In Advancing the Oneness of Humanity: The Olympic Games Kiser Barnes takes us on an exhilarating journey to the heart of the Olympic spirit. This compelling narrative explores how Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the unity and oneness of humanity resonates with the Olympic Games through their shared emphasis on bringing together the diverse peoples of the world, in a spirit of harmony and cooperation. His verse, ‘The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens’ – penned in 1882, only a few years before the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 – aligns with the mission of the Olympic movement to transcend national and cultural boundaries, fostering a global community united by the values of peace, friendship and mutual respect.

Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Barnes reveals the profound impact of the Olympics on global unity, inspiring generations to embrace these ideals. The Olympics serve as a platform where athletes from around the world come together, embodying the principle of human solidarity and demonstrating how vying with one another in the sports arena can coexist with camaraderie and understanding.

Barnes has served on Bahá’í institutions at the Faith’s World Centre, Haifa, Israel, in Africa and the United States. After teaching and practising civil and human rights law in America, he went to Africa with Nancy Park and their daughter Dylan Elizabeth. He taught law at several law schools in West Africa, and has written many books, articles, papers, and stories for children and youth on human oneness.

A former high school and university athlete, he has travelled widely, endeavouring with others to advance the principle of the Oneness of Humanity