Our intelligence, or rational soul, is eternal. It is created in the image and likeness of God, meaning that it is capable of acquiring divine qualities and heavenly attributes.​

This earthly life is the beginning of our spiritual journey. The purpose of life is twofold: to develop our mental and spiritual qualities and contribute to the betterment of society.​

When death occurs, the body returns to the world of dust, while the soul continues to progress towards God. The soul “will reveal God’s attributes, loving kindness and bounty.”

Independent investigation of truth, universal education and the adoption of a universal auxiliary language.​

All the children must be educated. In addition to general education, children should also learn a profession or trade so they can earn a living and serve the community.​

Spiritual and moral education are important for shaping a child's character and securing their future happiness because "human happiness is founded upon spiritual behavior" and attaining "a lofty level" of virtues.​

The independent investigation of truth and learning continues throughout life. A universal auxiliary language will enable every individual to communicate and learn from anyone in the world.

Science and religion are two complementary systems of knowledge.​

Development of scientific capabilities enables us to construct a coherent understanding of the laws and processes governing the natural world.  ​

True religion cultivates in us the spiritual capacities to love, to give generously, to serve others.

Whole civilizations have been founded on the moral and spiritual insights brought by the Founders of  the world’s religions.

Achievement of full equality between women and men is a prerequisite for building a united world.

Gender prejudice perpetrates injustice against women and promotes harmful attitudes and habits in men that are carried from the family to the workplace, to economic and political life, and ultimately to relations among nations.​​

Misconceptions and prejudices that consider one group of people as superior to another are a major contributor to humanity’s present afflictions.​

Racism retards the potentiality of its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. Racial prejudice is America’s most challenging issue.​​

A universal and just peace is not only possible but inevitable.​

Today, humanity faces the limits of a social order inadequate to meet the compelling challenges of a world that has become interdependent.  Propelled by competing ideologies, divided by various  constructs of “us versus them”, the people of the world are plunged into one crisis after another.

At this critical juncture in human history the foundational spiritual principle of our time is the oneness of humankind. This implies an organic change in the structure of society and the relationships that sustain it.

The advancement of a materially and spiritually coherent world civilization will require the contributions of countless high-minded individuals, groups, and organizations, for generations to come.

At the heart of Baha’i endeavors is a long-term process of community building that seeks to develop patterns of life and social structures founded on the oneness of humanity.