understanding my friend's faith (Jesus Christ, priest, ritual, followers, church)

[ayani]

hey all-

i have some questions related to a personal situation a friend is facing, and would appreciate your ideas!

i good friend of mine has just converted to the Baha'i Faith from Catholicism. not only was he a devout Catholic, but was seriously considering entering the preisthood as his life's vocation. he has now read through the Baha'i religious works, and is personally convinced that Bahaullah is the second coming of Christ.

i'd like to understand what the Baha'i Faith says about Christianity, and what Baha'is believe in general about how Bahaullah's message relates to the messages of other religions. is the Baha'i message seen as fulfilling or completing other religion's messages? how so? this is a big change for my friend, obviously, and i'd like to better understand what has lead him to the Baha'i Faith from Christianity.

thank you!

[angellous_evangellous]

Check out http://www.religioustolerance.org/bahai.htm

I would suggest that your friend have a long talk with a Catholic mentor. The Baha'i faith says pretty much anything goes theologically - any truth is the truth. This is warm and fuzzy, but it is a far cry from Catholicism.

[ayani]

thank you, angellous!

it does help to have some understanding of The Baha'i Faith, and religious tolerance is a great site. the point you raised concerns me, as well. as my friend has decided to embrace The Baha'i Faith, he's done no talking with Catholics as to what he should do with his spiritual future. as Catholicism was his religious path for most of his life, and as he was just weeks ago seriously considering to enter the priesthood, i'd expect him to consult with Catholics about his faith or lack of faith in the Catholic church before deciding something so big. on the other hand, i wouldn't want him to continue following Catholicism if he truly feels that it's either incorrect or not fulfilling him spiritually. i'm just looking to better understand the link between Baha'i teachings and Christian ones, and how they might compliment eachother, as my friend's dicision is not something i'm really understanding.

[angellous_evangellous]

Well, Catholicism is exclusive of the Baha'i faith, but Baha'i accepts every world religion. You are quite welcome. I think that there are some Baha'i folks in the forum. For a Christian, we must place every other god and religion on the same level as Jesus Christ and deny the historic creeds to accept Baha'i teachings.

I suggest that if you know a Catholic preist or deacon that your friend trusts and respects, you should ask that they meet. If your friend is hostile to Catholics, it is not conducive to his new found faith. Baha'i followers are supposed to be tolerant and accepting of all faiths, so talking with a Catholic should not bother him.