Let’s first look at the Baha’i faith, which was founded by Baha’u’llah (1817-1892), and grew out of Persia, spreading to surrounding countries in the Ottoman and Russian Empires as well as northern India.
Baha’i Gardens in Haifa, Israel. Source: theaussienomad.com
A core belief of the Baha’i is the oneness of humanity and the need for a global society. Baha’is believe that all the citizens of the world have to take responsibility as stewards of the earth and protect the “heritage of future generations”.
“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
– Words of Baha’u’llah
Baha’is also believe that the world today is threatened by a myriad of problems created by man. Thus there is a need to restructure the prevailing educational, social, agricultural, political, industrial and economic systems in order to create a more sustainable and fair world. At the same time, Baha’is stress the importance of developing science and technology to help humanity live harmoniously with nature and to preserve biodiversity and natural order.
“Diversity is the essence of perfection and the cause of appearance of the bestowals of the Most Glorious Lord…”
– Selections from the Writings of Abdul Baha
Nature is described in Baha’i scriptures as a product of God’s will as well as reflecting God’s qualities and attributes. Thus nature needs to be protected and cherished.
“Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise.”
– Tablets of Baha’u’llah
In the end, in order for humans to succeed in establishing a more just world which is harmonious with nature, they have to understand that there is an interconnectedness and interdependence of humans with other humans, and with the natural world.