the body of the House of Justice
whose members are elected by and known to the worldwide Baha'i
community, no differences will arise; whereas the conclusions of
individual divines and scholars would definitely lead to
differences, and result in schism, division, and dispersion. The
oneness of the Word would be destroyed, the unity of the Faith
would disappear, and the edifice of the Faith of God would be
shaken.

Although the Universal House of Justice is explicitly authorized to change
or repeal its own legislation as conditions change, thus providing Baha'i
law with an essential element of flexibility, it cannot abrogate or change
any of the laws which are explicitly laid down in the sacred Text.

The society for which certain of the laws of the Aqdas are designed will
come only gradually into being, and Baha'u'llah has provided for the
progressive application of Baha'i law:

Indeed, the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children
of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them
one must exercise tact and wisdom... Since most people are feeble
and far-removed from the purpose of God, therefore one must
observe tact and prudence under all conditions, so that nothing
might happen that could cause disturbance and dissension or raise
clamour among the heedless. Verily, His bounty hath surpassed the
whole universe and His bestowals encompassed all that dwell on
earth. One must guide mankind to the ocean of true understanding
in a spirit of love and tolerance. The Kitab-i-Aqdas itself
beareth eloquent testimony to the loving providence of God.

The principle governing this progressive application was enunciated in a
letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual
Assembly in 1935:

The laws revealed by Baha'u'llah in the Aqdas are, whenever
practicable and not in direct conflict with the Civil Law of the
land, absolutely binding on every believer or Baha'i institution
whether in the East or in the West. Certain ... laws should be
regarded by all believers as universally and vitally applicable at
the present time. Others have been formulated in anticipation of a
state of society destined to emerge from the chaotic conditions
that prevail today... What has not been formulated in the Aqdas,
in addition to matters of detail and of secondary importance
arising o