Reflects Your Online Persona in Line with Your Beliefs?
In a significant move, the Universal House of Justice initiated a conversation and pattern of action on 5 December 2013, aimed at fostering coherence in life and serving as agents of spiritual and social transformation. Tens of thousands of youth are participating in this endeavour, focusing on living a coherent life and being beacons of hope amidst the challenges of modern times.
The Baha'i teachings underscore the importance of coherence, stating that our beliefs should manifest in every aspect of our lives. This includes our words, tone, actions, and online presence, which should reflect the attributes of the Baha'is. Abdu'l-Baha, in his works "The Promulgation of Universal Peace" and "Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha", encourages individuals to reflect the attributes of the Baha'is in their conduct, manners, and behavior.
Young people today are exposed to numerous negative influences from various sources such as school, home, online, phones, and TV. However, they have shown resilience and continue to be beacons of hope. Abdu'l-Baha also encourages individuals to become a centre of attraction by their sincerity, faithfulness, love, honesty, fidelity, truthfulness, and loving-kindness towards all peoples of the world.
The conferences held in 2013 for youth from around the world aimed to encourage young people to learn to foster a life in which its various aspects complement each other through service. They highlighted the importance of coherence in our online presence as well as in our daily lives. The Baha'i teachings emphasize that service to humanity can help achieve this harmony.
The Baha'i teachings promote living a coherent life by emphasizing spiritual principles such as the remembrance of God, unity, justice, and the harmony of the material and spiritual worlds. This spiritual framework encourages balance and grounding, helping believers navigate the challenges posed by modern technology and its often disruptive impact on the boundaries between the virtual and real worlds.
For instance, the Bahá’í Fast serves as a practical exercise in detachment from created things, including technology, allowing adherents to refocus on God and deepen spiritual awareness. This practice exemplifies how deliberate limitations on material engagement foster coherence in life by reminding individuals that ultimate happiness does not depend on external or virtual distractions but on a connection to divine reality.
The goal of this conversation and pattern of action is to change the negative aspects of both the virtual and real worlds by organizing around a new set of spiritual values and characteristics that honour humanity. By fostering equality, consultation, and ethical use of resources, the Bahá’í Faith provides a framework within which technology can be used responsibly to enhance both virtual and real community life without fragmenting personal or social coherence.
In conclusion, the Baha'i teachings promote coherence in life through spiritual remembering and reflection (such as fasting), commitment to unity and justice, and practical principles for responsible social engagement. These help believers harmonize their lives amid the challenges of modern technology’s blending of virtual and real realities. The conferences emphasized that failure to approach life as a coherent whole can breed anxiety and confusion. However, with a focus on virtues such as trustworthiness, sincerity, and spirituality, individuals can strive to be a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity.
Engaging in spiritual and social transformation as agents of change requires fostering a coherent lifestyle that aligns with Baha'i teachings. This involves reflecting the attributes of Baha'is in all aspects of life, including personal growth, education, and self-development. By serving humanity through acts of service, individuals can strive for a harmonious balance between their physical and spiritual worlds. Furthermore, an education and self-development grounded in spiritual principles such as remembering God, unity, justice, and harmony can provide a strong foundation for personal growth and virtue, contributing to a coherent and meaningful life in the modern world.
