Dear David, Your question regarding how to distinguish a "work of art", from that which is not, is one which has intrigued the Western mind for many a year.
"Every religion has brought with it some form of art -- let us see what wonders this Cause is going to bring along. Such a glorious spirit should also give vent to a glorious art." From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer. (Compilations, The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith) Regarding the photograph of Baha'u'llah: "There is no objection that the believers look at the picture of Bah�'u'll�h, but they should do so with the utmost reverence, and should also not allow that it be exposed openly to the public, even in their private homes." (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, December 6, 1939) Richard. ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Friedman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Baha'i Studies" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 6:27 PM Subject: Re: The crucifixion > >Your understanding that the portrayal of the B�b and Bah�'u'll�h in works > >of > >art is forbidden, is correct. The Guardian made it clear that this > >prohibition refers to all Manifestations of God; > >From a letter by the Universal House of Justice, December 3, 1972. > > (Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 539) > > Hmm. Wouldn't the paintings of Baha'u'llah and the Bab at the World Centre > constitute "works of art?" If they don't, what exactly is a work of art? > Are we not supposed to be seeing those paintings? Did the Guardian allow > pilgrim's to see them? > > David > > _________________________________________________________________ > There's never been a better time to get Xtra JetStream @ > http://xtra.co.nz/jetstream > > > __________________________________________________ > You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Baha'i Studies is available through the following: > Mail - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Web - http://list.jccc.edu/read/?forum=bahai-st > News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st > Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist > Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] > New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] > __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Web - http://list.jccc.edu/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
