from`Abdu'l-Bahá:
" . the Law of God is divided into two parts. One is the fundamental basis which comprises all spiritual things -- that is to say, it refers to the spiritual virtues and divine qualities; this does not change nor alter: it is the Holy of Holies, which is the essence of the Law of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá'u'lláh, and WHICH LASTS and is established in ALL THE PROPHETIC CYCLES. It will NEVER BE ABROGATED, for it is spiritual and not material truth; it is faith, knowledge, certitude, justice, piety, righteousness, trustworthiness, love of God, benevolence, purity, detachment, humility, meekness, patience and constancy. It shows mercy to the poor, defends the oppressed, gives to the wretched and uplifts the fallen.
These divine qualities, these eternal commandments, WILL NEVER BE ABOLISHED; nay, they will last and remain established for ever and ever. These virtues of humanity WILL BE RENEWED in each of the different cycles; for at the end of every cycle the spiritual Law of God -- that is to say, the human virtues -- disappears, and only the form subsists. .
.These foundations of the Religion of God, which are spiritual and which are the virtues of humanity, cannot be abrogated; they are irremovable and eternal, and are renewed in the cycle of every Prophet.
The second part of the Religion of God, which refers to the material world, and which comprises fasting, prayer, forms of worship, marriage and divorce, the abolition of slavery, legal processes, transactions, indemnities for murder, violence, theft and injuries -- this part of the Law of God, which refers to material things, is MODIFIED AND ALTERED IN EACH PROPHETIC CYCLE in accordance with the NECESSITIES of the times." (Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 46) (my caps)
I would agree that the spiritual attributes of which humans are capable are eternally "appropriate". However, the material (scientific) capabilities of humanity have advanced to such a degree (and, continue to do so) that it has become necessary to find solutions that will insure the continued survival of humanity, as inhabitants of one planet.
lovingly, Sandra
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