Oneness of God

The Baha'is believe that even though people have called the Supreme Creator by different names, there is only one God, "the unknowable Essence," Who is exalted above any human description. Throughout the limitless space, only One Supreme Being exists that is the Primal Force of the universe.

God is Infinite, human beings are finite. While we have an intimate connection to God through our love for Him and His love for us, we are unable to comprehend God, nor can we receive His direct revelation. There needs to be an Intermediary to convey His message to humanity.

Thus, God, in His wisdom and mercy, sends such Intermediaries from time to time, to educate and guide humanity. We call these special beings Messengers of God or Manifestations, because They manifest or reveal God's qualities and teachings to us.

Oneness of Religion

Since there is only one God, Baha'is believe that all the Messengers sent from God teach the same religious faith -- each adapted to the time and needs of the people amongst whom They appear. This unfoldment of religion from age to age is called "progressive revelation." Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah is the most recent Messenger from God, sent to guide humanity for our time. `Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, said:

"All these divisions we see on all sides, all these disputes and opposition, are caused because men cling to ritual and outward observances, and forget the simple, underlying truth. It is the outward practices of religion that are so different, and it is they that cause disputes and enmity -- while the reality is always the same, and one. The Reality is the Truth, and truth has no division. Truth is God's guidance, it is the light of the world, it is love, it is mercy. These attributes of truth are also human virtues inspired by the Holy Spirit." --`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, pp. 120-1

These Messengers or Prophets are of the same rank and spiritual reality. As stated by Baha'u'llah, "Know thou assuredly that the essence of all the Prophets of God is one and the same..." -- Baha'u'llah, Gleanings, p. 78

Oneness of Humanity

The Baha'is believe that the central mission of the most recent Messenger, Baha'u'llah, is to unify the family of humanity throughout the globe. It is through the firm belief in the organic oneness of all people that the diverse human heritage will be celebrated and the united energy of humanity will be channeled for the well-being of all.

"The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are un-attainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." -- Baha'u'llah, Gleanings, p. 286

The Baha'i vision is based on this core of beliefs -- the three onenesses. Guided and inspired by this transcendent vision and a comprehensive set of spiritual and social teachings, Baha'is work toward the realization of humanity's highest hope -- a humanity at peace, worshiping God through sterling deeds of service and preparing themselves for the spiritual journeys in the endless worlds of God.