I’m seeing something more clearły now that might be part of what annoys people sometimes in their interactions with Baha’is. It isn’t that sometimes Baha’is think their beliefs are right and everyone else’s beliefs are wrong. They might not do that any more than anyone else. It’s that sometimes people think that Baha’is believe that all religions are equal, and at the same time, sometimes it looks like Baha’is think that they are the only ones who can’t be wrong about what their own scriptures are saying.
I see it has naught to do with what any of us might think we know. In the end it boils down to this; If Baha'u'llah is right, then the people of all Faiths share the same source of inspiration. Baha'u'llah in this age has offered;
"... That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician. –
Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 255.
So why would anyone be annoyed if they are wanting to know and love God? When they find out it is possible we all share the same God, maybe that is what annoys some people, they find out they do not have exclusive truth, that they have to alter what they beleive to become inclusive of all and that they have to embrace God as the only source. They have to embrace Faiths and concepts that for years they have rejected.
It then stands to reason that the world and its thoughts are in such a state of decay, because this can not yet be realised;
".. The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. This unity can never be achieved so long as the counsels which the Pen of the Most High hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded... "
I will put my trust in that One God, that this is happening and mankind does have the capacity to implement this change.
How do you see the God given Message of Baha'u'llah unfolding, without any opposition or annoyance? It is a fact in the writings that opposition and annoyance will increase and I personally welcome and embrace it. It can show people that we do Love all unconditionally.
God is the source for all our great inspirations Jim.
Regards Tony