Civilizational Revival and Modernity through the Lens of 'Abdu'l-Bahá: An Examination of 'The Secret of Divine Civilization' (original) (raw)

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 A potential concern is that this discourse might stagnate in a repetitive cycle, revisiting outdated debates and potentially shifting focus from exploring Abdul Baha's thoughts to appeasing Iranian intellectuals and aligning with liberal currents.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.