The same way the Old Testament is embraced in New Testament, the same way the Old and New Testament are embraced in the Quran, the Old, New Testament and Koran are embraced in the Baha'i Writings.
Yes, I believe you are right. "Old" Testament was essentially abandoned by the new improved teachings of Christianity. None of whose Scriptures were written by Jesus, and a whole lot of it written by Paul.
The old religion isn't being accepted... it's being replaced... Discarded... made a relic of the past.
But... by the previous religion, the newer one is seen to be a false religion.
But here's an
ex-Baha'i talking about teaching...
THE FALSE FRONT
The Baha’i Faith, in its public presentations, emphasizes the more broad and tolerant aspects of Baha’u’llah’s teachings. The itself is not dishonest, since those liberal teachings are actually present in Baha’i scripture, and historically, converts into the Faith have been from among more open-minded and educated people. However, these free-spirited seekers often do not find out about the more authoritarian and exclusive aspects of Baha’i thought until after they have enrolled.
There are a few things commonly told to converts that can hardly be seen as anything other than deceptions. (To be fair, however, Baha’is often convince themselves that they are true.) One example is that the public is told that Baha’is do not proselytize; they merely teach the Faith as long as a person is interested. However, the new believer soon discovers that community life is centered around the need to gain new converts, and finds himself pressured into “teaching” plans and projects. So a person who has perhaps always held a dim view of those who try to push their religious beliefs on others now must participate in exactly that type of activity. It is hardly surprising that some of them decide that they’ve made a mistake.
One convert who rapidly left after discovering this called the Baha’i Faith “the Amway of religions.” Another more bluntly said “No proselytizing, my rear end!”
I went on Baha'i teaching trips to Indian Reservations in Arizona, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The purpose was to "teach" the Faith and, hopefully, get some of the people to become Baha'is. Or, in other words, convert.
I even looked up "proselytizing" and it wasn't that bad. It didn't say that it needed to include force to be called "proselytizing". Trying to convert people or just promoting Baha'i beliefs seems to fit the definition. But we can still call it "teach" if you want.
So, then, what is the long term goal of teaching? If it's not to get people to know the basics about the Faith and to get some of them to become Baha'is?
Why this is such a touching subject for Baha'is, I don't know. Actually, I think I do know. They don't want to be known as a religion that pushes their beliefs on others. But what are Baha'is doing here? Even if it as gentle as can be, it's still pushing people towards knowing about the Baha'i Faith, and maybe, someday convert.
But how "gentle" is it when Baha'is tell people that we are heading for disaster... all because the world has, essentially, rejected Baha'u'llah?
What would you think of someone shouting on a street corner...
"You are all doomed. You all have rejected the Promised One. We could have had peace and unity in the world if only we all had accepted him and followed him. His teachings are the only hope for the world. His teachings are the medicine that will cure the ills of this sick world. But alas, no one cares. No one will listen."
Maybe not you, but lots of people would think he's a crack pot. But what if the person saying the same thing is speaking softly and changing some of the language to make it not so forceful. Maybe something like this...
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid the world is going to have to go through terrible times before people wake up... And come to realize we could have peace and unity right now... If we all turned to the truth in the message of the Promised One. His teachings are our only hope for turning this around. The Old World order is crumbling around us. We don't have to go down with that sinking ship. There is a New World order is being unfurled. People of peace... Lovers of peace and unity are working now... Building the foundation of that Kingdom of God on Earth... That New World Order. I'd ask you to be part of it and join us, but that is not our way. We want you to read for yourselves what the Promised One said. See if it rings true with not only your heart but your head also. The truth has to be sensible, practical and workable. It can't be just some pie-in-the-sky religious idealism. Study his teachings. See if you agree with them. Then and only then think about joining us."
Maybe even with that, a Baha'is would be even more subtle. But "teaching" is giving people a nudge, a slight push to at least investigate the Baha'i Faith with the hope they someday convert.
