Re: COVENANT of the Prophets [Sura 3 verse 81] was [RE: Perennialism]

[Popeyesays]

In a message dated 1/1/2005 8:07:56 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If tomorrow, somebody came and claimed to be the next Manifestation, obedient Bahais would oppose his or her claim becaues the thousand years isn't up yet. If that person pointed out that both the Quran and the Bible (and  Bahai interpretations of those texts) all include statements along the lines of "in the sight of God a thousand years is as a day" and used that to argue that the thousand years is actually metaphorical. Obedient Bahais would presumably insist that the texts were clearly literal. In an abstract sense, Bahais are just as capable of being restrictive, of ruling out certain possiblities based on literal interpretations of their own scriptures. If that's not tying God's hands then what is? Perhaps the actual words of Baha`u'llah would be useful in this instance, so that we are not saying something He does not say: " Whoso layeth claim to a Revelation direct from God, ere the expiration of a full thousand years, such a man is assuredly a lying impostor. We pray God that He may graciously assist him to retract and repudiate such claim. Should he repent, God will, no doubt, forgive him. If, however, he persisteth in his error, God will, assuredly, send down one who will deal mercilessly with him. Terrible, indeed, is God in punishing! Whosoever interpreteth this verse otherwise than its obvious meaning is deprived of the Spirit of God and of His mercy which encompasseth all created things. Fear God, and follow not your idle fancies. Nay, rather, follow the bidding of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Wise. Erelong shall clamorous voices be raised in most lands. Shun them, O My people, and follow not the iniquitous and evil-hearted. This is that of which We gave you forewarning when We were dwelling in `Iráq, then later while in the Land of Mystery, and now from this Resplendent Spot. http://www.ibiblio.org/Bahai/Texts/EN/AQD/AQD-4.html   Baha`u'llah does not "tie the hands of God" He says what God bids Him to say.   Regards,   Scott __________________________________________________ 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