", "When we see the condition the world is in today, we must surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances, and rush, unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. If manifestations are allowed to contradict one another, then there is no way to separate false manifestations from true ones or to discover if any of them really speak for the true and living God. Baha'u'llah, whose name means Glory of God in Arabic, was born in Tehran in 1817. The first time I heard the word syncretic connected with the Bahai Faith was from a college professor who knew I was Bahai but wanted to instruct me about this particular weakness he perceived. Perhaps youll be inspired to organize a similar discussion where you live. RELATED: What Happens When You Become a Bahai? I encourage you to look him up and see if it resonates with you. Membership in the Bah community is open to all who profess faith in Bah Allh and accept his teachings. Pawel Szul heterodoxy religion of Bayan, Unitarian Baha'i Discussion Forum Yahoo. Here are the misconceptions I addressed: People often ask where Bahais worship, which perhaps indicates anassumption more than a misconception. He teaches that God is a loving Parent who never uses threats or fear or guilt or shame in relating to Her/His children. The Bab and Bah'u'llh are believed to have been messengers from God and they told people that God has had many prophets and that God has had many names, but there is only one God. But there are always some who enter and, becoming intoxicated with the splendor of what they behold, remain for life to tend the garden.. p. 192) Bahullh says in the Hidden Words: 'Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art a sinner. [26], Bahs have been accused, particularly by successive Iranian governments, of being agents or spies of Russia, Britain, the Shah, the United States, and as agents of Zionismeach claim being linked to each regime's relevant enemy and justifying anti-Bah actions. BAHA'IS AND THE NATURE OF GOD Many of the Bahai writings are mystical and tell us a great deal about spiritual reality but others lay the foundation for an elegant and very practical democratically-elected global administrative order, designed to gradually unfold and help bring humanity to a permanent world peace. I declared back in 2008 when I was a naive open eyed idealist about the principles without knowing about all the contradictions and stuff. But if that fails or if we feel that it is hopeless to try and deal with the matter in that way, while at the same time the case is so serious that the interests of the Cause require that it should be firmly dealt with, then the proper course is to bring the matter before the Spiritual Assembly and have it frankly and fully discussed, calling such evidence as is necessary for the elucidation of the matter. Selfless Service to Humanity, Eco-Caskets: The Spiritual How - and Why - of Green Burials, Dr. Anthony Lee and the Excavation of Buried Racial Narratives. Helen Hornby, "Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner. [21] The Universal House of Justice stated in 1995, and has repeated since, that the teachings on sexuality are laid down in the faith's scripture and that, "the House of Justice has no authority to change this clear teaching on homosexual practice. Message and data rates may apply. About 5 million people worldwide adhere to the Baha'i faith, according to Patheos.com, but other sources say there are as many as 7 million around the world.. "You also ask what one should do to 'handle depression and anger with someone' one feels 'very positively about'. In the West, liberals have criticized the Bah Faith for some of its conservative social practices, notably the prohibition on premarital or homosexual intimacy for Bahs. Baha'u'llah's writings form the foundation of the Baha'i faith. If, on the other hand, God's own nature is said to be contradictory, that is, that God is both one God and many gods, that God is both able and not able to have a son, personal and impersonal, etc., then the Bahai concept of God is reduced to meaninglessness. My life has changed in ways that I had hoped the Bahai Faith would help me do, but in 35 years has not. Without the support of the UUs at First Jefferson Church, I might have never had the courage to do battle against the corrupt, idiotic Haifan Bahai Administrative Order as I have done. If capable, those between the ages of 15 and 70 are required to fast 19 days a year, going without food or drink from sunrise to sunset. In such cases, of course, the name of the person or persons involved will have to be mentioned. My life and Cheris together are proof that it can work! The other exclaimed: 'How it is deformed!' [24] The religion has seen a few attempts at splintering, but they have remained extremely small and declined over time. Hi, exmuslim atheist here. Also, tons of conservative, orthodox, even fundamentalist traditional morality in Bahai law. In this two-part article we will briefly examine: (1) the Baha'i approach to other religions; (2) the absence of the personal requirements Baha'i demands for the Manifestations; (3) anachronistic Baha'i scriptures; (4) the Miller analysis of the Baha'i faith; (5) moral concerns; (6) some Baha'i errors; and (7) failed prophecy and Baha'i misuse of The Bah Faith and its predecessor, the Bb religion, originated in the nineteenth-century Persian Empire, arousing considerable opposition, initially on purely theological and doctrinal grounds; it was perceived by many Iranians as threat to established power and authority in Persia.. ", "When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bah community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one, and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the sake of God and His Faith refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony. Also, the lack of actual places of worship was another big shock. After full consideration, the Spiritual Assembly should take such action as it deems advisable, and it is incumbent upon all members of the group to be loyal to whatever decision is arrived at by the Spiritual Assembly. What are my imperfections?and try to remove them. How can they best reach you? "Abdul-Bah does not permit adverse criticism of individuals by name in discussion among the friends, even if the one criticizing believes that he is doing so to protect the interests of the Cause. The principal Bah tenets are the essential unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. [20] Particularly in the United States, Bahs have attempted to reconcile the immutable conservative teachings on sexuality with the otherwise socially progressive teachings of the religion, but it continues to be a source of controversy. December 8-10, 1995 (see list of papers from #8) The claim of the Baha'i Faith to uphold the equality of men and women as a principle attracts attention from others who would also claim to be advancing the cause of sex equality, albeit from different perspectives. Heaven and Hell and the Baha'i Faith. An overwhelming majority of Bbs acknowledged his claim and thenceforth became known as Bahs. Baha'is believe that God has . Throughout his life, Bah'u'llah penned over 100 volumes in Arabic and Persian. But. The Universal House of Justice suggests that you call to mind the admonitions found in our Writings on the need to overlook the shortcomings of others, to forgive and conceal their misdeeds, not to expose their bad qualities, but to search for and affirm their praiseworthy ones, and endeavour to be always forbearing, patient, and merciful. Abstract This article will explore some of the issues involved in the sociological analysis of the status of the Bah' Faith. Pingback: Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith? If we think we can help matters by a frank and friendly talk with the individual concerned, refraining from judging or condemning, but pointing out in as kind a manner as possible the way in which, as it seems to us, the sort of conduct in question is harmful to the Cause or of a nature forbidden by the teachings, then it seems well to try that method before resorting to the more formidable method of bringing the matter before the Spiritual Assembly. Only the last category could fall into the category of reliable sources (although not independent or disinterested sources ). Yes, intermittent fasting has become pretty trendy, for this physical fast is a symbol of the spir, At the beginning of the 20th century, what did a P, One must see in every human being only that which, Every tender heart wonders What can I do to hel, Act in such a way that your heart may be free from, While sorrow and suffering seem to be inescapable, What is the Best Way to Worship? Eventually, what started as a compromise between us grew into a case of full blown allegiance to the UU church for both of us. Extract from Dale Husbands blog. The religion began with considerable controversy. A Question About Translating the Baha'i Writings December 11, 2022. Rather, Bahais look to the spiritual teachings of the Bab and Bahaullah, as interpreted and elucidated by Abdul-Baha, for inspiration and guidance. We should therefore, as tactfully as possible, but yet firmly, do our utmost to prevent others from making accusations or complaints against others in our presence.". At the same time, the Baha'i faith has spread around the globe. Yes, the Road to Serfdom is Indeed Paved by Conservatives, you Libertarian Idiot! Ive never been into having to jump through hurdles to withdraw. Vangelis was a Living Legend.and he Remains a Legend Forever! Every attempted Bah schism has failed to attract more than a few hundred individuals and declined over time. The seat of the Universal House of Justice is in Haifa, Israel, in the immediate vicinity of the shrines of the Bb and Abd al-Bah and near the Shrine of Bah Allh at Bahj, near Akko. ", "He feels that you should do your utmost to call the attention of the friends to these large things, and real triumphs, and away from their personal differences and petty pre-occupations. Someone from the Bahai community will contact you shortly. Pingback: Why peace activists (and critics of religion) sometimes fail Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. Man must be a lover of the light, no matter from what dayspring it may appear. Historical context. All national spiritual assemblies of the world periodically constitute themselves an international convention and elect a supreme governing body known as the Universal House of Justice. As part of its crackdown on the followers of the Bab, the Iranian government incarcerated Baha'u'llah. He remained there until his passing in 1892. He was released in 1853 and exiled to Baghdad, where his leadership revived the Bb community. [11], Bah authors have written in response that the contradictory teachings are either social laws that change from age to age, as part of a progressive revelation, or human error introduced to the more ancient faiths over time. Christian and Islamic authors (e.g. The Bahs use a calendar, established by the Bb and confirmed by Bah Allh, in which the year is divided into 19 months of 19 days each, with the addition of 4 intercalary days (5 in leap years). Later, my mother, who was always hostile to the Bahai Faith because of her Baptist convictions, took those items and discarded them all without my consent. Even if what is said against another person be true, the mentioning of his faults to others still comes under the category of backbiting, and is forbidden.". [22] Bah scholar Udo Schaefer stated that the legitimization of the death penalty in cases of murder and arson is usually met with disapproval and suspicion in Europe. The friends must overlook their shortcomings and faults and speak only of their virtues and not their defects. Try making a comment like an adult and I will then treat you like one. The Baha'i faith. His most well-known book is The Hidden Words, which is composed of short poetic statements that get to the heart of his spiritual and ethical teachings. [27] Central to Cole's complaints is the Bah review process, which requires Bah authors to gain approval before publishing on the religion. Parental consent should only be an issue if the married partners are still minors. If, however, we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task. I hope that all the believers will attain to this lofty station. However, from a Bahai perspective if your relationship to God has not been directed by the revelation of Bahaullah than we are really talking more about ones own vain imaginings as opposed to reality. His writings, which promote peace and unity, are at the heart of the . 10, on page 138, there is a record of a reply given by Abdul-Bah in a private interview in Paris in 1913. Every Bah, however, is under the spiritual obligation to pray daily; to abstain totally from narcotics, alcohol, or any other substances that affect the mind; to practice monogamy; to obtain the consent of parents to marriage; and to attend the Nineteen Day Feast on the first day of each month of the Bah calendar. "You are quite correct in your understanding of the importance of avoiding backbiting; such conduct strikes at the very unity of the Bah community. I am totally convinced that the Bahai Faith is doomed to fail in its mission to bring peace, unity, and a Golden Age to humanity and I therefore resign from my past membership in the Faith. Select search scope, currently: articles+ all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources The stupidity of that idea should be obvious. Message and data rates may apply. by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions. But His Holiness Christ said: 'Look at its teeth! Soon the Bbs teachings spread throughout Iran, provoking strong opposition from both the Shii Muslim clergy and the government. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The followers of such splinter groups are shunned and not considered Bahs by the majority. Baha'is have also been discriminated against in Yemen and in Egypt. The followers of such sects are labeled Covenant-breakers, shunned, and viewed as enemies of the faith. 2 - Belief in the transmigration of souls, and that reward and punishment happen to the soul only. I, too, am considering resigning my membership. In a Tablet to an American friend the Master wrote: 'The worst human quality and the most great sin is backbiting, more especially when it emanates from the tongues of the believers of God. [21], In the Kitb-i-Aqdas, Bahu'llh prescribed the death penalty both for intentional arson and murder. The exclusion of same-sex marriage among Bahs has garnered considerable criticism in the Western world, where the Bah teachings on sexuality may appear to be unreasonable, dogmatic, and difficult to apply in Western society. Zackery M. Heern does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Lights of Guidance/Backbiting, Criticism, Faultfinding, Gossip, Lies, Slander Etc. If he looks to this side and that to see how Tom and Harry are getting on and to criticise their ploughing, then his own furrow will assuredly become crooked. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). The Nineteen Day Feast, originally instituted by the Bb, brings together the Bahs of a given locality for prayer, the reading of scriptures, the discussion of community activities, and the enjoyment of one anothers company. The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they have not learned to draw fully on these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith. Abdo presented the following list of criticisms of the Bah Faith from a feminist perspective at an annual gathering for Bah studies in 1995: the ineligibility of women to serve on the Universal House of Justice--this is of particular interest to supporters of women priests within the Christian tradition; the intestacy laws in the Kitab-i-Aqdas; the dowry laws with particular reference to the virginity refund clause; the exemption of menstruating women from obligatory prayers and the implication of menstrual taboo; the use of androcentric language and male pronouns in texts; the emphasis on traditional morality and family values[18]. The governance of the Bah community begins on the local level with the election of a local spiritual assembly. In fact, the first school for girls in Iran was established by the Baha'is. Bahs believe in the oneness of humanity and devote themselves to the abolition of racial, class, and religious prejudices. Deborah Clark Vance earned a Ph.D. from Howard University in Intercultural Communication and served as Assoc Prof. and Chair of the Dept of Comm & Cinema at McDaniel College. In this article I will respond to these arguments as they relate to the different views held by Bah's and Christians on (1) the nature of God, (2) biblical prophecy, and (3) religious unity. Would it please the Blessed Beauty, contribute to the lasting honour of the friends, promote the holy Faith, support the Covenant, or be of any possible benefit to any soul? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); After years of investigation and soul-searching, I have finally come to the sad understanding that I can no longer bring myself to believe in Bahaullah or any of the institutions established in His name, including the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. ", "I desire distinction for you. https://bahai.works/index.php?title=Lights_of_Guidance/Backbiting,_Criticism,_Faultfinding,_Gossip,_Lies,_Slander_Etc.&oldid=121304. This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 01:55. In 1863, shortly before being moved by the Ottoman government to Constantinople (now Istanbul), Bah Allh declared to his fellow Bbs that he was the messenger of God foretold by the Bb. There is, of course the right of appeal from the Local to the National Assembly, and from that to Shoghi Effendi,* but the matter ought to be dealt with, in the first instance, by the Local Spiritual Assembly. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). There also exist in the Bah Faith appointive institutions, such as the Hands of the Cause of God and the continental counselors. [27][31], Denis MacEoin, a scholar who had previously been a Bah, criticized what he saw as a threat to the impartiality of the academic field of Bb and Bah studies due to the dominance of practising Bahs in the field. Oral reports, although they exist, are considered too unreliable to be fully authoritative and are to . Updates? Im lazy. This is the conduct and the manner of the real Bahais (Bahs). When not convened as a body, each member has no autonomous authority. [15], Islamic theology regards Muhammad as the Khatam an-Nabiyyin, the last prophet whom God has sent and Islam as the final religion for all humankind. Omissions? Shoghi and the Grandsons of 'Abdu'l Baha; The Guardianship of Shoghi: Losses and Losses; Shoghi in the Will of the Master Abdu'l Baha; New History Society; Early Baha'is. | The Bahai Insider, Pingback: Dale Husband: Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith Bah Censorship, Pingback: Another reason to despise Michael Shermer | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Pingback: A Critical Analysis of the The Kitb-i-Aqdas, Part Three | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Pingback: A Conversion to Mormonism | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Pingback: Featured in a magazine critical of the Bahai Faith | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, At the gate of the garden some stand and look within, but do not care to enter. People who leave the religion, transgress community standards, or attack it externally are not considered Covenant-breakers. (Bnai Brith means children of the covenant.). Such passages as the following extract from one of the letters written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary will also be helpful: " 'Each of us is responsible for one life only, and that is our own. Throughout his life, Bah'u'llah penned over 100 . The Bah Faith was first mentioned in the United States in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. When we did, I left behind at the house most of the Bahai books and other literature I had collected from my eight or nine years as a Bahai. Its interesting how much confusion this lack of a fixed building in many Bahai communities can create for members of other Faiths who feel connected to their places of worship. In a letter written to an individual believer on behalf of the Guardian it is stated: 'If we are better, if we show love, patience, and understanding of the weakness of others, if we seek to never criticize but rather encourage, others will do likewise, and we can really help the Cause through our example and spiritual strength.
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