Dear friends,
I developed this study guide in order to assist in identifying the main points addressed in "The Prosperity of Humankind". Although it was developed with the idea of small groups working together to answer the questions, it is also suitable for individual study. Questions requiring subjective answers, (e.g. "What do you think...?; In your opinion...?) are kept to a minimum because my intent was to assist first in hearing clearly what the Statement said, trusting that the message itself would stimulate many other questions when one ponders the implications of the issues raised and the viewpoints expounded.
Warmest regards,
John McLaughlin
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
CANADA
The introductory paragraphs of the Statement describe the current promising developments in the world, especially pertaining to the pursuit of peaceful resolution of conflicts. It speaks of the increasing signs of yearning for peace and an end to suffering. It states that "a vision of human prosperity in the fullest sense of the term", rather than "appeals for action against the countless ills afflicting society", is necessary to summon up the will to overcome the barriers that block the realization of global peace.
Having attained physical unification of the planet and awareness of our interdependence, the "history of humanity as one people is now beginning". Our challenge is to draw on our "collective inheritance" and to consciously accept and carry out systematically, responsibility for the design of the future.
The Statement goes on to assert that formulation of the vision of the next stage in the advancement of civilization requires "searching re-examination of the attitudes and assumptions that currently underlie approaches to social and economic development". Beyond issues at the obvious level we will be challenged to deal with more fundamental issues, including seeking a "broad consensus of understanding about human nature itself".
What is the aim of the Statement?
What approach to the subject is taken?
What assumptions are currently directing most development planning?
How is the purpose of development currently defined?
Social and economic development based on a "materialistic conception of life" has proven unable to meet humanity's needs. What fundamental error underlies this approach and what alternative is prescribed?
Who are the protagonists in the development process?
What is likely the "most important social phenomenon of our time"?
Each section, (e.g. Part I) of the Statement addresses a particular theme. As well as answering questions on the sections, identify its theme.
The theme is ...
How important is the theme of this section to the future development of humanity?
What established modes of interaction and thinking, individual and social, are fundamentally challenged by this concept?
What model did Bahá'u'lláh use to convey this concept?
Which of the fundamental principles of existence illustrated by this model is the most significant?
Explain "unity in diversity" and give your understanding of how it is different from uniformity and homogeneity.
Some people become concerned when we speak about global unity because they are afraid that attainment of unity will be at the cost of individuality. How is this issue addressed in the Statement? Give examples that support this viewpoint.
Daily, we see new and sincere efforts by governments, groups and individuals to solve social problems, to build a new world order.
The Statement unequivocally identifies the prerequisites for the establishment of a global civilization. They are...
The theme is ...
The Statement says that "Justice is the one power that can translate the dawning consciousness of humanity's oneness into a collective will through which the necessary structures of global community life can be confidently erected." Why do you think this is so?
Both individuals and institutions must observe Justice. What does justice on the part of individuals "look like" in action, according to the Statement?
What are the products of Justice applied at the group level?
What are the implications of Justice for social and economic development?
The Statement says that concern for human rights can find legitimate and creative expression only in a "consultative framework made possible by the consciousness of the organic unity of humankind".
Which human rights do the Statement say must be guaranteed by the community?
The theme is ...
Which human relationships and activities are identified as needing redefinition?
What process is central to the task of redefining these relationships?
Protest, debate, propaganda, the adversarial method, and partisanship are harmful to the purpose of consultation. What is the purpose of consultation and how, in your opinion, do protest, etc. harm the consultative process?
The Statement includes a presentation of the essential elements of Bahá'í consultation in the paragraph beginning "What Bahá'u'lláh is calling for is..." No question - this is worth extra attention because it is an excellent description of the what is meant by "Bahá'í consultation".
What is the relationship between consultation and justice in human affairs?
The theme is ...
The Statement says that the task of developing a global society will require an unprecedented increase in human capacity which, in turn, requires greater access to knowledge and universal education. Reorganization of human affairs that will alow this increased capacity to be applied to the shaping of human affairs is necessary.
What changes in the way scientific and technical activity is organized are prescribed?
The Statement speaks of the spiritual dimension of human nature and refers to it as "a perception of reality" that is responsible for "enduring achievements in law, the fine arts, and the civilizing of human intercourse". Also, "its promptings are a daily influence in the lives of most people on earth". How would you explain the spiritual dimension of human nature to someone who either has no idea about what it is or who has a prejudice against what they believe is an unscientific idea?
The Statement refers to a "new orthodoxy, one which argues that truth is amoral and facts are independent of values", which is currently shaping humanity's future. What do you think that the ideas "that truth is amoral and facts are independent of values" means?
The "spiritual impulses set in motion by such transcendent figures as Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, and Muhammad have been the chief influence in the civilizing of human character". The civilizing accomplishments attributable to religion include...
Empowerment of humankind requires "an ongoing and intensifying dialogue between science and religion". What three major contributions must science make to the empowerment of humankind?
What three complementary contributions must religion make?
The theme is ...
The need for a rigorous dialogue between science and religion is reiterated in this section. The Statement also redefines the purpose of wealth and of development. These redefined purposes are...
Why has relief from poverty not been achieved?
What must be done in order to lift the burden of poverty from the world?
What is the challenge to religion in this effort?
The Statement says that "the world is in urgent need of a new `work ethic'" which goes beyond the satisfaction of material needs. What "work ethic" is identified as essential to the task of development?
Recognition of nature's limited capacity to fulfil all human demands and the inadequacy of traditional material goals of expansion and acquisition to guide policy has led to desperate attempts to find direction through the deification of nature. What kind of understanding is required for us to relate to nature as we should?
Which human qualities are identified as ones which will be important and in harmony with this new understanding?
The Statement asserts that "A commitment to the establishment of full equality between men and women, in all departments of life and at every level of society" is essential. How will the full equality of men and women contribute to global development?
The theme is ...
How has power been interpreted throughout history and what has been the main effect of holding power?
What has been the result of this form of power and how adequate is it in meeting the needs of today and the future?
What other forms of power can be mobilized?
What principles can guide the exercise of authority in a way that is in harmony with the interests of a maturing human race?
What practices characterize the political theatre and what alternative is suggested?
The theme is ...
Part VII lists in detail all those who are responsible for reshaping
"fundamentally all the institutions of society". "The
protagonists to whom the challenge addresses itself are all of the
inhabitants of the planet..." It identifies the required elements of
such a transformation, points out that this transformation can occur only
if "the course of social evolution has arrived at one of those decisive
turning points through which all of the phenomena of existence are
impelled suddenly forward into new stages of their development, can such a
possibility be conceived." It warns the leaders of the world that the
greatest error would be allow the current crisis "to cast doubt on the
ultimate outcome of the process that is occurring. A world is passing
away and a new one is struggling to be born."
Noble Creation
The Web site
URL:
WWW.bcca.org/services/lists/noble-creation
Revised 21 December
1995