Bahá’ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the future of society and of the nature and purpose of life. Such a vision unfolds in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. This course in an introduction to the unifying Baha'i Faith.

Throughout history, God has sent to humanity a series of divine Educators—known as Manifestations of God—whose teachings have provided the basis for the advancement of civilization. These Manifestations have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad. Bahá’u’lláh, the latest of these Messengers, explained that the religions of the world come from the same Source and are in essence successive chapters of one religion from God. The Baha'i Faith presents healing teaching of unity for this age when the divisions are most dangerous.

Baha'u'llah taught that the "earth is one country and mankind its citizens" more than one hundred years ago from a prison cell in Akka. He taught that the absolute equality of men and women, the unity of the races, and the progressive nature of religion with God speaking to humankind in every age and in every part of the planet. He taught the essential requirement of universal education; the elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty.

O YE RICH ONES ON EARTH! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease.

— Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, Persian no. 54

The arrangements of the circumstances of the people must be such that poverty shall disappear, that everyone, as far as possible, according to his rank and position, shall share in comfort and well-being.

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks

Oh, friends of God, be living examples of justice! So that by the Mercy of God, the world may see in your actions that you manifest the attributes of justice and mercy.