What is the Baha'i message in simple words?

Status
Not open for further replies.
However, the vast majority of Christians are Trinitarian. Do the Baha'i follow the Muslim argument that this violates the belief in one God -- that Trinitarians, which of course includes Catholics, are all naughty polytheists?

Do they understand that Trinitarians prefer not to be told what they believe, when their attempts to explain what they actually do believe fall on deaf Muslim (and also Baha'i) ears -- preconditioned by the declarations of their infallible messengers?

It's an exhausting argument

(edited)
Nudge
 
Last edited:
May be. No one has exact count. Being second largest with piddling numbers is no fun, nothing to brag about. Like Hindus in Arizona, 32,000 out of a total population of 7,151,502.
 
Last edited:
The early Christians were lovely people who displayed great acts of charity towards each other and non-believers, were persecuted, etc. They used Jesus' words to guide them. Later on, when Christian states emerged, the scriptures were used to justify great atrocities. It is entirely within the range of humanity's abilities to turn something beautiful into a blunt weapon of oppression.

In this regard, I am a pessimist. A line like the one about non-Baha'is not inheriting anything is a time-bomb. People have no problems at all taking text passages out of context, when it suits them.

I see most people's concepts of these topics are trapped in the materialism of this age. They are yet to consider how these concepts will work, when we eliminate gross materialism. When we see the future, that is concerned with the good of all, then looking in such a light, the future is a positive and spiritual enlightning prospect.

Regards Tony
 
The early Christians were lovely people who displayed great acts of charity towards each other and non-believers, were persecuted, etc. They used Jesus' words to guide them. Later on, when Christian states emerged, the scriptures were used to justify great atrocities. It is entirely within the range of humanity's abilities to turn something beautiful into a blunt weapon of oppression.

In this regard, I am a pessimist. A line like the one about non-Baha'is not inheriting anything is a time-bomb. People have no problems at all taking text passages out of context, when it suits them.
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
- Mahatma Gandhi
 
Last edited:
The Bible, the Quran and the Baha'i Writings all talk of the One God and that in various passages, tell us that is God that sends the Prophets and Messengers.

I agree with that concept.

Regards Tony
Meaning what?
 
I see most people's concepts of these topics are trapped in the materialism of this age. They are yet to consider how these concepts will work, when we eliminate gross materialism. When we see the future, that is concerned with the good of all, then looking in such a light, the future is a positive and spiritual enlightning prospect.

Regards Tony

Okay, I get it, it is part of your belief that humanity will change in such a way that such scenarios won't happen.

Can you empathize with those of us who don't hold this belief, how some of the Baha'i writings look to us?
 
From the scriptures, they tell me that no, we are not Manifestations of God.

The Spirit of Humanity needs to be reborn into the Spirit that are the Messengers, that are sent by God, they are from the Holy Spirit, they are not men like us.

Regards Tony
You have a List of messsengers/manifestations.that are/were not human?
 
Reminder: I am waiting for your reply to my question in post #173. Take your time. Just not sure if you have noticed the question or not.
You will continue to wait...my page has no numbering system on posts. So I got no clue to what you are referring.
 
OK, let's tackle this head on.
OK, let's go for it.

I would consider that what you have offered in that statement, is foretold in scriptures.
Oh, for sure.
"And Jesus answering, said to them: Take heed that no man seduce you: For many will come in my name saying, I am Christ: and they will seduce many." (Matthew 24:4-5) "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many... But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved. (24:11, 13) "And this gospel of the kingdom, shall be preached in the whole world, for a testimony to all nations, and then shall the consummation come.(24:15, my emphasis)

"Then if any man shall say to you: Lo here is Christ, or there, do not believe him. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold I have told it to you, beforehand."
(24:24-25)

I also offer that It is Christ, who as promised, has returned ...
Not according to Scripture: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven ... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and majesty."
(Matthew 25:30)

2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
If you had the eyes and ears, you would see this is a Trinitarian statement.

Let me explain:
2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God (God the Father), who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts (God the Holy Spirit) to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (God the Son)."

This is in accord with "but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father)" (Romans 8:15) and "And because you are sons, God (God the Father) hath sent the Spirit (God the Holy Spirit) of his Son (God the Son) into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father."

Precisely as Christ foretold: "But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you." (John 14:26) "But when the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me." (John 15:26).

Which is what happened at Pentecost ... the Dogmas of Incarnation and Trinity are revealed by the Holy Spirit when He illuminates the meaning of the words and deeds of Christ 'he will teach you all things' ...

Is it not now apparent the world needs to again embrace God and Love, not exclusively, but with more understanding of what it is to know and Love God?
We know, we have no better exemplar than Christ.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RJM
Based on the Baha'i equating Baha'u'llah with the second coming of Christ (upon the clouds) how to reconcile this:
History proves undoubtedly that mankind always rejects and persecutes the Messengers of God.
With this:
"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven ... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and majesty."
(Matthew 25:30)
Christ makes it clear that His second coming will not be as the persecuted one?

Am sure there's a way around this, but nevertheless interested to hear it ...
 
Last edited:
OK, let's go for it.


Oh, for sure.
"And Jesus answering, said to them: Take heed that no man seduce you: For many will come in my name saying, I am Christ: and they will seduce many." (Matthew 24:4-5) "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many... But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved. (24:11, 13) "And this gospel of the kingdom, shall be preached in the whole world, for a testimony to all nations, and then shall the consummation come.(24:15, my emphasis)

"Then if any man shall say to you: Lo here is Christ, or there, do not believe him. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect. Behold I have told it to you, beforehand."
(24:24-25)


Not according to Scripture: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven ... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with much power and majesty."
(Matthew 25:30)


If you had the eyes and ears, you would see this is a Trinitarian statement.

Let me explain:
2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God (God the Father), who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts (God the Holy Spirit) to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (God the Son)."

This is in accord with "but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father)" (Romans 8:15) and "And because you are sons, God (God the Father) hath sent the Spirit (God the Holy Spirit) of his Son (God the Son) into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father."

Precisely as Christ foretold: "But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you." (John 14:26) "But when the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me." (John 15:26).

Which is what happened at Pentecost ... the Dogmas of Incarnation and Trinity are revealed by the Holy Spirit when He illuminates the meaning of the words and deeds of Christ 'he will teach you all things' ...


We know, we have no better exemplar than Christ.
Like to power of 10
 
Last edited:
Well, as I see it, Christians and Baha'is will throw scripture quotes at each other till the cows come home. It's fun, but it should be consensual. Is everybody reall aboard for this ride?

Can we think of other ways to conduct the conversation? Instead of trying to prove each other wrong, what else could we try?

Walk a mile in the other person's sandals, perhaps? A Baha'i and a Christian agree to try to view the universe through the other faith's lenses for a day? We could still do the quote-fest, only, the participants would try to find quotes in support of the other faith's point of view.

How about that?
 
Okay, I get it, it is part of your belief that humanity will change in such a way that such scenarios won't happen.

Can you empathize with those of us who don't hold this belief, how some of the Baha'i writings look to us?

I see empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another always plays a part, but it goes beyond empathy, into other emotions.

I really do not know what feelings I have at this time.

Maybe It is more a deep sadness, I am sad for humanity, that humanity does not want to consider that God does guide us in this age, as God has guided us all in the past as well. Maybe it is a sum of multiple emotions, frustration, humility, thankfulness, impatience. I know I am a very impatient person a hard thing to change.

I am sad for humanity, us all, that the materialism of this world wins us over so easily. I can say that, as in my journey, there was many years where it clouded my choices. Most likely it still does.

Regards Tony
 
You have a List of messsengers/manifestations.that are/were not human?

The Quran has a list if you wish to know of a few.

The Kitab-i-iqan by Baha'u'llah has listed a few as well.

I will offer a couple, and offer that we are told that there is as many Messengers as there are Suns in all the Universes and World's of God.

The opening passages of this Tablet hints to the number of Messengers.

https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_lawh_aflakiyyih

So a few we have seen on our world have been Moses, Krishna Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, and in this age, the Bab and Baha'u'llah.

Regards Tony
 
The Quran has a list if you wish to know of a few.

The Kitab-i-iqan by Baha'u'llah has listed a few as well.

I will offer a couple, and offer that we are told that there is as many Messengers as there are Suns in all the Universes and World's of God.

The opening passages of this Tablet hints to the number of Messengers.

https://bahai-library.com/abdul-baha_lawh_aflakiyyih

So a few we have seen on our world have been Moses, Krishna Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, and in this age, the Bab and Baha'u'llah.

Regards Tony

Thanks!

There is another point of Baha'i belief I'd like to get into: the Unity of Humanity.

To me, things like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights comes to mind, and international solidarity against the excesses of our current economic paradigm, things like that. What does that mean to a Baha'i believer?
 
Well, as I see it, Christians and Baha'is will throw scripture quotes at each other till the cows come home. It's fun, but it should be consensual. Is everybody reall aboard for this ride?

Can we think of other ways to conduct the conversation? Instead of trying to prove each other wrong, what else could we try?

Walk a mile in the other person's sandals, perhaps? A Baha'i and a Christian agree to try to view the universe through the other faith's lenses for a day? We could still do the quote-fest, only, the participants would try to find quotes in support of the other faith's point of view.

How about that?

I hear you the best.

In the end, it needs to be discussed. Maybe offering the same Bible verses seen in a new light, may help?

All I know is unfortunately I do not have the time to devote to in-depth discussions. That may be the biggest issue, as a well structured reply is not forthcoming.

Regards Tony
 
Thanks!

There is another point of Baha'i belief I'd like to get into: the Unity of Humanity.

To me, things like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights comes to mind, and international solidarity against the excesses of our current economic paradigm, things like that. What does that mean to a Baha'i believer?

Thank you for asking, as it is these aspects that keep open the door of hope for all of humanity.

For me, when I see movements that are focused on the Global outlook, for the good of all, it is a confirmation of a Message I have embraced as a way of life.

The entire Message I have embraced is focused on achieving those noble global outcomes, they are the core principles of the Faith given by the Bab and Baha'u'llah.

"The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens".

"Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind"

I am a World Citizen, so here are some quotes behind a link about being a world citizen.

https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/world-citizen

Regards Tony
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top