Why don’t Baha’is in forums ever talk about what their religion is really all about?

[Vinayaka]

Other than being a very infrequent contributor to one Baha'i Forum (that's open to all), this is the only other religious forum I post in. I can't really comment on what happens on other forums. I mentioned in one of your threads recently attending a youth camp where we had some 50 young people attend from different cultures and backgrounds. There were a few Christians and atheist/agnostics too. A central focus of the Baha'i Faith in the last 15 years has been the development of classes and youth groups that are open to all.

To be honest its an area that still requires a great deal of work and development in my city. I was a children's class teacher for about 5 years, mainly to ensure there were properly run classes when my sons were children. They are teenagers now and it was good to accompany my oldest son on the youth camp. He is openly undecided about religion but enjoys the Baha'i youth activities on offer.

A couple from Samoa moved into our community with their two young children and they took over the classes. They have been excellent. The areas of growth in the New Zealand Baha'i community have often had Pacific Islanders at the forefront.

What has most concerned me in working with young people are the high rates of mental health issues in our communities and the Baha'is are as affected as any other group. Its therefore challenging but rewarding work.

Adrian, individuals of all persuasions can really do a lot. In many religious or charitable groups, not only are you 'required' to tithe 10% of your money, but also 10% of your time. So if you work 40 hours a week, a minimum of 4 hours a week of time donation is suggested. of course there are those in situations who can do far far more. In my experience of working with volunteers (mostly at school, the parents) it varies a lot, but suffice it to say a whole lot of stuff just would not happen if it weren't for dedicated volunteers everywhere.

 

[Jim]

Why don’t Baha’is in forums ever talk about what their religion is really all about?: How can they publicly acknowledge that their religion is really and solely about proselytization (considering their small numbers)?

Actually, I’m thinking that might be close to the truth. Baha’is promoting their religions online might be ashamed of what their world community is actually doing.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Adrian, individuals of all persuasions can really do a lot. In many religious or charitable groups, not only are you 'required' to tithe 10% of your money, but also 10% of your time. So if you work 40 hours a week, a minimum of 4 hours a week of time donation is suggested. of course there are those in situations who can do far far more. In my experience of working with volunteers (mostly at school, the parents) it varies a lot, but suffice it to say a whole lot of stuff just would not happen if it weren't for dedicated volunteers everywhere.

Many of us are just doing what we can to assist our communities. Its actions that speak louder than words. The reality of what happens in our communities and personal lives are very different from what is presented on the internet.

 

[Jim]

A central focus of the Baha'i Faith in the last 15 years has been the development of classes and youth groups that are open to all.

That’s part of what I’m thinking, only it’s isolated from the context in which the Universal House of Justice has placed it for more than fifteen years.

 

[Vinayaka]

Many of us are just doing what we can to assist our communities. It actions that speak louder than words. The reality of what happens in our communities and personal lives are very different from what is presented on the internet.

You take long breaks from this place, as do many. I imagine you doing just that. There are always ways to help community. Still, we all need some free time, for our own sanity.

The reality is we just don't know about what people are actually up to. The internet and real life may well be two vastly different places.

 

[Jim]

Arthra posts on many forums mainly in DIR about his community and activities.

— but never about what his world council is promoting most of all, and what Baha’i communities are doing most of all, all around the world.

 

[Dawnofhope]

That’s part of what I’m thinking, only it’s isolated from the context in which the Universal House of Justice has placed it for more than fifteen years.

It was an offshoot from a series of youth conferences that were held all around the world in 114 selected localities around the world during 2013. You may recall the message the Universal House of Justice wrote at the time:

1 July 2013 – To the participants in the forthcoming 114 youth conferences throughout the world | Bahá’í Reference Library

 

[Jim]

Jim, I read the Ridvan message for 2019. To be frank, I couldn't glean much from it. A lot of what I'd call gobbledygook. Much the way politicians speak. Lots of vague stuff, not much concrete stuff. But than I'm not a Baha'i, and unfamiliar with what might be the real intent.

That might be a clue. Maybe none of the Baha’is posting in Internet forums can understand what the House of Justice is saying to them in its messages.

 

[Dawnofhope]

You take long breaks from this place, as do many. I imagine you doing just that. There are always ways to help community. Still, we all need some free time, for our own sanity.

The reality is we just don't know about what people are actually up to. The internet and real life may well be two vastly different places.

Exactly. I responded to one of your posts yesterday two days after you had sent it. I spent the last two days working in a medical centre in a provincial town.

I also had to write a letter to my City Council in preparation for a meeting with the Mayor tomorrow. After the Mosque shootings he is bringing key people from community groups together to explore how we can coordinate our efforts to build unity and peace in our communities. I was invited on account of my new role on the interfaith council.

On the other hand having returned home, I have the morning free before I work again this afternoon. Its nice to sip tea and chat. I'll go for a walk soon.

Sanity is a beautiful thing.

 

[paarsurrey]

Maybe they don't know. @adrian009 has spoken about his interfaith concil but what do Bahai really do on the ground in this country or worldwide? I have never seen any hard evidence or explanation of specific work besides spreading the words of the prophet. I've looked at Bahai sites to find specifics. All I can ever find is speeches they have given in the past or talks they are involved with now and pilgrimages to other countries to set up Bahai schools to teach Bahai. Do you know what they actually do to improve people's living situations?

Do they, the followers of Bahaullah like him, live in a Myth-Land? Perhaps they do.

Regards

 

[paarsurrey]

Just a suggestion, probably shouldn't seek to understand the Baha'i religion via the internet. Maybe seek out a local Baha'i community?

The internet is a quagmire of misinformation.

Yet it does provide clues to the other-side, if one is interested.

Regards

 

[Jim]

Too busy figuring out ways to convert maybe? When I read letters from the House of Justice, it generally says a polite thank you for the money, and then encourages more work for converting.


Subject: National Fund Goal Achieved

Dearly loved friends, On this, the 4th day of the Festival of Ridvan, we are overjoyed to announce that through the sacrifices and spiritual generosity of the American Baha’i community we have surpassed this year's National Fund goal of $38 million. Ya Baha'u'l-Abha!

This is a noteworthy advance beyond all previous years and a special token of the spiritual privilege in supporting materially the unyielding growth of Baha'u'llah's Revelation in our communities. As our beloved House of Justice exhorted in its recent Ridvan 2019 message, "And to a heart consumed with the love for Baha’u'llah, what more befitting occupation can be imagined than to seek kindred spirits, to encourage them as they enter the path of service, to accompany them as they gain experience and- perhaps the greatest joy of all- to see souls become confirmed in their faith, arise independently, and assist others on the same journey. These are among the most cherished of all moments that this transitory life affords."

This is a noteworthy advance beyond all previous years and a special token of the spiritual privilege in supporting materially the unyielding growth of Baha'u'llah's Revelation in our communities. As our beloved House of Justice exhorted in its recent Ridvan 2019 message, "And to a heart consumed with the love for Baha'u'llah, what more befitting occupation can be imagined than to seek kindred spirits, to encourage them as they enter the path of service, to accompany them as they gain experience and- perhaps the greatest joy of all- to see souls become confirmed in their faith, arise independently, and assist others on the same journey. These are among the most cherished of all moments that this transitory life affords."

With our love and utmost admiration for your work and generous support for His Cause,

Juana C. Conrad

Treasurer

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States

Source?

 

[Vinayaka]

Source?

US NSA

https://i.redd.it/w5vdi9jrsdv21.jpg

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Do they, the followers of Bahaullah like him, live in a Myth-Land? Perhaps they do.

Regards

I see that is another reason to say less, when we have no positive to offer.

Regards Tony

 

[Jim]

Would anyone on any side of debating about the Baha’i Faith like to tell me why you persistently and stubbornly choose not to know what the Baha’i Faith of today is really all about?

 

[Jim]

Do they, the followers of Bahaullah like him, live in a Myth-Land? Perhaps they do.

Regards

It looks to me like all the people debating endlessly and aimlessly in Internet discussions, about religions and every other topic, are debating about Myth-Lands.

 

[paarsurrey]

Other than being a very infrequent contributor to one Baha'i Forum (that's open to all), this is the only other religious forum I post in. I can't really comment on what happens on other forums. I mentioned in one of your threads recently attending a youth camp where we had some 50 young people attend from different cultures and backgrounds. There were a few Christians and atheist/agnostics too. A central focus of the Baha'i Faith in the last 15 years has been the development of classes and youth groups that are open to all.

To be honest its an area that still requires a great deal of work and development in my city. I was a children's class teacher for about 5 years, mainly to ensure there were properly run classes when my sons were children. They are teenagers now and it was good to accompany my oldest son on the youth camp. He is openly undecided about religion but enjoys the Baha'i youth activities on offer.

A couple from Samoa moved into our community with their two young children and they took over the classes. They have been excellent. The areas of growth in the New Zealand Baha'i community have often had Pacific Islanders at the forefront.

What has most concerned me in working with young people are the high rates of mental health issues in our communities and the Baha'is are as affected as any other group. Its therefore challenging but rewarding work.

"Baha'i Forum (that's open to all)"

Did you mean this < Baha'i Faith>, please?
Maybe I try it sometimes. It seem to be very slow.

Regards

 

[Jim]

US NSA

https://i.redd.it/w5vdi9jrsdv21.jpg

Seriously? You call that a source?

 

[Vinayaka]

It looks to me like all the people debating endlessly and aimlessly in Internet discussions, about religions and every other topic, are debating about Myth-Lands.

I've discussed with Baha'i now for at least 2 years, and I still have no idea what it's all about. I'd love to know.

 

[Dawnofhope]

"Baha'i Forum (that's open to all)"

Did you mean this < Baha'i Faith>, please?
Maybe I try it sometimes. It seem to be very slow.

Regards

That's right @paarsurrey

Its certainly not as busy as RF