Brent,
I know that you are familiar with the quote in which the Guardian likens the
Word to a sphere, which has points that are “poles apart,” but which are
connected by the “thoughts and doctrines” that are between them.
In the Gems of Divine Mystery, He alludes to the contingent world of
material existence as one of the “realms of contradiction” (page 3).
People, IMHO, are all on one infinite spiritual continuum leading from “the
abode of dust to the heavenly homeland.” And every one is at a unique point
on that continuum. That is perhaps why there are “innumerable” meanings in
the Writings…..there’s something for everyone.
Baha’u’llah states that how we view things depends upon our perspective
(e.g. where we are on the continuum):
As to thy question whether the physical world is subject to any limitations,
know thou that the comprehension of this matter dependeth upon the observer
himself.
(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 162)
So, there is a reason why the Writings you quote about following leaders can
appear contradictory.
New thought: It can be suggested that most things in the Writings have a
condition placed upon them….for example, in the Kitab-i-Ahd, He says:
In earthly riches fear is hidden and peril is concealed
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 219)
Yet, we are also told that means are important and necessary.
The “condition” that has been placed on wealth, IMHO, is that we are to
“expend” it in His path, and be like, as the Guardian states, the fountain
or spring that is continually emptying itself, being refilled from an
invisible source.
Now, directly to your point.
I think Baha’u’llah places “conditions” on what is a good leader to follow.
And that “follow” is, indeed, the key word….by follow, He may intend that we
“follow” their example.
I would agree with your assessment “that Baha'u'llah is urging patterning
after the virtuous, and not after the base.”
New thought: It is fascinating to view some of the “innumerable” meanings
of the Word that are expressed on this list.
James
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