Blogs

Posted January 29, 2010 by Clethass

Faith & Action: Power of Unity
BY JOYCE FULLER KLEIKAMP
Baha’i Community of Pinal County

One of the most disheartening and frustrating aspects of the religions of the world is that they seem to be so different from each other. What’s more, each particular religion has numerous branches and sects that can appear as different from each other as the major faiths themselves.

This is why the central theme and purpose of the Baha’i faith, to unite the human family within one universal cause, within one common faith, has sparked hope and excitement in the hearts of people everywhere.

In the past in all other religions, the followers were left to themselves once their manifestation of God was no longer walking among them. Thousands of disputes arose resulting in the fracturing and splitting of the faithful into sects, denominations and groups. The underlying cause of this disunity was often a strong desire for leadership on the part of ambitious individuals. Differences of opinion about what should be done and what should happen created problems that ultimately could not withstand the pressure. No one, no group, was authorized to act. This is now the day, the era, in which the power of unity has been preserved through the unique functioning of the covenant.

The divine design for unity has been safeguarded; Baha’u’llah protected the faith against division by writing his will and testament, in it designating his eldest son, Abdu’l-Baha, to be the sole interpreter of his teachings and Center of the Covenant. Abdu’l-Baha’s life was a gift to humanity. He was the perfect exemplar of the teachings. He lived for 77 years, shared the exiles and tribulations of his father, labored to spread the word of God throughout the east and west, and wrote thousands of tablets and letters which educated the Baha’is in the ways of unity. His writings are an important part of the writings of the Baha’i faith.

By focusing on the life and writings of Abdu’l-Baha, as the center of the covenant, in addition to the life and writings of Baha’u’llah himself, the worldwide Baha’i community remained united in their efforts to create a new civilization based upon the understanding that we are one human family and that there is a blueprint for building unity in our communities. We understand that justice is a key that overlooking the faults of others and developing virtues is vital.

Furthering the protection of the faith, Abdu’l-Baha wrote in his will that his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, would serve as guardian of the faith, to be the authorized interpreter of the teachings and to guide the expansion of the faith in every part of the world. For 36 years, he clarified and educated humanity. And now, as clearly delineated, the affairs of the Baha’i world are handled by elected councils of people, at the local, national and international levels. The supreme institution guiding the faith is called the Universal House of Justice.

Throughout these years of divine revelation, divine interpretation and authorized action, the Baha’is continue to build unity in the world community; this unity is based upon the foundation of the laws and commandments given to us by the manifestation of God for this day, the promised one of all ages.

Next week, we’ll explore some of the most important and exciting of these laws and guidelines. These are the building blocks of our unity, the lamps of guidance for our footsteps. This series of articles is taken directly from the presentation entitled “The Baha’i Faith”.

Visit the Web site for the local Baha’i chapter at www.bahai.org.

I have come from distant lands to visit the meetings and assemblies of this country (US). In every meeting I find people gathered loving each other; therefore I am greatly pleased. The bond of union is evidenced in this assembly today where the power of God has brought together in faith, agreement and concord those who are engaged in furthering the development of the human world. It is my hope that all mankind may become similarly united in the bond and agreement of love. Unity is the expression of the loving power of God and reflects the reality of divinity. It is resplendent in this day through the bestowals of light upon humanity.

Abdu'l-Baha
Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 274

Tags: Land, Union, Power, Faith, Agreement, Concord, Mankind, Love, Unity, Divinity.

One Word: God

Posted June 26, 2009 by Clethass

Iranian Community Speaks Out, Free BahaӒi Leaders<o:p></o:p>

The following news release has been posted about the BahaԒi leaders in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>. These women and men have been unjustly held in the notorious Evinprison for over a year - on charges that are entirely based on their religious beliefs. As an Iranian human rightsactivist and researcher, I stand in complete opposition to the actions of the governmentof <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>. I know members of the Bahai community personally, and have witnessed their deep love and affinitywith <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>, even among BahaҒis who are themselves non-Iranian. Thus making such charges of espionage all the more outrageous and false.<o:p></o:p>

The brutality and violencethe Iranian government is demonstrating to members of their own population, whether prisoners of conscience, or those on the streets of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tehran</st1:place></st1:city>, must absolutely stop.<o:p></o:p>

The world is watching, as are the people of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and the time is upon us when such injustice will not be tolerated. I stand in solidarity with Bahai leaders in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Iran</st1:country-region>, and all the members of this community, as well as all ethnic and religious minorities in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p>

Sayeh Hassan canadafreepress.com, June 25, 2009<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

The story reads: <o:p></o:p>

Reports of a trial date for BahaҒi leaders falsely accused of espionage<o:p></o:p>

24 June 2009<o:p></o:p>

According to information conveyed by the authorities in Evin prisonto the family members of the seven Bahais who have been imprisoned in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Tehran</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Iran</st1:country-region></st1:place>, for over a year, their trial date has been set for 11 July 2009. This information has been provided to the family members only orally and, as information conveyed by officials concerning the judicial process has often proved unreliable, it is possible that the Iranian authorities may find some reason to change the trial date.<o:p></o:p>

The seven were arrested in the spring of 2008 and have been held more than a year without formal charges or access to their attorneys. Official Iranian news reports have said the BahaҒis will be accused of espionage for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.Ӕ<o:p></o:p>

The trial is apparently scheduled to be held at Branch 28 of the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Revolutionary Court</st1:address></st1:street>. This is where American-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi was recently convicted of espionage and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. She was eventually released, but only after an international outcry at the clear politicization of the case and manifestly unjust legal procedures.<o:p></o:p>

These seven individuals are facing completely false charges,Ӕ said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Bahai International Community to the United Nations. ғThey - along with the some 30 other Bahais currently in prisonin Iran - are innocent of any wrongdoing and are being held solely because of their religious beliefs.Ҕ<o:p></o:p>

I wish nothing but the best for the people of this noble land. A country that saw the birth of the Bahai Faith, and a nation with a bright and glorious future.<o:p></o:p>

By: Donna Hakimian<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Thou seest, O my God, how the wrongs committed by such of Thy creatures as have turned their backs to Thee have come in between Him in Whom Thy Godhead is manifest and Thy servants. Send down upon them, O my Lord, what will cause them to be busied with each others' concerns. Let, then, their violence be confined to their own selves, that the land and they that dwell therein may find peace.<o:p></o:p>

One of Thy handmaidens, O my Lord, hath sought Thy face, and soared in the atmosphere of Thy pleasure. Withhold not from her, O my Lord, the things Thou didst ordain for the chosen ones among Thy handmaidens. Enable her, then, to be so attracted by Thine utterances that she will celebrate Thy praise amongst them.<o:p></o:p>

Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. No God is there but Thee, the Almighty, Whose help is implored by all men. <o:p></o:p>

(Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 195)<o:p></o:p>

Tags: Servant, Land, Peace, Utterance, Praise, Man, Prayer, Baha'u

One Word: God

Posted May 18, 2009 by Clethass

Give Peace a Chance<o:p></o:p>

Yesterday I was feeling a little down- disappointed in some online negativity and disrespect shown to Lyla Berg, the Hawaii Legislature and the Islamic community of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:state>.

Today was the perfect answer to that negativity.
I was invited by the Kauai Interfaith Council to participate in the dedication of the Peace Pole which was installed at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">United</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Methodist</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> in Kekaha.<o:p></o:p>

A Buddhist choir, Christian Tongan choir and Filipino dance group were among those participating in the cultural exchange. There was Hawaiian and Japanese dance and both the Hawaiian conch shell and Hebrew shofar announced traditional chants that brought the group together in reverence.<o:p></o:p>

The Methodist choir performed and I had the opportunity to share the Baha'i point of view - emphasizing the Golden Rule as a thread of the Cause of God linking all Faiths. Then I sang the most universal prayer I know - "Blessed is the Spot" in Hawaiian and English. <o:p></o:p>

The speakers all emphasized the unity needed to overcome prejudice and to spread universal brotherhood and understanding so necessary for a peaceful world. The dedication was done in Hawaiian, with the native Kekaha a'ali'i growing on the sides of the obelisk and five maile lei, representing the diversity of the people of Kauai, were tied into an unbroken garland around this symbol of peace.<o:p></o:p>

After the dedication of the Peace Pole, we shared a delicious meal together and some of us discovered the "secrets" of Tongan music!<o:p></o:p>

And oh yes, I did go fishing early this morning before the Dedication.<o:p></o:p>

I caught some baitfish and Aaron and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Franklin</st1:place></st1:city> brought up some beautiful papio! The boys and I are having fish tonight!<o:p></o:p>

lizkauai.blogspot.com MAY 16, 2009<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

That the Cause associated with the Name of Bah'u'llh feeds itself upon those hidden springs of celestial strength which no force of human personality, whatever its glamour, can replace; that its reliance is solely upon that mystic source with which no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame, or learning can compare; that it propagates itself by ways mysterious and utterly at variance with the standards accepted by the generality of mankind, will, if not already apparent, become increasingly manifest as it forges ahead towards fresh conquests in its struggle for the spiritual regeneration of mankind.<o:p></o:p>

Indeed, how could it, unsupported as it has ever been by the counsels and the resources of the wise, the rich, and the learned in the land of its birth, have succeeded in breaking asunder the shackles that weighed upon it at the hour of its birth, in emerging unscathed from the storms that agitated its infancy, had not its animating breath been quickened by that spirit which is born of God, and on which all success, wherever and however it be sought, must ultimately depend?<o:p></o:p>

(Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 51)

Tags: Cause, Baha'u, Mankind, Land, Spirit

ONE WORD: GOD

Posted April 23, 2009 by Clethass

If you are my friend on Facebook right now you will be able to read my status update. But for those of you who aren't on Facebook, or perhaps don't even know me I'll fill you in to what it says.

"Allen is glad FB's Jesus got 33,000 fans in 10 days, my Jesus acquired His entire church before the foundations of the world."

Someone took the liberty of creating a Facebook page for Jesus. Someone also decided to make it an add on the side of my page trying to get me to become a fan of Jesus. I was informed through this add that he had acquired 33,000 fans in 10 days.

My response is that the Jesus of a Facebook fan page is not my Jesus. My Jesus is not looking for people to click "Become a fan." Rather he said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Being a follower of Jesus isn't about wearing a T-shirt, it isn't about what religious views you publish on Facebook. It isn't about saying your favorite books are by Lewis, Tolkien, Piper, Calvin, Lucado, McDowell, Graham, or whoever else you can find in LifeWay. It isn't about trying to please people or have people please you. It isn't about having an iPod full of Chris Tomlin, or using your Christian liberty to have an iPod with Christ Tomlin along with Kenny Chesney, Journey, T.I, or whoever else you might listen to.

Jesus says, You must deny yourself and pick up your cross and carry it daily. I've heard several pastors compare the language to what that might sound like today, "Pick up your electric chair and follow me." Following Jesus about denying the flesh and becoming like Jesus.

Something to think about:

How ludicrous of a thought is it to think that being a Christian has something to do with being like Christ?

I think on becoming a "fan" of Jesus and Malachi 3:16-18 come to minds. I think this might be a bit more biblical than Facebook. (If I can make statements like that.) God had just charged the nation of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> of robing from God in the previous verses. But a few who were following after the Lord spoke up and God heard them. Then God took a book of all things and wrote down in remembrance the names of those where before him that feared him and esteemed his name. Then God said, " They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him."

I like God's book of remembrance a bit better than the list of Fans on Facebook. I find joy in reading John's revelation where all the saints and the angels are gathered around the Lamb and are singing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"
Dare I say that is glorifying to Christ?

God doesn't look down and see the people who send out the forwards via text message and Myspace messages the cutesy little statements, "Jesus said, 'if you deny me before men I will deny you before my Father'. Send this to 10 people if you really love Jesus."

Bah!!!! That is not following Jesus, that is not Christianity. God looks down and sees who is denying himself, the ones who are picking up their cross, the ones who are serving him in the midst of all adversity and persecution. You want to love Jesus, live like him! You want to make sure your friends know you love Jesus then share the gospel with them through his word, don't make him a Facebook application.

theReformist www.climbingthescyamore.com April 23, 2009

<o:p></o:p>

Today the Christians are believers in Moses, accept Him as a prophet of God and praise Him most highly. The Muhammadans are likewise believers in Moses, accept the validity of His prophethood, at the same time believing in Christ. Could it be said that the acceptance of Moses by the Christians and Muhammadans has been harmful and detrimental to those people? On the contrary, it has been beneficial to them, proving that they have been fair-minded and just. What harm could result to the Jewish people then if they in return should accept His Holiness Christ and acknowledge the validity of the prophethood of His Holiness Muhammad? By this acceptance and praiseworthy attitude the enmity and hatred which have afflicted mankind so many centuries would be dispelled, fanaticism and bloodshed pass away and the world be blessed by unity and agreement. Christians and Muhammadans believe and admit that Moses was the interlocutor of God. Why do you not say that Christ was the Word of God? Why do you not speak these few words that will do away with all this difficulty? Then there will be no more hatred and fanaticism, no more warfare and bloodshed in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Promise</st1:placename></st1:place>. Then there will be peace among you forever.<o:p></o:p>

(Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 278)<o:p></o:p>

Tags: Prophet, People, Mnakind, World, Unity, Word, Land, Promise, Peace

ONE WORD: GOD

Posted April 12, 2009 by Clethass

Warren Odess-Gillett interviews Denali Weiler. <st1:place w:st="on">Denali</st1:place> grew up in a Bahai family in the rural northwest. As a teenager she was caught up in the pressures of fitting in and the BahaҒi Faith wasnt conducive to that. When she graduated from high school, she decided to go on a BahaҒi year of service, which <st1:place w:st="on">Denali</st1:place> explains is an opportunity for a young Bahai person to give a year of service to help the BahaҒi Faith somewhere. She chose <st1:country-region w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:country-region> because it sounded like a great place to travel and she had certain expectations of what her experience would be like serving in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ecuador</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The experience was much different than her expectations, and the hardship of the year of service actually confirmed her in the Bahai Faith. She wrote a book about her experience titled Arising: A Year of Service Handbook for Volunteers. Before playing <st1:place w:st="on">Denali</st1:place>Ғs interview, I play an excerpt from the podcast Interfaith Voices by Maureen Fiedler. Maureen interviewed Rainn Wilson, the actor who plays Dwight Shrute in the TV sitcom The Office. You can find the Interfaith Voices podcast at InterfaithRadio. org.<o:p></o:p>

Warren Odess-Gillett www.valleyfreeradio.org April 11th, 2009

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Yea, the seeker reacheth a station wherein that which hath been ordained for him knoweth no bounds. The fire of love so blazeth in his heart that it seizeth the reins of constraint from his grasp. At every moment his love for his Lord increaseth and draweth him nearer unto his Creator, in such wise that if his Lord be in the east of nearness, and he dwell in the west of remoteness and possess all that earth and heaven contain of rubies and gold, he would forsake it all and rush forth to the land of the Desired One. And shouldst thou find him to be otherwise, know assuredly that such a man is a lying impostor. We, verily, all belong unto Him Whom God shall make manifest in the latter Resurrection, and through Him shall we be raised again to life.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

(Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 75)<o:p></o:p>

Tags: Love, Heart, East, Nearness, West, Earth, Heaven, Gold, Land, Resurrection, Life

Displaying 1 to 5 of 15