The
more the conscience of man develops, the more will his heart be free and his
soul attain unto happiness. In the religion of God, there is freedom of thought
because God, alone, controls the human conscience, but this freedom should not
go beyond courtesy. In the religion of God, there is no freedom of action
outside the law of God. Man may not transgress this law, even though no harm is
inflicted on one's neighbour. This is because the purpose of Divine law is the
education of all -- others as well as oneself -- and, in the sight of God, the
harm done to one individual or to his neighbour is the same and is
reprehensible in both cases. Hearts must possess the fear of God. Man should
endeavour to avoid that which is abhorrent unto God. Therefore, the freedom
that the laws of Europe offer to the individual does not exist in the law of
God. Freedom of thought should not transgress the bounds of courtesy, and
actions, likewise, should be governed by the fear of God and the desire to seek
His good pleasure.
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in a letter dated 8 February 1998 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
(‘Abdu’l-Baha, quoted in a letter dated 8 February 1998 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
