The future global religion to be

Taraz · #1 11-21-2007, 06:46 AM

Both of my parents are Baha'is and I was raised in the religion, so I probably know more about the Baha'i Faith than most of the posters here. I'd be happy to answer any questions about the religion.

My general take on the whole thing is the principals of the religion are pretty awesome but that the administration of the religion is awful. The leadership is uber-conservative and bordering on fundamentalism. However, the actual holy texts of the religion are quite progressive and benign. I particularly like the "independent investigation of truth" which is basically the idea that you shouldn't take anybody's word for anything. Look into things for yourself and make your own decisions regarding what is the truth.

I think tame_deuces classification of deism with a touch of globalism is a good one.

Edit: I didn't make it clear that I don't really consider myself religious and I'm basically an atheist, so I probably won't represent the views of most Baha'is.

tame_deuces · #2 11-21-2007, 07:05 AM

Ok, a question:

The 12 principles listed earlier in the thread seemed very non-forgiving in a 'my way or the highway' sense. Are these representative for the religion or am I just misinterpreting them?

Taraz · #3 11-21-2007, 05:23 PM

[ QUOTE ]

Ok, a question:

The 12 principles listed earlier in the thread seemed very non-forgiving in a 'my way or the highway' sense. Are these representative for the religion or am I just misinterpreting them?

[/ QUOTE ]

The principles specifically are supposed to be goals for the future. I've honestly never heard the "obedience to government" one, but Baha'is aren't supposed to engage in partisan politics. I think there is a pretty large debate within the religion right now about your very question.

A lot of the people at the top seem to have this my way or the highway attitude. Unfortunately for them, the religion itself teaches that everything is a personal responsibility and that you aren't supposed to get into other people's business. I personally think the situation right now isn't the best, but there are quite a few people trying to change it. Who knows if they'll succeed or not.