A Bahá’í Perspective on the Nature and Purpose of Work

Abstract

This chapter outlines a Bahá’í perspective on the nature and purpose of work. The Bahai Faith is briefly introduced and what its writings say about the nature and purpose of work. In the spirit of this handbook, however, this chapter is not a theological discussion but rather an exploration of how Bahá’ís apply some of the teachings of their faith to their own work, to the systems through which they organise and to reshaping the overall purpose of work itself. The Bahá’í Faith is a global religion, and I could have chosen numerous examples from around the world—from application of Bahá’í principles to moral leadership education in South America to microfinance in Africa—here, however, I reflect on examples that have touched my own life as a Bahá’í in the Western world.

In this chapter, I outline a Bahá’í perspective on the nature and purpose of work. The Bahá’í Faith is briefly introduced, specifically what its writings say about the nature and purpose of work. In the spirit of this handbook, however, this chapter is not a theological discussion but rather an exploration of how Bahá’ís apply some of the teachings of their faith to their own work, to the systems through which they organise and to reshaping the overall purpose of work itself. The Bahá’í Faith is a global religion, and I could have chosen numerous examples from around the world—from application of Bahá’í principles to moral leadership education in South America to microfinance in Africa—here, however, I reflect on examples that have touched my own life as a Bahá’í in the Western world.