Posted by David K on May 27, 2101 at 18:23:00:

In Reply to: Re: Listen posted by Robert on May 27, 2101 at 16:15:31:

Dear Robert,

I was going to write a long response, but then I realized that all I wanted to write can be found here:
http://bahai-library.org/essays/cult.html

But since Jonah has already adviced you to read this essay, and from your response I can understand that you didn't read it. I'll summarize it for you:

(a) The Bahai Faith has no single living leader, nor does it have any formal clergy members, (b) in contrast to the appointed "inner circle" of most cult leaders, the Bahais themselves elect the leaders, (c) authority is exercised only by elected councils, or "assemblies", using group "consultation".
(d) The Bahais also have a less "fire and brimstone" theology of heaven, hell, and salvation than do most cult communities, (e) there is no exclusive salvation or eternal damnation for any group. (f) The Bahai writings are not critical of reason or questioning, in fact religion teaches that the "primary duty" of Bahais is the INDEPENDENT investigation of the truth, (g) Bahai Faith does not use ritual confession or threats of damnation, nor does it condemns reason, forbid questioning, or foster an unhealthy dependency in its followers.
(h) Bahai teachings do not promote the notion of exclusive salvation as do most cults. Moreover, the Bahai religion, encourages, rather than discouraging interaction with those who are not Bahais. (i) The Bahai religion also promotes the notion that all people are of one human family, and that all races and ethnicities are one. (j) Bahai religion clearly does not foster antipathy towards non-believers, nor is there any evidence to support the notion that Bahais live in social isolation.
(k) The Bahai teachings stress the importance of moderation in all things. (l) Bahai writings teach that ritual is to be avoided. (m) Bahai religion clearly does not embody the excessive rituals, ascetic practices, violent behavior or a Holy War.

Few more notes:

\\You want all people to have about the same amount of assets. No rich people no poor people. Sounds like communism to me, and of course we all know that didn't work!\\ Where do the Bahai Writings say that we want all people to have the same amount of assets? The Bahai Faith does not advocate any particular economic theory.

\\You also want the entire planet to come to your way of thinking and let you lead us all, right?\\ If by saying "your way of thinking" you mean freedom from prejudice, advancement of women and human rights, establishment of peace, advancement of critical thinking, religious tolerance and of science and technology - then yes.
As for leading you or anyone else, the Bahai Faith promotes seperation of religion and state, therefore we aren't willing to lead anybody.

\\The only place you find Islam in mass is in the third world where desperate people look for any kind of hope, where ever they can find it and governments use it to control the masses.\\ This argument contains few logical fallacies:
(a) False Analogy - In an analogy, Islam and the Bahai Faith are shown to be similar. Although the Bahai Faith has its roots in Islam they are NOT similar. Usually while discussing Christianity we don't bring examples from Judaism, although the latter "gave birth" to Christianity.
(b) Irrelevant Conclusion (ignoratio elenchi) - An argument which purports to prove one thing instead proves a different conclusion. Your argument simply shows that nowadays Muslim countries are not progressive. Then what?

\\I've lived in the Middle East and have seen it for myself, unlike most of you I'm sure.\\ In fact, I live in the Mid East :-)

\\Fights On!\\ ???

Yours,
David

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