Most people around the world today would readily agree that life includes both material and spiritual dimensions. The idea that important realities lie beyond the physical world is central to numerous religious traditions.

“...unless the development of society finds a purpose beyond the mere amelioration of material conditions, it will fail of attaining even these goals. That purpose must be sought in spiritual dimensions of life…” —The Prosperity of Humankind

Statement of the Bahá'í International Community

The role of religion in advancing the common good

How can the idea that human reality has both a spiritual and a material dimension inform efforts to promote the common good? How can resources be brought to bear on the spiritual aspects of challenges ranging from apathy and prejudice to hunger and material poverty?

These are questions the Baha’i International Community is actively exploring, eager to learn with others how the spiritual principles found in all the world’s religions can be applied to the modern world. We seek to understand how something that many see as a fundamental truth–that spiritual reality is central to human existence–can help everyone participate in building a better world.

A global effort

In this endeavor, our Office works with a wide variety of collaborators. We have, for example, actively engaged in the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, the World Faiths Development Dialogue, and other interfaith gatherings. We also convene small group discussions and other events for this purpose.