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How are these Great Beings explained?

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
The resurrection is just as supernatural as god. Scripture does say he risen, returned, and will come again. If going by scripture and using scripture to prove itself true, I don't understand why you need more for the resurrection but then when millions of people talk about god, you're okay with that.

The belief in Jesus being physically resurrected is unique to Christians beliefs. Other faith adherents don't believe in it. I don't believe in it and I doubt if you believe in it either.

Most of us are fine about the diversity of other peoples beliefs. I'm fine that Christians believe in a physically resurrected man called Jesus they call God. I don't believe it but I accept people's right to believe whatever they want as @Vinayaka believes in reincarnation. We simply understand and acknowledge the others persons belief.

The problem is that many Christians elevate their beliefs to facts they insist are true and can be proven. Examples of such beliefs are that Jesus was physically resurrected, Jesus was God, and that the earth was created six or so thousand years ago. They insist these are true and prove that their religion is the only religion worth following, and if we fail to believe as the Christians do, then we will be thrown into hell. If we listen to the message of other faith adherents and believe in them, then we are following Satan. If we listen to fundamentalist Christian and accept their message then this is the only way we can enter the kingdom of eternity.

There is a fine line between religious tolerance and bigotry and I have little doubt where Christian fundamentalists sit in regards to that line. The problem is not just the psychological damage that results from this theology but it becomes easy to justify forced conversions, coercion, domination, guilt, violence and war in the name of the Christian God. We all know the story of Christianity and the violence that has been perpetuated in the name of God and the suppression of truth and science.

Many Christian apologists persist with an approach to religious faith and spirituality that has long outlived its usefulness. They justify their beliefs by referring to their scripture that they take literally yet have failed to understand the deeper spiritual message IMHO. A physically resurrected Jesus that has ascended in the physical sky is an example. However this belief is not only problematic from a scriptural perspective, it contradicts science and reason.

These people did not live that far ago. These people are actually people. You can be a great teacher just as a guru or someone who has no home in the streets. Anyone can be inspired by god. If you're using your experiences and thousands of others as evidence, that's the same as millions of people believing in the resurrection. They are both supernatural things.

I agree that we can all be inspired by God and that history has been shaped by many outstanding people in different cultures. However I believe that the Manifestations of God reflect that inspiration to an incomparable degree. None of the manifestations of God taught a physical resurrection including Jesus.

Our experiences are personal and the existence of millions who believe in the resurrection does not constitute a proof anymore than the much larger numbers of people who do not agree with this belief. Just because we believe something to be true, does not make it true.
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
We simply understand and acknowledge the others persons belief.

The problem is that many Christians elevate their beliefs to facts they insist are true and can be proven.

Many Christian apologists persist with an approach to religious faith and spirituality that has long outlived its usefulness. They justify their beliefs by referring to their scripture that they take literally yet have failed to understand the deeper spiritual message IMHO.

To be frank, I've seen this with many Bahai' as well, here on this thread. Some time back, I had a somewhat pointless discussion over what is a belief versus a fact. Many times I've seen little more than a quote to justify whatever it was in the debate. It must be true because Baha'u'llah said it was true.

I don't see how you can consider the words of an infallible prophet anything but facts.

But yes, that is your belief. I do accept that you have a right to believe it.
 

Ingledsva

HEATHEN ALASKAN
If what you offer is World embracing and helps Humanity as a whole. I am happy to be part of the We you quote.

If there is a flaw in the idea, I am sure we could sort it out.

Regards Tony

My questions are always the same.

Baha'i claim God sent special religious leaders to the different religious groups throughout history.

SO, - if that is the case, why do you only accept - certain - religions? Why the discrimination?

Baha'i claim equality between men and women, - but, - when you read the texts, they still want women in traditional "woman's" roles, - and don't allow a woman at the top of the religious order. That is discrimination, not equality.

Baha'i teach that homosexuality is unacceptable. An outdated and illogical - religious - idea - with no scientific backing.

SO, - why all this discrimination - if the word is actually from an all knowing God?

Why is your God spouting illogical patriarchal ideas from past patriarchal religions?

Baha'i aren't as advanced in their thinking as they claim.

*
 

CG Didymus

Veteran Member
Hi CG. Yes, I'm aware of your position and respect that you have taken time to consider both religions and rightly question them both.



It appears part historic, part myth to me. I don't see how it could be taken as either entirely literal or entirely symbolic. Have you ever written songs, poetry, or prose when spiritually attuned to God?
You say, "I don't see how it could be taken as either entirely literal or entirely symbolic"? That's excludes how I'm using "mythical." By mythical I mean "fictional".

But what I'm trying to get at is how see Luke's writing? For me, Luke's gospel and Acts are him reporting alleged events. So I don't see why a reporter would tell us the events of the day in symbolic poetry? I think he wrote it to be taken literal, but I also think that because he wrote things that sound mythical, lots of people have come to reject the NT as fiction. So we have some that take it literal, some as pure fiction and many in between. Baha'is, though, make too many things symbolic.

If Jesus' body is dead and buried, then the NT is fiction. There's too many events that Christians believe actually happened for all of them to be true, but only in a symbolic way. The worst is still that the resurrection is talking about the "body of believers" not the physical body of Jesus. That makes all the post resurrection stories in the Gospels completely ridiculous.

But now, one Baha'i here has said that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, that Abraham was going to sacrifice? He quoted from the Quran, which means that Baha'is are saying that the Quran is correct and the Hebrew Bible wrong. Do you have an actual quote from Baha'u'llah that supports this thing about Ishmael rather than Isaac?
 

CG Didymus

Veteran Member
There is only a plausibility problem when you try to explain it any other way except the resurrection.

I don't depend on a bunch of guessers who are often wrong. I depend on God.
You know the implication, they believe people have to put aside "superstitious" religious beliefs. The resurrection, for them, falls into that category. But, since that is clearly what is said in the NT, then they are essentially saying that the NT is wrong. They try and say that they do believe the Bible is the "Word of God", but Christians have mistaken things like the resurrection as literal, when they were "symbolic".

In case you missed it, they say that the since the believers are said to be the "body of Christ", it is them, the believers, that came alive, spiritually, after three days. They then started spreading the teachings of Jesus.

My main complaint about this interpretation is that it would mean that for 2000 years Christians have been wrong... in fact, since this was the teaching from the beginning, if Baha'is are correct, then Christianity has never been right.
 

DavidFirth

Well-Known Member
You know the implication, they believe people have to put aside "superstitious" religious beliefs. The resurrection, for them, falls into that category. But, since that is clearly what is said in the NT, then they are essentially saying that the NT is wrong. They try and say that they do believe the Bible is the "Word of God", but Christians have mistaken things like the resurrection as literal, when they were "symbolic".

In case you missed it, they say that the since the believers are said to be the "body of Christ", it is them, the believers, that came alive, spiritually, after three days. They then started spreading the teachings of Jesus.

My main complaint about this interpretation is that it would mean that for 2000 years Christians have been wrong... in fact, since this was the teaching from the beginning, if Baha'is are correct, then Christianity has never been right.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. I of course believe the Baha'is are wrong.
 

CG Didymus

Veteran Member
In that case plausibility is in the eye of the beholder...it appears plausible if you believe it, and implausible if you don't. Doesn't really say a lot...



I depend on God too. I don't feel the need to label those who disagree with me 'guessers' with the presumption that I have certainty.
Ultimately, you both feel your definition of God is true. He has no problem. His beliefs support him in believing Jesus is the only way, but for Baha'is, you have to find the things in common... the points of unity, to show respect for their beliefs. But I don't see how you can honestly do that when you think their beliefs are wrong.
 

CG Didymus

Veteran Member
Baha'i Faith has Scriptures that teaches Bahai beliefs. It has clear interpretations. If a Bahai wants to know about a particular Bahai teaching, he can refer to Bahai Writings. There is only one set of Writings. In this regard, the difference between Bahai Faith, and older religions such as Islam is that, for example, Sunni Muslims have their own recorded Traditions, and Shias have their own traditions. Each sect, thus has their own sources to give them a different interpretations.
Christians do not have interpretation writings by the Christ apostles. Thus, different groups of Christians came up with their own interpretations, which are different from each other. Bahais, on the other hand agree on their Sources for Bahais.
Fallible people will find a way to mess up the clear interpretations. There will always be a liberal vs. conservative way of looking at it.
 

Ingledsva

HEATHEN ALASKAN
...But now, one Baha'i here has said that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, that Abraham was going to sacrifice? He quoted from the Quran, which means that Baha'is are saying that the Quran is correct and the Hebrew Bible wrong. Do you have an actual quote from Baha'u'llah that supports this thing about Ishmael rather than Isaac?

I think the reason the Bible story calls Isaac Abram's only son, is because he threw Hagar and Ishmael out into the desert to die.

His only son with him from that point, is Isaac.

So Isaac gets to be sacrificed.

*
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
The belief in Jesus being physically resurrected is unique to Christians beliefs. Other faith adherents don't believe in it. I don't believe in it and I doubt if you believe in it either.

It's still a Christian belief and truth regardless how many people and who believe in it. If the Bible defines Christianity (the service of brothers and sisters of christ), and they believe in the resurrection as per the bible says, we can have opinions and beliefs all we want, but in my opinion-just as reinterpreting and viewing Hindu faith-I wouldn't say it is wrong or false that christ didn't rise physically.

To me, rising physically sounds like superman or something, the way you're describing it. I wouldn't call it just spiritual because, as I mentioned, rising as a body is through the practice of communion, salvation, and union with god both in flesh and in spirit.

Most of us are fine about the diversity of other peoples beliefs. I'm fine that Christians believe in a physically resurrected man called Jesus they call God. I don't believe it but I accept people's right to believe whatever they want as @Vinayaka believes in reincarnation. We simply understand and acknowledge the others persons belief.

I accept people's beliefs too. I never experienced Bahai belief so I can only offer my disagreements based on what you all say and quote. I don't know anything about Hinduism; and, Vinakaya doesn't talk about it much, so I can't form an opinion or have a conversation about it, so basically, unless you guys talk via experiences, I'm talking surface level conversations.

Deeper conversations is more personal. Instead of talking about if jesus resurrected just by saying "there is no evidence" while I can say the same about god, which there is none, but I don't see evidence as facts and statistics. I also see people's experiences biblical and yours etc as evidence so god is defined differently because the only evidence that is of god is through you guys experiences-Bahaullah, Christ, and Zoroaster included.

The problem is that many Christians elevate their beliefs to facts they insist are true and can be proven. Examples of such beliefs are that Jesus was physically resurrected, Jesus was God, and that the earth was created six or so thousand years ago. They insist these are true and prove that their religion is the only religion worth following, and if we fail to believe as the Christians do, then we will be thrown into hell. If we listen to the message of other faith adherents and believe in them, then we are following Satan. If we listen to fundamentalist Christian and accept their message then this is the only way we can enter the kingdom of eternity.
I actually don't listen to fundamentalist christians. I don't experience the resurrection through them, just talk-talk-talk. They don't share their experience just bible as what they view as facts.

But, I wouldn't base the biblical understanding of the resurrection on what you read but what you experience.

There is a fine line between religious tolerance and bigotry and I have little doubt where Christian fundamentalists sit in regards to that line. The problem is not just the psychological damage that results from this theology but it becomes easy to justify forced conversions, coercion, domination, guilt, violence and war in the name of the Christian God. We all know the story of Christianity and the violence that has been perpetuated in the name of God and the suppression of truth and science.

But what's the real deal with Christian fundamentalist. To me, I just don't like how they express their ideas but I can see why they believe what they do just as the opposing side because they are both in scripture. So, instead of seeing the bigotry in their beliefs or opinions, find truth (and peace *cough cough*) in them instead.

Many Christian apologists persist with an approach to religious faith and spirituality that has long outlived its usefulness. They justify their beliefs by referring to their scripture that they take literally yet have failed to understand the deeper spiritual message IMHO. A physically resurrected Jesus that has ascended in the physical sky is an example. However this belief is not only problematic from a scriptural perspective, it contradicts science and reason.

Have you studied the scripture to the same extent as the Christian apologists? To be brutally honest, I rather take a Orthodox Catholic view because, so far I know, they are the furthest back one can get to the apostles since christianity doesn't recognize all the laws and teachings of Moses that Jews recognize and are not bound by them. However, Catholics (all) have closer ties to the original scripture than we do. I mean, I went to the Basilica-the biggest catholic church in the US-and in the college library, there was a room sectioned off just for studying Catholic priest. They had the full bible in the room but you couldn't read it because you needed a code to get inside.

Now, we read bibles all the time. What about this particular bible (unless made of gold?) that would make these words in it hidden from the average public. Same as the Vatican that holds a lot of American history that the public doesn't get to know about (saw on the history channel).

I agree that we can all be inspired by God and that history has been shaped by many outstanding people in different cultures. However I believe that the Manifestations of God reflect that inspiration to an incomparable degree. None of the manifestations of God taught a physical resurrection including Jesus.

This is your belief, of course. I've always said on these forums that when you (or say other Bahai that are not christian) talk of another religion as part of your own, it would help to use their facts not reinterpreted through your own. We know what you believe. I just find it off that you call it christianity when you know there is a difference between the two yet rather see the resurrection through manifestations even though the fact of christianity doesn't teach that. So, it leads me to believe that what you believe is not christian. (Not an insult, just what I observe)

Our experiences are personal and the existence of millions who believe in the resurrection does not constitute a proof anymore than the much larger numbers of people who do not agree with this belief. Just because we believe something to be true, does not make it true.

If you're looking at scripture as if it says jesus flew like superman, then yeah, of course, our beliefs won't count. Since scripture is about the people-brothers and sisters of christ in christianity-it is about people's experiences and what people believe (their faith) not what's physically and literally written in a book.

I honestly feel you're using the bible as an idol in place of god and christ himself.
 

CG Didymus

Veteran Member
I would be the worst possible proselytizer. Imagine a used car salesman telling you every possible thing wrong with the car. Not in the genes I'm afraid.
To be a good used car salesman, a person has to be able to lie with a straight face. I can't do that. I'm terrible at poker. With "teaching" (We don't use the "P" word around here), I have never believed a religion 100%. So I could never "sell" it to the people I was talking too. Plus, many religions use young new converts. They have lots of energy, but not a lot of knowledge. They end up parroting back a few basic things they have been given to do their teaching.
 

CG Didymus

Veteran Member
So, you believe, the Bible Writers wrote myths? what was the purpose of Authors of Bible of writing these Myths? And How do you know their purpose?
So you have a problem with it being myth and legends, but are okay that they wrote as if certain events really happened when it was a symbolic parable?

Was the Greek religion based on a true revelation from the one true God, or... was it based on fictional myths? I take them as myth. Now in those myths there are stories of fantastic things. So how does a new religion in those days convince people that their religion is better? Could it invent virgin births? A God/man that rises from the dead? A man that heals and walks on water? A man that will return and cast Satan and all evil people into a fiery pit? I think it might. But I don't know for sure.

But there is always the question... Why did they let themselves be martyred if it was only "symbolic" or a fictional myth. So I have to respect that. So maybe that's a good question for you... If the NT and the resurrection was only symbolic, Jesus was dead and buried, why did his followers let themselves be tortured to death instead of recanting?
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
To be frank, I've seen this with many Bahai' as well, here on this thread. Some time back, I had a somewhat pointless discussion over what is a belief versus a fact. Many times I've seen little more than a quote to justify whatever it was in the debate. It must be true because Baha'u'llah said it was true.

As much as I disagree with the Christians on certain aspects of their world view, I also support thier right to express themselves providing it is respectful and couteous. Discussion about what is right and wrong, true or false are part of conversations in many aspects of life and we can't escape it. It is valuable in that it exposes us to ideas, values and approaches that are dfferent from our own. However at some stage once arguments or viewpoints have been expressed, and it becomes clear thats its not going anywhere, then we need to let it go.

I don't see how you can consider the words of an infallible prophet anything but facts.

Baha'is would recognise that the words of Baha'u'llah or any Manifestation of God are infallible, but most of us would recognise our friends who are not Baha'is see it differently. Therefore conversations such as these are an exporation of what is reasonable and what is not. I do not expect you to recognise the words of any of the Manaifestations of God as infallible. That is not your belief.
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
If Bahai views are humanity's views, we just haven't accepted them yet, would it make sense logically to refer to humanity and yourself when expressing your beliefs?
I

I need not to say One Word. What is required is already written. It will happen with us or without us. What We all need to do Is find and Implement the Message of Baha'u'llah into our Lives.

Each individual can choose to do this or not to do it.

I have chosen to try to follow what was advised.

Regards Tony
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
SO, - if that is the case, why do you only accept - certain - religions? Why the discrimination?

Please advise which Religion, that has a Foundation in God, is not accepted by the Baha'i writings?

Baha'i claim equality between men and women, - but, - when you read the texts, they still want women in traditional "woman's" roles, - and don't allow a woman at the top of the religious order. That is discrimination, not equality.

There is no Religious Hierarchy in the Baha'i Faith. Women have been exempted from being elected to the Universal House of Justice. I see this this as a bounty and blessing.

Equality is not sameness. Both Male and Female have different things to offer Humanity. Each in turn offer a Harmony that adds to the beauty of creation.

Please supply passages from the Writings that place Women in 'Traditional Rolls', or maybe you see men as giving birth and having the ability to feed the baby?

Baha'i teach that homosexuality is unacceptable. An outdated and illogical - religious - idea - with no scientific backing.

The writings restrict sex between a Lawfully Married Couple one being a man one being a women. I do not see this as being discrimination, as all those that accept the Message of Baha'u'llah have all the Laws to consider.

If the Message is not accepted, then they are free to do as they please as per the Laws of the country they are resident of.

A Baha'i offers no discrimination in this civil process and would in fact stand by their rights.

SO, - why all this discrimination - if the word is actually from an all knowing God?

Why do people look for Descrimination when there is none. All are free to make the choice. If they make the choice there are Laws to consider.

As you ask why this is so from and All Knowing God, why would you also not ask as to why civil law descriminate against people that break laws? The answer is thus quite obvious, God is all Knowing and does know what is best for us in each age.

Baha'i aren't as advanced in their thinking as they claim.

Yes it was Baha'u'llah that gave the Message for this age. All that is good in Humanity is a direct result of that Revelation. All that is still bad is the neglect of that Message.

Regards Tony
 

TransmutingSoul

One Planet, One People, Please!
Premium Member
When I asked you (or someone) to speak as we-humanity, and none of you do, what was the reason?

It is Baha'u'llah that has spoken for all Humanity.

What we have to offer is that advice. We can not add one word of our own to that advice. If we do, we have watered down its meaning, the potency of the elixer.

Deeds now replace words;

"O SON OF MY HANDMAID!
Guidance hath ever been given by words, and now it is given by deeds. Every one must show forth deeds that are pure and holy, for words are the property of all alike, whereas such deeds as these belong only to Our loved ones. Strive then with heart and soul to distinguish yourselves by your deeds. In this wise We counsel you in this holy and resplendent tablet." ( Baha'u'llah, Hidden Words)

Regards Tony
 

loverofhumanity

We are all the leaves of one tree
Premium Member
If Moses got his words from god, and he wrote scripture, and you believe in it, why would Bahaullah feel a need to correct it? Why would he feel a need to correct another revealed prophet's message?

Obviously there has been a mistake made somewhere, definitely not by Moses but by someone else maybe a recorder, that Baha'u'llah is correcting. If it was Baha'u'llah Who spoke to Moses in the Burning Bush then He would have been fully aware of what Moses originally wrote and the fact He states it was Ismael means that Moses recorded Ishmael in His original Book.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
For me, Luke's gospel and Acts are him reporting alleged events.

These verses from Acts 2:1-5 sound like symbolic poetry to me.

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.


So I don't see why a reporter would tell us the events of the day in symbolic poetry?

Because he wishes to convey spiritual truths, not historical facts.

I think he wrote it to be taken literal, but I also think that because he wrote things that sound mythical, lots of people have come to reject the NT as fiction.

It is not hard to see why ones response to those who insist on a literal interpretation is to reject it outright. To take it all literally is ask people to accept the irrational as reasonbale. However there are problems with this approach.

(1) The consesus of historians is that Jesus was a real person.
(2) It is hard to ignore the spirititaul power of the gospels and how this would have had an enormous influence over such an extended period of time.

So we have some that take it literal, some as pure fiction and many in between. Baha'is, though, make too many things symbolic.

Symbolism is widely acknowledged by bible scholars to be there throughout the bible, so I don't see the problem. How much symbolism is too much in your opinion?

If Jesus' body is dead and buried, then the NT is fiction.

or written symbolically...

There's too many events that Christians believe actually happened for all of them to be true, but only in a symbolic way.

I don't see this as being a problem, especially when we consider that for many events they may have actually occurred and be symbolic.

The worst is still that the resurrection is talking about the "body of believers" not the physical body of Jesus. That makes all the post resurrection stories in the Gospels completely ridiculous.

I think we need to take the time to consider the symbolism and language in the NT. Jesus refers to his body as a symbol of the community of faithful believers at the last supper. The apostle Paul makes numerous references to the body of believers. For example:

The risen body of Christ is the Church:
Roman 12:5 'one body in Christ'
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 'baptised into one body'
1 Corinthians 12:25 'no schism in the body'
1 Corinthians 12:27 'you are the body of Christ'
Colossians 1:18 'He is the head of the body'
Ephesians 2:5-6 'members of His body, and His flesh'

The spiritual resurrection:
1 Corinthians 15:42-4 'it is raised in a spiritual body'
1 Corinthians 15:50 'flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom'

But now, one Baha'i here has said that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, that Abraham was going to sacrifice? He quoted from the Quran, which means that Baha'is are saying that the Quran is correct and the Hebrew Bible wrong. Do you have an actual quote from Baha'u'llah that supports this thing about Ishmael rather than Isaac?

That which thou hast heard concerning Abraham, the Friend of the All-Merciful, is the truth, and no doubt is there about it. The Voice of God commanded Him to offer up Ishmael as a sacrifice, so that His steadfastness in the Faith of God and His detachment from all else but Him may be demonstrated unto men.
Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, pp. 75-76.
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
Ultimately, you both feel your definition of God is true. He has no problem. His beliefs support him in believing Jesus is the only way, but for Baha'is, you have to find the things in common... the points of unity, to show respect for their beliefs. But I don't see how you can honestly do that when you think their beliefs are wrong.

I work alongside Christians most days and have many patients that are Christians. Its fine unless we start talking about religion and take extreme inflexible positions.
 
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