 3:23 AM)

Hi Dellaram,

You might not remember me, but I was a Junior Youth at one of the camps you attended in Adelaide, South Australia. Reading your article gave me a great sense of peace as I have been dwelling on these events that have affected the world all-over, and have been struggling to know what to do to help. I feel more empowered in my efforts of service now. It’s lovely to put a face to a name, and even lovelier that it’s you! Much love xxx

Barthee Mayalagan

Barthee Mayalagan (September 9, 2015 at 7:00 AM)

Wow Barthee! You have such a good memory!
Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad this post could help in some way.
Lots of love!

Dellaram

Dellaram (September 9, 2015 at 7:51 AM)

Dear Dellarem, Thank you for your writing. I have shared it with my grown children and really appreciate your succinct wrap up and integrating what I so admire from the Supreme Institution. I have a fond connection with Ballarat as it is my home town . My grandmother Claire Pound being the first declared believer in Ballarat in 1954. I , as a child was often asleep in the room next to where the fireside with the Featherstones , Bowes and Vi Hoencke were conducted . We are so fortunate beyond belief. Love and admiration for your posts , Heather Pym , Boroondara

Heather Pym

Heather Pym (November 11, 2015 at 1:04 AM)

Leave a Reply

YOUR EMAIL WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED
REQUIRED FIELDS ARE MARKED *

"*" indicates required fields

Receive our regular newsletter

Join activities, celebrations, study groups, spiritual empowerment and education programs for young people, and more.

Find Communities in Australia

or Internationally

The arts and media have a critical role in how we share our community experiences. We’ve got resources, projects and more to help you get involved.

Visit our Creator Hub

Baha’i beliefs address essential spiritual themes for humanity’s collective and individual advancement. Learn more about these and more.

What Baha’is Believe

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia.

We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

Baha’i Blog is a non-profit independent initiative

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha’i Faith.