From: McKenny Michael <bn872@FreeNet.Carleton.CA>
Subject: Re: To UHJ July 24, 1998
Date: Friday, January 22, 1999 9:41 AM
Greetings, Ron.
You state that you strongly oppose any linkage between
intolerance
practised by Baha'is and intolerance practised by non-Baha'is.
First, although history provides us the results of the
labratory of
human experience, I am reading this first widely available, uncontrolled
source of Baha'i information in order to observe present Baha'i practise.
May the gods provide us unfolding days, weeks, months, and seasons ever
more tolerant and understanding. May those responsible in Iran to show
the world what effect Muhammad has in their lives, may these living
proofs of the influence of that Prophet demonstrate that it was indeed
something worthwhile that Muhammad brought to the people of Arabia and
to all taking the time to look into what Muhammad offers.
And, whatever has happened in the past, may those
responsible to
show the world what effect Baha'u'llah has in their lives, those living
proofs of the influence of that Prophet demonstrate that it was indeed
something worthwhile that Baha'u'llah brought to the people taking the
time to look into his offering.
As to the idea of contrasting and comparing intolerance
coming
from Baha'is and intolerance coming from non-Baha'is, the distinction
lies in the religion of the authors of intolerance.
All authors of intolerance are manifesting their
insecurity, their
lack of complete trust in the ability of their views to persist in the
midst of other views, their reluctance to permit their own minds and
hearts to continue to develope, grow and flourish -- the most natural
process in the world. They are also showing that they wish to prevent
other humans from a similar opportunity to develope, grow and flourish.
All authors of intolerance are testifying that they
disagree with
the means by which Baha'u'llah intended to harmonize humanity. He knew
that the individuals of this species cannot be compelled to think the
same thoughts, to see things the same way, to believe identical things.
Humans are not a collection of clones. So, with remarkable insight,
Baha'u'llah said that anyone could think and say whatever he understood,
only he could not force anyone else to accept these views. Each one has
the same freedom to believe and to share his views. He added that it was
only to be expected that the passage of time could well modify the views
one presently has so how could one insist on his views. By encouraging
freedom to think and to believe and to share thoughts and understandings
Baha'u'llah sought to eliminate intolerance.
Now, let us focus more on demonstrating present Baha'i
acceptance
of Baha'u'llah's insight than any analysis, fascinating as such may be,
of previous hesitancy to acknowledge and implement this insight of the
Prophet.
May this find you very well, and may each of the days
ahead of us
be better than the one it succeeds.
All the Best,
Michael
Ron House (house@usq.edu.au) writes:
> Now Fred, you didn't even revise this one before posting it. As I have
> said before, I strongly oppose any linkage of Baha'i intolerance with
> the behaviour of the persecutors in Iran. There is simply no comparison.
> I presume, as I said in my other reply to you today, that you have some
> legitimate beef behind your criticisms. You will get much further in
> helping us understand your real complaint if you drop this red herring
> completely.
>
> --
> Ron House
house@usq.edu.au
>
> You can only be right if you have the courage to be wrong.
--
"My name's McKenny, Mike McKenny, Warrant Officer, Solar Guard."
(Tom Corbett #1 STAND BY FOR MARS p2)
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