I have heard Dr. Arbab make remarks to this effect, however I think it was Paul Lample who persuaded the NSA not to offer an alternative to Ruhi as they had originally tried to do and even developed the materials for.
Paul is very aware of the tendency for the American community to become gemicky.....he seeks a sustained process. Let's start out by focusing on one set of materials; after we have mastered that, then we move on. I know there is more to his thinking than simply Ruhi.
"This one has never seen on this list a condemnation of the Comprehensive Deepening Materials (US in the 70s), which were produced by NSA member Dan Jordan."
Yeah, I think the difference is that people didn't feel that the Comprehensive Deepening Program was being imposed on them the same way Ruhi is. It was simply made available and the friends could take it or leave it.
I have never felt that Ruhi has been "imposed" upon me....only that a process has been encouraged.
"Friends, while we are on the subject, Ruhi is about a PROCESS, not about specific MATERIALS. It is about developing human resources in a systematic manner."
I think it would be more precise to say that Study Circles are about a
Process. Ruhi represents certain materials designed to further that process.
Ah! Susan. Look at my words....I said "Ruhi is ABOUT process," not that it IS the process.
But I would agree with you that we should not suggest things that tarnish the reputation of faithful servants of the Cause. There is no reason to think anyone is promoting Ruhi for any other reason than they believe it would serve the best interests of the Faith.
Susan, this is one point that concerns me: internet lists have, at times, raised eyebrows precisely because someone makes a comment that is derrogatory about an institution or individuals on an institution. IMO, to make such a comment is never acceptable. The internet, however, seems to breed it and that, I feel, turns the stomach of many.
I purposefully didn't look at the name of the person who made that statement, because I don't want to bias my view on things they may say in the future, but this is an issue (Paul Lample) where I have personal experience and, I know, the implications are totally unjustified.
James
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