From: Barthaman@aol.com <Barthaman@aol.com>
To: RBCFAdmin@aol.com <RBCFAdmin@aol.com>
Cc: Barthaman@aol.com <Barthaman@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Unpopular voices getting equal time....
Date: Thursday, October 01, 1998 4:03 PM
RBCF Administration (Jerry White):
I just wanted to add my voice to FG's in the
appeal for more tolerance of pluralism (opposing, or
dissenting viewpoints) in Baha'i Forums. The substance of
what Mr. Glaysher says is absolutely true--I've observed the
problem myself for a number of years.
Even the most carefully worded, tactful style would be found
objectionable by conservative Baha'is in this context--because
there are sacred cows in the Baha'i religion, as in other
religions, that remain off-limits for questioning. Those who
persist in questioning are soon perceived as a mortal
threat to the flock of "true believers." Baha'i critics, naturally, are
never welcome in "their" forums. Critics like Glaysher (or myself)
are immediately singled out for exclusion. We feel our views are
just as valid and informative as the messages of the orthodox camp.
Sure, we need not be strident, but what justification is there to shield
the "true believers" from opposing, responsible views--the same
views they will ultimately face in the real world anyway? Counter
attacks by the Baha'is on Glaysher (and others) are to be expected.
They'll call him anything--"anti-Baha'i," "covenant-breaker"--to
dismiss his credibility and weaken his influence. Certainly, in the
regard, the Baha'is are anti-democracy--a contradiction in terms
of what the internet is all about.
So, what is my point? It's that Baha'i forums should be required
to make concessions like any other intellectually honest forums,
allowing a fair share of unpopular views to contrast what has so
far been propagandistic drival and authoritarian muscle-flexing.
Glaysher and I believe that the Baha'i Faith is a world-class
religion worth awhole lot more than that. We believe that
fundamentalist mentalities--believers from Christian and Islamic
backgrounds--have usurped all of the mainstream public forums
now available to Baha'is--within and without their religious
community.
In light of the above, please reconsider (if there is room left to
do so) Mr.Glaysher's appeals. He does speak for a number of
others in this regard.
Thanks for "listening." --Barthaman |