Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion/Paris Talks

The role of reward and punishment in true religious belief for overcoming corruption

"In the conduct of life, man is actuated by two main motives: `The Hope for Reward' and `The Fear of Punishment'.

"This hope and this fear must consequently be greatly taken into account by those in authority who have important posts under Government. Their business in life is to consult together for the framing of laws, and to provide for their just administration.

"The tent of the order of the world is raised and established on the two pillars of `Reward and Retribution'.

"In despotic Governments carried on by men without Divine faith, where no fear of spiritual retribution exists, the execution of the laws is tyrannical and unjust.

"There is no greater prevention of oppression than these two sentiments, hope and fear. They have both political and spiritual consequences.

"If administrators of the law would take into consideration the spiritual consequences of their decisions, and follow the guidance of religion, `They would be Divine agents in the world of action, the representatives of God for those who are on earth, and they would defend, for the love of God, the interests of His servants as they would defend their own'. If a governor realizes his responsibility, and fears to defy the Divine Law, his judgments will be just. Above all, if he believes that the consequences of his actions will follow him beyond his earthly life, and that `as he sows so must he reap', such a man will surely avoid injustice and tyranny.

"Should an official, on the contrary, think that all responsibility for his actions must end with his earthly life, knowing and believing nothing of Divine favours and a spiritual kingdom of joy, he will lack the incentive to just dealing, and the inspiration to destroy oppression and unrighteousness.

"When a ruler knows that his judgments will be weighed in a balance by the Divine Judge, and that if he be not found wanting he will come into the Celestial Kingdom and that the light of the Heavenly Bounty will shine upon him, then will he surely act with justice and equity. Behold how important it is that Ministers of State should be enlightened by religion!

"With political questions the clergy, however, have nothing to do! Religious matters should not be confused with politics in the present state of the world (for their interests are not identical).

"Religion concerns matters of the heart, of the spirit, and of morals."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Paris Talks, pp. 157-158)