The Revelation associated with the Faith of Jesus Christ focused attention
primarily on the redemption of the individual and the molding of his
conduct, and stressed, as its central theme, the necessity of inculcating
a high standard of morality and discipline into man, as the fundamental
unit in human society. Nowhere in the Gospels do we find any reference to
the unity of nations or the unification of mankind as a whole. When Jesus
spoke to those around Him, He addressed them primarily as individuals
rather than as component parts of one universal, indivisible entity. The
whole surface of the earth was as yet unexplored, and the organization of
all its peoples and nations as one unit could, consequently, not be
envisaged, how much less proclaimed or established. What other
interpretation can be given to these words, addressed specifically by
Baha'u'llah to the followers of the Gospel, in which the fundamental
distinction between the Mission of Jesus Christ, concerning primarily the
individual, and His own Message, directed more particularly to mankind as
a whole, has been definitely established: "Verily, He [Jesus] said: 'Come
ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.' In this day,
however, We say: 'Come ye after Me, that We may make you to become the
quickeners of mankind.'"
The Faith of Islam, the succeeding link in the chain of Divine Revelation,
introduced, as Baha'u'llah Himself testifies, the conception of the nation
as a unit and a vital stage in the organization of human society, and
embodied it in its teaching. This indeed is what is meant by this brief
yet highly significant and illuminating pronouncement of Baha'u'llah: "Of
old [Islamic Dispensation] it hath been revealed: 'Love of one's country
is an element of the Faith of God.'" This principle was established and
stressed by the Apostle of God, inasmuch as the evolution of human society
required it at that time. Nor could any stage above and beyond it have
been envisaged, as world conditions preliminary to the establishment of a
superior form of organization were as yet unobtainable. The conception of
nationality, the attainment to the state of nationhood, may, therefore, be
said to be the distinguishing characteristics of the Muhammadan
Dispensation, in the course of which the nations and races of the world,
and particularly in Europe and America, were unified and achieved
political independence.
'Abdu'l-Baha Himself elucidates this truth in one of His Tablets: "In
cycles gone by, though harmony was established, yet, owing to the absence
of means, the unity of all mankind could not have been achieved.
Continents remained widely divided, nay even among the peoples of one and
the same continent association and interchange of thought were well-nigh
impossible. Consequently intercourse, understanding and unity amongst all
the peoples and kindreds of the earth were unattainable. In this day,
however, means of communication have multiplied, and the five continents
of the earth have virtually merged into one.... In like manner all the
members of the human family, whether peoples or governments, cities or
villages, have become increasingly interdependent. For none is
self-sufficiency any longer possible, inasmuch as political ties unite all
peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade and industry, of agriculture
and education, are being strengthened every day. Hence the unity of all
mankind can in this day be achieved. Verily this is none other but one of
the wonders of this wondrous age, this glorious century. Of this past ages
have been deprived, for this century--the century of light--has been endowed
with unique and unprecedented glory, power and illumination. Hence the
miraculous unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. Eventually it will be
seen how bright its candles will burn in the assemblage of man."
"Behold," He further explains, "how its light is now dawning upon the
world's darkened horizon. The first candle is unity in the political
realm, the early glimmerings of which can now be discerned. The second
candle is unity of thought in world undertakings, the consummation of
which will erelong be witnessed. The third candle is unity in freedom
which will surely come to pass. The fourth candle is unity in religion
which is the cornerstone of the foundation itself, and which, by the power
of God, will be revealed in all its splendor. The fifth candle is the
unity of nations--a unity which, in this century, will be securely
established, causing all the peoples of the world to regard themselves as
citizens of one common fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of races,
making of all that dwell on earth peoples and kindreds of one race. The
seventh candle is unity of language, i.e., the choice of a universal
tongue in which all peoples will be instructed and converse. Each and
every one of these will inevitably come to pass, inasmuch as the power of
the Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their realization."
"One of the great events," 'Abdu'l-Baha has, in His "Some Answered
Questions," affirmed, "which is to occur in the Day of the manifestation
of that Incomparable Branch [Baha'u'llah] is the hoisting of the Standard
of God among all nations. By this is meant that all nations and kindreds
will be gathered together under the shadow of this Divine Banner, which is
no other than the Lordly Branch itself, and will become a single nation.
Religious and sectarian antagonism, the hostility of races and peoples,
and differences among nations, will be eliminated. All men will adhere to
one religion, will have one common faith, will be blended into one race,
and become a single people. All will dwell in one common fatherland, which
is the planet itself."
This is the stage which the world is now approaching, the stage of world
unity, which, as 'Abdu'l-Baha assures us, will, in this century, be
securely established. "The Tongue of Grandeur," Baha'u'llah Himself
affirms, "hath ... in the Day of His Manifestation proclaimed: 'It is not
his to boast who loveth his country, but it is his who loveth the world.'"
"Through the power," He adds, "released by these exalted words He hath
lent a fresh impulse, and set a new direction, to the birds of men's
hearts, and hath obliterated every trace of restriction and limitation
from God's Holy Book."