30th Annual Conference
Religion and the Evolution of Consciousness

With a continuing focus on the spiritual evolution of humankind, this year’s conference encourages the examination of four documents that address the evolution of spiritual civilization and the true nature of human reality: The Secret of Divine Civilization, Who Is Writing the Future?, Century of Light, and One Common Faith. The conference theme lends itself to exploration of the phenomenon of religion and its role as “the principal force impelling the development of consciousness.” Presentations might address systematic learning in the context of the Divine Plan, investigate the interdisciplinary study of religious reformation, the history and teachings of religion, the complementary aims and functions of the world’s faith systems, the theological and moral threads that link them, and the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting social cohesion and peace. What is the impact of religion on the evolving relationship between the individual and society and on theories, structures and modalities of collective governance? What is the role of religious values in defining and attaining goals of social justice, human rights, and the equality of men and women? How might we assess humankind’s rising receptivity to spiritual matters, and the increasing questioning to which the “materialist enterprise” is being subjected? How have prevailing concepts of modernity, science, progress, and social and economic development been shaped by a materialist interpretation of reality, and how might they be rethought in light of Bahá’í concepts? What is the role of science in the evolution of consciousness, and how has the advancement of science been related to that of religion?

Global integration’s dual effect of increasing inequality and awakening global consciousness also inspires investigation. How might scholars and leaders of thought come to a more profound understanding of the concept of unity, grounded in a revised understanding of human nature, sacrifice, and submission to the divine? And how might its antithesis, disunity, be explored as a unique re-conception of evil, expressed in jealousy, the pretence of allegiance, and the imposition of the individual’s will upon others? Examining spiritual evolution in these ways might also allow Bahá’í models of social change—for example, the process of capacity building based on immersion in the Writings—to be explored in practical detail; so too, the core activities of study circles, devotional gatherings and children’s classes as points of attraction and change for both the Bahá’í community and its community of interest. The theme also foregrounds the nexus between spiritual value systems and scientific and technological innovation and application: the suggestion that a deeper interaction between religious insight and scientific methodology has clear implications for social advancement.