are
asleep; they need to be awakened. Some are immature as children; they
should be helped to attain maturity. But all must be loved and cherished.
The child must not be disliked simply because it is a child. Nay, rather,
it should be patiently educated. The sick one must not be avoided nor
slighted merely because he is ailing. Nay, rather, he must be regarded
with sympathy and affection and treated until he is healed. The soul that
is asleep must not be looked upon with contempt but awakened and led into
the light.

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. This principle
has not been revealed in any of the former Books of divine teaching.

Another fundamental announcement made by Baha'u'llah is that religion must
be the source of unity and fellowship in the world. If it is productive of
enmity, hatred and bigotry, the absence of religion would be preferable.
This is a new principle of revelation found only in the utterances of
Baha'u'llah.

Again, Baha'u'llah declares that all forms of prejudice among mankind must
be abandoned and that until existing prejudices are entirely removed, the
world of humanity will not and cannot attain peace, prosperity and
composure. This principle cannot be found in any other sacred volume than
the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

Another teaching is that there shall be perfect equality between men and
women. Why should man create a distinction which God does not recognize?
In the kingdoms below man sex exists, but the distinction between male and
female is neither repressive nor restrictive. The mare, for instance, is
as strong and often more speedy than the horse. Throughout the animal and
vegetable kingdoms there is perfect equality between the sexes. In the
kingdom of mankind this equality must likewise exist, and the one whose
heart is purest, whose life and character are highest and nearest to the
divine standard is most worthy and excellent in the sight of God. This is
the only true and real distinction, be that one man or woman.

Baha'u'llah has announced the necessity for a universal language which
shall serve as a means of international communication and thus remove
misunderstandings and difficulties. This teaching is set forth in the
Kitab-i-Aqdas ("Most Holy Book") published fifty years ago.

He has also proclaimed