Re: Baha'is need a new strategy


On Jan 28, 2006, at 10:56 AM, Kent Johnson wrote:

When we are talking among ourselve, among Baha'is, yes, you can bet I have
writings to back up what I am saying. But if my every mention of my Faith
to non-Baha'is is peppered with quotes I sometimes get funny looks. The
point is, as you say, the teachings, not necessarily the writings. I
started this when Doug suggested that Brendan or someone memorize a Paris
Talk as a good way to teach. I hit the roof, and I have hardly started to
come down yet. I am saying that we should
wait until we are asked before we quote long quotes. 

Dear Kent-

Where is the encouragement here that you long so much to find in your own community? I made a suggestion and you "hit the roof", without even experimenting with the suggestion. So you are acting on a belief whereas I made a suggestion on a real life experience. If you do not want to memorize and present a talk of the Masters then don't. But when you tell others they should not do this you are not encouraging their own heartfelt method of presenting the Faith.

You said-
No one seems willing to admit that it is better to consort
in friendliness and fellowship with people who want to see you than quote
the writings to people who are avoiding you. 

Nobody on this List has disagreed with this idea.

peace,
doug





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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Manifestations of God
    ... The reason that the Baha'i Faith will never go the route of past ... can claim authority over the Writings and tell all the other Baha'is ... interpretation and the interpretation or understanding that each ... certain quotes give different shades of nuance and meanings to other ...
    (soc.religion.bahai)
  • Re: Our Beliefs
    ... "unity in diversity" is a central teaching of our Faith. ... system and the validity of the Writings and guidance of 'Abdu'l-Baha, ... quotes, I do think it's important to at least look at all the quotes ...
    (soc.religion.bahai)
  • Re: Bahais going Door-to-Door and Proselytizing
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    (soc.religion.bahai)
  • Re: "the Writings as ,a mathematical or scientific proof"
    ... when your understanding is illogical, and I tell you that, it seems you ... If it is in the Writings it is true, you say it all the time in these words ... Quotes without saying what you think the quotes are saying. ... spirituality, make them more admirable and useful to world of humanity. ...
    (soc.religion.bahai)
  • Re: One Common Faith
    ... The words found in the Baha'i Writings are very powerful, ... Know doubt you no two that the Creative Word is very different from the ... discussion is about an explanation without quotes. ... I can only elucidate as best Kent can elucidate, ...
    (soc.religion.bahai)