If I believed in god, this conversation would have probably ended pages ago.
The foundation that I base my life on is the Word of God. However I went through a time when I had to put such ideas and beliefs to one side, for religion can be the source of disunity and estrangement.
I don't meet too many christians who are in disunity. Mostly there are Catholics here and going to Mass is more of a union of souls with troubled hearts rather than people with a sinful nature. Always bugged me about the original sin, part. Never believed in it (so, well, no reason to be saved).
I have to know more about the Bahai faith, but that sounds confusing being both Christian and Bahai. A Bahai can be a christian, but all denominations I know (Catholic, Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, and non denominational) know that you can't be Christian if you allege yourself to any other person other than christ. Bahaullah can't be the last prophet and so forth. It has to agree with the history of teachings in the Christian area (Roman included).
I rejoice to hear that thou takest pain with thine art, for in this wonderful age, art is worship. The more thou strivest to perfect it, the closer wilt thou come to God. What bestowal could be greater than this, that one’s art should be even as the act of worshipping the Lord? That is to say, when thy fingers grasp the paintbrush, it is as if thou wert at prayer in the Temple.
This is beautiful.
I don't have a problem with dogma. I have a problem with false dogma. I have a problem like you when people justify their unholy actions with the holy. Nice analogy with the knife. Enjoy your toast.
Justify their unholy actions with the holy and false dogma don't seem to match. Maybe false dogma is any dogma that is not the word of god?
The Baha'i are too busy building a new way of life based on Baha'u'llah's teachings. We don't have the time to be telling every one else how to run their faith communities. We need to be an example of the virtues we teach. Otherwise how can we hope to convince a cynical, weary world of the validity of our faith? Baha'u'llah has said, "let deeds, not words be your adorning". That sounds exactly like what you are doing Carlita with your work in the community, so that is excellent.
Take
SGI (Soka Gokkai International). It's an organization based on Nichiren Shonin's teachings and interpretations of The Buddha and the Lotus Sutra. They have just about everything you mention Bahai has or does (without the god part) but their president of the organization goes to universal peace conferences, I think they are called. They bring people of different religious backgrounds into their organization and practices. They have charities with other religious (in America) and pretty much a charity organization.
They have time to build world peace "get permission" by interacting with said religions and understanding them. The difference between them and Bahai is they are very political and evangelical. However, their dogma and goals are moral. I think they are trying to be a bit more open minded. But, of course, still promoting their view of the world.
I went to a Hindu temple last year and after looking at all the gods, I saw a Buddha statue. I did my respects and asked about it. They said they sometimes have Buddhist festivals here (Buddhist use the area for space) and they are more open to people who want to learn about their faith.
Jehovah's Witness, at least here, have an interest in learning others faiths. We had a good talk about my faith and how I see the world. Of course, they promoted their mission; and, the discussion gave them knowledge so when they meet other people of other faiths, they know in a general sense how to respect them. Of course, they aren't universalist but that has been my experience talking with JW.
These are ways to get to know people from their perspective rather than one's own. If Bahai doesn't have the time to do that, I don't know how to comment given your goals and what Bahaullah said. I do know that interfaith dialogue goes beyond respect and accepting differences. If you say Hindu scriptures predicts the coming of Bahaullah an we know it does not, there's an issue that should be addressed. Either Bahai can accept the Hindu
factual belief and focus on what they think is true or be open to accept what a Hindu says is true given they know more about the belief than a Bahai would.
The final authority for Baha'is rests with God and His latest Manifestation, Baha'u'llah. What's the final authority for you?
Curious question. If you are christian, how does Bahaullah fit into Christianity when Christ is the last "prophet" and no one else? (Christian perspective not Bahai)
Me. Really, though, I'm learning more about my family, my friend, and pretty much changing who I am and my goals. Grounding my spirituality by communing with my ancestors and recent family in spirit. Of course, I can't go without mentioning my art. It's all wrapped up. No founder, god, or any person or being to give me moral guidance. Just life, observation, application, and experience.
We need another standard or approach when looking at religious beliefs. Lets consider beliefs concerning the existence of God, the Divine inspiration of His Manifestations, and the existence of an eternal soul. Their existence concerns the unseen realm and so the proofs can not be the same as the existence of the sun and the planets. We know God through His 'Manifestation'. For a Christian that means accepting the authority and authenticity of the bible.
I'd have to disagree. If something is a fact, then it's a fact. If you really believe in Christ and Bahaullah, it has to be (in my opinion) a part of your being. Who you are. Its something you cannot deny just as the earth and sun. That's my personal opinion, though. Many people disassociate fact and religion. I never understood it from a personal point of view.
Its great on the Baha'i side and the Christian side. God is the ultimate authority and He has simply spoken again through his Great Teacher, as He has done in the past. I just don't accept this cultural misappropriation but your thought processes make sense.
I don't understand cultural misappropriation? Opposite of cultural appropriation? You agree with religions being in other religions?
The context of Baha'u'llah's revelation explains the limited references to Hinduism and Buddhism. However we apply similar principles but with wisdom. We need to know Buddhism and Hinduism before we can meaningfully have those discussions. That's where I bow out.
Eh. I figure if Hinduism predicts the comming of Bahaullah, then there has to be something to say about this prediction. Likewise with The Buddha. I'd assume Bahaullah can give some insight on the god describe in suttas that many Buddhist and myself can't find.
