Tag: bahaullah

“Zero-sum” describes a situation or game in which whatever is gained by one side is lost by the other: winner takes all. Our culture thrives on it. Take sports. Rooted in zero-sum attitudes, sports epitomize much else in our culture: politics, our judicial system, business and, of course, war.

The invisible hand operates unencumbered. Earth warms, fueled by greed. The hand ignores environmental and human costs. Earth is not a shareholder.

Although we established the first modern democracy, we’re not at the top. Some nations are improving the model. Certain characteristics, such as low voter participation or polarization, contribute to our current lower ranking. The recent upheavals we’re enduring are growing pains. Efforts are being made to repair our faults, yet opposing efforts undermine our democracy.

As I grew, I started attending church, where I was confirmed at age 15. By 17, I found myself questioning my beliefs. During the congregational affirmation, I stopped abruptly after saying, “I believe…” I didn’t believe, and I was honest enough to admit it. Thus began my 12 years of agnosticism.

Last week, Bahá’ís of the world were informed that a website, “Archive of Bahá’í Persecution in Iran,” is now available. It provides “a resource of unparalleled significance” for anyone seeking irrefutable evidence of Baha’i persecutions.

Many years ago as a consultant, I joked with colleagues about our tongue-in-cheek disclaimer for final reports: “We have not succeeded in solving your problem. We are still confused, but we are confused at a much higher level.” Generative artificial intelligence (chatbots) has the ability to confuse us all at much higher levels!

As religions go, the Baha’i Faith is a youngster. It began in May 1844, when a young merchant in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), announced he fulfilled Muslim prophecies associated with the end times. Known today as the Bab, he prophesied the imminent advent of one greater than himself.