Revelation Social Reality Paul Lample by Paul Lample 9781890101701, 1890101702 instant download after payment.

When a new Revelation is brought to humanity, it
upsets the equilibrium of the old social order. It unites
the hearts and minds of those who recognize it and
thus forges a new community. From within that community must
emerge a consciousness that can decipher and a capacity that can
apply the new teachings in order to make the world a different
place. How do we move from a world centered on materialism
and self-gratification to one that is centered on the application of
spiritual principle and service to humanity? How do we transcend
dissension and destructive criticism to harvest the fruits of critical
thought in a united search for truth? What is the nature of the
process through which we understand the meaning of the Sacred
Texts and put the teachings into practice so that we can contribute
to the unfoldment of an ever-advancing civilization?
This book explores how, as Bahá’ís, we try to understand the
Word of God as given to us in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and how we
act on our understanding to achieve His purpose. It consists of six
chapters, divided into two parts. Part I consists of four chapters.
The first introduces the challenge of transforming social reality
through the impetus of divine revelation. The second chapter looks
at how Bahá’ís engage in a process of learning to comprehend
and act on the teachings in light of the guidance provided by two
authoritative centers: the Book, with its designated Interpreters,
and the Universal House of Justice. Chapters 3 and 4 examine this
approach to Bahá’í understanding and practice, first in relation
to the expansion and consolidation of the Cause over the decade
beginning with the Four Year Plan in 1996, and then, in relation
to the generation and application of knowledge aimed at engaging society and contributing to the advancement of civilization,
with particular attention to experience in the field of social and
economic development.

Part II addresses possible objections to the perspective offered
in Part I that arise from contemporary—specifically postmodern—
thought. Postmodern concerns are particularly sensitive to
questions of knowledge and power, and the presentation in Part I
on understanding and action may be dismissed by some as being
naïve or coercive. Chapters 5 and 6 do not attempt to provide a
comprehensive Bahá’í perspective on knowledge and power but are,
instead, a response to a particular kind of criticism that might be
directed toward the Faith.