"Mark A. Foster" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Gilberto,
At 10:55 AM 10/9/2005, you wrote:
>>I think if we want to say that the different religions of the world are "one", for me that would mean emphasizing the commonalities between them.<<
To my understanding, the Baha'i view of the oneness of religion (i.e., "the religion of God") is based on the Covenant or Will of God. According to that Will or Covenant, God decides which teachings will continue from one Dispensation to the next (the eternal or spiritual teachings) and which ones are susceptible to change (the social teachings). Then, as God's creations, we humans are asked by God to accept His Will or Covenant.
In other words, the center of the unity of religions is not, IMO, located in perceived similarities between certain teachings - even though similarities may, under some circumstances, be observed. It is situated in the dependence on God's Covenant or Will of *everything* which is revealed (both eternal and social). Throu! gh that dependence, an individual can demonstrate the unity of religions in her own life.
Dear Mark,
Thank you for a very succinct description of what it would have taken me a thousand words to say.
The apparent changes from dispensation to dispensation are because God WILLS the change, not because we are "more advanced now". Of course civilization and society are more advanced - its because God wills it and man cannot obstruct the unfoldment of God's will (try though he may).
Regards,
Scott
Arnold J. Toynbee
