A world beset by intractable problems leading to the breakdown of society as we know it: the diagnosis is a common one but Dr. Schaefer's presentation of it is not. Taking stock of the traditions of modern European thought, from Marx, Nietzsche and the 'death of God' to the present day, and making extensive use of quotations and statistics from current reports, he discusses some of the vital issues at the heart of this global upheaval. He proposes solutions drawn from the teachings of Baha'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith, and examines the emergence of new ideas and structures in this world religion as a possible model for the renewal of society. The Imperishable Dominion is a valuable analysis, particularly for those familiar with the Western intellectual tradition.

New Preface (August 2008)

Udo Schaefer’s Bahá’í Ethics in Light of Scripture is an attempt to analyse the underlying structures and detect the interior architecture of the Bahá’í moral system and is a step towards developing a Bahá’í moral theology. Doctrinal Fundamentals, the first of two volumes, provides a historical overview of the Bahá'í Faith, a systematic survey of it doctrines and an overview of the origin and derivation of moral values. It considers the metaphysical nature of man and man’s responsibilities, looks at reason and conscience, and explores liberty and its limits. Schaefer's second volume (forthcoming) deals with concrete values – the virtues, divine commandments and principles of social ethics from a Bahá’í perspective.

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Udo Schaefer’s Bahá’í Ethics in Light of Scripture attempts to analyse the underlying structures and detect the interior architecture of the Bahá’í moral system and is a step towards developing a Bahá’í moral theology.

Finely argued and meticulously researched and annotated, Virtues and Divine Commandments, the second of two volumes, considers the structures of the moral order and its concrete values – the virtues, divine commandments and principles of social ethics, including justice, from a Bahá’í perspective.

Includes an appendix on art and morality and correspondence with the Universal House of Justice on issues considered in the book.

Table of Contents