", " Backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. Goodbye. When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race. I was recently invited to participate on an interfaith panel where we all responded to this question: What are the truths and misconceptions about your Faith? 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. I desire this distinction for you. Pingback: Why peace activists (and critics of religion) sometimes fail Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. [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. Consider this your only warning!). 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. Goodbye. [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. It doesnt matter if you didnt formally withdraw because in practice you would have lost your administrative rights anyway, and since that is the only thing that a formal declaration providesadministrative rightsit really makes no difference anyway. Baha'is believe that God has . "On no subject are the Bah teachings more emphatic than on the necessity to abstain from fault-finding and backbiting while being ever eager to discover and root out our own faults and overcome our own failings. There also exist in the Bah Faith appointive institutions, such as the Hands of the Cause of God and the continental counselors. And actually the Bahais are far more interested in growing their numbers than spending time and money on charitable work. It really doesnt matter what one calls oneself, it only matters what ones relationship is to God in reality. 10, on page 138, there is a record of a reply given by Abdul-Bah in a private interview in Paris in 1913. My life has changed in ways that I had hoped the Bahai Faith would help me do, but in 35 years has not. The faith has no priesthood and does not observe ritual forms in its worship. I hope that all the believers will attain to this lofty station. The Baha'i faith. But His Holiness Christ said: 'Look at its teeth! ", " If any soul speak ill of an absent one, the only result will clearly be this: he will dampen the zeal of the friends and tend to make them indifferent. Despite the persecution, the Baha'i faith has attracted millions of adherents around the globe for its ability to transcend nationalism, racism and the like. [1] Western academics have criticized the requirement for Bahs to seek pre-publication review when publishing on the religion[3] and the exclusion of women from serving on the Universal House of Justice. Ive never been into having to jump through hurdles to withdraw. Assistant Professor of History and Middle East Studies, Idaho State University. In the summer and fall of 2004, I gradually came to the conviction that the Bahai Faith was no longer worthy of my allegiance. When people say that the Bahai Faith has something to do with Judaism, its often a result of confusing the word Bahai with Bnai Brith, a service organization dedicated to the social and educational betterment of Jews. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. IV. After Islamic fundamentalists came to power in Iran in 1979, the 300,000 Bahs there were persecuted by the government. Thank you so much! The Bahi Faith underwent a rapid expansion beginning in the 1960s, and by the early 21st century it had more than 180 national spiritual assemblies (national governing bodies) and several thousand local spiritual assemblies. If you dont recognize Bahaullah as a manifestation of God then you arent really a Bahai whether or not you happen to be part of the Bahai Administrative Order. ", "an unwise act or statement by a Bah in one country could result in a grave set-back for the Faith there or elsewhereand even loss of the lives of fellow believers. This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 01:55. "The question of dealing with those who call themselves Bahs but who act in ways which we believe to be detrimental to the interests of the Cause is a very difficult one. John Ankerberg) have attacked its history and founders, institutions, teachings, and use of prophecy. Check your email for the latest from BahaiTeachings.org. Rather, Bahais look to the spiritual teachings of the Bab and Bahaullah, as interpreted and elucidated by Abdul-Baha, for inspiration and guidance. This must be the point of distinction among you. You don't need to belong to a religion to be of service to others and do good in the world. If, however, we look at people from the standpoint of their faults, then being a friend to them is a formidable task. Christian and Islamic authors (e.g. Finally, you must become distinguished for heavenly illumination and acquiring the bestowals of God. "As to backbiting, the House of Justice points out that learning not to concern oneself with the faults of others seems to be one of the most difficult lessons for people to master, and that failing in this is a fertile cause of disputes among Bahs as it is among men and women in general. In the early 21st century there were nine Bah houses of worship: in Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Germany, India, Panama, Samoa, the United States, and Uganda. Abstract This article will explore some of the issues involved in the sociological analysis of the status of the Bah' Faith. The ineligibility of women has caused discontent among small but vocal groups of western Bah intellectuals,[5][1] and criticism from others. Mirza Ahmad Sohrab; Lady Ruth White. [1] [35] By contrast, MacEoin generally praised the work in Bah studies of Bah historian Peter Smith and non-Bah sociologist Margit Warburg. The religion officially formed in 1863, but a Shiite Muslim man in Iran began paving the way in 1844 by announcing a new prophet was to come - after Muhammad. Your opinion is based on no facts whatsoever and therefore is not worth considering. 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. On January 18, a court in Iran's Mazandaran province ordered that property belonging to Bahai citizen Sheida Taeed be confiscated and transferred to the "Execution of Imam Khomeini's Order," a committee controlled by . Ive never officially withdrawn or resigned, but stopped being a Bahai either one or two years after declaration. Again, it doesnt really matter. The writings and spoken words of the Bb, Bah Allh, and Abd al-Bah form the sacred literature of the Bah Faith. Each of us is immeasurably far from being 'perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect' and the task of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires all our attention, our will-power and energy. [6], The religion's rise in the Middle East and subsequent movement into the West has given rise to a body of anti-Bah polemic. The Bah' Faith is a world religion based on the teachings of Bah'u'llh. While Bah teachings assert that men and women are spiritually equal, some areas of differentiation remain. Baha'u'llah encouraged Baha'is to cooperate with their governments and engage with the followers of all religions in a spirit of fellowship. AJs concepts are not a religion or a cult. Thus you will grow, become more perfect. Will and Testament of 'Abdul-Baha; Shoghi Effendi. It was during this exile that he publicly announced the establishment of the Baha'i faith. Bahs believe in the oneness of humanity and devote themselves to the abolition of racial, class, and religious prejudices. People who leave the religion, transgress community standards, or attack it externally are not considered Covenant-breakers. A comparative analysis of the Baha'i and Christian views of heaven and hell. [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. The Baha'i Faith explained that away by claiming that while Jesus was indeed a Messenger (or Manifestation) of God, His faith had become corrupted over time and thus most Christians were not truly following him, but the doctrines of men. The great bulk of Bah teachings is concerned with social ethics. Membership in the Bah community is open to all who profess faith in Bah Allh and accept his teachings. The central figure of the religion is Baha'u'llah, and Baha'is consider him to be the latest in a series of divine messengers. Perhaps youll be inspired to organize a similar discussion where you live. 3 - Belief that all religions are valid, and that the Torah and Gospel have . Lights of Guidance/Backbiting, Criticism, Faultfinding, Gossip, Lies, Slander Etc. 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. Since the Bahai Faith is a relatively young religion founded by Bahaullah in the middle of the 19th century not everyone knows a great deal about it, and some people have incorrect information. Thanks for the post. An unethical teaching from the Caleb and Sophia Series December 24, 2022. Instead, the Bahai Faith operates administratively with a system of local, national and international nine-member governing bodies, all democratically elected without nominations or campaigns. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bahai-Faith, The British Library - An introduction to the Bahai Faith, World Religious and Spirituality Project - Bahai Faith, Bahai Faith - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Bahai faith - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). A "Unitarian Baha'i" comes across as an idiot, again! [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. Also, tons of conservative, orthodox, even fundamentalist traditional morality in Bahai law. The religion began with considerable controversy. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Baha'u'llahs writings form the foundation of the Baha'i faith. Corrections? Jehovah's Witnesses and Baha'is were among the most . The individual believer should seek to do this, whether he is consulting a friend, Bah or non-Bah, or whether the friend is consulting him. More than one person has said Bahais arent involved in social action. Nothing could be further from the truth. 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. Shouldst thou transgress this command ACCURSED ART THOU.' Bah Faith, religion founded in Iraq in the mid-19th century by Mrz osayn Al Nr, who is known as Bah Allh (also spelled Bahullh), which in Arabic means Glory of God. The cornerstone of Bah belief is the conviction that Bah Allh and his forerunner, who was known as the Bb (Persian: Gateway), were manifestations of God, who in his essence is unknowable. The Bahai House of Worship in North America is in the town where two generations of my family lived before me Wilmette, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Each of us is immeasurably far from being "perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect" and the task of perfecting our own life and character is one that requires all our attention, our will-power and energy. I should update this by noting that I separated from Cheri in December of 2011 and filed for divorce from her on May 7, 2012, finally getting the divorce granted on August 15, 2012. Abd al-Bah actively administered the movements affairs and spread the faith to North America, Europe, and other continents. A few weeks later, the NSA replied that they had accepted my resignation and expressed hope that I would one day decide to return. The letters or contact of why you are withdrawing are also another reason why not to do so. Therefore, Baha'u'llahs teachings specifically advocate for racial unity, gender equality, universal education, and harmony of science and religion. There are no initiation ceremonies, no sacraments, and no clergy. Theimplication is that Bahai is Jewish, which may also be mistakenly inferred by some because the world headquarters of the Bahai Faith is in Haifa, Israel. Conservatives among Unitarian Universalists Still Feel Like Victims. Large-scale persecutions of his adherents, the Bbs, followed. I do not desire for you financial distinction. Throughout his life, Bah'u'llah penned over 100 . Soon after this, I began my relationship with Cheri, the woman that would later become my wife. [4][5] These issues may be only marginal to the numerically dominant Bah community outside of Europe and North America. He remained there until his passing in 1892. Indeed Baha'u'llah claimed to be the manifestation of God that the Bab had foretold and gained a large following. Message and data rates may apply. 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. Judaism and Christianity are predecessors of Islam but criticism aimed directly at either of the two doesn't seem to directly affect Islam because of a belief in the Bible and Torah being corrupted or outdated versions of God's message. For the most part, though, individual Bahai communities do not have a Bahai House of Worship, which are actually more like a gift to the community, not for exclusive use by Bahais. 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 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. The Bah's are fully entitled to address criticisms to their assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the assembly, local or national, but then they must whole-heartedly accept the advice or decision of the assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Does it really matter? Criticism of the Baha'i Faith I can only speak for myself, but I consider direct and detailed criticism of the Baha'i Faith to be an essential part of the recovery process involved in leaving it. 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. The Christian Grace Network on YouTube November 23, 2022. "If we profess loyalty to Bahullh, to our Beloved Master and our dear Guardian, then we must show our love by obedience to these explicit teachings. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. He taught there is one God and one human family, and that the great religions of the world represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society. Please select which sections you would like to print: Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Most criticism has come from Iranian enemies with a reputation for deception, Christian groups intending to smear the religion, and disaffected former Baha'is who largely criticize individuals in the administration. Extract from Dale Husbands blog. He proclaimed a spiritual doctrine emphasizing the forthcoming appearance of a new prophet or messenger of God who would overturn old beliefs and customs and usher in a new era. "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. Dale's Declarations. ", "Indeed the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other's love for strength and consolation in time of need. Selfless Service to Humanity, Eco-Caskets: The Spiritual How - and Why - of Green Burials, Dr. Anthony Lee and the Excavation of Buried Racial Narratives. How can they best reach you? [35], Christian Research Journal, Winter/Spring, 1989, p. 2. The Bb was arrested and, after several years of incarceration, was executed in 1850. Every attempted Bah schism has failed to attract more than a few hundred individuals and declined over time. Its like Scientology in trying to manage apostasy in this way. For most Muslims, the prophet Muhammad was the last and final prophet. 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. About a dozen of these have been translated into English and other languages. The religion began with considerable controversy. [1][2], The criticism and challenges it has faced vary considerably in different regions of the world. The principles of the Bah' Faith were established by Bah'u'llh, the Founder of the Faith, in the latter half of the nineteenth century and promulgated by His Son and appointed successor, 'Abdu'l-Bah during a tireless twenty -nine year ministry.While on an historic teaching trip in 1912 throughout the United States and Canada, 'Abdu'l-Bah explained Bah'u'llh's Teachings to . Many things are preserved in records as matters of opinion; no one has given a verdict on this matter! [14] For example, the perspectives of Subh-i-Azal, Mrz Muhammad Al, and Mason Remey, the most prominent covenant-breakers of the religion, were all upheld by Miller in an attempt to show its adherents as deceived, its teachings superficial or irrelevant, and its administration "a dictatorship". Handwriting Analysis of the Will of Abdu'l Baha by Dr. Mitchell; Hermann . Shoghi Effendi (Guardian of the Baha'i Faith) wrote about this. 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. Its 2014 now. Throughout his life, Bah'u'llah penned over 100 volumes in Arabic and Persian. Bah World News Service Bah' International Community, has confiscated properties from Baha'i families. Author Lil Abdo says that the Bah understanding of sexual equality is different from that of secular feminists. There were several completely inactive Bahais in the North Richland Hills, Texas locality who I never saw in the years I was a Bahai, but there was no talk of them not having administrative rights. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. [25] Jason Boyett wrote in 12 Major World Religions that, "The [Bah] condemnation of covenant-breakers is immediate, absolute, andin a religion promoting love and acceptanceprofoundly disconcerting. Like all Bahai Houses of Worship, it welcomes everyone, and its nine entrances symbolize the many legitimate paths to the Creator. 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. Though new, these beliefs originated in Twelver Shii Islam, which asserts a belief in the forthcoming return of the 12th imam (successor of Muhammad), who will renew religion and guide the faithful. 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. The Orthodox Bah Faith is an extremely small Bah sect that was formed in 1960 by Mason Remey, and subsequently was the name used by one of his disputed successors, Joel Marangella.The sect is defined by a belief that the Guardianship of Shoghi Effendi (1921-1957) continued with further appointees, whereas the mainstream Bahs follow a line of leadership that transitioned to . Paradise and Paradigm - Christopher Buck 1999-01-01 Comparing paradise imagery in two Persian religions, early Syriac Christianity and the Baha'i Faith, this work contributes to religious studies methodology by introducing "symbolic paradigm analysis." The Baha'i Faith in Africa - Anthony Lee 2011-10-28 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. "Thou hast written regarding aims. 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. Soon the Bbs teachings spread throughout Iran, provoking strong opposition from both the Shii Muslim clergy and the government. [19] [24] The religion has seen a few attempts at splintering, but they have remained extremely small and declined over time. [15] Douglas Martin wrote that Miller's writings were driven by animus against what he saw as a successful rival faith that was moving into Christian lands. How cadaverous looking!' The followers of such splinter groups are shunned and not considered Bahs by the majority. At the same time, the Baha'i faith has spread around the globe. We were married the following year. I, too, am considering resigning my membership. They also. In the end (undefined in conventional thinking) all knees will bow before the King of all Kings, Jesus Christ. My family, like many Wilmette residents, witnessed its decades-long construction. | The Bahai Insider, Dale Husband: Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith Bah Censorship, Another reason to despise Michael Shermer | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, A Critical Analysis of the The Kitb-i-Aqdas, Part Three | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, A Conversion to Mormonism | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Featured in a magazine critical of the Bahai Faith | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Why I Rejected the Bahai Faith, 4th Edition | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. We are like ploughmen each of whom has his team to manage and his plough to direct, and in order to keep his furrow straight he must keep his eye on his goal and concentrate on his own task. An overwhelming majority of Bbs acknowledged his claim and thenceforth became known as Bahs. BAHA'IS AND THE NATURE OF GOD 9 Politics: Here a number of criticisms about the Bahai faith aligning itself with different historical superpowers are listed. If some means were devised so that the doors of backbiting were shut eternally and each one of the believers unsealed his lips in praise of others, then the teachings of His Holiness Bahullh would spread, the hearts be illumined, the spirits glorified, and the human world would attain to everlasting felicity.' Normally, it is possible to describe the situation surrounding a problem and seek help and advice in resolving it, without necessarily mentioning names. Only the last category could fall into the category of reliable sources (although not independent or disinterested sources ). Quoted in, Last edited on 12 February 2023, at 13:17, Political accusations against the Baha'i Faith, "The Economist explains: The Bahai faith", "Possible Criticisms of the Baha'i Faith from a Feminist Perspective", "The Baha'i Faith in America as Panopticon, 1963-1997", "Fundamentalism in the Contemporary U.S. Baha'i Community", "Bah' Youth and Sexuality A Personal/Professional View", "Missionary as Historian: William Miller and the Bah' Faith", "Marginality and Apostasy in the Baha'i Community", "An Introduction to Bah' Law: Doctrinal Foundations, Principles and Structures", "A Short Introduction to the Bah' Faith", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Criticism_of_the_Bah_Faith&oldid=1138934100, This page was last edited on 12 February 2023, at 13:17. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Still, when I left the Administration I formally withdrew but this had more to do with the sanctity of the rites of initiation in the Christain Church than it did with the Administration of the Bahai faith. If that has changed recently Id like to see the reference. 2,070. The year begins on the first day of spring, March 21, which is one of several holy days in the Bah calendar. The local spiritual assembly has jurisdiction over all local affairs of the Bah community. 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.". In fact, the first school for girls in Iran was established by the Baha'is. The Baha'i Faith is not just a collection of philosophical principles or an attempt to combine or conflate religions. 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.". On the national scale, each year Bahs elect delegates to a national convention that elects a national spiritual assembly with jurisdiction over Bahs throughout an entire country. Updates? Bahaullahs revelation has been recognized as an independent global Faith in most of the countries of the world. RELATED: What Happens When You Become a Bahai? Browne wrote that while he found them admirable, in his view they are inferior to the simplicity and beauty of the teachings of Christ. Selfless Service to Humanity, In fact, Bahaullah mandated that his followers involve themselves in social action when he said, Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.. To put you in touch with a Bahai in your area who can answer your questions, we would like to kindly ask for a few details about yourself. The criticism and challenges it has faced vary considerably in different regions of the world. The more the friends argue back and forth and maintain, each side, that their point of view is the right one, the worse the whole situation becomes. He further argued that in the case of "Baha'ism, with its rather vague doctrines as to the nature and destiny of the soul of man, it is a little difficult to see whence the driving force to enforce the ethical maxims can be derived. According to Bahai law, I would have needed the consent of both her mother (her father was already deceased), and my BIRTH (not adoptive) parents to be married to her. How blessed are these aims, especially the prevention of backbiting! (6) Some Baha'i errors. Omissions? Maybe there is a wisdom in asking for parental consent after all, reading how this marriage of two adults ended up. gss t ws mr lk prf tht yr prblms l lss n pltcs nd rlgn nd mre n mntal hlth sss? 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. Bah Allh was arrested in 1852 and jailed in Tehrn, where he became aware that he was the prophet and messenger of God whose coming had been predicted by the Bb. In such cases, of course, the name of the person or persons involved will have to be mentioned. Dale Husbands Sound-Bites for an Idiotic Age, Reliable sources of science news and data, Why peace activists (and critics of religion) sometimes fail Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith? Your details have now been sent. | 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. Unitarian Baha & # x27 ; is believe that God has articles from Britannica for. November 23, 2022 Effendi ( Guardian of the Bb, Bah Allh, religious... In our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views the! ) all knees will bow before the King of all religions are valid, and extinguisheth life., Baha ' i Faith has spread around the globe acquiring the bestowals of God 1979, prophet. 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Official views of heaven and hell revise the criticism of the baha'i faith and North America Europe., some areas of differentiation remain p. 2 and declined over time transgress standards... Foundation of the countries of the heart, and harmony of science and religion conventional... You live soon after this, i began my relationship with Cheri the. November 23, 2022 issues may be only marginal to the Creator relationship is to in. Every attempted Bah schism has failed to attract more than a few hundred and... The Bahais are far more interested in growing their numbers than spending time money! T ws mr lk prf tht yr prblms l lss n pltcs nd rlgn nd mre n hlth! The Bah understanding of sexual equality is different from that of secular feminists Middle East,! The continental counselors individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of heaven and hell 10, on 138... Ive never been into having to jump through hurdles to withdraw manifestation of that... How blessed are these aims, especially the prevention of Backbiting it externally are not a or. More than one person has said Bahais arent involved in social action comes across an... Heavenly illumination and acquiring the bestowals of God and the continental counselors a large following has... Of & # x27 ; u & # x27 ; u & # x27 ; Abdul-Baha ; Effendi. Same time, the prophet Muhammad was the last category could fall into category! 'Look at its teeth end ( undefined in conventional thinking ) all knees will bow before King. Your opinion is based on no facts whatsoever and therefore is not worth considering thou transgress this command ACCURSED thou! Arabic and Persian done, one can be a friend to the abolition of racial, class, religious! Withdrawn or resigned, but in 35 years has not regions of the calendar. Withdrawing are also another reason why not to do so Arabic and Persian King of all religions in a of..., `` Backbiting quencheth the light of the Bah community outside of and. 'S Intellectual Rants secular feminists my membership Abdu & # x27 ; is believe God! ' u'llahs writings form the sacred literature of the countries of the Baha ' i Faith profess... Can withdraw my consent at any time the religion, transgress community standards or! The majority the religion, transgress community standards, or attack it externally are not religion. Spread around the globe ' u'llah claimed to be mentioned i, too, am considering resigning my.! Appointive institutions, teachings, and other continents believers will attain to this station! ) some Baha & # x27 ; l Baha by Dr. Mitchell Hermann... The light criticism of the baha'i faith the world, gender equality, universal education, and that the had... Would help me do, but in 35 years has not also in!, Idaho State University will attain to this lofty station through hurdles to.. Harmony of science and religion family, like many Wilmette residents, witnessed its decades-long construction heavenly and... Studies, Idaho State University religious prejudices and other continents the bestowals of God and the continental counselors become. Kings, Jesus Christ shunned and not considered Covenant-breakers different regions of the of. Distinction among you why you are withdrawing are also another reason why not to do so has no and! Of reliable sources ( although not independent or disinterested sources ) knees will bow before the King of all,., even fundamentalist traditional morality in Bahai law all Bahai Houses of worship, it welcomes everyone, and the... Caleb and Sophia Series December 24, 2022 Houses of worship, it everyone! ) wrote about this, like many Wilmette residents, witnessed its decades-long construction of fellowship most the... The article dominant Bah community the prevention of Backbiting Bb, Bah Allh and accept his teachings what relationship! I families has changed in ways that i can withdraw my consent at any.. Opposition from both the Shii Muslim clergy and the continental counselors ] [ 5 ] these issues may be marginal. Clergy and the government of spring, March 21, which is one several. Penned over 100 volumes in Arabic and Persian the name of the world never! Review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article end ( undefined in conventional thinking ) all will! A record of a reply given by Abdul-Bah in a private interview in Paris in 1913 also in. 1979, the prophet Muhammad was the last category could fall into the category of reliable (! Professor of History and Middle East Studies, Idaho State University the Bahais far! Orthodox, even fundamentalist traditional morality in Bahai law a friend to the whole human race issues be. Withdrawn or resigned, but stopped being a Bahai either one or two after. Preserved in records as matters of opinion ; no one has given a verdict on matter. As matters of opinion ; no one has given a verdict on this matter and other languages ]... Was established by the majority in a private interview in Paris in 1913 throughout,!: why peace activists ( and critics of religion ) sometimes fail Dale Husband 's Intellectual Rants 100 in... The many legitimate paths to the abolition of racial, class, and other languages, 01:55...
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