Posted by Misagh (47.248.0.41) on December 13, 2002 at 21:43:18:

In Reply to: Rejecting an active, promiscuous Gay Man from our home posted by Stuart Gilman on December 12, 2002 at 05:48:28:

Hello Stuart,

You've open a can of worms that I wish I had time to comment on, but unfortunately i'm smack in the middle of exams and stressing out to the max.

But, here's my two cents, for whatever it's worth...

- First of all, whatever anyone else says is simply that person's opinion. Having no clergy in the Baha'i Faith means the onis is on each and every one of us to fight spiritual battles on a daily basis and make decisions for ourselves. I understand u are only looking for feedback on you and your wife's decision, but still, remember that consultation and investigation of the truth are watchwords in this Faith, and it seems you and your wife have done this...

- IMHO, to reject the man into your home based on "Baha'i" reasons isn't a great thing. I mean, look at Abdul'Baha: He was loving and kind to all, no matter what. Lemme quote something from Revelation of Baha'u'llah, describing a conversation Baha'u'llah had had with one of the early believers, Varqa:

"Once Baháâuâlláh spoke to Varqa about the station of ÎAbduâl-Bahá and extolled His virtues and heavenly qualities. He said that in this world of being there was a phenomenon which He had referred to in some Tablets as the ÎMost Great Elixirâ. Any person who possessed this power would be able to exert enormous influence in the world through his work and could do anything he desired. Consider Christ after His crucifixion: the Jews had completely ignored Him. They had not even mentioned His name in their books. But since He possessed this power, He could not remain unrecognized. He revolutionized the world. Yet Christ used to avoid fools. And now, look at the Master. Observe with what patience and compassion He dealt with all types of people. He possessed this power, therefore immeasurable was the extent of the influence He would exert upon the world of humanity."

(Adib Taherzadeh, The Revelation of Baha'u'llah v 4, p. 56)

Ahhh, gotta love Ocean ;) Chad, you're the man!

OK, back to the topic... as it can be seen, Abdul'Baha did indeed try to spread love and compassion to all. He knew that we are all imperfect in our own way.

Now, again, this is all purely my opinion, which is what you were asking for, right?

But, in the end, thru consultation and careful and thoughtful deliberation, you and your wife made the decision to not let the man into your home. But, from my understanding, the only people Baha'is are told not to consort with are Covanent Breakers...

Hmmm, just as I'm typing, I remember a quote from Baha'u'llah: "...eschew all friendship with the ungodly." Interesting. My own personal understanding of this is that we must eschew friendship, but still not hesitate to show forth loving kindness and consideration for everyone. I mean, i can show kindness and consideration to a stranger on the street without being their friend... i dunno, this is how i look at it.

I'm sure if we tried hard enuf, we could find reasons to bar almost everyone from our homes... i mean, do we realize how imperfect people are? One day it's a gay man, the next day it could be anyone who tells lies or anyone who backbites...

Anyways, enuf of my ramblings, thank you for your patience :) And Stuart, in the end, it doesn't matter a hoot what I or anyone else says.

Peace!

this topic is closed - post at bahai-library.com/forum