Bibliography 2: #BIB39553

Key	BIB39553
Reference type	Book Section
Title	Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability : A Baha'i Perspective
Book title	Religious Communities and Ecological Sustainability in Southern Africa and Beyond
Series title	Globethics Sustainability Series
Author	Matthee, Tahirih
Editor	Öhlmann, Philipp and Stork, Juliane
Year	2024
Publisher	Globethics Publications
Place published	Geneva
ISBN	9782889315482 (online version) 9782889315499 (print version)
Abstract	The teaching of unity in the Bahá’í Faith is its hallmark feature and it constitutes the paradigm in which the global Bahá’í community is guided by its Holy Writings to respond to all societal issues, and in this instance, ecological sustainability.1 The vision of the Bahá’í Faith is world embracing and it is focussed on contributing to an ever-advancing civilization. Given the reality of the interconnectedness of all things on the planet, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a heightened consciousness has emerged that all human actions impact on all other life on our earthly home. Therefore, it is an imperative to live in balance with nature for sustainable co-existence. In this paper, ecological sustainability is presented within a unity paradigm, presenting foundational concepts such as creation and beauty and the oneness of humanity. In this conceptual framework of unity, principles such as the harmony of science and religion, stewardship of the earth, the worth of diversity, kindness to all beings, responsible uses of science, moderation in all things, and the alleviation of poverty form the basis of caring for the environment and responding appropriately and with urgency to the ecological challenges of our time. In pragmatic responses underpinned by spiritual principles, Bahá’í communities across the world focus on community building activities and localised action in addressing the current environmental crises, which not only strengthen collaboration and resilience but also give hope. The mode of operation within the Bahá’í community is consultation, planning, action and reflection, which encourages continuous learning not only within the Bahá’í community but also in collaboration with all protagonists and promoters of this paradigm in addressing the environmental challenges confronting humanity. In brief, the Bahá’í community is urged to carry out its stewardship role of the environment espoused in its teachings and to exemplify such practices as individuals, families and communities across the globe. At this time, the global Bahá’í community is in a process of learning with itself and in collaboration with others to accomplish this imperative in non-adversarial ways.
Language	English
Keywords	SUSTAINABILITY; ECOLOGY; RELIGION; AFRICA
DOI	10.58863/20.500.12424/4306831
Pages	175–192
Section	10.
Series volume	1
File attachments	internal-pdf://2598716771/Ohlmann-Stork - GlobalEthics_Sustainability_1.pdf

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