Unveiled Artist
Veteran Member
I told Adrian this:
Take SGI (Soka Gokkai International). It's an organization based on Nichiren Shonin's teachings and interpretations of The Buddha and the Lotus Sutra. They have just about everything you mention Bahai has or does (without the god part) but their president of the organization goes to universal peace conferences, I think they are called. They bring people of different religious backgrounds into their organization and practices. They have charities with other religious (in America) and pretty much a charity organization.
They have time to build world peace "get permission" by interacting with said religions and understanding them. The difference between them and Bahai is they are very political and evangelical. However, their dogma and goals are moral. I think they are trying to be a bit more open minded. But, of course, still promoting their view of the world.
I went to a Hindu temple last year and after looking at all the gods, I saw a Buddha statue. I did my respects and asked about it. They said they sometimes have Buddhist festivals here (Buddhist use the area for space) and they are more open to people who want to learn about their faith.
Jehovah's Witness, at least here, have an interest in learning others faiths. We had a good talk about my faith and how I see the world. Of course, they promoted their mission; and, the discussion gave them knowledge so when they meet other people of other faiths, they know in a general sense how to respect them. Of course, they aren't universalist but that has been my experience talking with JW.
These are ways to get to know people from their perspective rather than one's own. If Bahai doesn't have the time to do that, I don't know how to comment given your goals and what Bahaullah said. I do know that interfaith dialogue goes beyond respect and accepting differences. If you say Hindu scriptures predicts the coming of Bahaullah an we know it does not, there's an issue that should be addressed. Either Bahai can accept the Hindu factual belief and focus on what they think is true or be open to accept what a Hindu says is true given they know more about the belief than a Bahai would.
They have time to build world peace "get permission" by interacting with said religions and understanding them. The difference between them and Bahai is they are very political and evangelical. However, their dogma and goals are moral. I think they are trying to be a bit more open minded. But, of course, still promoting their view of the world.
I went to a Hindu temple last year and after looking at all the gods, I saw a Buddha statue. I did my respects and asked about it. They said they sometimes have Buddhist festivals here (Buddhist use the area for space) and they are more open to people who want to learn about their faith.
Jehovah's Witness, at least here, have an interest in learning others faiths. We had a good talk about my faith and how I see the world. Of course, they promoted their mission; and, the discussion gave them knowledge so when they meet other people of other faiths, they know in a general sense how to respect them. Of course, they aren't universalist but that has been my experience talking with JW.
These are ways to get to know people from their perspective rather than one's own. If Bahai doesn't have the time to do that, I don't know how to comment given your goals and what Bahaullah said. I do know that interfaith dialogue goes beyond respect and accepting differences. If you say Hindu scriptures predicts the coming of Bahaullah an we know it does not, there's an issue that should be addressed. Either Bahai can accept the Hindu factual belief and focus on what they think is true or be open to accept what a Hindu says is true given they know more about the belief than a Bahai would.
He was commenting Bahai doesn't have the time. I thought that odd.
Things you can do on your own is to change your perspective about other religions. I already mentioned the Pagan thing but what about the Hindu?
I feel it takes more than talking about peace and unity among beliefs to actually start doing something about it. If you didn't have that as your tenet, it would be another you vs. them belief. Since you have it, how would you address it?
