Science And Faith

Sources: 'abdu'l-baha In London

The gentleman then put a question which he said he considered of very

great importance in connection with a religious movement, claiming to be

universal. What position he asked, if any, did Baha'u'llah given to the

modern ideas and conceptions of Science in his teachings. The whole

structure of modern civilization is based upon the results and the

knowledge obtained through laborious and patient observation of facts

co lected by men of Science: in some cases through hundreds of years of

painstaking investigation. To make his meaning clearer, he instanced the

ethic, and the moral teachings of the Chinese philosophers, than which he

could conceive nothing higher. However, these teachings had very little

effect outside of China, for the reason he considered, that they were not

primarily based on the teachings of Science.



'Abdu'l-Baha replied that a very great importance was given to Science and

knowledge in the writings of Baha'u'llah, who wrote that, if a man

educated the children of the poor, who could not themselves afford to do

so, it was, in the sight of God, as if he had educated the Son of God.



If any religion rejected Science and knowledge, that religion was false.

Science and Religion should go forward together; indeed, they should be

like two fingers of one hand.



Baha'u'llah had also in His writings given a most important place to Art,

and the practice of skilled trades. He had stated that the practice of an

Art or Trade in the true spirit of service was identical with the worship

of God.



A gentleman connected with the work of a Settlement then asked what was

the best method of raising up and civilizing the very lowest and most

degraded and ignorant of the people and would their education come about

gradually through the enlightenment of the Spirit, or was there any

special means we could adopt to further this end?



'Abdu'l-Baha replied that the best way was to give them spiritual

teachings and enlightenment. He also remarked that the way to broaden the

outlook of the very narrow-hearted and prejudiced, and to make them listen

to a wider teaching, was by showing towards them the greatest kindness and

love. The example of our lives was of more value than words.