So you think Baha'is do not understand that other people believe differently than us?
First of all, this is what I said...
Therefore, they are taught, it is their duty to tell everybody all about it. In too many cases, it's not meeting someone halfway, it is finding a way to convince them of the truth. And it is worse when people don't realize they are doing that and deny it. Because, I think, if they really weren't doing it, they could accept people for who they are and what they believe and meet them halfway.
So, are you doing what you accuse others of doing? When you say this...
It is not Baha'is fault that other people misunderstand on purpose to create tention in discussion. Or since others believe differently everything a Baha'i says will be twisted to something they did not say.
So, what was my point. Which was not to you, but I understand that it involves you and the other Baha'is.
Baha'is are taught to teach the Faith. Right or wrong? I'd think they are. Will they compromise their beliefs to meet someone else, let's say a Christian or an Atheist, halfway? What do you think? I don't think they will or, especially if their beliefs are true, that they should.
So, how could a Baha'i communicate their beliefs to someone else? How would you do it? I think I'd try and find common ground. Something we can both relate to. But move the conversation in a direction where I could pass on some information about the Baha'i Faith.
That's not the same as meeting a person halfway. It is manipulating the conversation very much like a good salesman would do. And what happens here? A Baha'is starts a thread. What is the purpose of the thread? If it's about some religious or spiritual questions, if not in the OP itself, then at some point the Baha'i will say something about what the Baha'i Faith teaches about the thing mentioned in the OP.
Does the Baha'i really care what other people have to say about it? Did the Baha'i intend to take the information and formulate some kind of belief about the thing in the OP? I doubt it. I think probably the Baha'is already knows what they believe about the subject. They just need a way to get other people thinking about it and talking about, and then tell them what the Baha'i Faith has to say about it.
If you don't think that's happening, that's fine. That's just my opinion, and if I was a Baha'i or a Christian or any other religion, I think I'd even use that method. Because what's wrong with it? I need to get people to know about my beliefs. Beliefs I think are the very truth from God, but I can't just come right out and say that. I have to find a way to sneak it into the conversation. But once I do that, do I expect other people, especially Atheists, to just say, "Oh good point. I never thought of that before." No, I'd expect some opposition. But... does that bother me? No, because I have the truth from God on my side. I know what I believe is true and I know how to lay it out in front of others, so they can clearly see how it makes so much sense.
Or does it? I thought it did. But why are these Atheists not seeing what I see in these profound and wonderful teachings from God? If I feel I'm being attacked is it them or me? Am I making religious claims I can't support? I may not like it. It might even seem to get personal sometimes. But if I have the truth, the greater problem is me. Why am I even trying to convince an Atheists about God and other spiritual things that I can't prove? About things we can't know until we're dead. Why would a person that requires objective, tangible proof listen to my claims about God, prophets and the afterlife? Why would I keep putting out threads that make claims/statements about those things, knowing that it will be mostly people that disagree with me will respond to?
Anyway, let's move on....
Baha'is understand this, and one carry love, compassion and kindness toward others within them selves.
This came after you saying... "So you think Baha'is do not understand that other people believe differently than us?" Where exactly did I say that? Nowhere. Because I think Baha'is do know that others have very different beliefs than themselves. And if they treat those people with love, compassion and kindness that would be just great. But why don't you take a survey. How many Atheists have been treated with kindness by Baha'is? Better yet with respect and understanding. That would be a great place to start a conversation with an Atheist at. And don't tell me, "But they don't respect us." No, the Baha'i is the one that has to do it. It is the Baha'i that knows they have the truth. It is the Baha'i that has to show the love and compassion. Knowing.... that sometimes that won't be shown kindness in return. But does that matter to the Baha'i? No, the Baha'i should probably say some prayers for those people and return hate with love and anger with kindness. Is that what is happening? Apparently...
When attacked mostly all Baha'is (that I know of) will respond with kindness and try to explain.
I'd take a closer look at this. But I agree.... that is how a Baha'i should respond. And "explain"? Yes, explain what Baha'is believe with love, respect and kindness and move on. Baha'is have been just as guilty of going around in circles.
So, I expect to be treated with love and compassion from now on. I can't wait to hear from you and the other Baha'is. And knowing that I'm a lost sinful person, and I'll do or say something that disturbs you sooner or later, that you're also forgiving.