On Friday 25^th May, five of us got together for half-an-hour of prayers and readings around the theme of Human Rights. There was much food for thought and interesting discussion followed.

After an initial glance at the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (1948), we explored the root causes of oppression and the need for hearts to change for humanity to live at one.

We examined the dangers of complete freedom and the need for rules and guidance. There was a feeling that in to-day’s society there is an excess of, and abuse of, freedom.  Some freedoms actually imprison people in dreadful situations and others steal the rights of others. For example, the freedom of the media, although potentially a vehicle for good, has led to many character assassinations and destroyed lives.

We have witnessed many people, a large percentage being young, who are trapped in appalling life situations as a direct result of their freedom to experiment with drugs, drink and promiscuity. They are victims in their own prisons and are definitely not free anymore.

Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’i Faith, states that absolute freedom is submission to the Will of God and that God sent His Manifestations to bring spiritual laws to guide our personal and collective behaviour,  Bahá’u’lláh’s laws for to-day would, if followed, save mankind sliding into these freedom-made traps. He wrote:

“That which beseemeth man is submission unto such restraints as will protect him from his own ignorance, and guard him against the harm of the mischief-maker. Liberty causeth man to overstep the bounds of propriety, and to infringe on the dignity of his station.”

And

“True liberty consisteth in man’s submission unto My commandments, little as ye know it. Were men to observe that which We have sent down unto them from the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty.”

                               (“Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah” CL1X p336)

As usual, the morning was a happy occasion and finished with refreshments.

 The next Prayers and Elevenses

     xxx Friday 29^th June cancelled xxx

Next one Friday 27^th July 10.30.  Theme: “Education”