Read the > histories and many of the early American believers came from > extraordinary backgrounds and lent their talents and resources to > building the Cause. Where are these individuals? Where are the people > of capacity? Surely someone has some data on this? Unless I am missing > something, the history is clear. The Baha'i Faith has not attracted > appreciable numbers of people of capacity since the time of the > Guardian. Am I off base here?
Dear Dick, When I read this comment and gave it some thought I couldn't help but remember I talk I heard Dr. Amin Banani give at a Baha'i history conference years ago. He said, "Over-glorifications of the past become a burden for the future." I can't help but think this is a good example of what he was talking about. We compare ourselves with some idealized past that never was and wonder why we can't measure up. Not only was the Faith in America not attracting appreciable numbers of people of capacity during the time of the Guardian, we weren't attracting much of anyone at all! The truth is that the Faith saw excruciatingly little growth during this period, and even seemed to be declining. It was during the time of Abdu'l-Baha and the Nine Year Plan that the community witnessed spectacular growth. As for the quality of believers, well, that is when the sin-covering eye comes into play. We have been very reluctant to talk about the failings of the early believers unless they broke the Covenant. Unlike us, evidence of their spiritual crisis's didn't get downloaded onto a hundred hard drives. As for me, I prefer it that way and when I'm gone I will haunt the person who tries to write my hagiography. warmest, Susan __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 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/[EMAIL PROTECTED] New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
