In the Christian world Biblical criticism combined with physical science to dispute, and to some extent to refute, the authority of the Bible, an authority that for centuries had been the generally accepted basis of belief.

A rapidly increasing proportion of the population became skeptical about the teachings of the churches.

A large number even of religious priests secretly or openly entertained doubts or reservations regarding the creeds adhered to by their respective denominations.
This ferment and flux of opinion, with increasing recognition of the inadequacy of the old orthodoxies and dogmas, and groping and striving after fuller knowledge and understanding, were not confined to Christian countries, but were manifest, more or less, and in different forms, among the people of all countries and religions.
The Message of Baha'u'llah It was when this state of conflict and confusion was at its height, that Baha'u'llah sounded His great trumpet call to humanity:-- That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled....

These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family....

(words spoken to Professor Browne).
It is a glorious message, but how are its proposals to be carried into effect?
Prophets have preached, poets have sung and saints have prayed about these things for thousands of years, but diversities of religion have not ceased nor have strife and bloodshed and discord been annulled.
What is there to show that now the miracle is to be accomplished?
Are there any new factors in the situation?
Is not human nature the same as it ever was, and will it not continue to be the same while the world lasts?
If two people want the same thing, or two nations, will they not fight for it in the future as they have done in the past?
If Moses, Buddha, Christ and Muhammad failed to achieve world unity will Baha'u'llah succeed?
If all previous faiths become corrupted and rent asunder into sects will not the Baha'i faith share the same fate?
Let us see what answer the Baha'i teachings give to these and similar questions.
Can Human Nature Change?
Education and religion are alike based on the assumption that it is possible to change human nature.