Behrooz Sabet - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Behrooz Sabet
This paper explores the pivotal role of Western civilization in shaping global collective securit... more This paper explores the pivotal role of Western civilization in shaping global collective security amid an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It begins by highlighting the precarious state of global peace, marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, nuclear proliferation, and the failure to seize opportunities for reform after the Cold War. The paper draws historical parallels between current challenges and the periods preceding the world wars, emphasizing the dangers of unaddressed global conflicts and the urgent need for cooperative mechanisms.
Central to the discourse is the interplay between war, peace, and civilizational dynamics. Historical examples, from the Pax Romana to the Enlightenment, illustrate how civilizations have been both drivers of conflict and architects of peace. The analysis stresses the necessity of integrating enduring values from past civilizations with innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges. Concepts such as democracy, human rights, and collective security are reexamined in light of their evolving relevance and potential for global consensus.
The paper critiques materialism as a pervasive threat to the moral and ethical fabric of Western civilization, linking it to alienation, social fragmentation, and the rise of extremist ideologies. It argues that materialism, as a dominant worldview, undermines the principles of peace and human dignity, necessitating a reevaluation of Western values to achieve a sustainable balance between material and spiritual dimensions.
Western civilization's intellectual legacy is analyzed for its contributions to modern concepts of governance, human rights, and cooperation. The paper also examines the challenges facing democracy, including polarization, economic inequality, and the commodification of politics, advocating for a balanced approach that harmonizes tradition with progress.
Ultimately, the paper calls for a transformative global framework that respects national identities while fostering collective security. It envisions Western civilization playing a central role in this transition, not as a hegemonic force but as a contributor to a unified global order. By addressing its internal challenges and embracing its capacity for self-reflection, Western civilization can evolve into a platform for global cooperation and peace, ensuring its continued relevance in an era of unprecedented change. The critical balance between material and spiritual values emerges as a central theme, offering a path toward the sustainability and renewal of civilization.
We do not currently possess an explicit philosophy within the Bahá'í Faith. This is due to the Fa... more We do not currently possess an explicit philosophy within the Bahá'í Faith. This is due to the Faith's youthful and evolving nature. Philosophy traditionally emerges in religious traditions as they transition from dynamic developmental phases to scholastic eras. This is not a denial of the Faith's rich philosophical background but an acknowledgment that the development of knowledge in a faith tradition typically follows a process of expansion and consolidation. As faith traditions move beyond periods of heroism and persecution, establishing a foundation of authority, the sense of urgency and mission is replaced by a more serene environment conducive to intellectual discourse. 1 However, this general statement should not be misconstrued as a suggestion that Baha'i's must await a golden age to formulate their philosophical thinking. On the contrary, if philosophy involves engaging in higher reflective considerations, solid reasoning, a sense of inquiry, and the ability to synthesize and integrate, then the need for philosophy is paramount in the present. Care is essential to prevent prematurely identifying any system of thinking with the potential characteristics of a comprehensive model of Bahá'í philosophy destined to fully develop in the future. The Bahai writings underscore the pivotal role of religion in catalyzing positive change in the world, emphasizing a belief in the dynamic nature of existence. According to Abdul Baha, religion is the outer expression of the divine reality and must be living, vitalized, and progressive to reflect the divine life; otherwise, it becomes stagnant and lifeless. 2 This perspective challenges 1 This concept was thoroughly expounded upon by Dr. Alimorad Davoudi, a Baha'i philosophy professor at Tehran University. Following the Islamic Revolution in Iran, he was abducted due to his beliefs and is presumed to have been later murdered. 2 Religion is the outer expression of the divine reality. Therefore, it must be living, vitalized, moving and progressive. If it be without motion and nonprogressive, it is without the divine life; it is dead. The divine institutes are continuously active and evolutionary; therefore, the revelation of them must be progressive and continuous. All things are subject to reformation. This is a century of life and renewal. Sciences and arts, industry and invention have been reformed. Law and ethics have been reconstituted, reorganized. The world of thought has been regenerated. Sciences of former ages and philosophies of the past are useless today. Present exigencies demand new methods of solution; world problems are without precedent. Old ideas and modes of thought are fast becoming obsolete. Ancient laws and
This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on ... more This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on life’s natural cycles, by offering a fresh perspective on biblical hermeneutics. It suggests that war and peace are not merely alternating forces, but rather part of a larger, evolving synthesis that leads to higher forms of peace.
This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on ... more This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on life’s natural cycles, by offering a fresh perspective on biblical hermeneutics. It suggests that war and peace are not merely alternating forces, but rather part of a larger, evolving synthesis that leads to higher forms of peace.
These days, Western culture and civilization face attacks from various sources, each with differe... more These days, Western culture and civilization face attacks from various sources, each with different and often conflicting agendas, yet united in their calls for its collapse. It has almost become fashionable and trendy to adopt an anti-Western stance. They blame the West for racism, colonialism, imperialism, and more. This is despite the reality that these unethical behaviors have been part and parcel of all civilizations throughout history. You would be hard-pressed to name a civilization that has not attacked its neighbors, exhibited savagery toward its own people and other nations, engaged in the slave trade, demonstrated imperial hubris, or exploited people for its own pomp and glory. EXISTENTIAL APPROACH TO THE VICES OF CIVILIZATIONS When evaluating civilizations ethically, we face a choice: we can either turn a blind eye to our own shortcomings and exaggerate those of others, or we can take an existential approach that acknowledges the universal nature of moral conflicts and the perpetual journey toward resolution. The former path often leads to a narrow-minded perspective, where self-righteousness blinds us to our own faults while magnifying the flaws of others. This approach fosters division and animosity, hindering any genuine progress toward ethical improvement. Conversely, adopting an existential perspective allows us to recognize that moral conflicts are inherent to the human condition and that all societies grapple with them in their own unique ways. It encourages humility, introspection, and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with others, fostering a more nuanced understanding of ethical issues and promoting collective growth and development. This existential approach does not imply a passive acceptance of past injustices or a resignation to inaction. Rather, it encourages a grounded and thoughtful engagement with history and a constructive and forward-looking attitude toward building the future. The focus is not on dwelling on past perceived or real injustices, which can lead to bitterness and paralysis, but on identifying and addressing current sources of stagnation and challenges.
Joseph Schwab's critique of the curriculum field as "moribund" underscores the challenge of formu... more Joseph Schwab's critique of the curriculum field as "moribund" underscores the challenge of formulating comprehensive theories. Currently, the absence of a cohesive long-term curriculum theory and the divergence among pragmatic theories proposed by prominent scholars exacerbate the profession's crisis, leading to internal discord and a lack of unity.
EXPLORING THE CONCEPT OF THE SOUL IN 'SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS': IMPLICATIONS AND INSIGHTS
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be le... more This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. ISBN 978 0 86356 388 1 eISBN 978 0 86356 125 2 A full cip record for this book is available from the British Library.
Principles of Education is a monumental work by Dr. Mohammad Bagher Houshyar (1904-1957), a promi... more Principles of Education is a monumental work by Dr. Mohammad Bagher Houshyar (1904-1957), a prominent scholar, educator, philosopher, and translator, initially published in 1956 by the University of Tehran Press. The newly digitized edition, published by Aasoo, meticulously preserves the essence of the original while addressing various aspects for enhanced clarity and accessibility.
Key enhancements include correcting typographical errors, meticulously redesigning diagrams to align with the original edition, and rectifying English, German, and French terms and names. Additionally, a consistent and widely accepted approach to hyphenation and word compounding has been applied throughout the text.
The new edition has a comprehensive biography of the author, and each chapter is now prefaced with a concise summary and analysis section, aiding readers in comprehending the intricate concepts presented within.
Furthermore, a lesser-known article by Dr. Houshyar on the concept of evolution is included at the end of the book.
Given the scarcity of the original version over the years, the reissue of this edition aims to facilitate widespread access and utilization of this invaluable resource. This edition will serve as an indispensable tool for students, instructors, and researchers in educational and social sciences.
Dr. Houshyar, a trailblazer in modern education in Iran, contributed significantly to the nation's educational landscape. Through this seminal work, he endeavors to acquaint Persian-speaking readers with the philosophical, psychological, and sociological underpinnings of education, furnishing them with a robust conceptual framework that harmonizes with the dynamic equilibrium of the forces of civilization.
Unifying the spiritual and the scientific is one of the primary goals of the Baha'i teachings, wh... more Unifying the spiritual and the scientific is one of the primary goals of the Baha'i teachings, which connect them all as aspects of a single, holistic process of human learning and comprehension: The mind comprehendeth the abstract by the aid of the concrete, but the soul hath limitless manifestations of its own. 2 The senses alone are incomplete, as they are subject to the mind's interpretations. Reciprocally, the senses do not provide a complete and generalized picture of reality; therefore, the mind cannot depend solely on the senses, nor can it ignore sense perception altogether. Without the senses, the mind will remain in the realm of mere speculation. The utilization of reason is a necessary tool for validating the perception of the senses, and the same is true in the reverse. This reciprocal relationship is imperative for any proper analytical process used in acquiring and refining knowledge. Additionally, Abdu'l-Baha suggested that the inadequacies associated with exclusively relying on reason are rooted in philosophers' historical oversight of alternative methods of comprehension. Rather than adopting a holistic approach that integrates various modes of understanding, philosophers have predominantly favored the use of logical proofs as their primary tool for inquiry and analysis. This emphasis on logic has hindered the exploration of broader avenues of comprehension, thereby limiting the depth and scope of philosophical discourse. As an illustrative example, Abdu'l-Baha referred to the historical debates among ancient philosophers regarding cosmology. He highlighted Plato's initial assertion of a static Earth, followed by his later proposition of a heliocentric universe. These ideas, despite their significance, were largely overlooked 1 This essay was originally published in: bahaiteachings.org 2 Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith-Selected Writings of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha, p. 337.
The notion that the future Baha'i-inspired economic system lies somewhere between capitalism and ... more The notion that the future Baha'i-inspired economic system lies somewhere between capitalism and socialism is a frequently mentioned perspective. While there may be some validity to certain aspects of this viewpoint, it is essential to recognize that Baha'i religion, capitalism, and socialism are not rigid entities but rather fluid and evolving ideas. Unlike mechanical structures, ideologies cannot be disassembled and reassembled to construct a new system, as they possess distinct historical backgrounds and conceptual parameters shaped by diverse sociocultural environments and time periods.
Pain and suffering are intrinsically woven into the fabric of changes and processes of the natura... more Pain and suffering are intrinsically woven into the fabric of changes and processes of the natural order of life. The most profound instances of anguish emerge when individuals or societies grapple with moral dilemmas, navigating the delicate balance between conflicting values and ethical considerations. In the crucible of moral decision-making, the intensity of pain can be profound, as it involves internal struggles, ethical quandaries, and the overarching quest for a principled existence. Education emerges as the ultimate equalizer in the face of such challenges. While it may not eradicate pain and suffering, education serves as a guiding light, offering valuable tools and insights on coping and adjusting amid moral complexities. Through knowledge and ethical reasoning, education equips individuals and societies with the resilience to confront moral dilemmas head-on. It acknowledges the inevitability of pain in the face of moral challenges but empowers individuals to engage and navigate such tribulations with a sense of purpose and resilience.
This is a translation, adaptation, and summarization of an article, The Concept of Spirituality b... more This is a translation, adaptation, and summarization of an article, The Concept of Spirituality by Willim Hatcher.
This article was a presentation delivered at Landegg Academy in 1997.
Ayandeh Talim va Tarbiyat az Manzare e Asar e Baha'i This papaer was initially published in Khoo... more Ayandeh Talim va Tarbiyat az Manzare e Asar e Baha'i
This papaer was initially published in Khoosh i Ha'i az Kharman i Adab va Honar, Volume 8
This paper explores the pivotal role of Western civilization in shaping global collective securit... more This paper explores the pivotal role of Western civilization in shaping global collective security amid an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It begins by highlighting the precarious state of global peace, marked by escalating geopolitical tensions, nuclear proliferation, and the failure to seize opportunities for reform after the Cold War. The paper draws historical parallels between current challenges and the periods preceding the world wars, emphasizing the dangers of unaddressed global conflicts and the urgent need for cooperative mechanisms.
Central to the discourse is the interplay between war, peace, and civilizational dynamics. Historical examples, from the Pax Romana to the Enlightenment, illustrate how civilizations have been both drivers of conflict and architects of peace. The analysis stresses the necessity of integrating enduring values from past civilizations with innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges. Concepts such as democracy, human rights, and collective security are reexamined in light of their evolving relevance and potential for global consensus.
The paper critiques materialism as a pervasive threat to the moral and ethical fabric of Western civilization, linking it to alienation, social fragmentation, and the rise of extremist ideologies. It argues that materialism, as a dominant worldview, undermines the principles of peace and human dignity, necessitating a reevaluation of Western values to achieve a sustainable balance between material and spiritual dimensions.
Western civilization's intellectual legacy is analyzed for its contributions to modern concepts of governance, human rights, and cooperation. The paper also examines the challenges facing democracy, including polarization, economic inequality, and the commodification of politics, advocating for a balanced approach that harmonizes tradition with progress.
Ultimately, the paper calls for a transformative global framework that respects national identities while fostering collective security. It envisions Western civilization playing a central role in this transition, not as a hegemonic force but as a contributor to a unified global order. By addressing its internal challenges and embracing its capacity for self-reflection, Western civilization can evolve into a platform for global cooperation and peace, ensuring its continued relevance in an era of unprecedented change. The critical balance between material and spiritual values emerges as a central theme, offering a path toward the sustainability and renewal of civilization.
We do not currently possess an explicit philosophy within the Bahá'í Faith. This is due to the Fa... more We do not currently possess an explicit philosophy within the Bahá'í Faith. This is due to the Faith's youthful and evolving nature. Philosophy traditionally emerges in religious traditions as they transition from dynamic developmental phases to scholastic eras. This is not a denial of the Faith's rich philosophical background but an acknowledgment that the development of knowledge in a faith tradition typically follows a process of expansion and consolidation. As faith traditions move beyond periods of heroism and persecution, establishing a foundation of authority, the sense of urgency and mission is replaced by a more serene environment conducive to intellectual discourse. 1 However, this general statement should not be misconstrued as a suggestion that Baha'i's must await a golden age to formulate their philosophical thinking. On the contrary, if philosophy involves engaging in higher reflective considerations, solid reasoning, a sense of inquiry, and the ability to synthesize and integrate, then the need for philosophy is paramount in the present. Care is essential to prevent prematurely identifying any system of thinking with the potential characteristics of a comprehensive model of Bahá'í philosophy destined to fully develop in the future. The Bahai writings underscore the pivotal role of religion in catalyzing positive change in the world, emphasizing a belief in the dynamic nature of existence. According to Abdul Baha, religion is the outer expression of the divine reality and must be living, vitalized, and progressive to reflect the divine life; otherwise, it becomes stagnant and lifeless. 2 This perspective challenges 1 This concept was thoroughly expounded upon by Dr. Alimorad Davoudi, a Baha'i philosophy professor at Tehran University. Following the Islamic Revolution in Iran, he was abducted due to his beliefs and is presumed to have been later murdered. 2 Religion is the outer expression of the divine reality. Therefore, it must be living, vitalized, moving and progressive. If it be without motion and nonprogressive, it is without the divine life; it is dead. The divine institutes are continuously active and evolutionary; therefore, the revelation of them must be progressive and continuous. All things are subject to reformation. This is a century of life and renewal. Sciences and arts, industry and invention have been reformed. Law and ethics have been reconstituted, reorganized. The world of thought has been regenerated. Sciences of former ages and philosophies of the past are useless today. Present exigencies demand new methods of solution; world problems are without precedent. Old ideas and modes of thought are fast becoming obsolete. Ancient laws and
This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on ... more This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on life’s natural cycles, by offering a fresh perspective on biblical hermeneutics. It suggests that war and peace are not merely alternating forces, but rather part of a larger, evolving synthesis that leads to higher forms of peace.
This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on ... more This interpretation challenges conventional readings of Ecclesiastes 3, which typically focus on life’s natural cycles, by offering a fresh perspective on biblical hermeneutics. It suggests that war and peace are not merely alternating forces, but rather part of a larger, evolving synthesis that leads to higher forms of peace.
These days, Western culture and civilization face attacks from various sources, each with differe... more These days, Western culture and civilization face attacks from various sources, each with different and often conflicting agendas, yet united in their calls for its collapse. It has almost become fashionable and trendy to adopt an anti-Western stance. They blame the West for racism, colonialism, imperialism, and more. This is despite the reality that these unethical behaviors have been part and parcel of all civilizations throughout history. You would be hard-pressed to name a civilization that has not attacked its neighbors, exhibited savagery toward its own people and other nations, engaged in the slave trade, demonstrated imperial hubris, or exploited people for its own pomp and glory. EXISTENTIAL APPROACH TO THE VICES OF CIVILIZATIONS When evaluating civilizations ethically, we face a choice: we can either turn a blind eye to our own shortcomings and exaggerate those of others, or we can take an existential approach that acknowledges the universal nature of moral conflicts and the perpetual journey toward resolution. The former path often leads to a narrow-minded perspective, where self-righteousness blinds us to our own faults while magnifying the flaws of others. This approach fosters division and animosity, hindering any genuine progress toward ethical improvement. Conversely, adopting an existential perspective allows us to recognize that moral conflicts are inherent to the human condition and that all societies grapple with them in their own unique ways. It encourages humility, introspection, and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with others, fostering a more nuanced understanding of ethical issues and promoting collective growth and development. This existential approach does not imply a passive acceptance of past injustices or a resignation to inaction. Rather, it encourages a grounded and thoughtful engagement with history and a constructive and forward-looking attitude toward building the future. The focus is not on dwelling on past perceived or real injustices, which can lead to bitterness and paralysis, but on identifying and addressing current sources of stagnation and challenges.
Joseph Schwab's critique of the curriculum field as "moribund" underscores the challenge of formu... more Joseph Schwab's critique of the curriculum field as "moribund" underscores the challenge of formulating comprehensive theories. Currently, the absence of a cohesive long-term curriculum theory and the divergence among pragmatic theories proposed by prominent scholars exacerbate the profession's crisis, leading to internal discord and a lack of unity.
EXPLORING THE CONCEPT OF THE SOUL IN 'SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS': IMPLICATIONS AND INSIGHTS
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be le... more This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. ISBN 978 0 86356 388 1 eISBN 978 0 86356 125 2 A full cip record for this book is available from the British Library.
Principles of Education is a monumental work by Dr. Mohammad Bagher Houshyar (1904-1957), a promi... more Principles of Education is a monumental work by Dr. Mohammad Bagher Houshyar (1904-1957), a prominent scholar, educator, philosopher, and translator, initially published in 1956 by the University of Tehran Press. The newly digitized edition, published by Aasoo, meticulously preserves the essence of the original while addressing various aspects for enhanced clarity and accessibility.
Key enhancements include correcting typographical errors, meticulously redesigning diagrams to align with the original edition, and rectifying English, German, and French terms and names. Additionally, a consistent and widely accepted approach to hyphenation and word compounding has been applied throughout the text.
The new edition has a comprehensive biography of the author, and each chapter is now prefaced with a concise summary and analysis section, aiding readers in comprehending the intricate concepts presented within.
Furthermore, a lesser-known article by Dr. Houshyar on the concept of evolution is included at the end of the book.
Given the scarcity of the original version over the years, the reissue of this edition aims to facilitate widespread access and utilization of this invaluable resource. This edition will serve as an indispensable tool for students, instructors, and researchers in educational and social sciences.
Dr. Houshyar, a trailblazer in modern education in Iran, contributed significantly to the nation's educational landscape. Through this seminal work, he endeavors to acquaint Persian-speaking readers with the philosophical, psychological, and sociological underpinnings of education, furnishing them with a robust conceptual framework that harmonizes with the dynamic equilibrium of the forces of civilization.
Unifying the spiritual and the scientific is one of the primary goals of the Baha'i teachings, wh... more Unifying the spiritual and the scientific is one of the primary goals of the Baha'i teachings, which connect them all as aspects of a single, holistic process of human learning and comprehension: The mind comprehendeth the abstract by the aid of the concrete, but the soul hath limitless manifestations of its own. 2 The senses alone are incomplete, as they are subject to the mind's interpretations. Reciprocally, the senses do not provide a complete and generalized picture of reality; therefore, the mind cannot depend solely on the senses, nor can it ignore sense perception altogether. Without the senses, the mind will remain in the realm of mere speculation. The utilization of reason is a necessary tool for validating the perception of the senses, and the same is true in the reverse. This reciprocal relationship is imperative for any proper analytical process used in acquiring and refining knowledge. Additionally, Abdu'l-Baha suggested that the inadequacies associated with exclusively relying on reason are rooted in philosophers' historical oversight of alternative methods of comprehension. Rather than adopting a holistic approach that integrates various modes of understanding, philosophers have predominantly favored the use of logical proofs as their primary tool for inquiry and analysis. This emphasis on logic has hindered the exploration of broader avenues of comprehension, thereby limiting the depth and scope of philosophical discourse. As an illustrative example, Abdu'l-Baha referred to the historical debates among ancient philosophers regarding cosmology. He highlighted Plato's initial assertion of a static Earth, followed by his later proposition of a heliocentric universe. These ideas, despite their significance, were largely overlooked 1 This essay was originally published in: bahaiteachings.org 2 Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith-Selected Writings of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha, p. 337.
The notion that the future Baha'i-inspired economic system lies somewhere between capitalism and ... more The notion that the future Baha'i-inspired economic system lies somewhere between capitalism and socialism is a frequently mentioned perspective. While there may be some validity to certain aspects of this viewpoint, it is essential to recognize that Baha'i religion, capitalism, and socialism are not rigid entities but rather fluid and evolving ideas. Unlike mechanical structures, ideologies cannot be disassembled and reassembled to construct a new system, as they possess distinct historical backgrounds and conceptual parameters shaped by diverse sociocultural environments and time periods.
Pain and suffering are intrinsically woven into the fabric of changes and processes of the natura... more Pain and suffering are intrinsically woven into the fabric of changes and processes of the natural order of life. The most profound instances of anguish emerge when individuals or societies grapple with moral dilemmas, navigating the delicate balance between conflicting values and ethical considerations. In the crucible of moral decision-making, the intensity of pain can be profound, as it involves internal struggles, ethical quandaries, and the overarching quest for a principled existence. Education emerges as the ultimate equalizer in the face of such challenges. While it may not eradicate pain and suffering, education serves as a guiding light, offering valuable tools and insights on coping and adjusting amid moral complexities. Through knowledge and ethical reasoning, education equips individuals and societies with the resilience to confront moral dilemmas head-on. It acknowledges the inevitability of pain in the face of moral challenges but empowers individuals to engage and navigate such tribulations with a sense of purpose and resilience.
This is a translation, adaptation, and summarization of an article, The Concept of Spirituality b... more This is a translation, adaptation, and summarization of an article, The Concept of Spirituality by Willim Hatcher.
This article was a presentation delivered at Landegg Academy in 1997.
Ayandeh Talim va Tarbiyat az Manzare e Asar e Baha'i This papaer was initially published in Khoo... more Ayandeh Talim va Tarbiyat az Manzare e Asar e Baha'i
This papaer was initially published in Khoosh i Ha'i az Kharman i Adab va Honar, Volume 8
The discourse initiated by Bahá'í scholars effectively addresses a crucial gap in Bahá'í literatu... more The discourse initiated by Bahá'í scholars effectively addresses a crucial gap in Bahá'í literature by exploring Abdul Baha's perspective in "The Secret of Divine Civilization." This discourse emphasizes his forward-looking stance aligned with modernity, the European intellectual tradition, and Enlightenment ideals, marking a significant shift in Baha'i scholarship from traditional hermeneutics to modern interpretations.
A potential concern is that this discourse might stagnate in a repetitive cycle, revisiting outdated debates and potentially shifting focus from exploring Abdul Baha's thoughts to appeasing Iranian intellectuals and aligning with liberal currents. This echoes a pattern seen in Marxist writings that praised the Babi religion but reduced it to a mere social movement, devoid of spirituality.
While recognizing modern social reform ideas in Abdul Baha's worldview is valid, there's a risk of fixating solely on these secondary outcomes. Neglecting his approach to the root cause of social renewal, particularly within the context of progressive revelation, may result in missing the broader perspective of his teachings.
This article aims to explore Abdul Baha's utilization of the concept of progressive revelation as a dynamic force for social and cultural renewal.