$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Essence of World Religions
Environment Program (UNEP). Local Baha'i communities are encouraged to support UN's various humanitarian projects. The Baha'i International Community participates in meetings of UN agencies concerned with human rights, social development, the status of women, the environment, human settlement, food, science and technology, population, the law of the sea, crime prevention, substance abuse, disarmament, and the United Nations University.
Beliefs
The Baha'i Faith stresses unity. The central principles are the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Religion, and the Oneness of Mankind. God sent the prophets and key figures of all the world religions to further the continuing advancement of civilization. This means that all the world's great religions are successive stages in God's revelation. Baha'i faith provides the divine guidance necessary for this Age.
Believe in the equality of men and women. All humans have a common origin and hence all people deserve to be treated equally. Baha'i's purpose is to foster love, unity, and peace.
The sacred writings of all world religions teach the same spiritual truth. Hence it encourages inter religious dialogue and marriage across racial, ethnic, or religious lines. Thus its membership represents every culture and ethnic group promoting unity while preserving cultural diversity.
Baha'i principles include the essential harmony of science and religion and independent investigation of truth.
Baha'i believe the number nine has special significance. It is the highest single digit, which symbolizes completeness. Baha'is have faith in the covenant made by Bahäulläh that a Promised One will appear after one thousand years.
Symbol
Three horizontal lines represent God, His Messengers, and humanity. The vertical line represents the Message linking all three.
Two stars represent God's Twin Messengers; the Bäb and Bahäulläh.
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