“Be the change you want to see in the world,” Mahatma Gandhi.

When posed with this question, I came to a realization. This universal religion is not what needs to be changed directly; I, as a member of the faith, need to become a stronger follower. There are key principles in the faith and if these principles were followed utopia would be achieved.

“Ye are all leaves of one tree and the fruits of one branch,” Bahá’u’lláh.

Not one leaf or fruit is more important than the other, meaning oneness of humanity. If every country and region became one, then there would be no need for territorial wars or resource disputes.

However, universal peace cannot be established without universal government. All nations would be represented in the government, that allows for everyone to be heard. With a universal government, all the nations will have checks, meaning not one country can monopolize any part of the world.

Baha’is believe that individuals cannot adhere and devote themselves to this world cause without independent investigation. We believe that everyone has the capacity to know and to love God. Through the independent searching one can find out what God means to them. With independence comes minimal distortion in terms of perception. By looking for oneself, no outside source can influence your interpretation, allowing you to learn and comprehend with the utmost pure intentions.

Still, education on the worldly level is needed. Everyone has a right to an education. If parents cannot provide an education for their children, one should be provided for them. If there is universal education there is no barrier between the peoples of the earth.

Science and religion go hand in hand. If there is no reason or science conforming to the religion then it is absolute superstition. Without science how can truth be discovered? If human beings cannot comprehend religion without logic and science, there is no way for it to be understood at all.

In order to learn and communicate all the teachings, a universal language is needed. Everyone would need to learn their own native language and the universal language. There would be absolutely no obstacles of communication between world citizens because of this process. Language gaps would be virtually nonexistant.

“The world of humanity has two wings; one is woman and the other man. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible. Not until the world of woman becomes equal to the world of man in the acquisition of virtues and perfection’s, can success and prosperity be attained as they ought to be,” Abdu’l-Baha.

The equality of men and women is pivotal in the development of mankind. Literally, without one, there cannot be the other. Through this, a spiritual bond is derived, causing an unbreakable respect from both sides.

Equality should not be only in terms of men and women. All prejudices should be abolished. Whether it be religious racial or political, all types of prejudices are detrimental to the growth of mankind. Baha’is believe that the world is a place of equal opportunity and all its inhabitants are born equal and, in effect, should live and die equal.

The Baha’i faith does not need to be changed. I believe its teachings are perfect. What must change is the internal sacrifice of every individual person, that they may become these principles and help advance this cause.

Reach columnist Sacha Nunn at opinion@dailyuw.com.