Oneness

[CG Didymus]

The key to this subject is that Oneness does not mean sameness. It is really just identifying that we are the human species which shared a common evolution, which is also part of the entire structure of creation that we are born into. The atoms move between the mineral, vegetable, animal and human conditions.

Regards Tony

And where is the Baha'i support for this thread? If we are going to get to this "lesser" peace, then this "oneness" is the most important thing that has to happen to get us there. There is a certain amount of "sameness" that all people share. We're all human. But then we all think different and can come to believe in things that separate us. Religion is one of those. How do Baha'is get all people in all religions to put aside the differences in their religious beliefs in order to get to a place where we can all get along and understand and respect each other?

So far, the Baha'i Faith isn't any better than any other religion that thinks it is the best or only way. Too much of the Baha'i focus is on proving that Baha'u'llah is a true messenger from God. Which leads to nothing but debates and arguments on why he is and why he isn't the latest messenger from God. And the message of oneness gets pushed aside. Right now, the Baha'is have been successful at creating barriers between themselves and the Atheists and most all of the people in the other religions.

How do Baha'is fix that? And if oneness is the goal, then it has to be fixed. But Baha'is have already established that they believe all the other religions have become corrupted in some way... By adding in "traditions" of men, by misinterpreting their own Scriptures, by not having the "original" teachings of the messenger but only what the followers wrote about him and his teachings, and by having corrupt religious leaders. Then Baha'is try and soften the blow by saying that the "spiritual" teachings of all the religions are one and the same, like love God and love your neighbor kinds of things.

But that message isn't working. That is not showing understanding and respect for those other religions. It is telling them that almost all of their beliefs and doctrines are wrong. And that Baha'u'llah has corrected all those errors in beliefs and doctrines. So, what is this "oneness" that Baha'is are wanting and expecting?

 

[TransmutingSoul]

So, what is this "oneness" that Baha'is are wanting and expecting?

That all God given faiths are one. That all humanity is a result of that Oneness and that we perish if we do not embrace the oneness.

The rest is up to me, you and all others CG.

Do they want unity and peace, or not?

Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

So far, the Baha'i Faith isn't any better than any other religion that thinks it is the best or only way.

That is your perspective CG. Abdul'baha offered no one has to change religion, they just have to practice the virtues taught by them all.

It is others that see that those virtues are found only in their religion and it is doctrine that has given that mindset, they have made them exclusive of all other faiths.

All that has been offered is to demonstrate that all other Faiths in God are indeed one in Essence.

People react to that as they so choose.

Regards Tony

 

[CG Didymus]

That is your perspective CG. Abdul'baha offered no one has to change religion, they just have to practice the virtues taught by them all.

It is others that see that those virtues are found only in their religion and it is doctrine that has given that mindset, they have made them exclusive of all other faiths.

All that has been offered is to demonstrate that all other Faiths in God are indeed one in Essence.

People react to that as they so choose.

Regards Tony

Well then focus on these virtues. Even non-religious people can live by and believe in most virtues. But, just like some religions try and make them exclusive to them, Baha'is can't do that. Baha'is have to make them something that is needed for all people... to live, love, laugh and enjoy the company of all people. But that's what I'm saying. Religion is one of the main things that keep people separated. If a religion thinks it is right and the others wrong, how do we get beyond that?

 

[Vinayaka]

Well then focus on these virtues. Even non-religious people can live by and believe in most virtues. But, just like some religions try and make them exclusive to them, Baha'is can't do that. Baha'is have to make them something that is needed for all people... to live, love, laugh and enjoy the company of all people. But that's what I'm saying. Religion is one of the main things that keep people separated. If a religion thinks it is right and the others wrong, how do we get beyond that?

That idea must be dropped. But sadly, it can't be, by many. I honestly believe that diversity is a wonderful thing, and each religion or non-religion works best for the respective adherents. You leave me alone, and I'll leave you alone. Let's discuss something useful. More importantly, let's do something useful. Discussing and complaining and proselytising isn't doing anything for the moving of all the things you're discussing, complaining, and proselytising about.

What did you give to your fellow man today?

 

[TransmutingSoul]

If a religion thinks it is right and the others wrong, how do we get beyond that?

If religions become the cause of division, then we are told we would be better off without them.

Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

What did you give to your fellow man today

That is the greatest gift, what we can do for others.

Regards Tony

 

[Vinayaka]

That is the greatest gift, what we can do for others.

Regards Tony

Indeed, but my point is talking about doing isn't doing. One of the standard complaints about religion is too much talk, not enough action. The former members of your faith I've dialogued with indicated that as a serious serious problem. Talking about virtues isn't the same as being virtuous. Ever heard of 'practice what you preach."

 

[TransmutingSoul]

But, just like some religions try and make them exclusive to them, Baha'is can't do that.

Just to note to that comment. A Baha has never offered virtues are exclusive,in fact in all posts you we will have offered that they are inclusive and that is what our oneness is based upon.

Peace and happiness be with you.

Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Indeed, but my point is talking about doing isn't doing. One of the standard complaints about religion is too much talk, not enough action. The former members of your faith I've dialogued with indicated that as a serious serious problem. Talking about virtues isn't the same as being virtuous. Ever heard of 'practice what you preach."

This is in fact a major teaching, we are not true to faith, if our deeds do not surpass our words, as words are the property of everyone and deeds are true faith.

Regards Tony

 

[Vinayaka]

This is in fact a major teaching, we are not true to faith, if our deeds do not surpass our words, as words are the property of everyone and deeds are true faith.

Regards Tony

Again, teaching about it isn't doing it. One does not need to teach. One has to do.