Personal Notes from Talks by Douglas Martin
Member, Universal House of Justice
Atlanta, New York and Massachusetts in September,
2001
(compiled by Greg Watson)
What follows are notes beginning with those taken by Greg
Watson from Douglas Martin's talk in Lowell, Massachusetts -- Sunday, September
22, 2001. They are incomplete, but offered in the spirit of service,
however inadequate. While typing up my notes I received notes of Mr. Martin's
other talks in other cities. All of these notes together offer a
more complete or composite message than mine alone can offer, so I have
included them also. Each set of notes contains a least one nugget
that the others do not.
I arrived a little late for the talk in Lowell, and missed
a section of the question and answer period, so the second set of notes
is more complete than mine. One of the things I have done to enrich my
section here is to look up passages that Mr. Martin either quoted from
in part or referred to indirectly. They are now included with my notes.
My choice of quotes represents some interpretation of what he meant in
some cases, so the reader will forgive whatever shortsightedness I may
have had in that regard. If you wish to skip the quotes you can use
the sublinks under my notes or alternatively you could skip my notes altogether
and go directly to the most complete set of notes-- those of September
28-29 (notetaker unknown).
You can jump directly to any of the various notes using the following
links and their subheadings, or you can read straight through. Much
of his talk was based on the document Century
of Light which can be found on the web at: http://www.jkl.com/eBahai/html/cl.html
(Other formats at http://www.jkl.com/eBahai/,
including downloads.)
The links below will also serve as a limited Table of Contents of Dr.
Martin's talks: (only underlines in blue are hypertext. Other underlines
are only for emphasis)
Notes of Mr. Martin's talk in Lowell,
Massachusettes on Sunday, Sept. 22 (by Greg Kagira-Watson)
Notes of Mr. Martin's talk on Sept. 28th
and 29th (notetaker unknown).
Notes of Mr. Martin in Atlanta,
Tue, 02 Oct 2001 (by Peter Flipsen)
Notes of Mr. Martin speaking in New York City:
Mon, 01 Oct 2001 (notetaker unknown)
Notes of Mr. Martin at Boston Bahá'í
Center -- Mon., Sept. 23, 2001 (Bob Sylvester)
Another GREAT set of notes (has some
interesting points not in the others)
PREFACE
This talk came within days after the terrorists attacked and
destroyed the World Trade Center. More than anything else, I felt a calming
effect from Mr. Martin's talks. His confidence in the destiny and role
of America was certain. He said that as soon as the Universal House of
Justice heard about the terrorist attack they immediately went to the Holy
Shrines and said the "Prayer for America." Most of us were moved to tears
at the love we could feel that the Universal House of Justice has for the
Friends in America. He assured us that we could trust in America's
special destiny and pointed out that America was the only country for which
a specific prayer was revealed, not to mention those found in the Tablets
of the Divine Plan for the various states in the U.S.
[My comments in brackets are my conjecture from what was implied
from the context of Mr. Martin's statements. Sometimes the brackets contain
added relevant material, thought to help explain. Of course all of the
notes here are from my own understanding or interpretation. Words in quotes
are pretty much just as Mr. Martin stated them or otherwise from some text.]
I cannot describe the overall nature of this undertaking any
better than by borrowing from Bob Sylvester's description of the notes
he
took the next evening (Monday, Sept. 23) at the Bahá'í Center in Boston:
"In some cases they represent, word for word what was said.
As in any case when a tape recorder is not used these notes cannot be assumed
to be a totally correct record of everything that was stated. They are
not a transcript of the talk or of the question and answer period. However,
the points raised and sentiments expressed by the Member of the Universal
House of Justice, while those of a personal nature and made in his individual
capacity, were so poignant to our present challenges in the Faith and so
moving in its sense of hope that I felt bound to share . . . my perceptions
of his talk." (Bob Sylvester)
Rather than use quotations I have simply made summaries of
his points, more or less in the order he presented them rather than grouping
them by themes. (The same theme appeared more than once.) In some
cases I have used underline or bold for emphasis or to highlight the themes
expressed by Mr. Martin, both in my notes and in those notes taken by others.
Perhaps it is good to remember Shoghi Effendi's criteria for
classifying and distinguishing between the talks and tablets of the Master.
It probably goes without saying that since the talks of Abdu'l-Bahá have
no authority we know that the talks of believers also have no authority.
Of course this is to say that Mr. Martin's thoughts are those of an individual,
and not the institution on which he so ably servess. Click
here to read Shoghi Effendi's description of the difference between talks
and tablets.
Some talks fall into that class of writings known as "pilgrim's
notes." The Guardian advised the Bahá'ís that "they need not be suppressed,
but they should not be given prominence or official recognition." Someone
once described pilgrim's notes as an "inexact rendering of a partially
understood truth." Here are my "inexact" notes, followed by the notes
of others. The notes of different people are surprisingly the same... even
when in different cities... This overlap seems to help the reader
gain a better sense and confidence of the central themes, consistent from
city to city.
Enjoy,
Greg Watson
Mr. Martin's Talk on the
"Century of Light"
(A Universal House of Justice's supervised
document)
(from Greg Watson's notes)
Processes within development:
We witnessed the
"emergence of the consciousness of the
oneness of mankind" as the dominant theme of the twentieth century.
Not possible to think back to Abdu'l-Bahá's time any more than we can imagine
the vast changes that will take place in the next 100 years: In His time
there was a zeal for war... racism was an embedded and accepted "fact." This
was what He faced; e.g., the kinds of questions He was asked about then
included "blood atonement", "original sin", etc. How do we remember or
think back to this world of His time. It's GONE! There are "Neanderthal
relics which extinction beckons."
Shoghi Effendi describes
two reciprocal processes:
Integration -- communication, transportation...etc. A
few caught the vision (Woodrow Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and even some
athletes).
Disintegration: The second process has included military
adventures, economic crises, and weaknesses in the hierarchy of the ecclesiastics.
One of the principal churches in Canada is being sued by "Indians" (native
peoples) and is being exposed for its misdeeds. Exposure is part of the
disintegration. Its own members are making this Church bankrupt. Civil
Rights movement of the '60s. In the Qur'án it says, "Mountains will
pass away as the clouds."
"Thou seest the mountains and thinkest
them firmly fixed: but they shall pass away as the clouds pass away: (such
is) the artistry of God, Who disposes of all things in perfect order..."
(The Qur'an, The Ant (An-Naml), verse 88)
The Soviet Union is gone! Overnight! This was a huge mountain.
This social experiment failed... must understand this was not only a whole
political system and but an ideology that tried to redefine biology, economics,
etc. It included vast systems and millions of brilliant minds. It was reduced
to utter nonsense. It takes your breath away that this could have happened!
We are unable to mentally process changes so vast, so fast. There is a
tiny group of people in the world that want to go back.
["These twin processes
-- the collapse of old institutions on the one hand and the blossoming
of new ways of thinking on the other -- are evidence of a single trend
which has been gaining momentum during the last hundred years: the trend
toward ever-increasing interdependence and integration of humanity."
(Bahá'í International Community, "Turning Point For All Nations")]
Bahá'u'lláh explains
"resurrection"
as meaning that the peoples have arisen from the graves of their limited
identities and the past. This brings on fear and paralysis, bewilderment
and terror. First of all we have to be "free" of these past doctrines and
institutions before humanity can be brought together. So they have to crumble.
Some new freedoms have been granted by legislation.
Some of our fellow human beings did not see the twentieth century
the same [positive] way: They are glad the 20
th Century is over
because is associated with the "holocaust", two bloody world wars, and
millions of refugees.
When the Blessed Beauty was sent into
exile with His Family and driven from place to place -- that
forced
migration became the paradigm for the whole human race. The migration
of the human race from place to place on the globe is unstoppable and will
radically alter the sense of place and of identity everywhere in the world.
(<< Borrowed wording from another's notes.) Interesting
that the refugees have changed the racial complexion of Europe. In Zurich,
in broad daylight now you can see 50 people injecting heroine. This was
unimaginable 30 or even 20 or 10 years ago. In Zurich? "Impossible," people
would have said.
In the past people believed in all kinds of doctrines and systems
of government... The mountains of skulls in Cambodia were the final legacy
of the socialist system.
Humanity missed the point of the past 6000 years.... Which was
to bring us to the last 100 years ("10 decades). [The birth of Bahá'u'lláh's
dispensation.] This is sad because the purpose of experience is to learn
from it.
Mr. Martin referred to this quote of Bahá'u'lláh but he recited
only from the first sentence:
"A new life is, in
this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth; and yet none hath
discovered its cause or perceived its motive. Consider the peoples of the
West. Witness how, in their pursuit of that which is vain and trivial,
they have sacrificed, and are still sacrificing, countless lives for the
sake of its establishment and promotion." (Bahá'u'lláh: Gleanings,
Page: 196)
We can observe
two arenas of change
in history:
Secular change [what other groups do]; and
Changes
in the Cause of God -- the Bahá'í world community.
The Cause of God is the reason why the other events have occurred.
Because we see and understand them, in a way, we are "conscious and confident."
We are the only group that has a "conscious" agenda of its own, in alignment
with the processes that are reshaping the world. Because we know that God
is working through other groups "unconsciously" to accomplish the same
agenda we want to make sure that these groups have a voice. We can, and
do, help them get to speak. Often we can look quite generous, because we
are so relaxed (no effort to promote "our own" agenda in helping them).
We are relaxed "because we are assured that it's all going to go in our
direction anyway."
What the Guardian said in the 1930's takes your breath away
-- because of what we have seen since then and are now seeing about the
twin processes of Integration (new thought, interdependence, etc.) and
Disintegration (or disruption of old patterns and institutions).
[This made me think of the opening paragraph on page 3 of "The
Promised Day is Come" (copyright 1941) where Shoghi Effendi writes:
" . . . this mighty wind of God invading
the remotest and fairest regions of the earth, rocking its foundations,
deranging its equilibrium, sundering its nations, disrupting the homes
of its peoples, wasting its cities, driving into exile its kings, pulling
down its bulwarks, uprooting its institutions, dimming its light, and harrowing
up the souls of its inhabitants."
... and that most remarkable passage from Bahá'u'lláh Himself,
that Shoghi Effendi refers to:
"Anticipating the System which the irresistible
power of His Law was destined to unfold in a later age, He [Bahá'u'lláh]
writes: 'The world's equilibrium hath been
upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World
Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency
of this unique, this wondrous System--the like of which mortal eyes have
never witnessed.' 'The Hand of Omnipotence hath established His Revelation
upon an unassailable, an enduring foundation. Storms of human strife are
powerless to undermine its basis, nor will men's fanciful theories succeed
in damaging its structure.'" (Shoghi
Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p.109)
.... and in the "Portentous Prophecies" referred to on page 103
of his "Messages the Bahá'í World" (1950-1957):
Against the background of these afflictive
disturbances--the turmoil and tribulations of a travailing age--we may
well ponder the portentous prophecies uttered well-nigh fourscore years
ago, by the Author of our Faith, as well as the dire predictions made by
Him Who is the unerring Interpreter of His teachings, all foreshadowing
a
universal commotion, of a scope and intensity unparalleled in the annals
of mankind.
The violent derangement of the world's
equilibrium; the trembling that will seize the limbs of mankind; the radical
transformation of human society; the rolling up of the present-day Order;
the fundamental changes affecting the structure of government; the weakening
of the pillars of religion; the rise of dictatorships; the spread of tyranny;
the fall of monarchies; the decline of ecclesiastical institutions; the
increase of anarchy and chaos; the extension and consolidation of the Movement
of the Left; the fanning into flame of the smouldering fire of racial strife;
the development of infernal engines of war; the burning of cities; the
contamination of the atmosphere of the earth--these stand out as the signs
and portents that must either herald or accompany the retributive calamity
which, as decreed by Him Who is the Judge and Redeemer of mankind, must,
sooner or later, afflict a society which, for the most part, and for over
a century, has turned a deaf ear to the Voice of God's Messenger in this
day--a calamity which must purge the human race of the dross of its age-long
corruptions, and weld its component parts into a firmly-knit world-embracing
Fellowship --a Fellowship destined, in the fullness of time, to be incorporated
in the framework, and to be galvanized by the spiritualizing influences,
of a mysteriously expanding, divinely appointed Order, and to flower, in
the course of future Dispensations, into a Civilization, the like of which
mankind has, at no stage in its evolution, witnessed.
Parallel with this process of progressive
deterioration in human affairs, now visibly gathering momentum outside
the pale of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, and recalling the convulsions
which, on a far more restricted scale, seized a declining empire in the
opening centuries of the Christian era, far less spectacular in its manifestation,
has been the process of integration, as demonstrated by the increasing
cohesion, the multiplication, and the reinforcement of the foundations,
of the institutions of the embryonic Bahá'í World Order,
which, now, under the impact of the forces released by a World Spiritual
Crusade, deriving its authority from the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bahá,
and launched for the express purpose of executing the Divine Plan bequeathed
by Him to His followers in the evening of His life, is contributing, unnoticed
by a generation forgetful of its God, and already in the shadow of His
Visitation, to the building up, slowly but irresistibly, of that Ark of
human salvation, ordained as the ultimate haven of a society destined,
for the most part, to be submerged by the tidal wave of the abuses and
evils which its own perversity has engendered."
(Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá'í World: 1950-1957, p.103)
And I recalled this other prophecy elsewhere, which may or
may not have relevance:
"No less serious is the stress and strain
imposed on the fabric of American society through the fundamental and persistent
neglect, by the governed and governors alike, of the supreme, the inescapable
and urgent duty -- so repeatedly and graphically represented and stressed
by Abdu'l-Bahá in His arraignment of the basic weaknesses in the social
fabric of the nation -- of remedying, while there is yet time, through
a revolutionary change in the concept and attitude of the average white
American toward his Negro fellow citizen, a situation which, if allowed
to drift, will, in the words of Abdu'l-Bahá, cause the streets of American
cities to run with blood, aggravating thereby the havoc which the fearful
weapons of destruction, raining from the air, and amassed by a ruthless,
a vigilant, a powerful and inveterate enemy, will wreak upon those same
cities."
(Shoghi Effendi: Citadel of Faith (1947-1957), Page: 126)
[
The National Spiritual
Assembly, through the Office of External Affairs, released the following
guidance for behavior of the Bahá'ís in response to the events of Sept.
11
th {emphasis mine}:
"Bahá'ís should avoid
attributing causality for the events [of Sept. 11th]other
than that of the need for all people to recognize the oneness of humanity.
As individuals speaking about the Bahá'í Faith to the media,
we should steer absolutely clear of speculation on the various causes of
these events. The Bahá'í Faith does not claim to understand
what motivates terrorist acts of specific groups of people against others.
To attempt to provide such an explanation would not only be misleading
and confusing, but would be unwise.
Bahá'ís should also exercise
extreme
caution in regard to Bahá'í prophecies, avoiding
speculation on their exact meaningin relation to these events
and avoiding completely any reference to pilgrims' notes, which, as Shoghi
Effendi reminds us, have absolutely no authority.
Among the many heartwarming stories we've
received of Bahá'ís across the nation reaching out to their
fellow citizens in true solidarity in response to the events, there are
other indications that some Bahá'ís view this tragic situation
as a particular opportunity to promote the Faith. Bahá'ís
should be extremely cautious in their teaching activities not to exploit
this or any other tragic situation as an opportunity to promote the Faith."
More about the "twin processes" Mr. Martin referred to can
be found in:
... paragraph 36 of the 1996 Ridvan Message from the Universal
House of Justice:
"Beloved Friends, we enter this Plan
amid the turbulence of a period of accelerating transition. The twin
processes prompted by the impact of Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation
are fast at work, gathering a momentum that will, in the words of Shoghi
Effendi, 'bring to a climax the forces that are transforming the face of
our planet.' One is an integrating process; the other is disruptive.
Out of the 'universal fermentation' created by these processes, peace will
emerge in stages, through which the unifying effects of a growing consciousness
of world citizenship will become manifest."
Here is one particularly ominous set of prophetic statements,
written by Shoghi Effendi in the late '30s, that Mr. Martin's comments
call to mind and which we should be cautious not to impose on fellow Americans.
They do seem, nonetheless, worthy of pondering at this time:
"Who knows that for so exalted a conception
to take shape a suffering more intense than any it has yet experienced
will have to be inflicted upon humanity? Could anything less than the fire
of a civil war with all its violence and vicissitudes--a war that nearly
rent the great American Republic--have welded the states, not only into
a Union of independent units, but into a Nation, in spite of all the ethnic
differences that characterized its component parts? That so fundamental
a revolution, involving such far-reaching changes in the structure of society,
can be achieved through the ordinary processes of diplomacy and education
seems highly improbable. We have but to turn our gaze to humanity's blood-stained
history to realize that nothing short of intense mental as well as physical
agony has been able to precipitate those epoch-making changes that constitute
the greatest landmarks in the history of human civilization.
Great and far-reaching as have been those
changes in the past, they cannot appear, when viewed in their proper perspective,
except as subsidiary adjustments preluding that transformation of unparalleled
majesty and scope which humanity is in this age bound to undergo. That
the forces of a world catastrophe can alone precipitate such a new phase
of human thought is, alas, becoming increasingly apparent. That nothing
short of the fire of a severe ordeal, unparalleled in its intensity, can
fuse and weld the discordant entities that constitute the elements of present-day
civilization, into the integral components of the world commonwealth of
the future, is a truth which future events will increasingly demonstrate.
The prophetic voice of Bahá'u'lláh
warning, in the concluding passages of the Hidden Words, 'the
peoples of the world' that 'an
unforeseen calamity is following them and that grievous retribution awaiteth
them' throws indeed a lurid light upon the
immediate fortunes of sorrowing humanity. Nothing but a fiery ordeal, out
of which humanity will emerge, chastened and prepared, can succeed in implanting
that sense of responsibility which the leaders of a new-born age must arise
to shoulder." (Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, p.45-46
-- first published in 1938)]
Mr. Martin did not refer explicitly to the cautions in the
letter from the National Spiritual Assembly through the Office of External
Affairs, though he expressed some caution about contacting the media or
interpreting events as if they were the fulfillment of some prophesy or
something that God was doing rather than the result of humanity's own actions.
He did, however, emphatically encourage the Bahai's to give away copies
of the Abdu'l-Bahá's "Prayer for America" as something proper we could
do to help console the suffering, while at the same time we encourage a
positive outlook on the ultimate destiny of America. [As Bahá'ís we have
a belief that Peace is not only possible but inevitable. Other Americans
are confused, bewildered, anxious and afraid of what might happen, but
we can have certitude about the ultimate and wonderful outcome of all these
processes -- that the forces of goodness will prevail. We can share
our calm, and our confidence.]
Mr. Martin said that the twin processes reminded him of Ezekiel's
vision about the "wheel within a wheel" and he thought it was a good metaphor
to represent the two changes that are occurring. [(See Ezekiel 1:15) One
wheel upon the earth represents the works and doing by the living creatures,
while the other wheel is the wheel of God -- or His works and doings.]
The little one is "faith" that moves things and the other "God." [See Subjective
and Objective Faith in BWF, page 264]
Nothing is more powerful than
"absolute certitude." Now this is NOT a popular idea among academics
because they are trained to doubt. This has been legitimate in science
because certitude could have been wrong --- because what people thought
was right it was really imagination, not certitude. However, "certitude"
is actually possible. It is a human potential. Scientifically we can commit
ourselves to it when we have it.
When the Guardian says, "This is the truth"... and "this is false"
we can commit ourselves to it. The Universal House of Justice does not
define truth but rather decides what actions to take. [Mr. Martin spent
considerable time explaining later in the day the process of consultation
conducted by the Universal House of Justice and he also mentioned that
the Universal House of Justice can now call upon a wide range of expertise
from within the Bahá'í International Community -- professional expertise
in any specific field.]
The Election of the Universal
House of Justice in 1963 was an enormous victory achieved for the
human race. It was the first global democratic election representing a
cross-section of the entire human race. Humanity has yearned for and attempted
to create various utopian systems but even the United Nations does not
have the mandate to democratically represent all of humanity, nor is there
any conception that it should have that mandate.
Even with respect to the NSAs there is a yearning for immaculate
will, in humility, to elect the best representatives. Can it satisfy everyone
idea of perfection. Our process has been subject to criticisms: e.g., that
it is not diverse enough, but these criticisms are not relevant. He explained:
Secular elections are subject to limitations. The reason our process does
not satisfy every one is because our process too is subject to limitations.
For example, in the secular world if you want to vote in Ipswich you must
be a resident of Ipswich. If Elvis is in a holding cell in Ipswich he cannot
vote. Likewise, in the Bahá'í world before you are allowed to participate
in Bahá'í elections you must be a Bahá'í, and a Bahá'í in good standing.
There isn't anything more we can do than what we do already.
"Communism was the
vehicle
of materialism," he said. ...but only one vehicle. ["Unbridled" capitalism
is, of course, another vehicle.]
Materialism is the religion of the day.
"Sedition will envelop the earth..."
(Mr.
Martin said that Bahá'u'lláh said.)
[
"After a time," He {Bahá'u'lláh}
also has written,
"all the governments on earth will
change. Oppression will envelop the world. And following a universal
convulsion, the sun of justice will rise from the horizon of the unseen
realm." "The whole earth," He, moreover, has stated,
"is
now in a state of pregnancy. The day is approaching when it will have yielded
its noblest fruits, when from it will have sprung forth the loftiest trees,
the most enchanting blossoms, the most heavenly blessings." "All
nations and kindreds," Abdu'l-Bahá likewise has written,
"...will
become a single nation. Religious and sectarian antagonism, the hostility
of races and peoples, and differences among nations, will be eliminated.
All men will adhere to one religion, will have one common faith, will be
blended into one race, and become a single people. All will dwell in one
common fatherland, which is the planet itself." ]
(Shoghi Effendi: The Promised Day is Come, Pages: 116-117 --
copyright 1941)]
The "Day of God" -- Every time a Manifestation
of God appears it is the Day of God. This time the effect is universal.
Opening of the Terraces
received more attention than expected. We emerged from concealment in the
world. [It also brought some attacks on the Faith.]
[There are also some prophecies about the persecution from
"the Church" after the opening of the Terraces, referred to on an audiotape
by Hand of the Cause Mr. Khadem. Mr. Martin did not mention this.]
Opening of the Terraces had an enormous impact
on Israel. Gerald Kessel, "the cynical CNN reporter," interviewed guides
of the Terraces hoping to trap them in some kind of moral contradiction
between their allegiance to their own faith while serving the Bahá'ís.
Many guides are Israeli Jews and Moslems teaching the Bahá'í Faith. One
Jew answered him; "These teachings are good for the whole world. Why would
they then not be good for the people of Israel?" Each and every guide gave
him similar answers and he was stumped.
"God is not just a Cosmic
Force."
Spiritual development comes from the Sun of Truth. Plants don't
grow in a basement. If the physical world is that way, why do we have trouble
accepting that the Manifestation is the Sun of the spiritual universe?
[See beginning of the last chapter of "The Century of Light"]
Mr. Martin commented on a dialogue between Ralph Waldo Emerson's
and Margaret Fuller.
[I looked up Margaret Fuller to better understand the reference.
Fuller was a transcendentalist (like Emerson) who first worked as a schoolteacher,
as an editor, held "conversations," was active in social reform, and went
to Europe as the first female foreign correspondent. In 1842, she served
as the editor of a quarterly literary publication
The Dial, which
she co-founded with Emerson -- the poet and essayist. As a writer, she
is admired as a literary critic and for her sympathies for the plight of
the Indians. She has written on such themes as transcendentalism, women's
rights, critical theory, gender roles, and political reform in Europe.
She wrote of Emerson as `Mythologist.']
Apparently, according to Mr. Martin, Emerson criticized her
position on the nature of the universe stating that "she'd better accept
the universe because there is no alternative."
The peoples of the world must say "YES"
because there is no alternative
Mr. Martin was using this analogy to illustrate that humanity
will have to accept the Manifestation of God because there is no alternative.
The changes God is sending to the world are ordained. The world must
say, "yes!"
Evolution proceeds with complexity and refinement of its elements.
The growth of the Bahá'í community is an evolution... becoming more
refined.
With respect to pioneering America has already fulfilled
the Master's mandate to arise. Yes, often belatedly, patronizing....
etc., but heroically.
Once there becomes a leader then it becomes possible for others
to imagine what's possible. Americans were leaders. They went pioneering
with sacrifice. The Administrative Order evolved to assume the same envisioned
for it, just as the human fetus in the womb. At first it did not look like
what it was to become, just as a fetus doesn't look like the animal it
is to become.
Bahá'í education is also evolving. We are evolving a pattern
that is adaptable to various cultures.
Success alters the nature of the challenge.
One
of the best things of the 20th Century was that the world said
"YES!" for an answer to Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation, albeit unconsciously
and consciously. [See "Subjective and Objective Faith" on page 364 in the
book titled "Bahá'í World Faith."] The conscious response was the several
million people who became Bahá'ís.
Bahá'ís must now learn how to accept the YES answer:
Now, we who are already Bahá'ís must learn how to take "Yes" for an
answer... [believe in the ability of others to become Bahá'ís... believe that
our teaching will be effective.]
Where
America is destined to lead, the rest of
the world will follow -- because they see the possibilities by example.
There yet remains a little window of opportunity for American
Bahá'ís to ACT -- as servants... fulfilling the highest station of "service."
[I remembered these words of Shoghi Effendi written in 1938:
"Let anyone inclined to doubt the course
which this enviable community is destined to follow, turn to and meditate
upon these words of `Abdu'l-Bahá, enshrined, for all time, in the
Tablets of the Divine Plan, and addressed to the entire community of the
believers of the United States and Canada: 'The
full measure of your success,' He informs
them, 'is as yet unrevealed, its significance
still
unapprehended. Erelong, ye will, with your own eyes, witness how brilliantly
every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate, in the firmament
of your country, the light of Divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its
people the glory of an everlasting life.... The range of your future achievements
still remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that in the near future the
whole earth may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements....'"
(Shoghi Effendi quoting Abdu'l-Bahá in "The Advent of Divine
Justice," p.74)]
Mr. Martin asked, "What is the focus of that service that we
as Bahá'ís can render now?" -- now that the Divine Plan has spread the
Message around the globe. He said that we could read it in "The Century
of Light" at the end, and encouraged us to read it. (See middle paragraph
of page 144 in that text, for example. That would be in the last
section:
http://www.jkl.com/eBahai/html/cl.html#XII
)
Humanity's fundamental
need is a "change in consciousness."
The United Nations system admires the magic of our unity and
what we accomplish throughout the world in SED (social and economic development)
-- i.e., community development. We are regarded as one of the top two NGOs
in the world... certainly within the top three. Unity is the instrument of
the Bahá'ís. It is our purpose, as outlined in the Advent of Divine Justice.
Injustices point to the divisions within humanity.
In the U.S. the division is race... still a great chasm or gap.
In Canada the division is cultural.
The worldwide the gulf of divisions includes racial, cultural
and economic differences -- the greatest being economic. [?]
The world is divided between the "haves" and the "have nots."
Insanity of bombing stems from the injustice of materialism,
which is equated with Godlessness.
Globalism and
Globalization can be just or unjust.
We don't have to take sides.
Greed masquerades as market forces.
The tragedies in the world today are the result of materialism.
The colonialism of the past, which exploited and subjugated
masses of peoples, is still alive and well and flourishing... but hides itself.
Along side the supposed representation afforded by governments
in the world, people began to create NGOs. These non-governmental organizations
focus on the real life issues of equity and equality, children, women,
education, etc.
The Bahá'í community is one of the world's leading NGOs. What
we need to do is build an alternative society -- more consciously. There
are tremendous implications of our actions and what effect it will have
on the development of the world.
Our communities and youth can study this anywhere.
With respect to our pioneering efforts now the most profound
contribution Americans can make is to go and be with their Bahá'í brothers
and sisters in other countries and cultural contexts. Just go and be with
them. Mentioned the "Black Men's Gathering" as an example of the profound
effect on both visitor and visited. Exhibits a kind of solidarity that
we are all one people, no matter that our continents separate us.
America's Mission and Destiny:
We should not underestimate our own qualities as Americans...
such as openness of heart and mind. It has a demonstrative nature to the
world. Americans are known throughout the world as basically having a fundamental
good will towards others and a concern for what is right. Also, truly they
have a concern for morality. (I think this may have sounded strange to
many at first, so he explained. He mentioned all the ways America helped
to rebuild the world after WWII, etc., and how we are self-examining and
self-critical in ways that Europe is not.) Americans are known for their
optimism. These are the qualities that make American attractive to the
rest of the world, not more technology, or money or even "know how." These
qualities are the gifts that have come from the 300 years of the American
experiment (cultural development) and 100 years of the execution of Abdu'l-Bahá's
Divine Plan (which was given to the Americans -- i.e., citizens of U.S.
and Canada).
The events of September 11 should be a wake up
call not just to Americans in general but to Bahá'ís in particular. God
knows how long the doors of service (certain kinds of service) will be
open. Economic conditions will change. We must make our mark now.
The present conditions in the world are so fluid and complex
that the worse thing we could do in the Faith right now would be to take
a position on the current situation. What the friends could best do is
to act in such a way that the Community is able to put forward a collective
demonstration in the larger historical process which is underway. What
the world needs from us right now is a sense of quiet and of confident
assurance of America's spiritual mission. The poison of religious hatred,
which this community has known directly for the past 150 years, is like
a virus that must be expelled from the body politic of the world. There
is going to be a terrible moral struggle in America as it moves towards
its spiritual destiny. (
This paragraph from Bob Sylvester's notes)
[Also from that same letter from the National Spiritual Assembly,
released through the Office of External Affairs, we have the following
guidance for behavior of the Bahá'ís in response to the events of Sept.
11
th.
There is no Bahá'í position
on these events. Bahá'ís should feel neither apologetic nor
ashamed in stating that it is contrary to the Bahá'í teachings
to become enmeshed in the policies or actions of individual governments.
We have been made aware of a disturbing
trend in which Bahá'ís seem to take sides either "for peace"
or "for war". This tendency, although very human and understandable given
the shockingly violent and sudden nature of the acts, threatens to undermine
the fundamental principle of unity on which the Bahá'í Faith
is founded.]
Mr. Martin said that we must not
be critical of the American government. We must support it. [At the Monday
night meeting he said that we should exercise caution against dissent,
discord and disagreement.] Mr. Martin made clear that his references to
the government is not the same as talking about the "administration" --
i.e., the executive branch of the U.S. Government. He once again referred
to Abdu'l-Bahá's prayer asking God to:
"render this
just government victorious." (Bahá'í Prayers, p. 23) And he said
that America
would be victorious and that the form of government
is
just. (Then he made a joke about the government of Canada being better.)
America's role in the world shaping events is God's plan -- this is what
God is doing, not what the Bahá'ís are doing. He said that the United Nations
was not in the condition to fulfill some of Bahá'u'lláh's injunctions at
present, and that the United States would have a leadership role in bringing
about the changes that lead up to the Lesser peace, and that this was prophesied
by both the Guardian and Abdu'l-Bahá. We do not have to advocate or criticize
what the U.S. Government is doing in specific instances, but we can rest
assured that it will be guided to fulfill its own purpose and destiny --
through which it will itself become transformed.
[I remembered the words of Shoghi Effendi written in 1938:
"Then, and only then, will the American
nation, molded and purified in the crucible of a common war, inured to
its rigors, and disciplined by its lessons, be in a position to raise its
voice in the councils of the nations, itself lay the cornerstone of a universal
and enduring peace, proclaim the solidarity, the unity, and maturity of
mankind, and assist in the establishment of the promised reign of righteousness
on earth. Then, and only then, will the American nation, while the community
of the American believers within its heart is consummating its divinely
appointed mission, be able to fulfill the unspeakably glorious destiny
ordained for it by the Almighty, and immortally enshrined in the writings
of `Abdu'l-Bahá. Then, and only then, will the American nation accomplish
'that
which will adorn the pages of history,' 'become the envy of the world and
be blest in both the East and the West.'"
(Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 91) ]
Mr. Martin stated that the
Bab was
the "only" revolutionary in the last 100 years. Other so-called revolutionaries
were only interested in their own particular part of the world. The Bab's
vision was both revolutionary and universal. His Revolution focused on
altering the consciousness of mankind. The Bab was the Receptacle of an
entirely new Order. He broke Words open. He needed to use vocabulary in
a way that expressed conceptions that were beyond the capacity of the "educated"
of the time. (
This paragraph from Bob Sylvester's notes)
Then Douglas Martin quoted the following passage at some length:
"I testify that no sooner had the First
Word proceeded, through the potency of Thy will and purpose, out of His
mouth, and the First Call gone forth from His lips than the whole creation
was revolutionized, and all that are in the heavens and all that are on
earth were stirred to the depths. Through that Word the realities of all
created things were shaken, were divided, separated, scattered, combined
and reunited, disclosing, in both the contingent world and the heavenly
kingdom, entities of a new creation, and revealing, in the unseen realms,
the signs and tokens of Thy unity and oneness. Through that Call Thou didst
announce unto all Thy servants the advent of Thy most great Revelation
and the appearance of Thy most perfect Cause." (Bahá'u'lláh,
Prayers and Meditations, pg. 295)
This is the Day of Judgement. This is the Day of Justice. [We
understand what Mr. Martin was saying about this when we read "The Promised
Day is Come." He made a reference to this text.]
Back to the UN system's ("UN people's") perception of the Bahá'ís
and our success in SED. They don't know what to do and are continually
looking at us. Our evolving Bahá'í world community the UN people refer
to as "Your delivery system." We -- the Bahá'í International Community
-- ARE the instrument of a particular kind of worldwide change and process
unfolding. There is no other instrument.
QUESTIONS / ANSWERS:
(also see below)
"What does the UHJ do to usher in the Lessor Peace?"
We are not seen as a lobby group. We are seen as the elected
representatives of a large cross-section of humanity. Our opinion is valued
and now being sought by heads of state and other leaders in the world.
It's minor at present, but it gives us a chance to develop what and who
we need to be as this role may increase. Perhaps we could draw a parallel:
Remember how the Roman Catholic Church gained its power in Europe. The
Church was doing house keeping while politics was failing. This is how
the Bahá'ís are today. We are going about our business (building up our
communities) while the politics of the world is failing. We are the example
of steadiness and calm. Consider during this time of uncertainty and fear
in America... even the anxiety about what will happen to America... we are
assured by our writings of America's role and destiny. As just one example
of a way you can help your fellow Americans feel this is by giving them
a copy of Abdu'l-Bahá's "Prayer for America." You should make copies of
it and give it out to your friends and the people you meet. [Later he clarified
this as a service individual could provide. He was not talking about Assemblies.
]
The world needs "unity." We are the community of unity and
this is becoming increasingly recognized.
Also see
http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/GlenfordMitchell.htm#supplement
An astounding recognition has
been given by a leader of thought in Brazil who came and consulted with
the Universal House of Justice in Haifa:
Dr. Juan Carlos Busnelli, Secretaria de Ciencia y Tecnología
(and de Ciencias Económicas). The consultation was described as
if another member of the Universal House of Justice was present and they
were all working on the problems together. At some point later, in the
personal conversations, Mr. Martin asked him who he regarded Bahá'u'lláh
to be and he stated something as follows:
"Bahá'u'lláh is that universal genius that understands the
'reality of man' [humanity] and reads the future of humanity like the palm
of His hand."
In 1992, a film was made of the Brazilian Parliament's tribute
to the Faith and our contribution to unity was the central recognition.
Apparently Busnelli was there also at the time.
Some of my thoughts in CONCLUSION:
As I said in the beginning, more than anything else, I felt
a calming effect from Mr. Martin's talks. American's have become frightened
and alarmed by the strike of terrorism on their nation. From the world
perspective they have now joined in the experience that other nations have
been experiencing for some time. Now they know the anxiety this can produce
when bombs go off in your own cities. Thus, from Haifa, it probably looks
like a piece has been added to an already giant world puzzle of tragedy
in the world.
Now we, as Americans, are no different than those other nations
already caught in this "vortex" of suffering. (Vortex is a term Shoghi
Effendi used in the last paragraphs of The Advent of Divine Justice with
respect to a world-shaking ordeal.) What impressed me most by Mr. Martin's
talks were his encouragement for American Bahá'ís not only to believe in
our own destiny as part of a world community, but also for us to acknowledge
the greatness and importance of our nation and its destiny --
"that
nation as a whole" (ADJ, p. 86) -- and that there are
"potencies....
that are influencing the lives and actions of both its government and its
people." (ADJ, p. 86).
For this reason I feel moved to conclude with a set of passages
from the Writings praising the American nation and her destiny during this
time when she is being attacked both physically and ideologically:
"The American continent",He
[Abdu'l-Bahá]
affirmed,"gives
signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more
promising. . . It will lead all nations spiritually."Within
the northern confines of a continent upon which had already been conferred
such a remarkable station, the American Bahá'í Community was singled out
for unique honours; it was "a community",
Shoghi
Effendi wrote, "invested with spiritual primacy
by the Author of the immortal Tablets constituting the Charter of the Master
Plan of the appointed Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant." In
majestic and ringing words the Guardian himself gave the rank and titles
of this favoured community, whose mission is so unbelievably great, whose
responsibilities are so staggering. Its members were, he said:
"the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-breakers of the Heroic Age of the
Bahá'í Faith, the chief repository of the immortal Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's
Divine Plan, the foremost executors of the Mandate issued by the Centre
of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant, the champion-builders of a divinely conceived
Administrative Order, the standard-bearers of the all-conquering army of
the Lord of Hosts, the torchbearers of a future divinely inspired world
civilization. . ." (Ministry of the Custodians, page 250)
Shoghi Effendi's source document for some of these statements
is
"The Advent of Divine Justice," (pages 85-86) where we also find:
"One more word in conclusion. Among some
of the most momentous and thought-provoking pronouncements ever made by
Abdu'l-Bahá, in the course of His epoch-making travels in the North American
continent, are the following:
'May this American Democracy be the first
nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be
the first nation to proclaim the unity of mankind. May it be the first
to unfurl the Standard of the Most Great Peace."
And again: "The American people are indeed
worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and
proclaim the oneness of mankind....
For America hath developed powers and capacities
greater and more wonderful than other nations.... The American nation is
equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of
history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East
and the West for the triumph of its people....The American continent gives
signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more
promising, for its influence and illumination are far-reaching. It will
lead all nations spiritually.'
The creative energies, mysteriously generated
by the first stirrings of the embryonic World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, have,
as soon as released within a nation destined to become its cradle and champion,
endowed that nation with the worthiness, and invested it with the powers
and capacities, and equipped it spiritually, to play the part foreshadowed
in these prophetic words. The potencies which this God-given mission has
infused into its people are, on the one hand, beginning to be manifested
through the conscious efforts and the nationwide accomplishments, in both
the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, of the organized
community of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the North American continent.
These
same potencies, apart from, yet collateral with these efforts and
accomplishments, are, on the other hand, insensibly shaping, under the
impact of the world political and economic forces, the destiny of that
nation, and are influencing the lives and actions of both its government
and its people."
And on page 86-87,
". . . . A word, if the destiny of
the American people, in its entirety, is to be correctly apprehended,
should now be said regarding the orientation of that nation as a whole,
and the trend of the affairs of its people. For no matter how ignorant
of the Source from which those directing energies proceed, and however
slow and laborious the process, it is becoming increasingly evident that
the
nation as a whole, whether through the agency of its government or
otherwise, is gravitating, under the influence of forces that it
can neither comprehend nor control, towards such associations and policies,
wherein, as indicated by `Abdu'l-Bahá, her true destiny must lie."
(Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 86-87. Note:
pages 88-91 are also extremely interesting.)
Greg Kagira-Watson
September 12, 2001
[NOTE: On the next pages are some other notes taken by friends
in Atlanta and New York City. These were emailed to me. Some of the additions
that these represent are very rich and significant -- including points
not mentioned in my notes. I arrived a little late for the talk and missed
a section of the question and answer period, so the following notes may
be more complete.]
First
Set of Other's Notes (1 of 3)
Notes from talks by Universal House of Justice
Member Douglas Martin
September 28 29, 2001 (notetaker unknown)
Lesser Peace
The Lesser Peace is a process that started with Woodrow Wilson,
when he created the League of Nations. It will be a long time from now
before we fully understand what the Lesser Peace was.
Dr. Martin detailed some of the elements in the following parallel
processes mentioned by Shoghi Effendi. "...the two parallel processes of
integration and disintegration associated respectively with the rising
fortunes of God's infant Faith and the sinking fortunes of the institutions
of a declining civilization." (Shoghi Effendi: Messages to the Bahá'í World,
Page: 102) Disintegration: - military buildup - counter-productive economic
system - human weaknesses - prejudices - collapsing moral standards Integration:
- individuals of capacity and insight like Woodrow Wilson and Eleanor Roosevelt
- revolutions in communications and transportation - artists, musicians,
soccer players and more working as agents of the awakening of the oneness
of mankind - every barrier separating humans into artificial constructs
has collapsed - Universal House of Justice peace statement
Seemingly insurmountable obstacles to world peace have been
blown away by the Will of God.
"Thou seest the mountains
and thinkest them firmly fixed: but they shall pass away as the clouds
pass away: (such is) the artistry of God, Who disposes of all things in
perfect order..." (The Qur'an, The Ant (An-Naml), verse 88)
In 1992 we realized that our Ark, like Noah's, had to be completed
ASAP. The completion of the Arc and terraces on Mount Carmel and the creation
of the institution of the Regional Councils were two of the last boards
in our Ark. The floodwaters are rising. The world is collapsing at a terrifying
speed. September 11 is only the beginning of a process that is gathering
momentum. The effects of this tragedy will ripple out throughout the world
as the old world order crashes. Shoghi Effendi called the Universal House
of Justice
"...a House which posterity will regard
as the last refuge of a tottering civilization." (Shoghi Effendi:
World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, Page: 89)
The 20th Century - The Century of Light
Our basic premise is that God is revealing Himself in the world
over time. Throughout history religion has been an individual thing (single
soul salvation). Bahá'ís today are called on to pioneer a new element in
religion, that God is reordering society through the Covenant and the Administrative
Order. This idea that religion will order society will be the principle
target of attacks on the Faith.
The History of Civilization changed overnight (in one century)
because the Hand of God moved it through these different processes. People
have been catapulted out of the "graves" (dead systems). They are dazed,
bewildered - some are hastening to the fire, some to the light. Our fellow
citizens do not see the 20th Century as the Century of Light. They are
grateful for medical advances, consumer goods, laws; but they associate
it with the Holocaust, two world wars, tides of refugees sweeping across
the world, economic chaos, epidemics. They have missed the point of the
20th Century.
As with a child developing in the womb, certain things must
happen, and they must happen in a certain order to craft the New World.
The 20th Century was like the first month in the womb, setting up the basics
for the next 1,000 years. The new book commissioned by the Universal House
of Justice, "Century of Light", spells this out.
The Guardian said this 20th Century is like no other. We are
at a great turning point. The 20th Century provided the hinge through which
the Hand of God was able to turn civilization. Up to now the masses have
been passengers on the train, while various elite groups drove the trains.
The rest served their goals, good or bad. The masses will become protagonists
of their development, says Bahá'u'lláh.
"I testify that no sooner had the First
Word proceeded...out of His mouth...than the whole creation was revolutionized,
and all that are in the heavens and all that are on earth were stirred
to the depths. Through that Word the realities of all created things were
shaken, were divided, separated, scattered, combined and reunited, disclosing,
in both the contingent world and the heavenly kingdom, entities of a new
creation, and revealing, in the unseen realms, the signs and tokens of
Thy unity and oneness. Through that Call Thou didst announce unto all Thy
servants the advent of Thy most great Revelation and the appearance of
Thy most perfect Cause." (Bahá'u'lláh: Prayers and Meditations,
Pages: 295-296)
Some see these processes as the devil's work. Some are so frightened
that they do not want to live even in the 20th Century, let alone the 21st.
The right century for them was the 19th. Others are waking up and seriously
want answers.
The World Has Said Yes!
In the highest circles of the UN, people are consulting on
Bahá'u'lláh's issues! Bahá'ís coordinated the work of all the NGO's at
the Millennial Summit. The permanent representative of the Bahá'í International
Community was the Chair. Then the BIC was called to represent all of Civil
Society at the governmental Millennium Summit -- the only NGO to do so.
The Bahá'ís are talking to the world and the world is listening.
The Media Campaign is highly successful. Seekers who call need
a human contact after they call, not a pamphlet. Invite them to a study
group, children's class.
Character of the North American Bahá'í Community
The North American people have powers, capacities and qualities
greater than those in other countries. They are not better than others,
they are not morally or in any other way superior, but their qualities
and capacities have attracted the divine confirmations, allowing them to
become world leaders. Some of these qualities are: DIVERSITY - including
all the peoples of the world. This is a quality of all the America's, North
and South. COVENANT - This is a covenantal society. The founders set out
consciously to create a different kind of society. Do not turn it to self-righteousness.
MORALITY - These societies are preoccupied with morality. (Europeans are
not bothered by the morality of their leaders.) A concern for morality
is a distinguishing characteristic of our society. Keep it! Do not turn
it to moralizing.
'Abdu'l-Bahá had great faith in this community. We have fulfilled
His trust (sometimes belatedly). We have a heritage of incredible accomplishment.
The Bahá'í community has struggled to overcome the faults of their society.
The confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh have made up for our inadequacies. American
Bahá'ís made a special contribution to the Arcs projects - we gave spiritual
leadership when it was desperately needed and there was no one else to
provide it. Do not let our confidence be shaken. We have great capacities
and history. The peoples of the world for 1,000 years will be unspeakably
grateful to the American Bahá'í Community for what we are doing now to
lead the world.
The maturation of the U.S. Bahá'í community since the 60's
has been breathtaking.
People all over the world are saying yes to what the Bahá'ís,
with the North American Bahá'ís in the lead, have been doing. Some examples
are: o SED projects all over the world, especially in India, Africa, Latin
America. o The Ruhi Institute, born in Columbia, gives us an instrument
which makes it realistic for us to absorb 100,000's of believers through
the Institute process. 95% of the Bahá'í world has adopted it. o The Core
Curriculum, with the education of children as its strength. We will integrate
and refine all these systems to create the most effective system. Great
creativity is going on all over the Bahá'í world.
Qualities of mind and heart that characterize American Bahá'ís
and Americans in general: Openness of heart Demonstrative nature Attitude
of fundamental goodwill A concern with what is right Unquenchable optimism
that change is possible This 300 year old American social experiment and
100 years of Bahá'í sacrifice to the world has given us these qualities
in our DNA. The world needs our character. The rest of the Bahá'í world
will follow if we arise to serve.
The Bahá'ís are the most organized and the most diverse group
of people in the world. We have an extraordinary network worldwide. When
the Universal House of Justice asks us to move in this certain direction
during this plan, we do it! The world is amazed by this level or organization.
Our Bahá'í Response
Service is what American Bahá'ís need -- to serve the Bahá'í
world, to follow in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's footsteps. We must see the difficulties
of the masses with our own eyes and know them with our own hearts. The
gap between the haves and the have-nots is in each city in the U.S. and
every country in the world. The world's suffering will cause us great distress.
Keep one idea clearly in mind - we are not responsible for solving the
financial and economic difficulties of the world. Bahá'u'lláh will do this
through Huququ'llah, with huge banks that will operate for the benefit
of humankind in a system unprecedented in human history.
September 11 was a warning sign that we cannot assume
that the opportunities open to us today will be open to us in a year. Do
youth service now! Abroad or in the U.S. Go to college now, all over the
world. Experience the Bahá'í Global Family! The Bahá'í world needs you.
How should we respond to recent events? Be totally detached!
Bahá'u'lláh has given us this directive: "Bind ye the broken with the hands
of justice, and crush the oppressor who flourisheth with the rod of the
commandments of your Lord..." (Bahá'u'lláh: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Page: 52)
Who knows more about these religious fanatics than the Bahá'ís who have
been oppressed for 160 years? Read the prayer for America. Give it to everyone.
Be an example of quiet assurance. It will work out; the governments will
come up with a plan and carry it out. The USA has great clout. Support
the government. This government has shown time and again that it will act
morally and fearlessly.
Other Topics
NO WOMEN ON THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE If it is true that
women and men are equal in the faith and in the sight of God, why are there
no women on the Universal House of Justice? I do not know. 'Abdu'l-Bahá
says "we will know in time". Underneath this question is the issue of freeing
women from the subjugation they have experienced since the earliest days
of humankind. We are only in the beginning process. We can demonstrate
that we Bahá'ís have made real progress and are dedicated to this issue.
For the first time in history, a body of only men has been charged by Bahá'u'lláh
to bring about the total equality of the sexes. The Universal House of
Justice had received a divine mandate, answerable to God individually and
collectively.
THE TRUE REVOLUTIONARY The Bab was the true revolutionary in
an age of revolutionaries. His revolution went to the roots of human motivation.
It launched us on our course. Armies of young Bahá'ís will look at the
Bab and His band of heroes again and they will be inspired in music, drama,
heart and action.
HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE OF ENCOURAGEMENT? We have reason to
be encouraged. We have been so successful! The authority is in institutions,
but the power to accomplish is in the body of the believers. Progress is
not done by committee, but by free enterprise. Our LSA's and our community
must encourage talents, appreciate talents. TAKE RISKS!!
QUALITY OF CONSULTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE LIMITLESS
PATIENCE is needed to arrive at full consensus and unity. Each topic is
given endless discussion as long as its original, even for some tiny subject
from some tiny NSA. Time is different somehow in the Universal House of
Justice chamber. In quietest moment, a tiny idea emerges that everyone
accepts. Sometimes the members cannot arrive at a solution to a problem
and it is put on the back burner. Then, in another consultation on a different
topic, days, weeks or even months later, we realize that we have discovered
the answer to the first question. If you ask, "why did the House decide
this way?" about an issue, you might get nine different answers because
why doesn't matter. God has directed that this decision be made. TOTAL
CANDOR AND FRANKNESS - you can say anything. CIVILITY - Mr. Douglas never
imagined that this atmosphere of civility could exist with the total frankness.
Personal friendships do not matter. Real love pervades all.
-
- - - Second Set of Other's Notes (2 of 3) - - - - -
Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 03:25:32 0000 From: Toby Lou
Here are excellent notes from our dear Peter Flipsen from the
talk by Universal House of Justice member Douglas Martin:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Notes on Douglas Martin Presentation
Sunday, September 30, 2001, Atlanta, GA
Morning Session
- notetaker arrived late; only heard last 30 minutes
Without God, everything perishes. The Soviet Union is a good
recent example.
There is much transformation happening at the moment. Mankind
is quite unable to understand exactly what is going. Americans are particularly
having difficulty understanding this because they have been insulated by
their affluence.
Much positive change occurred in the 20th century. Most non-Bahá'ís
don't see it that way; most are actually glad the century is over.
"Bahá'u'lláh had put mankind in a blender and put it on full
speed". Our societies are being totally reorganized. The flood of refugees
across borders is particularly affecting the developed world but no country
is immune.
Humanity (other than the Bahá'ís) has missed the point. The
20th century was about the "emergence of the consciousness of the oneness
of mankind".
Two major developments in the 20th century"
1. Transformation of the non-Bahá'í world. Unconscious
process; quite painful.
2. Emergence of the Cause of God. Small, systematic and slowly
building.
Now these two have merged. Participation by the Bahá'í in international
discussions is being actively sought out. This is evidence that the non-Bahá'í
world recognizes the need for our input on some level.
For unity to exist, two conditions are necessary:
1. Fundamental agreement about the nature of reality
-- this nature is described in detail in the writings of the Guardian (and
to a lesser extent in the writings of 'Abdul-Baha).
2. A plan for our collective development -- 'Abdul-Baha gave
us the Divine Plan and the House of Justice to guide us in this.
No power on earth is greater than absolute certitude. The great
religions have always given us this. Westerners are not very comfortable
with this.
Mankind is a social being and is constantly trying to organize
itself. Unity is necessary. In 1963 we completed the model to bring this
about. We elect fallible people to fallible institutions. God accepts our
best efforts and endows the institutions with whatever is needed to advance
the process.
Q A (misc. topics)
America has NOT been attacked because it is inherently evil.
It has been attacked because it exists. These terrorists hate everything
including God [look what they did to His Manifestation]. America has a
mandate to meet out justice.
-- recommends we give everyone the "Prayer for America".
America is suffering from a psychological / emotional disease
of "moral equivalency". We should not treat the victim and the perpetrator
equally. Justice requires punishment.
Religion and morality CANNOT be separated. As the crisis deepens
(and it will) people will want to send their children to our children's
classes to get moral education.
We need to study Islam (as the Guardian suggested). Our motivation
must be to be of service to the Cause, not an academic career. We need
to help the world understand the price the Western world has paid for not
recognizing Muhammad.
1. we now have the split between faith and reason
2. all the religious wars
Afternoon Session
Knowing what is going on challenges us to learn more about
what it means to implement the Divine Plan. Our unity has won us a great
international reputation. The purpose of this is to empower the masses
of humanity to take charge of their own destinies. The administrative order
is the instrument for doing this.
UHJ message at the opening of the terraces said:
- it is now easier to see the depth of suffering of much of
mankind. The world needs a fundamental change of focus. Each individual
must assume responsibility for the development of all of humanity.
Divisions between people are global in scope. It provided the
motivations for the WTC terrorists. Wealth vs. poverty is the principle
issue. Materialism has become the religion of many. Globalization is inevitable.
It is the gross injustice of the unequal distribution of its benefits that
is the problem. We can't take sides in this issue. WE MUST BE IDENTIFIED
WITH THE NEEDS AND HOPES OF THE MASSES OF HUMANITY. The problems are the
result of a hopelessly outdated economic system. It is a modern form of
colonialism because it involves the exploitation of the masses of humanity.
Despite 50 years of effort in social and economic development,
the gap between rich and poor is wider than ever and becoming a chasm.
Bahá'ís cannot fix this system. We can provide an alternative.
The world needs a heroic example of a way to do it.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN BAHA'I COMMUNITY:
1. We have the capacity to solve the problem [but we are NOT
morally superior]. 2. We need to look at our capacities (not our limitations)
- our diversity of backgrounds makes us a model for unity. Immigrants immediately
become members of the society (Americans or Canadians). - the US idea that
we could create a new society (US constitution is a covenant). - we are
preoccupied with morality [a problem if carried to extremes]. Europeans
laugh at the scandals and say "why don't you just accept the imperfections
of politicians". It is not in our nature to do so. We set very high expectations
for our leaders.
-- these capacities allow US and Canada to serve as a model
to the rest of the world. And it allows the Bahá'ís to do much for the
world because of the example our society sets.
The US gov't now does things at the request of our NSA. They
don't have to do it. Their capacity compels them to do it. This is an expression
of the trust that 'Abdul-Baha gave to the US because he recognized our
capacity.
Building of the arc on Mount Carmel was propelled by the spiritual
leadership of the North American Bahá'ís. Our task has hardly begun. God
will let us know when we are done.
Our success has altered the nature of our relationship with
the rest of the world. Bahá'ís in other countries have followed our example
(n the areas of social and economic development some of them have surpassed
us).
The Bahá'í community no longer needs anyone else to show it
how to do things (except occasionally for technical details). We have matured!
Service! We are now called upon to provide service to the rest
of the world because we have the capacity. e.g., youth year of service
(adults can do it too). We have a window of opportunity to provide this
service that will not be open forever. Sept 11/01 was a wake-up call to
tell us that our advantages won't last forever.
Our greatest contribution will be to be with other people in
other parts of the world and help them with their projects. Not necessarily
direct teaching. Sending money is NOT the answer. Most North American Bahá'ís
do not appreciate the spiritual and moral qualities that are characteristic
of our community (and to a lesser extent the US as a whole). We have:
openness of heart demonstrative nature concern for what is
right fundamental attitude of goodwill toward others unquenchable confidence
that change is possible
Be just as you are!!!!
Consider getting education in other parts of the world.
Requires courage but the rest of the Bahá'í world will follow
our example.
When you are in other countries, the suffering you see will
cause you great pain. Your job is NOT to alleviate the suffering. Bahá'u'lláh
will take care of that through Huquq'ullah.
The Bab was the only true revolutionary in the last 300 years
because his revolution was truly universal. (the US didn't have a revolution
it had a war of independence).
Q A (misc topics)
College youth -- serving the cause and developing your talents
are not contradictory goals. Need to seek out ways to do both at the same
time.
Authority in the cause comes from the elected institutions.
The Appointed institutions help us focus and influence our minds and character.
We need a balance of both.
UHJ has already consulted with several heads of state (small
countries) at their request. The process is teaching both us and them how
to consult on bigger issues. Bahá'u'lláh is teaching the world to work
together.
Need to work scientifically and systematically to get things
done.
Hand of the Cause John Robarts said:
1. Pick one person who is close to the faith.
2. Say the Tablet of Ahmad every morning and every evening for them
for 30 days.
3. If they don't declare, pick someone else to pray for.
Third Set
of Other's Notes (3 of 3)
Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 03:34:54 0000 From: Toby Lou
"The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His
Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human
race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men." Baha'u'lah
From: "Cheri W. Matthews"
September 23, 2001
Dear friends,
Allah'u'abha.
Please find forwarded below one individual's account of the
meeting which took place in New York City this weekend with Mr. Douglas
Martin, a member of the Universal House of Justice:
(Beginning of message):
Dear Friends, it was a blessed event; the friends of so many
backgrounds gathered in the City of the Covenant, sharing prayers together
and continuing the efforts to better understand how we can serve God and
America and all of the human race more effectively.
Mr. Douglas Martin gave two wonderful talks. One was on the
recently published book, Century of Light. That book was commissioned by
the Universal House of Justice and Mr. Martin's remarks helped us put it
into the context of interpretive history, so vital to our understanding
of world events. At various stages, histories of the Faith and interpretations
of world history have been provided: by Bahá'u'lláh (Epistle
to the Son of the Wolf), 'Abdu'l-Bahá (Memorials to the Faithful;
Secret of Divine Civilization; and A Traveller's Narrative) and the Beloved
Guardian (God Passes By; the translation of the Dawnbreakers into English;
the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh; the Promised Day is Come;
and other letters). Mr. Martin's remarks helped us focus on the main point
of the general human history during that century: the realization of the
oneness of humankind. Never before was this more than a hope; now, it is
our reality. Gone are the days of empires and ideologies of racial superiority.
Those few who cling to these past standards are becoming more clearly a
minority and a despised one at that; the KKK and the terrorists among them
(Mr. Martin also mentioned bringing S. Milosevic to
justice in the Netherlands; the accidental tourist to the land of tulips,
as he put it!!!)
There was much more; I have notes and will try to put them
together. Also, a video was made of both talks and, once edited, will
be made available for purchase. -- -- -- -- The second talk was called
"Taking Yes for an Answer" and focused on the American Bahá'í community,
its role in the Divine Plan and future work. The topic came from the idea
that Americans wonder at both the success of their efforts and the next
steps to take. Mr. Martin pointed out that the world has said YES! to the
Bahá'ís of America. The pioneers from North America have helped establish
Bahá'í communities in all corners of the world and now those communities
are largely indigenous peoples. The work of the Americans has born great
fruit! This was most dramatically demonstrated at both the latest International
Convention, in 1998, and the recent dedication of the Terraces in May.
Grassroots leaders from all the peoples of the world are clearly the mainstay
of all these Bahá'í communities. One very interesting point: often the
first democratic election in many of these countries has been the election
of their Bahá'í local Spiritual Assemblies! Thrilling!!!
America needs to send pioneers: internationally, while they
can (Mr. Martin pointed towards how much harder it is becoming to travel)
and on the homefront (NEPA needs these!!! Summon your friends!!!). We also
can work to build up the Regional Bahá'í Institutes, which are evolving
rapidly and becoming a marvelous tool for consolidation and for deepening
believers, new and old alike.
America needs the model of living the Bahá'í life. Showing
how people of diverse backgrounds, abilities and temperments can peaceably
work together to build communities. WOW! Prayers for NEPA welcome!!! Time
to roll up our sleeves again and find ways to help all of us come together
again. Surely we can keep moving ahead without all the folks, but God clearly
prefers that we bring our communities to life together! I recall the saying,
God loves those who work in groups! Perhaps we can consult on how best
to do this.
Mr. Martin also covered the Funds, in a most interesting way.
Briefly, God gives nothing for free. The marvelous victories of recent
years, culminating with the dedication of the Terraces and the emergence
of the Faith from obscurity (way out of proportion to our numbers), were
followed by the slowdown of the worldwide economy (now even worse) and
the decrease in Huquq'u'llah pmts. God challenged us to meet the new opportunities
with less oldtime funding and more resourcefulness. At a time of greater
needs, there is less money. The international Fund will need support and
the House of Justice has asked the NSA's to consult on these needs; they
have also taken steps towards even greater economy, with a freeze on jobs
at the World Center, among other things.
He also said American Bahá'ís should loyally support their
government; he had many kind and strong things to say about the justness
of the course set by the President. He cited the Aqdas (paragraph 88) where
Bahá'u'lláh, addressing the Rulers of America, says: "Bind
ye the broken with the hands of justice, and crush the oppressor who flourisheth
with the rod of the commandments of your Lord, the Ordainer, the Wise."
So, that's a start on what Mr. Martin said. By the way, he
also said that, and this again has me near tears, immediately when the
House of Justice heard the news (of the 11th), they went to the Shrines
and said the Prayer for America. We are in their thoughts and prayers.
This is the House of Justice; yet, they more deeply define that term, JUSTICE;
their love and kindness is so bountiful and so clear. What a blessing from
GOD is this mighty Institution!!! What a term, justice, to ponder in these
days ahead.
is this mighty Institution!!! What a term, "justice," to ponder
in these days ahead.
Personal Notes from a Talk by Douglas Martin
by Bob Sylvester
Boston Bahá'í Center -- Monday, September 23, 2001
Important Note
The following notes are personal notations taken during the talk
and subsequent discussion held at the Boston Center last night. In some
cases they represent, word for word what was said. As in any case when
a tape recorder is not used these notes cannot be assumed to be a totally
correct record of everything that was stated. They are not a transcript
of the talk or of the question and answer period. However, the points raised
and sentiments expressed by the Member of the Universal House of Justice,
while those of a personal nature and made in his individual capacity, were
so poignant to our present challenges in the Faith and so moving in its
sense of hope that I felt bound to share with those who are involved in
promoting Bahá'í education either as students or teachers, my perceptions
of his talk.
Rather than use quotations I will simply make detailed summaries
of his points, grouped by themes rather than in strict chronology. I have
given each of the several themes a name simply to illustrate the range
of images and sentiments expressed by the Member of the Universal House
of Justice. There were over one hundred people at the meeting and the talk
lasted approximately one hour followed by one hour of questions and answers.
Bob Sylvester
***********************
The World Community as the World Model.
We are everybody. We are everywhere. We are learning to take care of
our affairs on a worldwide scale. The Faith is the door through which the
whole human race must pass. We are at a point in human history when mankind
must take up the task of collective decision-making. On the earth today
there is no other body, representative of the diversity of mankind that
is organized, worldwide, to take collective action.
When the Blessed Beauty was sent into exile with His Family and driven
from place to place -- that forced migration became the paradigm for the
whole human race. The migration of the human race from place to place on
the globe is unstoppable and will radically alter the sense of place and
of identity everywhere in the world.
The changes about to take place in the world and in the community present
a situation in which we cannot envision what the needs of the Faith will
be (in terms of expertise) ten years from now.
Discovering the Roots of Our Religious History
We are at the point of recovering the roots of our history in studying
the mission of the Bab. The Bab was the only true revolutionary that the
world has ever seen. Other so-called revolutionaries were only interested
in themselves. His vision was both revolutionary and universal. His Revolution
focused on altering the consciousness of mankind. The Bab was the Receptacle
of an entirely new Order. He broke Words open. He needed to use vocabulary
in a way that expressed conceptions that were beyond the capacity of the
"educated" of the time.
Politics as a Parlor Game
Politics, worldwide, is like a parlor game, a sideshow of sorts. We
all know that it is often like a dog and pony show. Bahá'ís respect the
democratic system because, while far from perfect, is represents the sole
protection to the sense of order that the world knows at this time. However,
we do not deceive ourselves that the present form of democracy evident
in the world today represents, in any manner, the future model of the world
body politic. Unfortunately, political action groups worldwide tend to
act in a form of the "theatre of the absurd."
The passion for dissent which is such a prominent part of this culture
is an icon of American mythology that must be understood in the light of
the Teachings, specifically, the law of obedience to a government.
We have inherited a dangerous delusion from Christianity that our individual
conscience is supreme. This is not a Bahá'í belief. In the end, in the
context of both our role in the community and our role in the greater world,
we must be prepared to sacrifice our personal convictions or opinions.
The belief that individual conscience is supreme is equivalent to "taking
partners with God" which is abhorrent to the Teachings of the Faith.
The Bahá'í Model of Learning and Serving
In this past century we have made remarkable progress in the development
of the work of the Faith. Institutes are changing the understanding we
have of the challenges of our role as a world community.
We are deepening around the world in a way that is releasing spiritual
energies in urban and rural settings among both the simple and the highly
educated.
The Universal House of Justice can now call upon a wonderfully
wide range of expertise in the world-wide community that represents the
best that the world can offer in terms of professional expertise in any
specific field.
Students must not stop their studies. You cannot give it up. We have
to be the best of what we do either intellectually or culturally. Anything
that a believer does in this age is filled with risk. But we must remember
that the Bab was a merchant and engaged in commerce. As well, the Master
was a land merchant.
We must view the opportunities presented to us as a huge workshop or
laboratory - thinking about this model of action and consultation may help
us feel more comfortable with both consulting and with experimenting.
The Nature of Community and Individual Action
We have to see ourselves not as a "congregation" of believers or even
as an association. The community must be seen as a movement. The mission
of the youth, especially those who have access to higher education, is
connected to a fundamental change in the community. Up to the present time
the growth of the Faith has depended upon the efforts of individual teachers
and collective committees. Now is the time when we fill in the spaces between
those two approaches.
The challenges we present to Assemblies must take advantage
of the full potential of those institutions as well as the full potential
of the individual believers. The institutions are very powerful and will
not be broken by the challenges that are presented to them.
Shoghi Effendi made it clear over sixty years ago that authority
is vested in institutions and power is vested in individuals. The era that
the community has moved into requires creative individuals in the community
to use and to project their talents in collaboration with the institutions.
We are entering a new stage in which new methodologies of action will be
needed. We must present ourselves to the institutions with urgency, with
impassioned interest and with an authentic voice.
The Recent Attacks in New York and Washington
The present conditions in the world are so fluid and complex that the
worse thing we could do in the Faith right now would be to take a position
on the current situation. What the friends could best do is to act in such
a way that the Community is able to put forward a collective demonstration
in the larger historical process which is underway. What the world needs
from us right now is a sense of quiet and of confident assurance of America's
spiritual mission. The poison of religious hatred, that this community
has known directly for the past 150 years, is like a virus which must be
expelled from the body politic of the world.
There is going to be a terrible moral struggle in America as it moves
towards its spiritual destiny.
Another set of notes on Mr. Martin's talk
at one of the locations in the U.S. in September, 2001. (notetaker unknown)
World Order.
This idea that religion will order society will be the principle
target of attacks on the Faith. The history of civilization changed overnight
(in one century) because the Hand of God moved it through these different
processes. People have been catapulted out of the "graves" (dead systems).
They are dazed, bewildered -- some are hastening to the fire, some to the
light.
Our fellow citizens do not see the 20th Century as the Century
of Light. They are grateful for medical advances, consumer goods, laws;
but they associate it with the Holocaust, two world wars, tides of refugees
sweeping across the world, economic chaos, epidemics.
They have missed the point of the 20th Century. As with a child
developing in the womb, certain things must happen, and they must happen
in a certain order to craft the New World. The 20th Century was like the
first month in the womb, setting up the basics for the next 1,000 years.
The new book commissioned by the Universal House of Justice,
"Century of Light",
spells this out. The Guardian said this 20th Century is like no other.
We are at a great turning point. The 20th Century provided the hinge through
which the Hand of God was able to turn civilization. Up to now the masses
have been passengers on the train, while various elite groups drove the
trains. The rest served their goals, good or bad. The masses will become
protagonists of their development, says Bahá'u'lláh.
"I testify that no sooner had the First
Word proceedeth out of His mouth than the whole creation was revolutionized,
and all that are in the heavens and all that are on earth were stirred
to the depths. Through that Word the realities of all created things were
shaken, were divided, separated, scattered, combined and reunited, disclosing,
in both the contingent world and the heavenly kingdom, entities of a new
creation, and revealing, in the unseen realms, the signs and tokens of
Thy unity and oneness. Through that Call Thou didst announce unto all Thy
servants the advent of Thy most great Revelation and the appearance of
Thy most perfect Cause." (Bahá'u'lláh: Prayers and Meditations,
Pages: 295-296)
Some see these processes as the devil's work. Some are so frightened
that they do not want to live even in the 20th Century, let alone the 21st.
The right century for them was the 19th. Others are waking up and seriously
want answers.
The World Has Said Yes!
In the highest circles of the UN, people are consulting on
Bahá'í issues! Bahá'ís coordinated the work of all the NGO's at the Millennial
Summit. The permanent representative of the Bahá'í International Community
was the Chair. Then the BIC was called to represent all of Civil Society
at the governmental Millennium Summit -- the only NGO to do so. The Bahá'ís
are talking to the world and the world is listening.
The Media Campaign is highly successful.
-
Seekers who call need a human contact after they call, not a pamphlet.
Invite them to a study group or to children's classes.
Character of the North American Bahá'í Community
The North American people have powers, capacities and qualities
greater than those in other countries. They are not better than others,
they are not morally or in any other way superior, but their qualities
and capacities have attracted the divine confirmations, allowing them to
become world leaders.
Some of these qualities are:
-
DIVERSITY - including all the peoples of the world. This is a quality of
all the America's, North and South.
COVENANT - This is a covenantal society. The founders set out consciously
to create a different kind of society. Do not turn it to self-righteousness.
MORALITY - These societies are preoccupied with morality. (Europeans are
not bothered by the morality of their leaders.) A concern for morality
is a distinguishing characteristic of our society. Keep it! Do not turn
it to moralizing.
'Abdu'l-Bahá had great faith in this community. We have fulfilled
His trust (sometimes belatedly). We have a heritage of incredible accomplishment.
The Bahá'í community has struggled to overcome the faults of their society.
The confirmations of
Bahá'u'lláh have made up for our inadequacies.
American Bahá'ís made a special contribution to the Arcs projects
-- we gave spiritual leadership when it was desperately needed and there
was no one else to provide it.
Do not let our confidence be shaken. We have great capacities
and history. The peoples of the world for 1,000 years will be unspeakably
grateful to the American Bahá'í Community for what we are doing now to
lead the world.
The maturation of the U.S. Bahá'í community since the 60's
has been breathtaking. People all over the world are saying yes to what
the Bahá'ís, with the North American Bahá'ís in the lead, have been doing.
Some examples are:
-
SED projects all over the world, especially in India, Africa, Latin America.
The Ruhi Institute, born in Columbia, gives us an instrument which makes
it realistic for us to absorb 100,000's of believers through the Institute
process. 95% of the Bahá'í world has adopted it.
The Core Curriculum, with the education of children as its strength. We
will integrate and refine all these systems to create the most effective
system. Great creativity is going on all over the Bahá'í world.
Qualities of mind and heart that characterize American
Bahá'ís and Americans in general:
-
Openness of heart Demonstrative nature
Attitude of fundamental goodwill
A concern with what is right
Unquenchable optimism that change is possible
This 300 year old American social experiment and 100 years
of Bahá'í sacrifice to the world has given us these qualities in our DNA.
The world needs our [American] character. The rest of the Bahá'í
world will follow if we arise to serve. The Bahá'ís are the most organized
and the most diverse group of people in the world. We have an extraordinary
network worldwide.
When the Universal House of Justice asks us to move in this
certain direction during this plan, we do it! The world is amazed by this
level or organization.
Our Bahá'í Response
Service is what American Bahá'ís need -- to serve the Bahá'í
World, to follow in 'Abdu'l-Bahá's footsteps. We must see the difficulties
of the masses with our own eyes and know them with our own hearts.
The gap between the haves and the have-nots is in each city
in the U.S. and every country in the world. The world's suffering will
cause us great distress.
Keep one idea clearly in mind -- we are not responsible for
solving the financial and economic difficulties of the world. Bahá'u'lláh
will do this through Huququ'llah, with huge banks that will operate for
the benefit of humankind in a system unprecedented in human history.
September 11 was a warning sign that we cannot
assume that the opportunities open to us today will be open to us in a
year. Do youth service now! Abroad or in the U.S. Go to college now, all
over the world. Experience the Bahá'í Global Family! The Bahá'í World needs
you. How should we respond to recent events? Be totally detached! Bahá'u'lláh
has given us this directive: "Crush the oppressor
who flourisheth with the rod of the commandments of your Lord."
(Bahá'u'lláh: The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Page: 52)
Who knows more about these religious fanatics than the Bahá'ís
who have been oppressed for 160 years? Read the prayer for America. Give
it to everyone. Be an example of quiet assurance. It will work out; the
governments will come up with a plan and carry it out. The USA has great
clout. Support the government. This government has shown time and again
that it will act morally and fearlessly.
Other Topics that came out of the Question and Answer
Period
NO WOMEN ON THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE If it is true that
women and men are equal in the faith and in the sight of God, why are there
no women on the Universal House of Justice? I do not know. 'Abdu'l-Bahá
says "we will know in time".
Underneath this question is the issue of freeing women from
the subjugation they have experienced since the earliest days of humankind.
We are only in the beginning process. We can demonstrate that we Bahá'ís
have made real progress and are dedicated to this issue. For the first
time in history, a body of only men has been charged by Bahá'u'lláh to
bring about the total equality of the sexes. The Universal House of Justice
had received a divine mandate, answerable to God individually and collectively.
THE TRUE REVOLUTIONARY The Bab was the true revolutionary in
an age of revolutionaries. His revolution went to the roots of human motivation.
It launched us on our course. Armies of young Bahá'ís will look at the
Bab and His band of heroes again and they will be inspired in music, drama,
heart and action.
HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE OF ENCOURAGEMENT? We have reason to
be encouraged. We have been so successful! The authority is in institutions,
but the power to accomplish is in the body of the believers. Progress is
not done by committee, but by free enterprise. Our LSA's and our community
must encourage talents, appreciate talents. TAKE RISKS!! Ask Ralph, Shari
or Cindy to tell you the Mona story and the Terrace tours story.
QUALITY OF CONSULTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
LIMITLESS PATIENCE is needed to arrive at full consensus and
unity. Each topic is given endless discussion as long as its original,
even for some tiny subject from some tiny NSA. Time is different somehow
in the Universal House of Justice chamber.
In quietest moment, a tiny idea emerges that everyone accepts.
Sometimes the members cannot arrive at a solution to a problem and it is
put on the back burner. Then, in another consultation on a different topic,
days, weeks or even months later, we realize that we have discovered the
answer to the first question. If you ask, "why did the House decide this
way?" about an issue, you might get nine different answers because why
doesn't matter. God has directed that this decision be made.
TOTAL CANDOR AND FRANKNESS - you can say anything.
CIVILITY - Mr. Douglas never imagined that this atmosphere
of civility could exist with the total frankness. Personal friendships
do not matter. Real love pervades all.
ADDENDUM
The Difference Between talks
and Tablets
"Shoghi Effendi [Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith] has laid down
the principle that the Bahá'ís should not attribute much importance to
talks, reported to have been given by the Master, if these have not in
one form or other obtained his sanction.
"Bahá'u'lláh has made it clear enough that only those things
that have been revealed in the form of Tablets have a binding power over
the friends. Hearsays may be a matter of interest but can in no way claim
authority. This basic teaching of Bahá'u'lláh was to preserve the Faith
from being corrupted like Islam which attribute binding authority to all
reported sayings of Muhammad.
"This being a basic principle of the Faith we should not confuse
Tablets that were actually revealed and mere talks attributed to the founders
of the Cause. The first have absolute binding authority while the latter
can in no way claim our obedience. The highest thing this can achieve is
to influence the activities of the one who has heard the saying in person.
"Those talks of the Master that were reviewed by Him corrected
or in some other form considered authentic by Himself, such as the 'Some
Answered Questions', these could be considered as Tablets and therefore
be given the necessary binding power. All other talks such as are included
in Ahmad's diary or the diary of pilgrims, do not fall under this category
and could be considered only as interesting material to be taken for what
they are worth.
"For this reason Shoghi Effendi has not been encouraging the
publication of reported sayings that were not authenticated by the Master
Himself. And when he said that they may be published if quotations marks
are taken away, Shoghi Effendi tried to prevent the friends from considering
as actual words of the Master things that were not authenticated by Him."
(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the United
States Publishing Committee, December 29, 1931 -- Taken from Principles
of Bahá'í Administration, page 33. Also found in Lights of Guidance, page
439)
One of the questions
asked of Mr. Martin concerned the role of the Universal House of Justice
in the establishment of the Lesser Peace. For additional references
on this role and the relationship of the Bahá'í Community to the establishment
of the Lessor Peace see the supplemental section at the bottom of Mr. Mitchell's
talk in Atlanta at http://www.homestead.com/watsongregory/files/GlenfordMitchell.htm#supplement
