Goal of a New World Order
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"Concerning the general letter ['The Goal of a New World Order', 28 November 1931 (in 'The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh'. PP. 29-51)] he has sent lately to the Western friends, to which you refer in your letter: Shoghi Effendi thinks that the friends should spread the message it conveys to the public. It should undoubtedly be done in a very judicious way lest the people think that we have entered the arena of politics with rather drastic program of reform. But we should at the same time show the lead that the teachings take towards the realization of the international ideal. The primary importance of the Cause among the existing religions of the world is that, whereas the others have no coherent program upon which they are united, the Movement is rich with the very spirit and teachings the world needs for solving its present international problems. It is a wonderful chance for the Cause to absorb the interest of the intelligent elements in the public."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 14 January 1932, to an individual believer, quoted in the compilation “Studying the Writings of Shoghi Effendi”, no. 1)
"There is, however, one case in which one can criticize the present social and political order without being necessarily forced to side with or oppose any existing regime. And this is the method adopted by the Guardian in his `Goal of a New World Order'. His criticisms of the world conditions beside being very general in character are abstract; that is, instead of condemning existing institutional organizations it goes deeper and analyzes the basic ideas and conceptions which have been responsible for their establishment. This being a mere intellectual and philosophical approach to the problem of world political crisis, there is no objection if you wish to try such a method, which immediately carries you from the field of practical politics to that of political theory. But in view of the fact that no clear-cut line can be drawn between theory and practice you should be extremely careful not to make too free a use of such a method."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Lights of Guidance, p. 452)
"Shoghi Effendi has, after giving much thought to the words of Bahá'u'lláh & the Master concerning World Unity, written a general letter to the Western friends explaining how the Unity of Mankind is not merely a spirit of brotherhood but an organic unity towards which the forces now operating in the world are leading us. In that letter you will find much material for your talks. It is being published in America in the form of a pamphlet.26
"26. The Goal of a New World Order, 28 November 1931. See The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 42-43."
- (On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Antipodes, p. 64)
