Truthseeker
Non-debating member when I can help myself
“The Revelation, of which Bahá’u’lláh is the source and center, abrogates none of the religions that have preceded it, nor does it attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort their features or to belittle their value. It disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of the Prophets of the past, or of whittling down the eternal verity of their teachings. It can, in no wise, conflict with the spirit that animates their claims, nor does it seek to undermine the basis of any man’s allegiance to their cause. Its declared, its primary purpose is to enable every adherent of these Faiths to obtain a fuller understanding of the religion with which he stands identified, and to acquire a clearer apprehension of its purpose. It is neither eclectic in the presentation of its truths, nor arrogant in the affirmation of its claims. Its teachings revolve around the fundamental principle that religious truth is not absolute but relative, that Divine Revelation is progressive, not final. Unequivocally and without the least reservation it proclaims all established religions to be divine in origin, identical in their aims, complementary in their functions, continuous in their purpose, indispensable in their value to mankind.” (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p.)
We should watch to not undermine any person's allegiance to their cause when we converse with them, or appear to be undermining it. We should guard against being arrogant in affirming our Faith and also being arrogant by belittling the Prophets of the past. This all would not be interfaith practice or lead to harmony.
Helping them understand their own religion is also important to create harmony between us. Help them to understand that we have identical aims ultimately.
“A major forum in which such [social] discourse will undoubtedly occur is the interfaith activity that is now an established feature of public discourse at local, national and international levels. . . . Bahá’ís will be eager to contribute to such discussions in any way they can, but they are not attempting to prescribe solutions for religious groups who have to face social and spiritual problems created by historical circumstance.
“Similarly, it will be vital that members of the Faith respect scrupulously the nature and purpose of such organized discussion. To divert it into an occasion for the teaching of the Bahá’í Faith would be an abuse of the goodwill of others.” (From a letter dated 11 June 2002 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assemblies)
“In this connection, we feel compelled to raise a warning: It will be important for all to recognize that the value of engaging in social action and public discourse is not to be judged by the ability to bring enrollments. Though endeavours in these two areas of activity may well effect an increase in the size of the Bahá’í community, they are not undertaken for this purpose. Sincerity in this respect is an imperative. . . . The watchword in all cases is humility. While conveying enthusiasm about their beliefs, the friends should guard against projecting an air of triumphalism, hardly appropriate among themselves, much less in other circumstances.”
(Universal House of Justice, Ridván Message 2010, par. 31)
We should watch to not undermine any person's allegiance to their cause when we converse with them, or appear to be undermining it. We should guard against being arrogant in affirming our Faith and also being arrogant by belittling the Prophets of the past. This all would not be interfaith practice or lead to harmony.
Helping them understand their own religion is also important to create harmony between us. Help them to understand that we have identical aims ultimately.
“A major forum in which such [social] discourse will undoubtedly occur is the interfaith activity that is now an established feature of public discourse at local, national and international levels. . . . Bahá’ís will be eager to contribute to such discussions in any way they can, but they are not attempting to prescribe solutions for religious groups who have to face social and spiritual problems created by historical circumstance.
“Similarly, it will be vital that members of the Faith respect scrupulously the nature and purpose of such organized discussion. To divert it into an occasion for the teaching of the Bahá’í Faith would be an abuse of the goodwill of others.” (From a letter dated 11 June 2002 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assemblies)
“In this connection, we feel compelled to raise a warning: It will be important for all to recognize that the value of engaging in social action and public discourse is not to be judged by the ability to bring enrollments. Though endeavours in these two areas of activity may well effect an increase in the size of the Bahá’í community, they are not undertaken for this purpose. Sincerity in this respect is an imperative. . . . The watchword in all cases is humility. While conveying enthusiasm about their beliefs, the friends should guard against projecting an air of triumphalism, hardly appropriate among themselves, much less in other circumstances.”
(Universal House of Justice, Ridván Message 2010, par. 31)