On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 10:48:52 EST, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In a message dated 12/22/2004 7:07:07 AM Central Standard Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 03:39:01 -0600, Mark A. Foster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > > My understanding is that Shoghi Effendi's references to proselytization > (conversion) are similar to the qur'anic prohibition on "compulsion in > religion." In other words, he did not want Baha'is to use threats or > pressure to entice someone to convert. > Fair enough. I'm not taking an issue with the policy as practiced but > how it is described. If Bahais, in principle, have essentially the > same policy as Muslims. What does it mean that Bahais say "We don't > prosyletize" but Muslims don't make the same denial? > Would it not be better to say it in Baha`i terms for understanding: > Baha`is say: Don't compell people to accept a particular religion, but > muslims don't make the same denial? > Well, of course muslims make the same denial. >
I'm not sure exactly what you mean. If when Bahais say "we don't proselytize" they mean the same thing which is in the Quran "there is no compulsion in religion" then they should say "Both Islam and the Bahai faith are opposed to proselytizing". But when Bahais say "We don't proselytize" it certainly gives the impression of an absolute statement,. that they are claiming not to proselytize at all while other religions do. If Bahais said "We actually do proselytize but we are really really nice about it" I think that's actually true and would be more honest, even if it doesn't sound as impressive as the idea of not proselytizing at all. Peace Gilberto __________________________________________________ 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
