Theologians

[Postmaster]

But there are circumstance in history where God seems to be active in aiding support to people in certain times of crisis. To the French he set Joan of Arc, to the Jews Moses etc etc.

There has to be some sound philosophy yet to have been discovered by theologians as to why things happen and things don't, whats behind it and who's to blame.

I have a funny feeling we will disocver the answer to these questions once peace is fully established in the world and not before. The New age promised by Baha'is isn't here yet by the way, quite obvious as to why.

[arthra]

Originally Posted by Postmaster

But there are circumstance in history where God seems to be active in aiding support to people in certain times of crisis. To the French he set Joan of Arc, to the Jews Moses etc etc.

There has to be some sound philosophy yet to have been discovered by theologians as to why things happen and things don't, whats behind it and who's to blame.

I have a funny feeling we will disocver the answer to these questions once peace is fully established in the world and not before. The New age promised by Baha'is isn't here yet by the way, quite obvious as to why.

Actually I think the age of peace is dawning... We haven't had a major global war since 1945 and the "Cold War" between US and Soviet Union has ended. The wars today tend to be limited to a few countries and are even called "brush wars"...anyway the United Nations is a pretty important entity and I think you will see some strengthen of it in the near future... Also the International Court of Arbitration is functioning...

There is still much to be done but much of what Baha'u'llah proclaimed to the ruling monarchs of His day has been accomplished such as the establishment of a world parliament and an international court of arbitration.

In other areas we have the internet a means of global communication that was unheard of not so long ago before satellites. Baha'u'llah recommended a universal auxiliary language and most all the international airports today use one language...

Trade and commerce are today more globalized than ever...

So I would say the dawn of world peace is getting closer rather than farther away...See the following:

http://bahai-library.com/index.php5?...ck_world_peace

- Art

[Postmaster]

For sure things have improved you are right! But you would have thought with the arrival of Baha'u'llah wars would have at least ended. That never happened, we seen some disgusting genosides in Europe and Africa too. Dont even get me started on the middle east.

[arthra]

Originally Posted by Postmaster

For sure things have improved you are right! But you would have thought with the arrival of Baha'u'llah wars would have at least ended. That never happened, we seen some disgusting genosides in Europe and Africa too. Dont even get me started on the middle east.

Basically Baha'u'llah addressed Tablets to the Kings and Rulers around 1870... Most ignored His warnings... and we paid the price.

- Art

[Popeyesays]

Originally Posted by arthra

Basically Baha'u'llah addressed Tablets to the Kings and Rulers around 1870... Most ignored His warnings... and we paid the price.

- Art

Queen Victoria was the only European and Asian Ruler addressed by Baha`u'llah to answer respectfully. All the others-Kaiser Wilhelm, Czar Alexander, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Nasir'i din Shah, Napoleon III, Franz Josef, fell within 20 years of the Tablet being sent.

The tablets were usually taken by hand by couriers entrusted with them by Baha`u'llah to individuals in the governments addressed. The tablet to Nasir;i din Shah resulted in the torture and death of the messenger.

Regards,
Scott

[Postmaster]

Very interesting actually. But are there prophecies yet to be fulfilled which were said to be?

[Popeyesays]

Originally Posted by Postmaster

Very interesting actually. But are there prophecies yet to be fulfilled which were said to be?

See if you can get a copy of:


The Challenge of Baha'u'llah: Does God Still Speak to Humanity Today?
by Gary L. Matthews

About this title: Author Gary Matthews documents why he believes that the Revelation of Baha'u'llah is divine in origin, representing a unique summons of unequaled importance to humanity. The book contains discussions of Baha'i prophecies concerning historical events and scientific discoveries. Among the events and discoveries discussed are the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the worldwide erosion of ecclesiastical authority, the Holocaust, and the development of nuclear weapons. A new and updated edition. The previous edition (George Ronald) was a limited release and not offered to the U.S. trade/consumer market.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.

[arthra]

Originally Posted by Postmaster

Very interesting actually. But are there prophecies yet to be fulfilled which were said to be?

Here is to me a "prophetic vision" of Baha'u'llah summarized by the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith Shoghi Effendi on March 11, 1936:

The unity of the human race, as envisaged by Bahá'u'lláh, implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united, and in which the autonomy of its state members and the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded. This commonwealth must, as far as we can visualize it, consist of a world legislature, whose members will, as the trustees of the whole of mankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all races and peoples. A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by, this world legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal system. A mechanism of world inter-communication will be devised, embracing the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity. A world metropolis will act as the nerve center of a world civilization, the focus towards which the unifying forces of life will converge and from which its energizing influences will radiate. A world language will either be invented or chosen from among the existing languages and will be taught in the schools of all the federated nations as an auxiliary to their mother tongue. A world script, a world literature, a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures, will simplify and facilitate intercourse and understanding among the nations and races of mankind. In such a world society, science and religion, the two most potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will cöoperate, and will harmoniously develop. The press will, under such a system, while giving full scope to the expression of the diversified views and convictions of mankind, cease to be mischievously manipulated by vested interests, whether private or public, and will be liberated from the influence of contending governments and peoples. The economic resources of the world will be organized, its sources of raw materials will be tapped and fully utilized, its markets will be cöordinated and developed, and the distribution of its products will be equitably regulated.

- From the "World Order of Baha'u'llah" pp. 202-206

[BruceDLimber]

Hi again!

Originally Posted by Postmaster

What makes me suspicious is that a new world religion has formed.

Not really, no:

The Baha'i Faith is simply the latest stage in a single ever-evolving faith, the Faith of God!

And someday it, too, will be superceded by newer Divine Revelations through a process that will never end!

Best,

Bruce

[BruceDLimber]

Greetings!

Originally Posted by Postmaster

Just wondering if Baha'is have an answer to the question of why God let the holocaust take place?

The short answer is that God created us with free will.

I'd say that disasters / negative events can be divided into three sorts:

• A few are indeed God testing us, as various scriptures state does happen. Both the Muslim and Baha'i scriptures, for example, state "God verily will test them and sift them," and "Do men think when they say, 'We beleive,' they will be let alone and not put to proof?"
• Some are simply random events, like hurricanes and tornadoes.
• But most are human-induced, and are very much our own fault. All too often, we are indeed our own worst enemies!

Peace,

Bruce

[BruceDLimber]

Hi!

Originally Posted by Postmaster

The New age promised by Baha'is isn't here yet by the way, quite obvious as to why.

In fact, it's gradually emerging, however slowly and painfully!

It's as a popular Baha'i saying (which happens to contain a semi-outrageouis Baha'i pun, BTW) says:

THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH
(Some assembly required.)

Best,

Bruce

[imranshaykh]

Originally Posted by arthra

Baha'i Awareness is not a reliable source... It is "documented" by biased enemies of the Faith who persecute the Baha'is. Think about it. If they would execute Baha'is would they stop at fabricating history? or relying on those who attack the Faith?
- Art

Dear Art:

Thank you for the kind comment on my web site. as regards its reliability, I would prefer if visitors themselves took a call on it. I receive emails with amazing regularity questioning my motive - but never, I repeat never, questioning the references on my web site. Just thought I would write this since credibility and reliability was being discussed.

Regards
Imran

[Mick]

Originally Posted by imranshaykh

Dear Art:

Thank you for the kind comment on my web site. as regards its reliability, I would prefer if visitors themselves took a call on it. I receive emails with amazing regularity questioning my motive - but never, I repeat never, questioning the references on my web site. Just thought I would write this since credibility and reliability was being discussed.

Regards
Imran

I teach the Baha'i Faith on the Internet and I offer a couple of Baha'i sites as a starting point for the seekers. I also suggest that they can Google Baha'i and come up with thousands of Baha'i sites to aid them with their search. I do warn them that they will also find sites of detractors and attackers that will try to disguise themselves as believers. I finally tell them that they will recognize these sites when they see them, simply because we will recognize the work of God from its fruits and those that are not from the bitter taste they leave.

I do not mention any sites by name. Nor do I denigrate any other beliefs or thoughts to these seekers. I let them make their own decisions. I would like to thank you for your site. It lets the world know how mean spirited many of the Irani's are to the Baha'i Faith. I am not warmly thanking you, though. I couldn't as long as you treat my Baha'i loved ones in Iran with such animalistic vehemence. You cannot hurt this Great Cause. The worse you could do is to create another Martyr in the name of Baha'u'llah. For each Martyr, their are thousands that find the truth of Baha'u'llah. For each law passed to cause Baha'is harm, more people become aware of the atrocities that have been set on the Friends.

I pray for all the detractors to see the Truth. I pray for all attackers to become quickened with the Love of God.

Mick

[imranshaykh]

Originally Posted by Mick

I teach the Baha'i Faith on the Internet and I offer a couple of Baha'i sites as a starting point for the seekers. I also suggest that they can Google Baha'i and come up with thousands of Baha'i sites to aid them with their search. I do warn them that they will also find sites of detractors and attackers that will try to disguise themselves as believers. I finally tell them that they will recognize these sites when they see them, simply because we will recognize the work of God from its fruits and those that are not from the bitter taste they leave.

I do not mention any sites by name. Nor do I denigrate any other beliefs or thoughts to these seekers. I let them make their own decisions. I would like to thank you for your site. It lets the world know how mean spirited many of the Irani's are to the Baha'i Faith. I am not warmly thanking you, though. I couldn't as long as you treat my Baha'i loved ones in Iran with such animalistic vehemence. You cannot hurt this Great Cause. The worse you could do is to create another Martyr in the name of Baha'u'llah. For each Martyr, their are thousands that find the truth of Baha'u'llah. For each law passed to cause Baha'is harm, more people become aware of the atrocities that have been set on the Friends.

I pray for all the detractors to see the Truth. I pray for all attackers to become quickened with the Love of God.

Mick

Thanks Mick:

Despite being a world religion and one which claims to be the fulfilment of the previous religions, why the Bahais concerned only about the state of Bahais? You should be equally concerned about atrocities against Muslims as well as Christians. I dont find the bahai web sites condeming these events.

The Bahais believe in the 12 Shiite Imams, right? Why dont they speak up against the atrocities against the Shiites in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon etc etc.

They talk about the desecration of the Bahai House in Tehran. Why are they silent about the bombing of the Shrines of the 10th and 11th Imam in Samarrah? Or of the bombings of the shrines in Karbala and Najaf - all of which are shrines of the Imams which Bab and Bahaullah believed in.

In all such cases, or for that matter, about the state of the Palestinians and more recently of Lebanon.

I could simply cut and paste the last para which you have written and turn it over to you.

My web site as I have mentioned is about belief and concepts. Not martyrs. Belief requires questioning. And answers. Some of which may not be palatable. Some to me. Some to you.

Warm regards, as always
Imran

[imranshaykh]

Originally Posted by Mick

I teach the Baha'i Faith on the Internet and I offer a couple of Baha'i sites as a starting point for the seekers. I also suggest that they can Google Baha'i and come up with thousands of Baha'i sites to aid them with their search. I do warn them that they will also find sites of detractors and attackers that will try to disguise themselves as believers. I finally tell them that they will recognize these sites when they see them, simply because we will recognize the work of God from its fruits and those that are not from the bitter taste they leave.

I do not mention any sites by name. Nor do I denigrate any other beliefs or thoughts to these seekers. I let them make their own decisions. I would like to thank you for your site. It lets the world know how mean spirited many of the Irani's are to the Baha'i Faith. I am not warmly thanking you, though. I couldn't as long as you treat my Baha'i loved ones in Iran with such animalistic vehemence. You cannot hurt this Great Cause. The worse you could do is to create another Martyr in the name of Baha'u'llah. For each Martyr, their are thousands that find the truth of Baha'u'llah. For each law passed to cause Baha'is harm, more people become aware of the atrocities that have been set on the Friends.

I pray for all the detractors to see the Truth. I pray for all attackers to become quickened with the Love of God.

Mick

Thanks Mick:

Despite being a world religion and one which claims to be the fulfilment of the previous religions, why the Bahais concerned only about the state of Bahais? You should be equally concerned about atrocities against Muslims as well as Christians. I dont find the bahai web sites condeming these events.

The Bahais believe in the 12 Shiite Imams, right? Why dont they speak up against the atrocities against the Shiites in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon etc etc.

They talk about the desecration of the Bahai House in Tehran. Why are they silent about the bombing of the Shrines of the 10th and 11th Imam in Samarrah? Or of the bombings of the shrines in Karbala and Najaf - all of which are shrines of the Imams which Bab and Bahaullah believed in.

In all such cases, or for that matter, about the state of the Palestinians and more recently of Lebanon.

I could simply cut and paste the last para which you have written and turn it over to you.

My web site as I have mentioned is about belief and concepts. Not martyrs. Belief requires questioning. And answers. Some of which may not be palatable. Some to me. Some to you.

Warm regards, as always
Imran