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BOOK 2
INTRODUCING BAHA'I BELIEFS SECTION
10:
Justice
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Justice is another matter of great interest to most people, and the
following passage
will help you share some of the Teachings on this all-important
subject with those you meet:
Difference of capacity in individuals is fundamental to human
existence. It is not
possible for all to be alike, for all to be equal. Yet human affairs,
in their entirety,
should be governed by the principle of justice.
Justice is not limited; it is a universal quality. It must operate at
all levels of society.
Justice must be sacred, and the rights of all people must be guarded.
The laws of
society must be formulated and enforced in such a way that it is not
possible for a
few to amass wealth and for others to be destitute. Among the
Teachings of
Baha'u'llah is the elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty.
Each member of society should enjoy the benefits of civilization,
because every
individual is a member of the body of humanity. If one member of this
body is in
anguish or distress, all the other members must necessarily suffer.
How can one
member be afflicted and the others be at ease? Yet today because of
the lack of
harmonious relations, some members of society are satisfied, living in
the utmost
comfort and luxury, while others are in want of food and shelter.
Today's society
lacks the necessary reciprocity and symmetry; it is not well arranged.
Laws and
principles are needed that will ensure the well-being and happiness of
all the members of the human family.
Justice is established on the pillars of reward and punishment. People
are motivated
to be just by the hope for reward and the fear of punishment. These
two sentiments
are necessary if oppression is to be prevented. The legislators and
administrators of
the laws must be aware of the spiritual consequences of their
decisions. When an
official knows that he will be held responsible for his actions beyond
this earthly
life, he will be inspired to act with justice. The ruler who knows his
judgments will
be weighed in the balance of Divine Justice will surely avoid
oppression.
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After
reading through this passage and studying it in your group, mark the
topics of conversation which would lend themselves to the introduction
of the ideas it contains. Discuss in your group how you would work the
ideas into the conversation.
____ Human rights
____ Oppression
____ The elimination of poverty
____ Unemployment
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What would you
answer if someone who heard you speak on this subject asked you the
following question: "How can the elimination of extremes of wealth and
poverty be achieved?"
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It is
suggested that you memorize the following quotations:
"The light of men is Justice. Quench it
not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of
justice is the appearance of unity among men."
"No radiance can compare with that of justice. The organization of the
world and the tranquility of mankind depend upon it."
"That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two
pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of
life to the world." |
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