| Loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on the promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups. |
| The attitude of the Bahá'ís to nationalism 'implies neither the slightest indifference to the cause and interests of their own country, nor involves any insubordination on their part to the authority of recognized and established governments. Nor does it constitute a repudiation of their sacred obligation to promote, in the most effective manner, the best interests of their government and people. It indicates the desire cherished by every true and loyal follower of Bahá'u'lláh to serve, in an unselfish, unostentatious and patriotic fashion, the highest interests of the country to which he belongs, and in a way that would entail no departure from the high standards of integrity and truthfulness associated with the teachings of his Faith.'3 |
| Shoghi Effendi writes that 'the fury of a capricious and militant nationalism' must be ‘transmuted into an abiding consciousness of world citizenship'.4 The purpose of the world order of Bahá'u'lláh is not, however, 'to stifle the flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in men's hearts, nor to abolish the system of national autonomy so essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided . . . It calls for a wider loyalty. . . It insists upon the subordination of national impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world.'5 |
| [BD 170] |
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