On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 10:50:19 -0600, Mark A. Foster <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi, Gilberto, > > At 09:51 AM 12/25/2004, you wrote: > >>The question is in the subject line. Wouldn't the passage below endorse the > >>idea that there are some perennial commandments, and guidelines to human > >>behavior across the manifestations? And the important thing is to follow > >>that spiritual core. How is this the same or different from what the > >>Perennialists are saying?<<
Mark: > If Susan is reading this message, perhaps she could comment. Mark: > The difference between the philosophia perennis and my understanding of the > Baha'i view is not necessarily seen the result, but in the cause. Gilberto: I'm not sure I follow? Mark: The eternal teachings of the Prophets, those which do not change, are, similar to those laws which may change from one Dispensation to the next, founded on the Will of God. Gilberto: But as long as you admit that there *are* eternal teachings of the prophets which don't change, isn't that perennialism right there? Earlier, when I've heard you or Susan object to Perennialism it seemed like you were giving the impression that there were no fixed rules. That any of the commandments could change. And there were no eternal laws. But the passage from Abdul Baha seems to allow for the possibility that there is a core which doesn't change from prophet to prophet. The Holy of Holies. I mean look at that passage: "the Law of God is divided into two parts. One is the fundamental basis which comprises all spiritual things--that is to say, it refers to the spiritual virtues and divine qualities; this does not change nor alter: it is the Holy of Holies, which is the essence of the Law of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá'u'lláh, and which lasts and is established in all the prophetic cycles." I mean, am I missing something? This is saying that the fundamental basis, the essnece of the laws of the various prophets does not change or alter. It will never be abrogated. And the passage ends: "These divine qualities, these eternal commandments, will never be abolished; nay, they will last and remain established for ever and ever." I mean seems pretty clear from this passage that Perennialism is basically true. The only issue would be some technical detail here or there. 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
