The Revelation, of which Bahá'u'lláh is the source and
centre, abrogates none of the religions that have preceded it, nor does it
attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort their features or to belittle
their value. It disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of the Prophets of the
past, or of whittling down the eternal verity of their teachings. It can, in no
wise, conflict with the spirit that animates their claims, nor does it seek to
undermine the basis of any man's allegiance to their cause. Its declared, its
primary, purpose is to enable every adherent of these Faiths to obtain a fuller
understanding of the religion with which he stands identified, and to acquire a
clearer apprehension of its purpose. It is neither eclectic in the presentation
of its truths, nor arrogant in the affirmation of its claims. Its teachings
revolve around the fundamental principle that religious truth is not absolute
but relative, that Divine Revelation is progressive, not final. Unequivocally
and without the least reservation it proclaims all established religions to be
divine in origin, identical in their aims, complementary in their functions,
continuous in their purpose, indispensable in their value to mankind.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 21
March 1932; The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh: Selected Letters; The Compilation
of Compilations, vol. III, Cultural Diversity in the Age of Maturity)
