Tough Questions and Answers

I look forward to this discussion, EXCELLENT TOPIC!

KUDOS

Ah....there in lays the rub. Each declaring that they are the picture of perfection, and all would be well when the other one realized that, got off their high horse and joined them. How about calling it Humanism?

Guidelines toward a new world paradigm

1. Unity of mankind
2. Gender Equality
3. Elimination of all forms of prejudice
4. World peace
5. Harmony of religion and science
6.Independent investigation of truth
7.Universal compulsory education
8.Universal auxiliary language
9.Obedience to government and non-involvement in partisan politics
10. Elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty.

The above are taken from 12 principles that are frequently listed as a quick summary of the Bahá'í teachings. They are derived from transcripts of speeches given by `Abdu'l-Bahá during his tour of Europe and North America in 1912. The original list is not authoritative and a variety of such lists circulate. The faith itself began in 1844 and started in Iran. Other faiths and governments perhaps already support such notions in theory, but I was able to hear them clearly from the Baha'i perspective. We are all human and fall short of ideals, but it is no reason to give up, We just need the persistence to work towards them.

I have eliminated the 1st 2 principles of the Baha'i 12 which are unity of God and unity of religion, because I am not here to advertise the Baha'i Faith or support religion, but feel that its principles are a good backbone in which to develop a world paradigm and the following can be done including those who wish to do so from a purely humanistic endeavor. Actually that is what they are for - to develop a new world paradigm, just as Jesus came to prepare the world for changes to be brought about by the Roman Empire, these are issues that we need to address to prepare the world for the inevitable changes that are occurring now. If you look at the UN agenda you will find that efforts are being made in these directions- however imperfect they may be.

In addition to the above, all humankind has the right to safe housing, drinking water, basic healthcare and freedom from fear of aggressors - that is taken adlib from our global UN rights (and I probablt left much out).

For any action taken by ourselves we need to try to insure that the basic principles and basic rights of humans are not or only minimally compromised.

Jamryn,
Please discuss further.

I have contended for decades that to assume there are only two possible economic systems available to the human race was inane. Certainly we are more creative than that!

Great topic!!

Certainly the list you gave is utopian, or at least idealistic in the extreme, but worth examining.

Some of the issues I'd like to address: First, world peace. Fine, but you're always going to have to have some way for us men-types at least to drain off our instinctive aggressions and competitiveness: Maybe international sports or other competitions.

"Independent investigation of truth" is just way too vague to have any real meaning. How to you establish "independent". . .and who's "truth?". . .mine, or yours?

"Universal compulsory education." Boy, as a teacher, this one scares me to death!!!
I have very grave doubts about formal education in general, and I have especially grave doubts about governmental control of education.

"Obedience to government." Never. . .not this kid: At least not blind obedience.

Herein lies the problem: To create a new paradigm, you have to find one that everyone can agree on. Good luck on that!!

Nonetheless, discussions like this are the best kind. . .gets everyone at least discussing and thinking.