’Idál, 03 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.
Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development
Quotes for Reflection:
The ideologies now current in the world are extremely complex. Just as it is difficult to identify any longer a coherent system of teachings which could be called Christianity and embrace all those who call themselves Christians, so there are many kinds of Communist, often stridently at variance with one another. Even more so are there many kinds of “Capitalist” in the sense of those who advocate Capitalism as the most desirable form of economic system. “The Promise of World Peace” 1 was no place for an analysis of the virtues and shortcomings of these various theories, it could but allude to some of the most glaring deficiencies produced by extreme variants, and encourage all who advocate them to overlook their differences in a search for the real solution of the problems afflicting mankind.
One could postulate two extremes of economic theory: those who believe that the best solution is to remove all governmental control and intervention from the operation of the economic system, and those who believe that the functioning of the economic system should be closely supervised and adjusted by the State so that society is not at the mercy of the system but has it under its control. As has become abundantly clear, neither extreme is workable, and proponents of both have gradually come to adopt more moderate stances, although there tends to be an oscillation of viewpoints in response to changing conditions. It was to the proponents of one of these extremes and to the current highly unsatisfactory economic situation in the world that the House of Justice was alluding when it referred to those ideologies which have tended “to callously abandon starving millions to the operations of a market system that all too clearly is aggravating the plight of the majority of mankind, while enabling small sections to live in a condition of affluence scarcely dreamed of by our forebears.” 2 — Universal House of Justice 3
Question for Consideration
“The Promise of World Peace” encourages those who advocate deficient economic theories to overlook their differences in a search for the real solution of the problems afflicting mankind. What processes can they follow to conduct such searches?
Perplexity Pro Response 4
Advocates of differing economic theories who seek genuine solutions to humanity’s challenges can draw on the combined insights of “The Promise of World Peace” [2] and “Social Action: A Compilation” [1] to engage in processes that systematically transcend rivalry and promote unity, justice, and collective prosperity.
Foundations for a Unified Search
Recognition of Oneness and Interdependence
Both texts emphasize the principle that humanity is a single family, and the prosperity or suffering of any segment affects all. Solutions demand a movement away from narrow self-interest toward the well-being of the whole, seeing diversity as a source of richness within an organically unified world. [1]
Spiritual Principles Guiding Material Progress
Durable solutions must be built on spiritual values—justice, equity, compassion, moderation—applied within all economic and social structures. The reconciliation of material advancement with spiritual development is vital, as a purely material approach leads to injustice and division. [1]
Justice and Moderation
Justice requires both the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty and reforms that ensure all benefit from progress. Moderation is called for rather than rigid equality or unrestrained accumulation. [1]
Key Processes to Foster Collective Advancement
Consultation as a Universal Principle
Lasting change depends on candid, inclusive, and principle-based consultation. Both works highlight consultation as the “shining light which, in a dark world, leads the way and guides.” Participants must seek truth dispassionately, detach from personal positions, and address issues with humility, in pursuit of the common good rather than vindication of ideology. This consultative spirit facilitates learning, unity, and creativity. [1]
Systematic Learning and Action
Progress comes through cycles of action, reflection, study, and collective adjustment. Communities and groups must methodically test insights, evaluate outcomes, and revise efforts based on real results, integrating both spiritual and scientific knowledge into their models for advancement. [1]
Collaboration and Participation
Overcoming global challenges demands collaboration across all backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives. Solutions must be co-created with the involvement of those affected—especially the voices of the poor, women, and minorities often excluded from decision-making. [1]
Avoidance of Partisanship
Both documents call for the abandonment of divisive polemics, rigid formulas, and entrenched group identities in favor of a broader vision grounded in the oneness of humanity and the shared journey toward maturity. [1]
Transcending Ideological Limitations
Integrating Science and Religion
True solutions are found not by privileging one system (such as capitalism or socialism) but by harmonizing the insights of science with the guidance of spiritual principle, allowing both to inform economic and social policies. [1]
Organic Social Change
The needed transformation will emerge over time, gradually, through persistent and adaptive effort. There is no single rigid formula; rather, frameworks evolve as collective understanding and experience grow. [1]
Practical Steps
- Encourage open, principle-based public dialogue free of ideological rancor, focusing on root causes and underlying principles. [1]
- Build policies and social programs on consultation with diverse groups, involving affected populations directly in shaping solutions.
- Pursue reforms with justice, striving for both individual initiative and collective good, aligning economic means to spiritual aims and social well-being.
- Facilitate systematic education for all, with special attention to girls and marginalized communities, nurturing both knowledge and virtue. [1]
Conclusion
By embracing these processes—unified by the recognition of humanity’s oneness, guided by spiritual principle and scientific inquiry, and animated by consultation and collaboration—advocates can set aside ideological rivalry and move, with resolve and hope, toward solutions that address the root causes of humanity’s afflictions and foster genuine prosperity for all. [1]
Citations
[2] The Promise of World Peace – The Bahá’í Faith
- Universal House of Justice. “The Promise of World Peace.” Bahá’í Reference Library, October 1985. https://www.bahai.org/r/883867984. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “The Promise of World Peace.” Bahá’í Reference Library, October 1985. https://www.bahai.org/r/118544213. ↩
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/391847826. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “The Search for Real Solutions.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 4, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-ideologies-now-current-in-9onz_eI6R0Gsqvr5fkfndw#1. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 