h the
processes of reason and the principles of science? Assuredly such a course
cannot inspire man with confidence and real belief.

The teachings of Baha'u'llah embody many principles; I am giving you only
a synopsis. One of these principles concerns equality between men and
women. He declared that as all are created in the image and likeness of
the one God, there is no distinction as to sex in the estimation of God.
He who is purest in heart, whose knowledge exceeds and who excels in
kindness to the servants of God, is nearest and dearest to the Lord, our
Creator, irrespective of sex. In the lower kingdoms, the animal and
vegetable, we find sex differentiation in function and organism. All
plants, trees and animals are subject to that differentiation by creation,
but among themselves there is absolute equality without further
distinction as to sex. Why, then, should mankind make a distinction which
the lower creatures do not regard? Especially so when we realize that all
are of the same kingdom and kindred; that all are the leaves of one tree,
the waves of one sea? The only reasonable explanation is that woman has
not been afforded the same educational facilities as man. For if she had
received the same opportunities for training and development as man has
enjoyed, undoubtedly she would have attained the same station and level.
In the estimate of God no distinction exists; both are as one and possess
equal degrees of capacity. Therefore, through opportunity and development
woman will merit and attain the same prerogatives. When Jesus Christ died
upon the cross, the disciples who witnessed His crucifixion were disturbed
and shaken. Even Peter, one of the greatest of His followers, denied Him
thrice. Mary Magdalene brought them together and confirmed their faith,
saying, "Why are ye doubting? Why have ye feared? O thou Peter! Why didst
thou deny Him? For Christ was not crucified. The reality of Christ is
ever-living, everlasting, eternal. For that divine reality there is no
beginning, no ending, and, therefore, there can be no death. At most, only
the body of Jesus has suffered death." In brief, this woman, singly and
alone, was instrumental in transforming the disciples and making them
steadfast. This is an evidence of extraordinary power and supreme
attributes, a proof that woman is the equivalent and complement of man.
The one who is better trained and educated, whose aptitude is greater and
whose ideals are higher i