…basic to the Baha'i Teachings is the concept that it is
only God Who knows the purpose of human life, and Who can convey this to us
through His Manifestations. A distinguishing feature of human existence is that
we have been given the capacity to know and love God and to consciously obey
Him. Thus we also have the converse: the ability to turn away from God, to fail
to love Him and to disobey Him. Indeed, left to himself, man is naturally
inclined towards evil. Human beings need not only assistance in defining
acceptable behaviour of one person towards another, but also guidance which
will help them to refrain from doing that which is spiritually damaging to
themselves.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 11 September 1995
written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual
Assembly)
