As to the difference between the natural (i.e., physical or
material) civilization which is in the present day in force, and the Divine
civilization which shall be of the results of The House of Justice: The
material civilization prevents and safeguards people from committing evil
deeds, through the force of the laws of retaliation and correction. … But the
Divine civilization will so train mankind that no soul will commit crimes,
except rare (or few) individuals, which exception is of no importance
whatsoever. Consequently, there is much difference between preventing people
from evil actions and crimes through correction and retaliation or through
violent punishment, and so training them, enlightening them and spiritualizing
them that they will shun crimes and evil deeds without any fear (however) of
punishment, prevention or retaliation. - ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Star of the West, vol.
II, no. 3, April 28, 1911)
