forms, and the influence of mere human
opinion; for as we enter this question we will find some who declare that
religion is a cause of uplift and betterment in the world, while others
assert just as positively that it is a detriment and a source of
degradation to mankind. We must give these questions thorough and
impartial consideration so that no doubt or uncertainty may linger in our
minds regarding them.

How shall we determine whether religion has been the cause of human
advancement or retrogression?

We will first consider the founders of the religions--the prophets--review
the story of their lives, compare the conditions preceding their
appearance with those subsequent to their departure, following historical
records and irrefutable facts instead of relying upon traditionary
statements which are open to both acceptance and denial.

Among the great prophets was His Holiness Abraham who being an iconoclast
and a herald of the oneness of God, was banished from His native land. He
founded a family upon which the blessing of God descended; and it was
owing to this religious basis and ordination that the Abrahamic house
progressed and advanced. Through the divine benediction, noteworthy and
luminous prophets issued from the lineage of His Holiness. There appeared
Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon. The Holy
Land was conquered by the power of the Covenant of God with Abraham, and
the glory of the Solomonic wisdom and sovereignty dawned. All this was due
to the religion of God which this blessed lineage established and upheld.
It is evident that throughout the history of Abraham and His posterity
this was the source of their honor, advancement and civilization. Even
today the descendants of His household and lineage are found throughout
the world.

There is another and more significant aspect to this religious impulse and
impetus. The children of Israel were in bondage and captivity in the land
of Egypt four hundred years. They were in an extreme state of degradation
and slavery under the tyranny and oppression of the Egyptians. While they
were in the condition of abject poverty, in the lowest degree of
abasement, ignorance and servility His Holiness Moses suddenly appeared
among them. Although He was but a shepherd, such majesty, grandeur and
efficiency became manifest in Him through the power of religion, that His
influence continues to this day. His prophethood was established
througho