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One Baha'is View of America

© Lloyd Madansky

The United States of America has a prominent position in relation to the development of the Baha'i Faith. Shoghi Effendi wrote in 1951, "... that administrative experience and practice is not the strong point in the East; on the contrary, the Bahá'í Administration has, as far as being grasped by the average Bahá'í goes, made far greater progress in the West, particularly America. "What can be learned from our Oriental brethren is reverence, self-sacrifice, unquestioning obedience and complete devotion to the Cause. These are wonderful traits, and ones which the West must emulate. In exchange we can offer them our sense of principle and efficiency and capacity for action."

This is to say that the Baha'I Administrative Order has developed and matured in the West, in general, and in the United States in particular. While this does not mean that the Administrative Order has been perfected, the U. S. Baha'i Community has become a model for its future growth. What can also be read into the above is the inference that, while we seem to grasp the administrative principles, we are not so advanced in the spiritual ones. I do believe that, in time, this will change.

One of the bounties this country has to offer is expressed by Abdu'l-Baha in the following quote:

"As I stand here tonight and look upon this assembly, I am reminded curiously of a beautiful bouquet of violets gathered together in varying colors, dark and light. This is an evidence and indication that the United States of America is a just and free government, for I see black and white seated together in perfect harmony and agreement. Hearts are united. This just government makes such a meeting possible. You should thank God continually that you enjoy the security and protection of a government which furthers your development and rules with impartial equity and equality toward all, even as a father; for in the human world there is no greater blessing."

Abdu'l Baha' made this observation in 1912 while visiting the U.S.A. This is a very different government from the ones He had to deal with in Persia and exile in Palestine. All too often this freedom of assembly is overlooked, it is so basic to our way of life.

Does America have its problems? Yes. Is there room for improvement? Yes, again. Even with this I am moved to re-read the following prayer Abdu'l-Baha wrote with America in mind.

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