On Mon, 20 Dec 2004 07:43:56 -0000, Khazeh Fananapazir <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Gilberto,
> At 07:54 PM 12/19/2004, you wrote: Gilberto: > >>So what is the difference you are making between a religion being "dead" > and the divine intentionality for a particular religion being at an end?<< Mark: > I would never be so presumptuous to say that a divinely revealed religion, > or branch of that religion, was "dead." I know too many Christians, Muslims, > Buddhists, Hindus, etc. who are inspired by their own respective scriptures. > My comments about intentionality were based on my understanding of the > Baha'i concept of Covenant (the Will of God). According to the Covenant, one > Prophet succeeds another, and, presumably, God's intention is that people > will follow Him. > Khazeh: > My dear Mark in reply to dear Gilberto you wrote: > *** > I would never be so presumptuous to say that a divinely revealed religion, > or branch of that religion, was "dead."*** > > Thank you and it is well said. Baha'u'llah says: > *** > > Such a condition as this is witnessed in this day when the reins of every > community have fallen into the grasp of foolish leaders, who lead after > their own whims and desire. On their tongue the mention of God hath become > an empty name; in their midst His holy Word a dead letter. Such is the sway > of their desires, that the lamp of conscience and reason hath been quenched > in their hearts, [rest of passage deleted] Gilberto: Khazeh, I don't know why you chose to include that section. It seems to be saying the opposite of what Mark said. Mark was saying it would be presumptuous to say that the previous religions were dead, but that's exactly what your passage seems to be saying. Why would you bother to thank Mark for his words and call them well said. When everything else you wrote contradicts it? Khazeh: > And the very important reference in the Imam 'Ali's Nahjul Balagha [PEAK OF > ELOQUENCE] > The Brother of the Qur'an > [Grand authorities of the Religion have named the 'Nahjul-Balagha" the > "brother' of the Qur'án] Gilberto: So do Bahais believe Nahjul-Balagha as mostly authentic? Completely authentic? Are there specific things in there which Bahais disagree with? Khazeh: > it is part of Sermon 147 > ** On the future Sermon 147 > Certainly, a time will come upon you after me when nothing will be more > concealed than rightfulness, nothing more apparent than wrongfulness and > nothing more current than untruth against God and His Prophet. For the > people of this period nothing will be more valueless than the Qur'an being > recited as it ought to be recited, nor anything more valuable than the > Qur'an being misplaced from its position. ...*** I think the way you highlighted the text and the context of the discussion makes me think that you think this is describing a TOTAL apostacy where the community has no spiritual life. But another possible reading is that the people of the Quran (isn't that what Muslims are called in the Bahai writings) will continue, even though the community around them might grow corrupt and persecute them. [begin quote] "The holders of the book will throw it away and its memorisers would forget it. In these days the Qur'an and its people will be exiled and expelled. They will be companions keeping together on one path, but no one will offer them asylum. Consequently at this time the Qur'an and its people will be among the people but not among them, will be with them but not with them, because misguidance cannot accord with guidance even though they may be together." [end quote] Peace Gilberto "My people are hydroponic" __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:archive@mail-archive.com To unsubscribe, send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, use subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:bahai-st@list.jccc.edu Web - http://list.jccc.edu/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.net New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.edu
