Search found 1375 matches

by brettz9
Sun Mar 21, 2021 9:19 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?
Replies: 52
Views: 87537

Re: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?

I did not assert that personal spiritual experiences are to be taken as imagination (and in fact emphatically denied that your experiences necessarily were so), nor did the quotes I cited state this. I only mentioned that, as per the Writings, they could be. But yes, indeed, it is possible for us to...
by brettz9
Sat Dec 26, 2020 9:47 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?
Replies: 52
Views: 87537

Re: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?

It's interesting the in the 90's the National Spiritual Assembly recommended seeing "Do the Right Thing" movie although it had full frontal nudity. This quote from Baha'u'llah definitely reminds me of a rated-R movie, or a Playboy picture: I raised my hand another time, and bared one of H...
by brettz9
Mon Oct 19, 2020 7:57 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?
Replies: 52
Views: 87537

Re: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?

Hi, I didn't suggest the quote was based on your imagination. I merely asked for a source. And the source you offered was pretty satisfying in getting to a general understanding of what Shoghi Effendi was most warning about. However, note that there are these passages at least which are in connectio...
by brettz9
Mon Oct 19, 2020 6:18 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?
Replies: 52
Views: 87537

Re: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?

Re: my own statement on "knowing others are disabled should make us more grateful to God.", I found the source I was thinking of: https://bahai9.com/wiki/Original_sin#Against_.22blindness_from_birth.22_caused_by_parents_in_former_state . Re: psychic powers, if you do find a source, please ...
by brettz9
Fri Oct 16, 2020 6:41 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?
Replies: 52
Views: 87537

Re: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?

Apologies for a delayed contribution, but I think there were a number of disparate points here so not so easy to respond. My apologies too if I neglect any of your points (I have some issues with "brain fog"). I don't think with quotes like those at https://bahai9.com/wiki/Guardianship#Sph...
by brettz9
Fri Jul 17, 2020 11:37 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: World currency
Replies: 29
Views: 97645

Re: World currency

There is one quote on the topic of interest--which, uh, may be of interest: https://bahai9.com/wiki/Interest . Basically while "usury" is forbidden, Bahá'u'lláh sets no absolute limit on it. As far as foreign currencies, I don't know in what context you mean, but two references of some pos...
by brettz9
Sun Jun 28, 2020 8:28 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: baha'i writings addressing pornography specifically?
Replies: 52
Views: 87537

Re:

Also, if someone could locate this, I believe Shoghi Effendi stated somewhere that Baha'is should not read love novels, meaning corrupt love novels that raise passions. If anyone can locate that I'd appreciate it... Quite a belated reply, but FWIW, and if for those coming by search engine if nothin...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 03, 2020 8:35 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Masturbation and sex in the Baha'i Faith
Replies: 15
Views: 98049

Re: Masturbation and sex in the Baha'i Faith

Re: the Islamic citation on anal sex between man and wife, note that at least in the Bahá'í Dispensation, there is this from the House: "[When asked whether sodomy included oral sex, this was the response from the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.] In seeking clarification ...
by brettz9
Thu Apr 18, 2019 5:41 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Are all past laws implicitly rejected by a new Dispensation?
Replies: 1
Views: 36964

Re: Are all past laws implicitly rejected by a new Dispensation?

This was drawn to my attention and would seem to draw further support for the idea mentioned that the laws are not still in effect by default unless rejected, but are in fact all superseded unless confirmed--but it would still be nice to see something to this effect, if there were, regarding whether...
by brettz9
Fri Oct 27, 2017 11:42 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Segregation of the sexes
Replies: 1
Views: 38181

Re: Segregation of the sexes

"Question: Do the Bahá'í women go without veils in the East? "Answer: It is not possible for them to do so universally yet, but the conditions are not nearly so restrictive as they were. The Bahá'í men and women meet together. This is the beginning of woman's emancipation from the thralld...
by brettz9
Mon Sep 25, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Exercise
Replies: 3
Views: 30708

Re: Exercise

by brettz9
Tue Jul 25, 2017 4:07 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Can Someone Answer My Question?
Replies: 10
Views: 53469

Re: Can Someone Answer My Question?

A friend wishes to mention the following relevant reference: Mir-Kasimov, Orkhan (editor); Ghaemmaghami, Omid (2014). "To the Abode of the Hidden One: The Green Isle in Shi'i, Early Shaykhi, and Babi-Baha'i Sacred Topography". Unity in Diversity: Mysticism, Messianism and the Construction ...
by brettz9
Sat Jun 24, 2017 11:11 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Fighting for Justice
Replies: 42
Views: 152192

Re: Fighting for Justice

Recently came across this significant quote: "This nation so signally blest, occupying so eminent and responsible a position in a continent so wonderfully endowed, was the first among the nations of the West to be warmed and illuminated by the rays of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah, soon after t...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 07, 2017 9:36 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: About 12th Imam
Replies: 17
Views: 84366

Re: About 12th Imam

Others here may be better qualified to refer to the prophecies (iranpour has provided some). Per the translations just posted, Baha'is do not take the occultation literally but do believe the Bab can be seen as the promised 12th Imam. Baha'u'llah affirms this in Gems of Divine Mysteries: "All t...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 07, 2017 9:28 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: About 12th Imam
Replies: 17
Views: 84366

Re: About 12th Imam

Adib Ma'sumian has graciously translated 3 references in the Baha'i Writings regarding the 12th Imam, the first two by Baha'u'llah, and the third by 'Abdu'l-Baha: * https://adibmasumian.com/translations/truthfulness-of-jafar/ * https://adibmasumian.com/translations/existence-of-qaim/ * https://adibm...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 07, 2017 8:45 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Please define "self and passion"
Replies: 4
Views: 35946

Re: Please define "self and passion"

As far as "passion", here is a quote which mentions love but also passion in saying that caution against them is meant to the degree they not keep us from God: "We must never take one sentence in the Teachings and isolate it from the rest: it does not mean we must not love, but we mus...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 07, 2017 8:16 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Please define "self and passion"
Replies: 4
Views: 35946

Re: Please define "self and passion"

Hello, An important question... "Regarding the questions you asked: Self has really two meanings, or is used in two senses, in the Bahá'í writings: one is self, the identity of the individual created by God. This is the self mentioned in such passages as 'he hath known God who hath known himsel...
by brettz9
Sun Feb 12, 2017 8:15 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: About 12th Imam
Replies: 17
Views: 84366

Re: About 12th Imam

Hello and welcome Shabbir,

Please see the post immediately before yours for some non-authoritative translations of texts which are published on the authoritative website describing the Baha'i attitude toward the 12th Imam. The rest of this thread may also be of interest.

Best wishes,
Brett
by brettz9
Tue Jan 17, 2017 2:42 am
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Moving Qibla ?
Replies: 4
Views: 34471

Re: Moving Qibla ?

This quote, also by Baha'u'llah and in the Kitab-i-Aqdas may be of interest since it indicates not only do other prayers not have this requirement, but Baha'u'llah restates the principle of the Qu'ran that "Whichever way ye turn, there is the face of God": "QUESTION: The believers hav...
by brettz9
Sat Jan 14, 2017 11:16 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Book of Certitude - Noah
Replies: 6
Views: 43151

Re: Book of Certitude - Noah

Glad to hear it, J. B. If you are referring to the latter quote, btw, did you see my other post before it?
by brettz9
Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:11 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Book of Certitude - Noah
Replies: 6
Views: 43151

Re: Book of Certitude - Noah

'Abdu'l-Baha also spoke to the symbolic and non-literal meaning of years and time in other part of the Bible: "As to the record in the Bible concerning Adam's entering paradise, His eating from the tree and His expulsion through the temptation of Satan: These are all symbols beneath which there...
by brettz9
Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:07 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Book of Certitude - Noah
Replies: 6
Views: 43151

Re: Book of Certitude - Noah

While the Baha'i Writings indicate that while we cannot say for certain that the age of Noah refers to the years of His dispensation, they do confirm that the years are not as we count them/symbolical: "The years of Noah are not years as we count them, and as our teachings do not state that thi...
by brettz9
Sat Jan 14, 2017 4:54 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Moving Qibla ?
Replies: 4
Views: 34471

Re: Moving Qibla ?

Since Baha'u'llah had revealed as much at least as early as the Kitab-i-Aqdas (which had been published in Baha'u'llah's liftetime around 1873 significantly before His passing in 1892), I would assume the Baha'is had already been turning toward His direction for their obligatory prayer. "O peop...
by brettz9
Tue Nov 22, 2016 4:55 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: About 12th Imam
Replies: 17
Views: 84366

Re: About 12th Imam

Adib Ma'sumian has graciously translated 3 references in the Baha'i Writings regarding the 12th Imam, the first two by Baha'u'llah, and the third by 'Abdu'l-Baha: * https://adibmasumian.com/translations/truthfulness-of-jafar/ * https://adibmasumian.com/translations/existence-of-qaim/ * https://adibm...
by brettz9
Wed Oct 26, 2016 8:33 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: greatest name
Replies: 3
Views: 32865

Re: greatest name

Greetings all.. Regarding the proper phrasing for the 95 daily recital: "When using the Greatest Name the words 'Allah-u-Abha' should be used and not 'Ya Baha'u'l-Abha'." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, October 10, 1936, in Lights of Guidance, ...
by brettz9
Sun Aug 21, 2016 1:15 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Function of LSA Officers
Replies: 4
Views: 38252

Re: Function of LSA Officers

Most of the quotes I had given were from Shoghi Effendi or the House and related to the role of officers directly or indirectly. As far as the by-laws quote, while Canada surely has its own by-laws, the U.S. ones were used as a pattern for all of the others, and the Guardian had advised they stick p...
by brettz9
Sun Aug 21, 2016 12:58 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Function of LSA Officers
Replies: 4
Views: 38252

Re: Function of LSA Officers

Hi Jennifer, As far as an authoritative document or compilation about the functioning of an LSA with reference to officers, if you are in the U.S., the compilation Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities is maybe the closest thing, and the latest version can be found online within the U.S. Baha'i ...
by brettz9
Tue Jul 26, 2016 2:14 am
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: The last sections in the Dawnbreakers.
Replies: 2
Views: 32111

Re: The last sections in the Dawnbreakers.

I believe there are other quotations though which might temper an extreme view of this idea of becoming a believer based on some action. I recall other quotations speaking about the fact that we might unnecessarily put barriers in front of people toward accepting the Faith by our actions, etc. I wou...
by brettz9
Sun Jun 19, 2016 11:39 am
Forum: Non-Baha'i issues
Topic: Depression: No Respecter of Faith
Replies: 3
Views: 55916

Re: Depression: No Respecter of Faith

Hi Jennifer, While suicide is indeed "strongly condemned" in the Baha'i Writings (see https://bahai9.com/wiki/Suicide for this and other quotes), the attitude toward one who has taken their life (or to those who suffer depression) should, as you suggest, be one of great compassion and unde...
by brettz9
Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:38 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Looking for spacific quote by Abdu'l-Baha RE Backbiting
Replies: 3
Views: 34860

Re: Looking for spacific quote by Abdu'l-Baha RE Backbiting

Glad to hear it, Jennifer :)
by brettz9
Tue Jun 14, 2016 11:33 am
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Looking for spacific quote by Abdu'l-Baha RE Backbiting
Replies: 3
Views: 34860

Re: Looking for spacific quote by Abdu'l-Baha RE Backbiting

Hi Jennifer, See the 2nd paragraph of this quote: "...If any soul speak ill of an absent one, the only result will clearly be this: he will dampen the zeal of the friends and tend to make them indifferent. For backbiting is divisive, it is the leading cause among the friends of a disposition to...
by brettz9
Wed Jun 08, 2016 10:57 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Simulation hypothesis/quantum physics and the Faith
Replies: 5
Views: 39584

Re: Simulation hypothesis/quantum physics and the Faith

Chapter 79 of Some Answered Questions, "The Reality of the World of Being" provides a counter-point to the comparison of this world as a comparative dream. There are a few quotes at https://bahai9.com/wiki/Age_of_universe , but from Promulgation of Universal Peace (and Chapter 41 of Some A...
by brettz9
Thu May 26, 2016 1:26 am
Forum: Non-Baha'i issues
Topic: #MillionsMissing
Replies: 0
Views: 45639

#MillionsMissing

Hello friends, I would kindly request friends here consider speaking up or putting in a word on social media for the voices of those of us with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) who lack the energy to do much to promote awareness of our own neglected condition. I recommend ...
by brettz9
Fri May 06, 2016 9:56 pm
Forum: News
Topic: Joy Stevenson
Replies: 5
Views: 49864

Re: Joy Stevenson

I looked at that myself, but many of these seem to be republishing of the BWNS statement on her passing... But maybe there is more there...
by brettz9
Fri May 06, 2016 9:21 pm
Forum: News
Topic: Joy Stevenson
Replies: 5
Views: 49864

Re: Joy Stevenson

Does the Australian NSA have a phone number you could try to explain the urgency? The only additional info I could find (besides just a letter announcing her appointment) was this tidbit about her and children's camps: http://bahai-library.com/hassall_yerrinbool_1938-1988
by brettz9
Thu Mar 31, 2016 4:06 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Paid functions in the Faith
Replies: 4
Views: 37650

Re: Paid functions in the Faith

IIRC, the institutions may allow applying for grants for Social and Economic development purposes, but if so, I wouldn't think this is very common across the Baha'i world, especially since the scope of SED is to be somewhat limited until communities grow more in numbers, and the Faith is still relat...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 29, 2016 4:59 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Paid functions in the Faith
Replies: 4
Views: 37650

Re: Paid functions in the Faith

Hi Nowis, IIRC, those who serve at the World Centre are offered a stipend but many do not even take or use it, though of course their basic needs are met. As far as the National Spiritual Assembly in the U.S., my understanding is that the secretary and possibly now one or two other members whose dut...
by brettz9
Mon Mar 21, 2016 12:04 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: un-translated writings
Replies: 5
Views: 35542

Re: un-translated writings

You could also get some idea looking at the provisional translations on site here to see what content has not yet been translated authoritatively. There are a couple of Tablets which had not been translated but I thought it important that we as Baha'is at least have some idea about our Writings' att...
by brettz9
Mon Mar 21, 2016 11:59 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: un-translated writings
Replies: 5
Views: 35542

Re: un-translated writings

There is also the following words from the preface of the publication of Selections of the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha: "The present compilation attempts a much wider selection than was made for those early volumes, and its perusal will give some indication of the vast range of subjects dealt with...
by brettz9
Mon Mar 21, 2016 11:33 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: un-translated writings
Replies: 5
Views: 35542

Re: un-translated writings

As far as your questions #2 and #3, they are partly addressed I think in this general statement: "...much of the unpublished and untranslated material consists of day-to-day correspondence and personal guidance and encouragement, which is less likely to be of general interest. The World Centre ...
by brettz9
Tue Mar 15, 2016 9:05 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Questions on sexuality, for a student research project
Replies: 1
Views: 25304

Re: Questions on sexuality, for a student research project

1. Depends what you mean by "accept". Do we accept that people may be born with different sexual inclinations? Our Writings do not speak to this, but it is not ruled out. If the question is whether we accept the behaviors of people with different sexual inclinations in the wider society, t...
by brettz9
Wed Mar 09, 2016 2:12 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Darwin loss of faith
Replies: 3
Views: 29070

Re: Darwin loss of faith

I can't think of something from the Writings, besides maybe considering the Fire Tablet, and how an extremes can make us appreciate its antithesis. I also heard of a man I believe whose arm or something had been bitten by a lion, and he actually came to believe in God after this because what he expe...
by brettz9
Mon Feb 15, 2016 6:12 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Shoghi Effendi Book?
Replies: 1
Views: 24324

Re: Shoghi Effendi Book?

Hi Ahsan,

I don't know that Shoghi Effendi was involved in compiling it, but he wrote an introduction to the following work: http://bahai-library.com/appreciations_bahai_faith

Best wishes,
Brett
by brettz9
Sun Nov 01, 2015 11:41 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Chastity in the process of getting to know someone
Replies: 1
Views: 27884

Re: Chastity in the process of getting to know someone

Hello and welcome Maira, I agree it would be interesting to have confirmed whether the spirit of Baha'i courtship (or engagement) is to be more in the vein of sweet but not intimate closeness or in the spirit of more objective distance. Personally I would guess the latter, thinking that it is hard t...
by brettz9
Thu Oct 08, 2015 9:19 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: The Greatest Holy Leaf - Bahiyyih Khanum's shrine
Replies: 5
Views: 40317

Re: The Greatest Holy Leaf - Bahiyyih Khanum's shrine

My apologies on the oversight regarding the shrine. My concentration is a bit off these days. Glad the links were of some help though. I do recall that the World Centre distributed such a prayer on a small pamphlet. I wonder whether it may have been this one: Dear and deeply spiritual sister! At mor...
by brettz9
Wed Oct 07, 2015 1:11 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: The Greatest Holy Leaf - Bahiyyih Khanum's shrine
Replies: 5
Views: 40317

Re: The Greatest Holy Leaf - Bahiyyih Khanum's shrine

Hi Larry, It looks like it might be this one: http://bahai-library.com/books/bahiyyih.khanum/bkall.html#12 FYI, in addition to that work, there are also some references to the Greatest Holy Leaf at http://bahai-library.com/compilation_bahai_holy_places#greatest-holy-leaf (note that some are presente...
by brettz9
Sun Oct 04, 2015 4:51 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Personal factors in elections
Replies: 0
Views: 43998

Personal factors in elections

Hi all,

I recall reading a letter--which I thought was an unpublished letter on behalf of the Guardian--on how elections depended to an extent on personal factors. Does anyone know of such a letter?

Best wishes,
Brett
by brettz9
Mon Aug 24, 2015 4:50 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: "Prayer of the Pacific"?
Replies: 4
Views: 40430

Re: "Prayer of the Pacific"?

You might write to your National Spiritual Assembly to ask... And, it might be even better for her if she requested it through her LSA, as this is the generally recommended protocol, and also might bring a faster result.
by brettz9
Fri Aug 14, 2015 3:49 am
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: About the Kitab Iqan
Replies: 2
Views: 28382

Re: About the Kitab Iqan

Hi and welcome, I don't know the details on the provenance of the versions of the Iqan, but The Revelation of Baha'u'llah mentions this: "The original copy of the Kitáb-i-Íqán, which Hájí Mírzá Siyyid Muhammad received, was transcribed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá Who was then eighteen years of age. In the ...
by brettz9
Mon May 11, 2015 2:11 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Kalimat Press ?
Replies: 29
Views: 147084

Re: Kalimat Press ?

Ah, sorry, I see the link is only showing for me but in a private tab without cookies it doesn't show. The page number is 196 (in the Conclusion as per the House itself) and here is one particular paragraph containing the phrases cited by the House and which seems to fit: The Baha'is' attempt to gro...
by brettz9
Mon May 11, 2015 4:10 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Kalimat Press ?
Replies: 29
Views: 147084

Re: Kalimat Press ?

The passages they reference are in the first paragraph at https://books.google.com/books?id=I_3YaX2ZhUMC&pg=PA196&lpg=PA196&dq=%22the+Khomeinist+state+in+Iran%22+cole&source=bl&ots=w05GY1uLK_&sig=zyQjJSa-iDFMFZVUmYMmTib5VoA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nnFQVcf1NYOZsAXdwoCQCA&...
by brettz9
Sat Mar 28, 2015 4:19 am
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Tablet of Ahmad in Arabic
Replies: 7
Views: 46698

Re: Tablet of Ahmad in Arabic

Sorry not to be of help with your request, but I wanted to quickly add for the sake of visitors here, that that verse is not to be interpreted literally! "The words "Be thou as a flame of fire to My enemies and a river of life eternal to My loved ones" should not be taken in their lit...
by brettz9
Thu Mar 05, 2015 7:47 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Seeking quotations on the Faith from non-Baha'i sources
Replies: 2
Views: 32272

Re: Seeking quotations on the Faith from non-Baha'i sources

While this won't help with the Promulgation of Universal Peace issue, some older public appreciations are in http://bahai-library.com/appreciations_bahai_faith . Some other ones (including more modern ones) are included within https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re449tESxMM . And while not directly rele...
by brettz9
Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:50 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Creating a deepening Format
Replies: 1
Views: 26251

Re: Creating a deepening Format

Although this may not provide that much guidance on meeting structure, I would still recommend http://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening . As far as deepening class methods, it does have at least one quote of relevance, indicating: "By "verities of the Faith" he means ...
by brettz9
Mon Dec 22, 2014 3:11 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Does the Qur'an contain historical errors?
Replies: 3
Views: 33249

Re: Does the Qur'an contain historical errors?

I think a Baha'i apologetic response to this might be that the Qur'an in such instances was speaking to the frame of reference of the people of that time. Consider these passages from a letter on behalf of the Universal House of Justice: In considering the whole field of divinely conferred "inf...
by brettz9
Mon Dec 22, 2014 2:51 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: African Temple
Replies: 1
Views: 24942

Re: African Temple

I don't recall seeing anything indicating selection criteria, but in the case of Uganda, I might mention that it seems at the time before the decision to purchase property (at least as early as December 1953 ), there had been a lot of development of the Faith in Uganda in particular (note that the T...
by brettz9
Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:50 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Nineteen Day Feast / Social portion
Replies: 4
Views: 36277

Re: Nineteen Day Feast / Social portion

On second thought, maybe the latter quote is speaking of the social portion, as it would not make sense for the devotional portion, and the administrative part did not exist yet. :)
by brettz9
Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:45 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Nineteen Day Feast / Social portion
Replies: 4
Views: 36277

Re: Nineteen Day Feast / Social portion

Hi Jennifer, I don't think I'm familiar with the quotation you mentioned (though I have seen similar quotations not specific to the Feast or social portion at least). If you looked through the Feast compilation, perhaps you noticed these two quotations on the social portion already: "Regarding ...
by brettz9
Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:54 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Day of the Covenant
Replies: 5
Views: 41046

Re: Day of the Covenant

No clear mid-way point with even numbers anyways.
by brettz9
Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:29 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Day of the Covenant
Replies: 5
Views: 41046

Re: Day of the Covenant

Perhaps because 360 is the biblical count for a year, and 180 is half of that. Per Bill Sears' Thief in the Night, p. 15: The axiom of 360 days for a year or a time was derived from the following verses: 1. Genesis 7:11—The waters of the flood came on the 17th day of the second month. 2. Genesis 8:4...
by brettz9
Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:10 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: ""Modification by the exalted beings"
Replies: 1
Views: 43148

""Modification by the exalted beings"

In the Kitab-i-Iqan, the following paragraph occurs in the context of discussing the corruption of the text: "Yea, in the writings and utterances of the Mirrors reflecting the sun of the Muhammadan Dispensation mention hath been made of "Modification by the exalted beings" and "a...
by brettz9
Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:06 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Relation between Seir and Jesus
Replies: 5
Views: 41417

Re: Relation between Seir and Jesus

Authoritative Baha'i confirmation of the interpretation does exist if you were not aware, Huang Ran. Shoghi Effendi indicates that Paran in this quote and elsewhere in the Bible refers to Muhammad's Revelation: "References in the Bible to 'Mt. Paran' and 'Paraclete' refer to Muhammad's Revelati...
by brettz9
Sun Oct 05, 2014 9:02 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Another film of 'Abdu'l-Baha?
Replies: 3
Views: 33976

Re: Another film of 'Abdu'l-Baha?

Found the following at http://bahai-library.com/hopson_abdulbaha_new_york . As this following excerpt mentions 'Abdu'l-Baha's stay at the time being to the Hotel Ansonia, and since p. 38 of Mahmud's Diary refers to the Hotel Ansonia in an entry apparently corresponding to April 11th while Promulgati...
by brettz9
Mon Sep 29, 2014 1:30 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Segregation of the sexes
Replies: 1
Views: 38181

Segregation of the sexes

Does anyone know any quotations speaking to the topic of the segregation of the sexes (or pilgrims' notes shedding light on it)? Islamic hadith apparently prescribed this, as do a number of cultures and religions. Clearly, practice would suggest that this is not at all to be maintained in the Baha'i...
by brettz9
Sat Sep 06, 2014 12:19 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Hypnotherapy
Replies: 9
Views: 51977

Re: Hypnotherapy

I've updated the wiki links in my post. These are at:

* http://bahai9.com/wiki/Medicine
* http://bahai9.com/wiki/Hypnotism

Best wishes,
Brett
by brettz9
Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:38 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Baha'i Writings "TV"
Replies: 1
Views: 25746

Re: Baha'i Writings "TV"

Some unimplemented features I'd still like to get added include: * Automated gradual downward scrolling (based on the word count in view perhaps) * Display the title and URL of the random page (technical note: will require conversion of server randomizing code into JavaScript) * History with back/fo...
by brettz9
Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:37 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Baha'i Writings "TV"
Replies: 1
Views: 25746

Baha'i Writings "TV"

Hi all, Wanted to let you know of a little page which will let you get random selections from the Writings, refreshing the page every specified number of seconds with a new random selection: http://bahai-library.com/bahai-writings-tv/ I came up with this idea as I was in need of rest but looking at ...
by brettz9
Wed Aug 20, 2014 10:35 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Next Manifestation of God
Replies: 89
Views: 66649

Re: Next Manifestation of God

Hello, According to the notes of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the reckoning will be from 1852: "The intimation of His Revelation to Bahá'u'lláh in the Síyáh-Chál of Tihrán, in October 1852, marks the birth of His Prophetic Mission and hence the commencement of the one thousand years or more that must ela...
by brettz9
Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:05 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Next Manifestation of God
Replies: 89
Views: 66649

Re: Next Manifestation of God

Were you thinking of one of these: "I am not apprehensive for My own self," Bahá'u'lláh still more explicitly declares, "My fears are for Him Who will be sent down unto you after Me--Him Who will be invested with great sovereignty and mighty dominion." And again He writes in the ...
by brettz9
Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:58 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Are all past laws implicitly rejected by a new Dispensation?
Replies: 1
Views: 36964

Are all past laws implicitly rejected by a new Dispensation?

Hi all, While the Bab made (some of?) His laws conditional on the acceptance of Baha'u'llah, what about the laws of the Qur'an which were not explicitly rejected by Baha'u'llah? Might they considered still binding? My inclination would be that unless explicitly endorsed, the social laws would not ap...

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