by Rowena Eghanian of Bahá’i Faith
Observing the “beauty of creation” from the distance of space, NASA astronaut Victor Glover shared his perspective from the windows of the Orion [Integrity] spacecraft, while recently undertaking the Artemis II mission.
Looking back at us all, he observed this “beautiful oasis,” and stated: “No matter where you’re from or what you look like; we’re all one people”.
This historic mission demonstrated “what humans can do when we work together”, he said.
The pivoting point of the Bahá’i Teachings centres on the oneness of mankind.
All human beings represent part of a single, interconnected global human family.
The teachings emphasise the harmony of Science and Religion as two complementary systems of knowledge, which propel an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilisation.
Affirming they are two sets of practices that draw upon the higher powers of the human soul and must be in harmony.
Understanding the nature of this harmony is essential if humanity is to generate and apply the kind of knowledge that will advance civilisation in both its material and spiritual dimensions.
Years before leaving Earth’s atmosphere, our astronaut compatriots are plotting their course, employing both centuries-old knowledge and the latest learnings from many various fields of science.
Through these cooperative, collaborative efforts, from institutions and agencies around the globe, many advancements are made in scientific knowledge, which contribute to our material welfare.
Upon their return to Earth, Artemis II crew member Christina Koch shared, “A crew is a group that is in it all the time, no matter what, that is stroking together every minute with the same purpose, that is willing to sacrifice silently for each other, that gives grace, that holds accountable.
“A crew has the same cares and the same needs, and a crew is inescapably beautifully, dutifully linked.”
Reflecting on their 10-day mission, the crew expressed their profound gratitude, joy and love at the bonds now connecting them; demonstrating that their actions, courage and sacrifice undertaken together, offering up their very lives for this scientific mission, was also a spiritually bonding undertaking.
Missioned with recognising our oneness, to establish unity and world peace.
Let us then look at ourselves, serving as a unified crew, together aboard this mothership called Earth, drawing from these complementary systems of knowledge to mirror and apply with a purity of motive, humility, selflessness and respect for human dignity – the methods of our Lunar explorers!
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