A great source of inspiration and guidance for understanding the true meaning of Baha’u’llah’s teachings are the talks given by his son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ when he came to America and traveled throughout the country.  In the presentation below, ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ addresses an American church congregation in Washington, DC.  The year was 1912, but nothing ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ says in any of his talks is for that period of history only- their insights are equally important for understanding our time in history as we still deal with the same challenges.  In this single paragraph, ‘Abdu’l-Baha’ makes a profound connection between the secular liberalism that has informed the American democracy, and the spiritual truth that all humanity receive the bounties of God. “Liberalism” therefore is a divine truth- a spiritual truth- and this forms the ultimate and true basis of liberalism in the modern day.

Praise be to God! The standard of liberty is held aloft in this land. You enjoy political liberty; you enjoy liberty of thought and speech, religious liberty, racial and personal liberty. Surely this is worthy of appreciation and thanksgiving. In this connection let me mention the freedom, hospitality and universal welcome extended to me during my recent travels throughout America. I wish also to reciprocate fully and completely the warm greeting and friendly attitude of the reverend doctor, pastor of this church, whose loving and quickened susceptibilities especially command acknowledgment. Surely men who are leaders of thought must conform to the example of his kindliness and goodwill. Liberalism is essential in this day—justness and equity toward all nations and people. Human attitudes must not be limited; for God is unlimited, and whosoever is the servant of the threshold of God must, likewise, be free from limitations. The world of existence is an emanation of the merciful attribute of God. God has shone forth upon the phenomena of being through His effulgence of mercy, and He is clement and kind to all His creation. Therefore, the world of humanity must ever be the recipient of bounties from His majesty, the eternal Lord, even as Christ has declared, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” For His bounties, like the light and heat of the sun in the material heavens, descend alike upon all mankind. Consequently, man must learn the lesson of kindness and beneficence from God Himself. Just as God is kind to all humanity, man also must be kind to his fellow creatures. If his attitude is just and loving toward his fellowmen, toward all creation, then indeed is he worthy of being pronounced the image and likeness of God.

The entire talk may be found here, click to talk 118.  Enjoy!