’Idál, 01 Núr (Light), 182 B.E.
Social Action: The Nature of Bahá’í Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
And among the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh is that religion must be in conformity with science and reason, so that it may influence the hearts of men. The foundation must be solid and must not consist of imitations. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1 2
Question for Consideration
How can one determine when religion conforms with science and reason?
Perplexity Pro Response 3
Bahá’u’lláh’s teaching, as explained by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that “religion must be in conformity with science and reason, so that it may influence the hearts of men,” raises the question: how can one practically determine when religion meets this standard? The Bahá’í Writings provide a framework for this discernment, emphasizing the complementary roles of science and religion, the use of reason, and the avoidance of superstition and imitation.
Principles for Determining Conformity
Use of Reason and Independent Investigation
- The Bahá’í teachings stress that God has endowed humanity with intelligence and reason to determine the verity of questions and propositions. If a religious belief is found contrary to the standards of science, it is considered superstition or imagination, not true religion [1].
- “If a question be found contrary to reason, faith and belief in it are impossible, and there is no outcome but wavering and vacillation” [1].
Agreement with Established Scientific Knowledge
- True religion must not contradict established scientific facts. The Bahá’í Writings state: “Unquestionably there must be agreement between true religion and science” [1].
- Religion should promote knowledge, support learning, and encourage the investigation of truth. If religious teachings are opposed to knowledge, they are viewed as ignorance [1].
Progressive Interaction and Ongoing Dialogue
- The relationship between religion and science is not static. The Bahá’í Writings describe a “progressive interaction between the truths and principles of religion and the discoveries and insights of scientific inquiry” [1].
- This process requires living with ambiguities and being open to new understandings as science advances and as religious interpretation matures [1].
Avoidance of Imitation and Superstition
- Religious beliefs should not be accepted blindly or merely because of tradition. The foundation of religion must be solid and based on reality, not on imitation [1].
- “Religion without science soon degenerates into superstition and fanaticism, while science without religion becomes the tool of crude materialism” [1].
Consultation and Collective Investigation
- The Bahá’í approach encourages consultation and the collective investigation of reality, both in the scientific and religious spheres, to distinguish truth from falsehood and to eliminate prejudices and superstitious beliefs [1].
- The principle of consultation is central to Bahá’í decision-making and the search for truth, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered [1].
Practical Steps
- Test religious claims against reason: If a teaching cannot be reconciled with rational thought or logical analysis, it should be questioned.
- Examine alignment with scientific consensus: Religious beliefs should not contradict well-established scientific knowledge. Where there is apparent conflict, further investigation is warranted, and metaphorical or symbolic interpretations may be considered.
- Promote education and knowledge: True religion encourages the acquisition of knowledge and the advancement of sciences, arts, and useful skills [1].
- Be open to reinterpretation: As new scientific discoveries are made, religious understanding may need to be re-examined and, where appropriate, reinterpreted in light of new knowledge [1].
- Foster unity and social good: Teachings that promote the well-being, unity, and progress of humanity are seen as being in harmony with both science and reason [1].
Summary Table: Criteria for Conformity
| Criterion | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use of Reason | Beliefs must withstand rational scrutiny |
| Alignment with Science | No contradiction with established scientific facts |
| Progressive Interaction | Ongoing dialogue as both fields develop |
| Avoidance of Imitation/Superstition | Reject beliefs based solely on tradition or superstition |
| Consultation and Investigation | Collective, open inquiry into truth |
| Promotion of Knowledge | Encourages education and scientific advancement |
| Social Good and Unity | Leads to the well-being and unity of humanity |
Conclusion
In the Bahá’í view, religion conforms with science and reason when it is rational, open to investigation, aligned with established scientific knowledge, and avoids superstition and blind imitation. This dynamic process requires humility, ongoing consultation, and a commitment to both spiritual and material progress, ensuring that religion remains a force for the advancement of civilization and the unity of humankind [1].
Citations:
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can I identify when my beliefs are based on reason and evidence?
- What signs show that my understanding of religion aligns with scientific knowledge?
- How do I evaluate if my spiritual practices are supported by rational thought?
- In what ways can I test if my faith is consistent with new scientific discoveries?
- What questions should I ask to ensure my religious views are not just imitations?
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/845489381. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 299. https://www.bahai.org/r/445349289. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Determining When Religion Conforms with Science and Reason.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. June 3, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/and-among-the-teachings-of-bah-bU5m0NsEQ3iCh48q2t7K6g. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 