#190966 - 08/08/10 08:14 PM
Another approach to religion.
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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ارسي | عربي
The Oneness of Religion
The principle of the unity of religion is at the center of Bahá'í teachings. Bahá'u'lláh states that humanity is engaged in a collective growth process quite similar to the growth process of an individual: just as a person begins life as a helpless infant and attains maturity in successive stages, so humankind began its collective social life in a primitive state, gradually attaining maturity. In the case of the individual, it is clear that his or her development takes place as a result of the education he or she receives from parents, teachers, and society in general. But what is the motive force in humankind's collective evolution?
The answer the Bahá'í Faith provides to this question is "revealed religion." In one of His major works, the Kitab-i-Iqan (the Book of Certitude), Bahá'u'lláh explained that God, the Creator, has intervened and will continue to intervene in human history by means of chosen Messengers. These Messengers, Whom Bahá'u'lláh called "Manifestations of God ," are principally the Founders of the major revealed religions, such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, and so forth. It is the spirit released by the coming of these Manifestations, together with the influence of Their teachings and the social systems established by Their laws and precepts, that enable humankind to progress in its collective evolution. Simply put: the Manifestations of God are the chief educators of humanity. With regard to the various religious systems that have appeared in human history, Bahá'u'lláh has said:
These principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty systems, have proceeded from one Source and are the rays of one Light. That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were promulgated.2
Thus the principle of the unity of religion means that all of the great religious Founders--the Manifestations--have come from God, and that all of the religious systems established by Them are part of a single divine plan directed by God.
In reality, there is only one religion, the religion of God. This one religion is continually evolving, and each particular religious system represents a stage in the evolution of the whole. The Bahá'í Faith represents the current stage in the evolution of religion. To emphasize the idea that all of the teachings and actions of the Manifestation are directed by God and do not originate from natural, human sources, Bahá'u'lláh used the term "revelation" to describe the phenomenon that occurs each time a Manifestation appears. In particular, the writings of the Manifestation represent the infallible Word of God. Because these writings remain long after the earthly life of the Manifestation is finished, they constitute an especially important part of the phenomenon of revelation. So much is this so, that the term "revelation" is sometimes used in a restricted sense to refer to the writings and words of the Manifestation.
Religious history is seen as a succession of revelations from God and the term "progressive revelation" is used to describe this process. Thus, according to Bahá'ís, progressive revelation is the motive force of human progress, and the Manifestation Bahá'u'lláh is the most recent instance of revelation.
Bahá'u'lláh taught that the time interval between two Manifestations may be about one thousand years. He also taught that the process of revelation will not stop with His revelation and that another Manifestation will come after Him, though not before the expiration of one thousand years from Bahá'u'lláh's coming. According to the Bahá'í writings, the process of revelation will continue indefinitely into the future and humankind will see the coming of a great many more Manifestations.
To put the Bahá'í concept of religion more clearly in focus, let us compare it with some other ways in which religion has been regarded. On one hand is the view that the various religious systems result from human striving after truth. In this conception, the Founders of the great religions do not reveal God to us, but are rather philosophers or thinkers, human beings who may have progressed farther than others in the discovery of truth. This notion excludes the idea of a basic unity of religion since the various religious systems are seen as representing different opinions and beliefs arrived at by fallible human beings rather than infallible revelations of truth from a single source.
Many orthodox adherents of various religious traditions, on the other hand, argue that the Prophet or Founder of their particular tradition represents a true revelation of God to humanity, but that the other religious Founders are false prophets, or at least essentially inferior to the Founder of the tradition in question. For example, many Jews believe that Moses was a true Messenger of God, but that Jesus was not. Similarly, many Christians believe in Jesus' revelation, but consider that Muhammad was a false prophet, and hold that Moses was inferior in status to Christ.
The Bahá'í principle of the oneness of religion differs fundamentally from both of these traditional concepts. Bahá'u'lláh attributed the differences in some teachings of the great religions not to any human fallibility of the Founders, but rather to the different requirements of the ages in which the revelations occurred. Moreover, Bahá'ís consider that no one of the Founders is superior to another. Shoghi Effendi has summarized this view in the following words:
The fundamental principle enunciated by Bahá'u'lláh, the followers of His Faith firmly believe, is that religious truth is not absolute but relative, that Divine Revelation is a continuous and progressive process, that all the great religions of the world are divine in origin, that their basic principles are in complete harmony, that their aims and purposes are one and the same, that their teachings are but facets of one truth, that their functions are complementary, that they differ only in the nonessential aspects of their doctrines, and that their missions represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society.
The Unity of Religion and Science
A major source of conflict and disunity in the world today is the widespread opinion that there is some basic opposition between science and religion, that scientific truth contradicts religion on some points, and that one must choose between being a religious person, a believer in God, or a scientist, a follower of reason.1
The Bahá'í teachings stress the fundamental harmony of science and religion. This view derives from the belief that truth (or reality) is one. For if truth is indeed one, it is not possible for something to be scientifically false and religiously true. 'Abdu'l-Bahá expressed forcefully this idea in the following passage:
If religious beliefs and opinions are found contrary to the standards of science, they are mere superstitions and imaginations; for the antithesis of knowledge is ignorance, and the child of ignorance is superstition. Unquestionably there must be agreement between true religion and science. If a question be found contrary to reason, faith and belief in it are impossible, and there is no outcome but wavering and vacillation.2
Bahá'u'lláh affirmed that man's intelligence and reasoning powers are a gift from God: "This gift giveth man the power to discern the truth in all things, leadeth him to that which is right, and helpeth him to discover the secrets of creation."3 Science results from our systematic use of these God-given powers. The truths of science are thus discovered truths. The truths of prophetic religion are revealed truths, i.e., truths which God has shown to us without our having to discover them for ourselves. Bahá'ís consider that it is the same unique God who is both the Author of revelation and the Creator of the reality which science investigates, and hence there can be no contradiction between the two.
Contradictions between science and traditional religious beliefs are attributed to human fallibility and arrogance. Over the centuries, distortions have gradually infiltrated the doctrines of many religious systems and diluted the pure teachings originally given by the Manifestation who was their Founder. With time these distortions become increasingly difficult to distinguish from the original message. Similarly, unsupported speculations of various schools of scientific thought have at times become more popular and influential than the results of rigorous scientific research, and have further blurred the picture.
'Abdu'l-Bahá affirmed that religion and science are, in fact, complementary:
Religion and science are the two wings upon which man's intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism.4
In another passage from the same work, He affirmed that the result of the practice of the unity of science and religion will be a strengthening of religion rather than its weakening as is feared by many religious apologists:
When religion, shorn of its superstitions, traditions, and unintelligent dogmas, shows its conformity with science, then will there be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which will sweep before it all wars, disagreements, discords and struggles--and then will mankind be united in the power of the Love of God.
Life, Death, and the Soul RELATED DOCUMENTS
The Soul
The Human Soul
Heaven and hell: a Bahá'í view of life after death
According to Bahá'í teachings human nature is fundamentally spiritual. Although human beings exist on earth in physical bodies, the essential identity of each person is defined by an invisible, rational, and everlasting soul .
The soul animates the body and distinguishes human beings from the animals. It grows and develops only through the individual's relationship with God, as mediated by His Messengers. The relationship is fostered through prayer, knowledge of the scriptures revealed by these Teachers, love for God, moral self-discipline, and service to humanity. This process is what gives meaning to life.
Cultivation of life's spiritual side has several benefits. First, the individual increasingly develops those innate qualities that lie at the foundation of human happiness and social progress. Such qualities include faith, courage, love, compassion, trustworthiness and humility. As these qualities are increasingly manifest, society as a whole advances.
Another effect of spiritual development is alignment with God's will. This growing closer to God prepares the individual for the afterlife . The soul lives on after the body's death, embarking on a spiritual journey towards God through many "worlds" or planes of existence. Progress on this journey, in traditional terms, is likened to "heaven." If the soul fails to develop, one remains distant from God. This condition of remoteness from God can in some sense be understood as "hell." Thus, heaven and hell are regarded not as literal places but descriptions of one's spiritual progress toward the light of God.
Edited by Paul I (08/08/10 08:23 PM)
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"...only the shadow knows"
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#190967 - 08/08/10 08:32 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: Paul I]
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shakey56
Member
Registered: 03/31/04
Posts: 1889
Loc: where the wild roadrunners roa...
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taint the bible. taint right 
have known a couple of followers of this path, and they some of the most secure ppl i've ever met.
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Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.
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#190970 - 08/08/10 10:16 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: shakey56]
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ghoti
Member
Registered: 04/06/02
Posts: 8469
Loc: Ishpeming, MI 75.128.229.255
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Paul I, I just was scolding Ronda for this same thing so I've got to do the same to you. Posting the entire text of an article is considered a copyright violation. We're supposed to just post quotes for the purpose of giving a critique or review.
Sorry, but fair is fair.
ETA: If the above wasn't quoted from an article but was your own writing, then I apologize for being presumptuous.
Edited by ghoti (08/08/10 10:23 PM)
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#190971 - 08/08/10 10:20 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: ghoti]
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ghoti
Member
Registered: 04/06/02
Posts: 8469
Loc: Ishpeming, MI 75.128.229.255
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In comment about the article, I know several people in this area who are members of a Baha'i congregation. I was invited to attend and was tempted since I agree with a lot of their tenets but couldn't accept their full dogma.
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Feisty survivors populate this site. Avoid controversies unless you have a very thick skin.
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#190972 - 08/09/10 08:00 AM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: ghoti]
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ronniechoate34
Member
Registered: 02/06/10
Posts: 540
Loc: tennerida
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Bah-humbug! Those guys talk fancy but they don't accept Christianity. And they would like to see it either done away with or to have all Christians assimilated to their beliefs. I wonder if they'd ever advocate killing in order to bring about the "peace" and "unity" they seek? I don't doubt it. A true believer in the Word of God can stir up some pretty powerful emotions in the devil and his ilk.
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#190973 - 08/09/10 08:24 AM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: ronniechoate34]
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shakey56
Member
Registered: 03/31/04
Posts: 1889
Loc: where the wild roadrunners roa...
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Where do you get this nonsense, Ronnie? BTW the majority of ppl in the world don't accept Christianity, and the majority of us don't want to see it done away with or assimilated. We are a bit nervous abt your intentions toward us tho
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Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.
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#190975 - 08/09/10 10:55 AM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: shakey56]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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Steve these are not articles. They were copied from the
Baha'i website at http://www.bahai.org/. They are available to all.
However, you are correct in that their terms of use state that the website they came from must be acknowleged. Hopefully this post will suffice and my apologies to the Baha'i administration.
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"...only the shadow knows"
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#190976 - 08/09/10 11:01 AM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: Paul I]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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I, also, find some problems with some of their dogma. Although most of their teachings are refreshing I'm not certain about the "Messenger of God" concept.
Ronnie, the exact opposite of what you stated regarding they're not being Christian believers is made clear. They do not believe in
achieving their ends with violence. In fact five of the believers were sentenced to 20 yrs each in Iran which is not only where the religion began but where it is also outlawed along with Egypt and I believe Iraq.
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#190977 - 08/09/10 11:27 AM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: Paul I]
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ronniechoate34
Member
Registered: 02/06/10
Posts: 540
Loc: tennerida
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The Baha'i Scriptures affirm that Jesus is one of a series of Manifestations of God that includes Moses, the Buddha, Muhammad -- and, today, Baha'u'llah-- through Whom, from age to age, God has progressively revealed His Will and Purpose for humanity. All the Manifestations of God are like perfect Mirrors for the Spirit of God to come into the world.
http://www.bahai.us/Jesus-Christ
But what if I don't believe that? Could I still join the Ba'hai religion if I wanted to?
Edited by ronniechoate34 (08/09/10 11:28 AM)
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#190981 - 08/09/10 12:17 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: ronniechoate34]
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Paul I
Member
Registered: 02/24/00
Posts: 7913
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I guess that's a "depends" question. If you told them what you just posted they might encourage you to participate as you wished to, take a class, etc. If you didn't only you (plus a few hundred posters) would know.
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"...only the shadow knows"
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#190990 - 08/09/10 12:59 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: Paul I]
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Deo
Member
Registered: 02/11/08
Posts: 127
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Manifestations of god in Hinduism are called Avatars. Ha! thought that was invented in Hollywood. Hinduism is a non proselytizing religion. I never had the inclination to convince people to convert or join my religion when I considered myself Hindu. I am always amuzed by this tendency of followers of Abrahamic religions.
Deo
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#190997 - 08/09/10 02:55 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: Deo]
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ronniechoate34
Member
Registered: 02/06/10
Posts: 540
Loc: tennerida
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I wonder how they like it when they are told that they are going to hell for their beliefs. That's a Christian belief you know. I spose' they'd never begrudge me for it or try to change my beliefs since they embrace Jesus and His teachings. I'll imagine that I would be a delight to have in their court rooms and the apple of Baha'u'llah's eye. 
They're a deceived bunch of folks who need prayer.
Edited by ronniechoate34 (08/09/10 02:55 PM)
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#190999 - 08/09/10 03:21 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: ronniechoate34]
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shakey56
Member
Registered: 03/31/04
Posts: 1889
Loc: where the wild roadrunners roa...
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As are you, Ronnie
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Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.
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#191000 - 08/09/10 03:24 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: ronniechoate34]
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ghoti
Member
Registered: 04/06/02
Posts: 8469
Loc: Ishpeming, MI 75.128.229.255
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Ronnie, they would probably feel sorry for you for embracing such an extrremist position and try to convince you to be more tolerant of other beliefs. Nobody really knows the full truth, ya know, and we're all just grasping at straws.
You accept the Bible as the word of God, and that's fine as long as you can see that others have differing views. Intolerance between religious groups has been a major cause of strife and wars over time and perpetuating it just continues the same old cycle.
Believe as you like, but please don't demand that everyone else follow your lead.
Edited by ghoti (08/09/10 03:25 PM)
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#191001 - 08/09/10 03:32 PM
Re: Another approach to religion.
[Re: Paul I]
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ghoti
Member
Registered: 04/06/02
Posts: 8469
Loc: Ishpeming, MI 75.128.229.255
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Steve these are not articles. They were copied from the Baha'i website at http://www.bahai.org/. They are available to all. However, you are correct in that their terms of use state that the website they came from must be acknowleged. Hopefully this post will suffice and my apologies to the Baha'i administration.
Cool, Paul I, and I apologize. I'm sure the Baha'i organization would consider this public domain information and likely encourage its distribution.
Ronda has been hitting us with scads of entire articles that she cuts and pastes from websites with little or no commentary on her part, and I've been pointing out to her that she's violating internet copyright laws. In the interest of fairness to her, I felt I had to comment on y9our post.
Edited by ghoti (08/09/10 03:34 PM)
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