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Science and religion: inquiry with the whole mind

harmony of science and religion

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Editorial introduction

‘Abdu’l-Bahá once told an audience to weigh his own words against science and reason and to reject them if they failed the test. Few teachers have handed their listeners so sharp a knife, and the gesture says what harmony of science and religion means in his hands: not a truce between two authorities but a single reality seen from two sides, like a bird that needs both wings or two circles drawn about one centre. Religion without reason sinks into superstition; science without the heart hardens into a materialism that has learned to kill efficiently. The demand cuts both ways, and it leaves work to do. Inherited dogma must be sifted from the spiritual law it has overgrown, and a scientific fact distinguished from the theory of the hour, while the long building of a civilization in which learning and conscience grow together requires patience with unresolved questions. Emerson, insisting that thought is devout and devotion is thought, keeps that aspiration company from another tradition [1]. The road continues into the independent investigation of truth, the mind’s power of discovery, and the difference between sight and insight.

Selected passages

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01

But you must weigh these words of mine against science and reason. If they accord with these, accept them; if not, reject them. For in the human world there is no greater gift than reason. Reason discovers the realities of things. Reason is the standard of understanding.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Minneapolis synagogue in Minneapolis, 1912-Sep-18 -- ABU0032)
02

Until now it has been said that all religions were composed of tenets that had to be accepted, even if they seems contrary to science. Thanks be to God, that in this new cycle the admonition of Baha'u'llah is that in the search for truth man must weigh religious questions in the balance of science and reason. God has given us rational minds for this purpose, to penetrate all things, to find truth. If one renounce reason, what remains? The sacred texts? How can we understand God's commands and to what use can we put them without the balance of reason?

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU1902)
03

Religion and science are as two concentric circles that revolve around one common point, which is reality.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3751)
04

We may think of science as one wing and religion as the other; a bird needs two wings for flight, one alone would be useless. Any religion that contradicts science or that is opposed to it, is only ignorance -- for ignorance is the opposite of knowledge.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Theosophical Society in Paris, Nov. 1911 -- ABU0091)
05

Fourthly: Religion and Science are inter-twined with each other and cannot be separated. These are the two wings with which humanity must fly. One wing is not enough. Every religion which does not concern itself with Science is mere tradition, and that is not the essential. Therefore science, education and civilization are most important necessities for the full religious life.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Theosophical Society in London, 1911-Oct-03 -- ABU0257)
06

This evening, inasmuch as those who are present in this assemblage are interested especially in truth and what constitutes truth, hence my subject shall deal therewith.

Truth, or reality, is an exposition of facts as they are, - an exposition, however, which is in perfect keeping with reasonableness, with the postulates of logic.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at a high school auditorium in Berkeley, 1912-Oct-09 -- ABU0022)
07

Science must be accepted. No one truth can contradict another truth.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-10 in Paris -- ABU0282)
08

And among the teachings of Baha'u'llah is that religion must be in conformity with science and reason, so that it may influence the hearts of men. The foundation must be solid and must not consist of imitations.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Lawh-i-Lahih (Tablet to the Hague), 1919-Dec-17, to Central Organization for a Durable Peace (the Hague) -- AB00016)
09

Religion and science conform and agree. If a question of religion violates reason and does not agree with science, it is imagination and not worthy of credence.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given in Church of the Ascension on 1912-Jun-02 -- ABU0006)
10

Between scientists and the followers of religion there has always been controversy and strife for the reason that the latter have proclaimed religion superior in authority to science and considered scientific announcement opposed to the teachings of religion. Baha'u'llah declared that religion is in complete harmony with science and reason. If religious belief and doctrine is at variance with reason, it proceeds from the limited mind of man and not from God; therefore, it is unworthy of belief and not deserving of attention; the heart finds no rest in it, and real faith is impossible.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at All Souls Unitarian Church on 1912-Jul-14 -- ABU0023)
11

Our Father will not hold us responsible for the rejection of dogmas which we are unable either to believe or comprehend, for He is ever infinitely just to His children.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Dreyfus home in Paris, 1911-Oct-20 -- ABU0061)
12

The fourth teaching of Baha'u'llah is the agreement of religion and science. God has endowed man with intelligence and reason whereby he is required to determine the verity of questions and propositions. If religious beliefs and opinions are found contrary to the standards of science, they are mere superstitions and imaginations; for the antithesis of knowledge is ignorance, and the child of ignorance is superstition. Unquestionably there must be agreement between true religion and science.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given in Baptist Temple on 1912-Jun-08 -- ABU0007)
13

Fourth, religion must reconcile and be in harmony with science and reason. If the religious beliefs of mankind are contrary to science and opposed to reason, they are none other than superstitions and without divine authority, for the Lord God has endowed man with the faculty of reason in order that through its exercise he may arrive at the verities of existence.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at St. James Methodist Church on 1912-Sep-05 -- ABU0012)
14

Religion must conform to science and reason; otherwise, it is superstition. God has created man in order that he may perceive the verity of existence and endowed him with mind or reason to discover truth. Therefore, scientific knowledge and religious belief must be conformable to the analysis of this divine faculty in man.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Metaphysical Club on 1912-Aug-27 -- ABU0024)
15

All human discoveries were once secrets and mysteries sealed and stored up in the bosom of the material universe until the mind of man, which is the greatest of divine effulgences, penetrated them and made them subservient to his will and purpose.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address at Stanford University on 1912-Oct-08 -- ABU0008)
16

His Holiness the Bab, and even more the Blessed Perfection Baha'u'llah, have taught that God has enabled man to recognize and investigate the laws of nature and place them at his service.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1909-1910 -- ABU0170)
17

Religion and science are the two wings upon which man's intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism.

… I say unto you: weigh carefully in the balance of reason and science everything that is presented to you as religion. If it passes this test, then accept it, for it is truth! If, however, it does not so conform, then reject it, for it is ignorance!

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-12 in Paris -- ABU0493)
18

Among other principles of Baha'u'llah's teachings was the harmony of science and religion. Religion must stand the analysis of reason. It must agree with scientific fact and proof so that science will sanction religion and religion fortify science. Both are indissolubly welded and joined in reality. If statements and teachings of religion are found to be unreasonable and contrary to science, they are outcomes of superstition and imagination.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Unitarian church on 1912-Jun-09 -- ABU0030)
19

No one should for a moment believe that religion is opposed to science and reason. That science which contradicts true religion is no science, and that religion which teaches contrary to what science and reason teach is no religion.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to an English-speaking enquirer spoken in April 1914 -- ABU2272)
20

Religion must be reasonable; it must agree perfectly with science, so that science shall sanction religion and religion sanction science. The two must be brought together, indissolubly, in reality.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU0225)
21

They must correspond religious ideals with the deductions of science and reason and discard all such theories which cannot stand the test of intellect and empirical knowledge.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a stranger, spoken on 1914-May-09 -- ABU1561)
22

The fourth principle declares that religion must be in conformity to science and reason. If a religion does not agree with the postulates of science nor accord with the regulations of reason it is a bundle of superstitions; a phantasm of the brain. Science and religion are realities, and if that religion to which we adhere be a reality it must needs conform to the fundamental reality of all things.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Clifton Guest House in Bristol, 1913-Jan-15 -- ABU0083)
23

Any religious belief which is not conformable with scientific proof and investigation is superstition, for true science is reason and reality, and religion is essentially reality and pure reason; therefore, the two must correspond. Religious teaching which is at variance with science and reason is human invention and imagination unworthy of acceptance, for the antithesis and opposite of knowledge is superstition born of the ignorance of man. If we say religion is opposed to science, we lack knowledge of either true science or true religion, for both are founded upon the premises and conclusions of reason, and both must bear its test.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hotel Schenley on 1912-May-07 -- ABU0051)
24

Furthermore, He proclaims that religion must be in harmony with science and reason. If it does not conform to science and reconcile with reason, it is superstition.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at 780 West End (Kinney home) in New York, 1912-Dec-02 -- ABU0130)
25

Furthermore, religion must conform to reason and be in accord with the conclusions of science. For religion, reason and science are realities; therefore, these three, being realities, must conform and be reconciled. A question or principle which is religious in its nature must be sanctioned by science. Science must declare it to be valid, and reason must confirm it in order that it may inspire confidence.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Universalist Church on 1912-Nov-06 -- ABU0009)
26

Fourth, religion must accord with science and sound reason, for if it conflicts with these it is but superstition, since science is reality. If any religious matter conflicts with science and reason, it is superstition. True science is light, and what opposes it must be darkness. Therefore, religion, science and reason must be in harmony.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address at Turanian Society of Budapest, Budapest, 1913-Apr-14 -- ABU0028)
27

Furthermore, Baha'u'llah proclaimed that religion and science are twins, inseparable from each other. A religion that does not conform with reason, science and knowledge is but the traditions of forefathers and vain imaginings, for science is an expression of truth. Therefore religion must accord with science, and if it does not, it is vain imagining and false.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address at Theosophical Society of Paris, 1911-Dec-06 [sic] -- ABU0031)
28

His fourth teaching is that religion and science are twins. If religion opposes science, it is ignorance. Therefore, all religious matters must conform to science, for that which contradicts science is ignorance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to crew of the Cedric, spoken on board the SS Cedric at sea, 1912-Mar-27 -- ABU0056)
29

Thus for the first time religion will become harmonized with science and science will be the hand-maid of religion, both showering their material and spiritual gifts on all humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jan-13 -- ABU2301)
30

Thus ... religion will become harmonized with science, and science will be the handmaid of religion, both showering their material and spiritual gifts on all humanity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper spoken in Jan. 1908 -- ABU3336)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

31

And likewise about scientific matters, about historical matters, about the existing arts, because in this Cause science and religion are twins.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-23 in Haifa -- ABU2443)
32

Yes, the things which are contrary to spirituality are those that oppose true science and a sound mind."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at 309 W 78th St in New York, 1912-Jun-04 -- ABU2137)
33

Q. How can we compare philosophical thoughts with religious thoughts?

A. Know that this nether world is the mirror of the kingdom, and the former is exactly the counterpart of the latter. The sound opinions of the world, which are the results of philosophical right thinking, correspond to the Traces of the Kingdom, and there does not exist any difference whatever between them.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU2887)
34

Among Baha'u'llah's teachings is that religion must accord with science and reason, for if it conflicts, it is mere imitation and the wise and knowing cannot accept it.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921-Jul-01, to Mihtar Idalji Pir Vafa Rindiliya -- AB00138)
35

Among them is the reconciliation of science, reason and religion.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Aug-09, to Baha'is of Istanbul -- AB01534)
36

And among the teachings is that religion must conform to science and reason, not be superstitions that reason can in no way verify.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1921 -- AB02100)
37

Another teaching declares the conformity of religion with reason; whatever religion prescribes, a sound reason must approve.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Aug-26, to George Anzelin -- AB00374)
38

Fourth is that religion must conform with reason and science, otherwise it is superstition.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Hishmatullah (London and Bombay) -- AB01118)
39

Fourth, science and religion must walk hand in hand.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Sep-30, to Davud, Yuhanna et al -- AB01419)
40

Science and religion will embrace each other.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-29, to Jane E Whyte -- AB12110)
41

Baha'u'llah teaches that religion must be in conformity with science and reason. If belief and teaching are opposed to the analysis of reason and principles of science, they are not worthy of acceptance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Thompson home in New York, 1912-Nov-15 -- ABU0038)
42

Furthermore, the teachings of Baha'u'llah announce that religion must be in conformity with science and reason; otherwise, it is superstition; for science and reason are realities, and religion itself is the Divine Reality unto which true science and reason must conform.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Hotel Sacramento on 1912-Oct-25 -- ABU0040)
43

The third teaching or principle of Baha'u'llah is that religion and science are in complete agreement. Every religion which is not in accordance with established science is superstition. Religion must be reasonable. If it does not square with reason, it is superstition and without foundation. It is like a mirage, which deceives man by leading him to think it is a body of water. God has endowed man with reason that he may perceive what is true. … Therefore, if religious belief, principle or creed is not in accordance with the intellect and the power of reason, it is surely superstition.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Parsons home in Washington, 1912-Apr-25 -- ABU0233)
44

A religion which does not conform with the postulates of science is merely superstition.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1913 -- ABU0108)
45

Fourth, the comparison of religion with science with a view of conforming the religious principles with scientific postulates.

Commenting on this, He declared that the religion which is not in conformity with science should not be considered religion at all.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with F. R. Hinkle of the Sacramento Union, 1912-Oct-25 -- ABU0382)
46

4 - Religion has to be in concord with science and reason. When religion is not in concord with reason, it does not satisfy our conscience.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with Mrs. Jo Goudsmit at House of the Master in Haifa, 1920-02 ca. -- ABU0477)
47

The fourth teaching of Baha'u'llah is that religion must accord with reason. If religion be contrary to reason, it is superstition.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-24 in Haifa -- ABU1080)
48

But science and reason are light - religion must accord with science and reason. A religion that does not accord with universal science and reason is ignorance. We say science and ignorance are light and darkness. If religion opposes science, that is ignorance. Therefore religion must accord with reason and science.

… The greatest bounty of God to man is knowledge, and man's distinction from animals is through reason. So if religious beliefs contradict science and reason, they are assuredly ignorance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-27 in Paris -- ABU0532)
49

For example, the first weapon of the opponents was this: "Whatever is contrary to science is ignorance." We proclaimed that religion is in accord with science, and that the two are one; and that every question among the questions of religion which is not in conformity with science is vain imagination. Thus did we break this weapon of theirs. For they desire to say that religion is contrary to science and reason, and therefore is ignorance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at the Mills home on 1912-Apr-13 -- ABU0405)
50

Know that this material world is the mirror of the Kingdom, and each of these worlds is in complete correspondence with the other. The correct theories of this world which are the result of sound scientific thinking are in agreement with the divine verses without the slightest divergence between them, for the truth of all things is laid away in the treasuries of the Kingdom. … If a scientific theory does not correspond with [the intent of] the divine verses, it is certain that it is the essence of error.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Apr-04, to Georgine D'ange D'astre -- AB00457)
51

Thus in the Qur'an verses were explicitly revealed that contradicted the philosophical views, technical matters and mathematical principles of the learned of that age. Therefore it was thought that these divine texts were contrary to reality since they opposed the established mathematical technical principles of the horizons. At that time, all mathematical matters were based on Ptolemaic principles, and the Almagest was accepted by all people of learning in all climes.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-10 -- AB00076)
52

But when the truth of this matter is clarified and this symbol is explained, it is in no way contradicted by science but rather affirmed by both science and reason.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 23, The Resurrection of Christ, 1904 ca. -- AB00575)
53

This is the true meaning of the three Persons of the Trinity. Otherwise, the foundations of the religion of God would rest upon an illogical proposition which no mind could ever conceive, and how could the mind be required to believe a thing which it cannot conceive? Such a thing could not be grasped by human reason, how much less be clothed in an intelligible form, but would remain sheer fancy.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 27, The Trinity, 1904 ca. -- AB00713)
54

"If the churches" he said "are anxious to win the souls back to Christ they must interpret these 'seven great mysteries' of Christianity according to science and reason - otherwise no liberal-minded person will ever accept the old, hide-bound interpretations."

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at House of the Master in Haifa, 1914-Jul-23 -- ABU1549)
55

The Master spoke to a bishop, saying, 'My hope is that you will abandon harmful imitations, spread the truth of the teachings of Christ and remove all those dogmas that are against science and reality.'

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to various individuals, spoken at Parsons home on 1912-Apr-27 -- ABU2324)
56

One of the chief reasons for this growing apathy is that the ministers of religion have taught that religion is opposed to science and reason and have thus enforced imitation. You must, therefore, relate religious verities to science.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some clergymen, spoken at Hotel Ansonia on 1912-Apr-13 -- ABU2747)
57

Today, the greatest and speediest remedy and the sole effective antidote that the Divine Physician has prescribed for the world's ills is the oneness of humanity, universal peace, the explanation of the principles of the divine religions and the removal of dogmatic imitations and customs which are contrary to science and reason.

… Thus Baha'u'llah has said, 'Every matter that is contrary to sound reason and science and is opposed to the fundamental principles of the divine religions is an obstacle to progress and a cause of people avoiding and rejecting the laws of God.'

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some physicians, spoken on 1912-Oct-11 -- ABU1968)
58

"People have a superstitious respect for certain doctrines which are against science and the wise men of the country have thought that religion is opposed to science. Know thou that the great ethical foundation of knowledge is divine revelation and the basis of religion is reality itself.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1913-Mar-29 in Paris -- ABU0873)
59

Third, that religion is in harmony with science. The fundamental principles of the Prophets are scientific, but the forms and imitations which have appeared are opposed to science. If religion does not agree with science, it is superstition and ignorance; for God has endowed man with reason in order that he may perceive reality. The foundations of religion are reasonable. God has created us with intelligence to perceive them. If they are opposed to science and reason, how could they be believed and followed?

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at Church of the Divine Paternity on 1912-May-19 -- ABU0178)
60

O thou who art thoughtful about the Kingdom of existence! The foolish ones gazed at the realm of existence, the plane of Nasut, and desired keen sight, and searched and discussed and sought to uncover the mysteries of being, and wished to discover the secrets of creation, and yearned for knowledge of the metaphysical realm. Alas, alas! What madness is this, what imagining of fancy and conjecture! And stranger still that they counted these conjectures as sciences and this madness as wisdom from the peerless world.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1893 ca., to Haji Nasrullah Khan Anari -- AB01958)
61

The foundations of divine religion do not negate sound reason and true science. The principles of divine religion do not contradict knowledge and insight, except for some principles and minutiae of the law which were given according to the exigencies of the time and age.

All His teachings and laws are in keeping with the spirit of this age and the needs of the people. And greatest of all is the abandonment of religious superstitions and dogmas and the conformity of spiritual matters with scientific and rational arguments.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on 1912-Nov-13 -- ABU1366)
62

Illumination of science has advanced, likewise religion must advance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Interview with W. A. Lawson of the Sacramento Bee, Hotel Sacramento, 1912-Oct-26 -- ABU0365)
63

Even the material sciences and crafts have reached a level that a child is better informed than the philosophers of the past. Behold, for instance, how a child is more skilful than Euclid in mathematics and algebra; for this science hath advanced through the passage of ages and centuries, it hath been refined, condensed, discoveries made, until it hath reached the stage of maturity.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Oct-16, to Arastu Hakim -- AB02372)
64

When the Children of Israel taught both material and religious sciences together in their schools, this resulted in the education of skilled individuals. However, later among the followers of religions, especially among Muslims, education in schools became limited to religious issues and discussions, and even that ended up being confined to debates about words.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-May-20 in Paris -- ABU3160)
65

Praise be to God, this is the age of the discovery of the realities of things.

Verily I say unto you, this age is the age of science. This age is the age of the appearance of the truth.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB07140)
66

For this Century is the Century of light; the Cycle is the Cycle of science; this period is the period of reality.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Feb-01 -- ABU0839)
67

We hope that the future generations of humanity will become freed from these imaginations and superstitions and will walk on the terra firma of scientific certainty and spiritual truths....

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the friends, spoken on 1915-Feb-01 -- ABU0761)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

68

Thou art investigating reality and bringing matters into conformity with science and reason.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Aug-01, to J E Esslemont -- AB02373)
69

The sciences of today are bridges to reality; if then they lead not to reality, naught remains but fruitless illusion. By the one true God! If learning be not a means of access to Him, the Most Manifest, it is nothing but evident loss.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Dec-14, to Abdu'l-Hamid Khan -- AB03423)
70

Whereas the religion of God is the promoter of truth, the establisher of science and learning, the supporter of knowledge, the civilizer of the human race, the discoverer of the secrets of existence, and the enlightener of the horizons of the world. How then could it oppose knowledge? God forbid! On the contrary, in the sight of God knowledge is the greatest human virtue and the noblest human perfection. … For knowledge is light, life, felicity, perfection and beauty, and causes the soul to draw nigh to the divine threshold.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 34, Peter and the Papacy, 1905-Jan -- AB00256)
71

Just as human intellects have revealed the secrets of matter and have brought forth from the realm of the invisible the mysteries of nature, may minds and spirits, likewise, come into the knowledge of the verities of God, and the realities of the Kingdom be made manifest in human hearts.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Studio Hall in Washington, 1912-Apr-21 -- ABU0373)
72

Science is systematized Truth. The laws of spiritual science are as exact as those of mathematics. Every hour of positive high affirmation of the ideal perfection of mind and body, tends directly to actualize such conditions.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Laura Clifford Barney (?) spoken around 1906 (?) -- ABU0190)
73

In the world of existence physical things have a connection with spiritual realities. One of these things is the voice, which connects itself with the spirit; and the spirit can be uplifted by this means -- for though it is a physical thing, it is one of the material, natural organizations -- therefore, it is effective.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mary Lucas and other pilgrims, spoken on 1905-Jan-30 -- ABU0474)
74

Conversely, the material mind finds various nourishments and progresses through wonderful scientific discoveries.

… So if you want to have lofty aspirations, you must set the heart in motion to unite with knowledge - that is, to join spiritual virtues with physical perfections.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU1127)
75

Scientific knowledge is the highest attainment upon the human plane, for science is the discoverer of realities. It is of two kinds: material and spiritual. Material science is the investigation of natural phenomena; divine science is the discovery and realization of spiritual verities. The world of humanity must acquire both. A bird has two wings; it cannot fly with one. Material and spiritual science are the two wings of human uplift and attainment. Both are necessary -- one the natural, the other supernatural; one material, the other divine.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Breed home in Cambridge, 1912-May-23 -- ABU0346)
76

I want to make you understand that material progress and spiritual progress are two very different things, and that only if material progress goes hand in hand with spirituality can any real progress come about, and the Most Great Peace reign in the world.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-21 in Paris -- ABU0276)
77

Morality is the basis of the happiness of the world of humanity. Merciful attributes are the best adornments of man. Science holds the next position to morality. … If a nation be well qualified with education and yet dispossessed of good morals, it will not attain happiness. If that same nation be dispossessed of education, but possessed of moral training, it will be capable of accomplishing philanthropic deeds. When Morality and science go hand in hand, then will it be light upon light.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Charles and Mariam Haney spoken in Feb. 1909 -- ABU0669)
78

"Praise be to God, that stupendous material developments are obtained in this country; but material civilization alone does not safeguard the progress of a nation, because through material civilization dynamite, Krupp guns, projectiles and Mauser rifles are invented: thus the infernal instruments of human fratricide are multiplied and constantly perfected.

… "When material civilization joins hands with spiritual civilization, then it will be perfect.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Bishop Birch, spoken at Hotel Ansonia on 1912-Apr-17 -- ABU1353)
79

[To those who were present he speaks about science and religion; that religion must ever become the cause of amity and love, otherwise irreligion is better; and science at the same time must be the means of human progress and enlightenment. If science creates deadly weapons for human slaughter and destruction it is worse than ignorance.]

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU3382)
80

Science cannot cure the illness of the body politic. Science cannot create amity and fellowship in human hearts. Neither can patriotism nor racial allegiance effect a remedy. It must be accomplished solely through the divine bounties and spiritual bestowals which have descended from God in this day for that purpose.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Public address given at 309 W 78th St on 1912-Jun-08 -- ABU1450)
81

Similarly, I announce: Religion must be the promoter of science and civilization. Otherwise, its absence is preferable.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Conversation with Dr Finkelstein, Abu Sinan, 1915-Mar-01 -- ABU0994)
82

If religion be the cause of enmity, he declared, its absence is better than its presence, for the purpose of religion is love of mankind, and if religion yields enmity surely its non-existence is preferable. Thirdly, Baha'Ullah proclaimed that religion must correspond with science, for religion is reality and science is reality, and reality corresponds. It is not multiple, there is no difference in any reality. If a religious question be opposed to reason and science, it is pure imagination and baseless, for the opposite of knowledge or science is ignorance.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to Free Religious Association of Boston, Ford Hall, 1912-May-25 -- ABU0171)
83

Furthermore, Baha'u'llah proclaimed that religion should be the cause of love and enlightenment in the world, the cause of unity of the human race. If it becomes the cause of strife and bloodshed and savagery, irreligion is better, for God established religion for unity, not hatred - for connection between people, not estrangement. He also stated that religion must accord with science and reason; if it does not, it is mere superstition.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address given at Woking Mosque on 1913-Jan-17 -- ABU0154)
84

The world of matter will become the expression of the world of mind. Then discoveries will be revealed, inventions will multiply, the sciences advance by leaps and bounds, the scientific culture of the earth will develop along broader lines. Then the nations will be enabled to utilize the latest and best thought, because expressed in the International Language.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Esperantist society in Edinburgh, 1913-Jan-07 -- ABU0156)
85

The seventh teaching of Baha'u'llah concerns itself and is in accord with this system of universal education; it is that all the children should study and acquire a profession, that there should not remain a single individual without a profession whereby he can earn his livelihood. Baha'u'llah further declares that through the equipment of science and art the misunderstandings which have prevailed between religion and science will become reconciled.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Westminster Palace Hotel in London, 1912-Dec-20 -- ABU0036)
86

The teachings of Baha'u'llah are the light of this age and the spirit of this century. Expound each of them at every gathering.

The first is investigation of truth,

The second, the oneness of mankind,

The third, universal peace,

The fourth, conformity between science and divine revelation,

The fifth, abandonment of racial, religious, worldly and political prejudices, prejudices which destroy the foundation of mankind.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-24, to Albert B Vail -- AB00862)

The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.

87

For every era hath a spirit; the spirit of this illumined era lieth in the teachings of Baha'u'llah. For these lay the foundation of the oneness of the world of humanity and promulgate universal brotherhood. They are founded upon the unity of science and religion and upon investigation of truth. They uphold the principle that religion must be the cause of amity, union and harmony among men. They establish the equality of both sexes and propound economic principles which are for the happiness of individuals. They diffuse universal education, that every soul may as much as possible have a share of knowledge.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-09, to Isabel F Chamberlain -- AB02574)
88

First is the independent investigation of truth, second is the oneness of humanity, third is that religion must be the cause of love and fellowship - if it is not the cause of love and fellowship it has no purpose, fourth is that religion must accord with science, fifth that religious prejudice, sectarian prejudice, racial prejudice and national prejudice destroy the foundation of humanity - all people are God's sheep and of one race and the earth is one homeland, sixth that one must be free of all imitations and hold fast to the foundation of divine religions, seventh is unity of language - one language must be chosen or newly invented that will be universal so that misunderstandings between religions and races and nations will disappear, and likewise the equality of men and women, and likewise the spread of sciences and knowledge, and likewise the union of women and men among all religions and nations, and likewise justice and equity, and likewise political unity and so forth.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Dec-06, to Wilhelm Heydorn -- AB07457)
89

My message is the oneness of humanity and universal peace; the harmony of true science and religion; the equality of rights; the elimination of religious, racial and political prejudices; the truth of all the divine religions; the removal of religious imitations and superstitions; the education of women to such a degree that they may have equal rights with men; the adjustment of the economic condition of all people so that if a rich man enjoys honor and affluence, the poor man may also have a mat to lie on and a house to dwell in; the establishment of spiritual civilization; the reformation of human morals; the unity of all religions, so that when the people of the world recognize the truth of all religions, they may become united since truth is one - if they follow imitation, war and dissension shall remain, because imitations are the cause of differences.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to newspaper reporters, spoken in Euclid Hotel on 1912-May-06 -- ABU2221)
90

This matter has now become evident to all that all the teachings of Baha'u'llah conform with science and reason - no one can deny it.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Master's entourage, spoken en route in train on 1912-Sep-30 -- ABU1298)
91

Similarly, he speaks with rational proofs and arguments about the oneness of humanity, the harmony of religion with reason and science, the promotion of universal peace, East-West relations, the falsity of religious prejudice, the censure of national and racial prejudice, the reproach of political prejudice, equality of rights between men and women, advancement of true sciences and knowledge, reconciliation between natural and divine philosophy, and the spirituality of the human world.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Kuli Khan -- AB00966)
92

My objects are the establishment of the Cause of international arbitration, the promotion of the oneness of the world of humanity, the conformity of religion with science and reason, the elucidation of the essential unity of the divine religions, the explanation of the continuity of the prophetic revelation, the instruction of mankind in the knowledge of human brotherhood, the inculcation of the primordial oneness of all phenomena, the upraising of the standard of the solidarity of the human race, the creation of a nucleus for bringing about the universal race, the spread of the precepts of spiritual civilization, the teachings of the synthesis of the heavenly philosophy, the readjustment of the economic relations between the capitalists and laborers, so that each individual member of the world of humanity may enjoy the utmost welfare and prosperity, the organization of the Arbitral Court of justice - in order that all the nations of the world may settle before that Court their international disputes and thus remove all the traces of enmity and hatred and the upholding of the principle of one auxiliary, universal language.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a stranger, spoken on 1914-May-09 -- ABU2012)
93

Therefore when this Cause is fully spread in Europe, warfare will be the thing of the past, universal Peace will be realized, the oneness of the world of humanity will be practiced, religion and science will work hand in hand.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to a group of American students, spoken at Rue Lauriston 97 on 1913-Mar-25 -- ABU1777)
94

The third principle He gave us is the harmony of science and religion. Both science and religion are truth. If religion is against reality and truth it is mere superstition. Every religious tenet that conflicts with true knowledge and sound reasoning is not worthy of belief.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some newspaper reporters, spoken at Plaza Hotel on 1912-Apr-30 -- ABU0521)
95

Religion will accord with science and promote peace and harmony.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1917-Jan-26, to Katherine Bail Page -- AB04352)
96

We hope that the friends of God and handmaidens of the Merciful will, in accordance with heavenly teachings, serve the unity of the human world, consider religion as the foundation of love and fellowship among humanity, and strive to reconcile religion and science.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-May-02, to Amy Gerrans -- AB12140)
97

I desire that all of you may speak on the material and divine sciences with clear and convincing words.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU2106)

Further quotations · supplied wording and references

98

Religion and reason are the same; they cannot be separated from each other.

(From a talk of Abdu'l-Baha, spoken Nov. 27, 1911 in Paris, in a Research Department memorandum dated 14 Jan. 1991, as reprinted in BSB 5:1-2 p.75)

Catalogue reference: ABU0532 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

99

Science and religion are light; religion must be in harmony with science and reason.

(From a talk of Abdu'l-Baha, spoken Nov. 27, 1911 in Paris, in a Research Department memorandum dated 14 Jan. 1991, as reprinted in BSB 5:1-2 p.75)

Catalogue reference: ABU0532 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

100

...if religious principles do not accord with science and reason, they do not inspire the heart with confidence and assurance.

ADP.152

Catalogue reference: ABU0018 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

101

...there is a basic distinction between scientific fact and reasoning on the one hand and the conclusions or theories of scientists on the other. There is, and can be, no conflict between true religion and true science...

(12 Dec. 1975 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, in Compilation on Scholarship, #48)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

102

...the principle of harmony of science and religion means not only that religious teachings should be studied in the light of reason and evidence as well as of faith and inspiration, but also that everything in creation, all aspects of human life and knowledge, should be studied in the light of revelation as well as in that of purely rational investigation.

M63-86 217.5 (3 January 1979 from the Research Department)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

103

"Knowledge is one point, which the foolish have multiplied". [Hadith]

CDB#2.50 (was SV.24-25)

Catalogue reference: BH00047 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

104

Know then that those mathematical [astronomical] questions which have stood the test of scrutiny and about the soundness of which there is no doubt are those that are supported by incontrovertible and logically binding proofs and by the rules of geometry as applied to astronomy; that are based on observations of the stars and careful astronomical research, and are in conformity with the principles of the universal themes expounded in the divine sciences. ('Abdu'l-Baha, provisional translation, Lawh-i-Aflakiyyih,

MKT1:019) cf. "Thou hadst inquired about astronomy. Whatever dependeth on mathematics is acceptable, whereas the things previously established by the astrologers of old ... are figments of the imagination and products of the thinking of former generations, and are bereft of a firm foundation." (AB03340, https://adibmasumian.com/translations/ab03340/)

Catalogue reference: AB00023 · passage alignment is approximate; supplied wording retained.

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

105

The Revelation proclaimed by Baha'u'llah, His followers believe, is divine in origin, all-embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method...

("The World Religion of Baha'u'llah", extracts from a letter of Shoghi Effendi to the High Commissioner of Palestine, Jun. 1933)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

106

There is, and can be, no conflict between true religion and true science: true religion is revealed by God, while it is through true science that the mind of man "discovers the realities of things and becomes cognizant of their peculiarities and effects, and of the qualities and properties of beings" and "comprehendeth the abstract by the aid of the concrete".

(18 Jan. 1982 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

107

It has become customary in the West to think of science and religion as occupying two distinct -- and even opposed -- areas of human thought and activity. This dichotomy can be characterized in the pairs of antitheses: faith and reason; value and fact. It is a dichotomy which is foreign to Baha'i thought and should be regarded with suspicion by Baha'i scholars in every field. The principle of the harmony of religion and science means not only that religious teachings should be studied in the light of reason and evidence as well as of faith and inspiration, but also that everything in creation, all aspects of human life and knowledge, should be studied in the light of revelation as well as of purely rational investigation.

(From comments of the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice on the Baha'i Studies Seminar on Ethics and Methodology dated 3 Jan. 1979)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

108

The insights and skills generated by scientific advance will have always to look to the guidance of spiritual and moral commitment to ensure their appropriate application; religious convictions, no matter how cherished they may be, must submit, willingly and gratefully, to impartial testing by scientific methods.

(The Universal House of Justice, Apr. 2002, to the world's religious leaders)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

109

The prosecution of this vast enterprise will depend on a progressive interaction between the truths and principles of religion and the discoveries and insights of scientific inquiry. This entails living with ambiguities as a natural and inescapable feature of the process of exploring reality. It also requires us not to limit science to any particular school of thought or methodological approach postulated in the course of its development.

M86-01 203.6 (19 May 1995 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

110

...the principle of harmony between religion and science, while it enables us, with the help of reason, to see through the falsity of superstitions, does not imply that truth is limited to what can be explained by current scientific concepts. Not only do all religions have their miracles and mysteries, but religion itself, and certain fundamental religious concepts, such as the nature of the Manifestations of God, are far from being explicable by present-day scientific theories.

(16 Feb. 1996 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

111

Love is as much its demand, as perception. Indeed, neither can be perfect without the other. In the uttermost meaning of the words, thought is devout, and devotion is thought. … But when a faithful thinker, resolute to detach every object from personal relations, and see it in the light of thought, shall, at the same time, kindle science with the fire of the holiest affections, then will God go forth anew into the creation.

(Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Nature" (1836), pp. 91-92)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

112

The unfortunate effect of this is that science has drifted apart from religion, and religion has become a mere blind and more or less apathetic following of the precepts of certain religious teachers, who insist on their own favourite dogmas being accepted even when they are contrary to science. This is foolishness, for it is quite evident that science is the light, and, being so, religion truly so-called does not oppose knowledge. … But the religion which does not walk hand in hand with science is itself in the darkness of superstition and ignorance. Much of the discord and disunion of the world is created by these man-made oppositions and contradictions. If religion were in harmony with science and they walked together, much of the hatred and bitterness now bringing misery to the human race would be at an end.

PT#44:14-16

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

113

...as we are a religion and not qualified to pass on scientific matters we cannot sponsor different treatments.

COC#1082 (30 Sept. 1950 on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

Supplied quotation · catalogue passage not verified

Sentence boundary needs source review; the supplied wording is retained.

Continue exploring

For thought and discussion

Questions to carry forward

  1. How does the invitation to test the speaker’s own words affect your understanding of faith and independent investigation?
  2. What do the images of two wings, twins, and a common center reveal, and where might these images leave questions unanswered?
  3. How might a reader distinguish a religious teaching from an inherited interpretation, and scientific evidence from a provisional theory?
  4. What do the passages suggest about the moral responsibilities that accompany scientific discovery?
  5. Where does Emerson’s account of thought and devotion illuminate this compilation, and where do his assumptions call for further examination?
  6. How could a community practice both conviction and openness while living with unresolved questions?
About this collection

A new window onto the Bahá'í Writings.

This site offers several different ways of exploring the original texts and translations attributed to the Central Figures of the Bahá'í Faith -- the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- that are accessible in the public domain. It is a personal project and accuracy is not guaranteed; please visit the official website at https://www.bahai.org/library for authenticated texts.

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Search by word or phrase (in quotation marks) for a specific text, or use the menu at left to narrow your search by date, recipient, catalog ID, publications, related musical compositions, and more. View a text in the original Arabic/Persian, in English translation, or side by side where available. Authorized translations are displayed in blue, provisional in black.

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Browse by subject by searching for a category in the left-hand panel, or use the knowledge graph in the center panel to navigate to related subjects. The 659 subjects and their relationships are human-generated; the brief subject summaries are AI-generated. Relevant passages touching on each subject -- some human generated and some selected with the help of AI and lightly vetted -- appear below the knowledge graph. These passages can be downloaded to PDF for offline reading.

Study guides

The passages compiled under each subject have been further condensed and re-ordered to facilitate an introductory thematic study of the texts. At the end of each guide is a set of open-ended questions and hyperlinks to adjacent subjects.

About the sources

Texts and metadata are derived from the Partial Inventory project (version 6.01), an open-source, individual initiative not affiliated with Bahá'í institutions. For a summary of documents and presentations about this rapidly evolving project see this page. The project bibliography and key to source codes, with a summary of the source schema and color assignments, can be downloaded here.

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