Bahaism and Its Claims: A Study of the Religion Promulgated by Baha Ullah and Abdul BahaWilson, Samuel Graham
Religion
Bahaism and Its Claims: A Study of the Religion Promulgated by Baha Ullah and Abdul Baha
Wilson, Samuel Graham
Bahai Faith -- Controversial literature
Jews cannot be the basis for such extravagance of language: neither can
the rejection by Baha of the Shiah notion that other religions are
"unclean," for Sunnis all along held the "peoples of the Book" to be
"clean" and Christians of old learned to "call no man common or
unclean."
As to unification, how is it? Babis were divided off from Sheikhis, and
Bahais from Babis, and Behais from Bahais and the flames of hate and
vindictiveness burn hotter between them than between the older sects and
races, while the Shiahs curse and at times persecute Babis and Bahais.
Instead of unity the Babi-Bahais have brought a greater division of
sects: instead of love renewed fires of animosity and fanatical hate. In
view of these conditions, how unreasonable for Abdul Baha to say that
"through the power of Baha Ullah, such affection and love is produced
among the various religions of Persia that they now associate[101] with
each other in the utmost love and concord."
Passing now to another phase of this subject, let us inquire what means
are prescribed for religious unification. The chief means seems to be
the forbidding of the right of private interpretation or opinion. Abdul
Baha writes[102] that he is "the Interpreter of all the works and books
of the Blessed Perfection. Were this not the case, every one would give
an interpretation according to his own inclination--this would lead to
great differences." This point is more plainly stated by M. Abul
Fazl:[103] "One of the explicit commands of Baha Ullah is the ordinance
abrogating differences which separate men.... If those having two points
of view, engage in strife in expressing their views, both will be
delivered to the fire.... Bahai law prohibits the interpretation of
God's word and exposition of personal opinion ... lest different sects
arise." "You must ask him (Abdul Baha) regarding the meaning of the
texts of the verses. Whatsoever he says is correct. Without his will,
not a word shall any one utter."[104] Baha Ullah "made provision against
all kinds of differences, so that no man shall be able to create a new
sect ... indicating the Interpreter so that no man should be able to say
that he explains a certain teaching in this way and thus create a new
sect."[105] After Abdul Baha whenever the House of Justice is organized,
it will ward off differences. But though the right of private judgment
was denied, yet a new sect arose and bitter disunion occurred over the
question of the Infallible Interpreter.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account