Regarding membership on the Universal House of Justice
Dear Gilberto and Scott, In an attempt to add some balance to the endless discussion about who determined that women should not serve on the Universal House of Justice; I offer the following from the Kitab-i-Aqdas, after your comments. Gilberto: The UHJ which interprets the laws excludes women, while there are no theological barriers to having women be ulema (scholars) muftis (those who issue fatwas or legal rulings) or judges. SC: To my knowledge there are no theological barriers to Baha'i women being scholars or participating in decisions of a judicial nature within the prerogatives of a Local Spiritual Assembly [future *Local* House of Justice] Scott: Actually it was a Universal House of Justice decision that ruled that women could not be on the UHJ. SC: There was no arbitrary decision on the part of the Universal House of Justice to exclude women. That directive is from Baha'ullah, Himself... THE TABLET OF ISHRAQAT THE EIGHTH ISHRAQ This passage, now written by the Pen of Glory, is accounted as part of the Most Holy Book: The *men* of God's House of Justice have been charged with the affairs of the people. They, in truth, are the Trustees of God among His servants and the daysprings of authority in His countries. O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world. Inasmuch as for each day there is a new problem and for every problem an expedient solution, such affairs should be referred to the House of Justice that the members thereof may act according to the needs and requirements of the time. They that, for the sake of God, arise to serve His Cause, are the recipients of divine inspiration from the unseen Kingdom. It is incumbent upon all to be obedient unto them. All matters of State should be referred to the House of Justice, but acts of worship must be observed according to that which God hath revealed in His Book. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 91) * my asterisks Lovingly, Sandra Lovingly, Sandra __ 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
re: Regarding membership on the Universal House of Justice
Actually it was a Universal House of Justice decision that ruled that women could not be on the UHJ. I would like to offer my own take on this. I think that what the House decided, was that it is not a matter on which it can legislate, as the Text has already addressed the subject. The House can only legislate where the Text is silent, or to supplement legislation revealed in the Text. What the House did, after reviewing the Text and the authorized interpretations by the Master and the Guardian, was conclude that the Text states that membership on the House is limited to men, and that it cannot change that provision. The letter is here: http://bahai-library.com/?file=uhj_women_uhj.html Brent __ 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
Re: Regarding membership on the Universal House of Justice
In a message dated 1/12/2005 6:58:21 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What the House did, after reviewing the Text and the authorized interpretations by the Master and the Guardian, was conclude that the Text states that membership on the House is limited to men, and that it cannot change that provision.The letter is here: I do not see any way for it to change, but I am willing to admit, my vision is not perfect. However the House ruled that it could not change that provision, House rulings in general, however, are reversable. IF, let me emphasize IF, the House were to run across new information they could change their minds on that decision as they can on any decision they make. "The wisdom of it" will someday be as clear as the sun, what that wisdom will turn out to be, I cannot venture. 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
Re: Regarding membership on the Universal House of Justice
What the House did, after reviewing the Text and the authorized interpretations by the Master and the Guardian, was conclude that the Text states that membership on the House is limited to men, and that it cannot change that provision. It's my understanding that there is also the future institution of the Supreme Tribunal, from which women are not excluded. Should differences arise, they shall be amicably and conclusively settled by the Supreme Tribunal, that shall include members from all the governments and peoples of the world. (Abdu'l-Baha, The Will and Testament, p. 13) Patti __ 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
