…material civilization is like unto a beautiful body, and
spiritual civilization is like unto the spirit of life. If that wondrous spirit
of life enters this beautiful body, the body will become a channel for the distribution
and development of the perfections of humanity.
Jesus Christ came to teach the people of the world this
heavenly civilization and not material civilization. He breathed the breath of
the Holy Spirit into the body of the world and established an illumined
civilization. Among the principles of divine civilization He came to proclaim
is the Most Great Peace of mankind. Among His principles of spiritual
civilization is the oneness of the kingdom of humanity. Among the principles of
heavenly civilization He brought is the virtue of the human world. Among the
principles of celestial civilization He announced is the improvement and
betterment of human morals. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, from a talk, 14 April, 1912; ‘The
Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by Abdu'l-Bahá during His
Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912’)
