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`Abdu'l-Bahá in London
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Pages 71-72
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Science and Faith
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1 |
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 Bahá'u'lláh 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
collected 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.
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2 |
`Abdu'l-Bahá replied that a very great importance
was given to Science and knowledge in the
writings of Bahá'u'lláh, 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.
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3 |
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.
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4 |
Bahá'u'lláh 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.
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5 |
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?
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6 |
`Abdu'l-Bahá 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.
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