When it is Wrong to be Right

The Revelation of Baha'u'llah provides some new and challenging principles that are not found in earlier religious scripture. The most well known of these is the foundational principle that women are equal to men (to the extent that if all children can't be educated, preference is given to the girl because she will become the first educator of the next generation). Others include the primacy of agriculture as a profession (with teaching second), the elimination of clergy and decision-making by councils of consultation.

One of the principles involved in consultation is very challenging. It says basically: if a decision is wrong, uphold and support it.

It is very simple, but very difficult (especially if you disagree with the decision). No one wants to be wrong. This principle goes against the grain of much of western culture.

'Abdu'l-Baha explained that by following and supporting a wrong decision, it will become evident to everyone that it is wrong, and then it can be changed.

He also said that that "wrong" decision can end up being the right thing to do. (How odd!)

The third possibility, no ego wants to admit, is: maybe I was wrong instead of them. (gasp!)

The amount of peace we can bring into our daily lives, and our communities, by following this principle is amazing.

Here is what 'Abdu'l-Baha said: "If they (the Baha'is) agree upon a subject, even though it be wrong, it is better than to disagree and be in the right, for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation. Though every one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs, but if they agree and both parties are in the wrong, as it is in unity the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right."
- Baha'i World Faith, p. 411

Amazing!!