Susan, I've gone back and looked at all of those passages you posted referring to elucidation. I then reread:
"It is incumbent upon these members (of the Universal House of Justice) to gather in a certain place and deliberate upon all problems which have caused difference, questions that are obscure and matters that are not expressly recorded in the Book. Whatsoever they decide has the same effect as the Text itself." It seems to me that the difference between the Guardian's interpretations and the House's elucidations may be between determining the meaning of the Sacred Texts and applying both the Texts and their interpretations in order to resolve obscure matters and "all problems which have caused difference." From that standpoint, all of the passages you posted (Christ's Resurrection, the authority of the Bible, and gender equality) and the House's view of the Unity of Nations, might qualify as elucidations. I think I can basically understand what the House believes it is doing, and certainly its approach, given the absence of a Guardian, is utilitarian. However, I would like to read more about its justifications. In any event, it would appear as though the House understands "legislation" even more broadly than I did. It would include, not only praxis, but legislating on, or resolving, *all* matters, including doctrinal ones, which cause difference. Regards, Mark A. Foster � http://markfoster.net � [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Sacred cows make the tastiest hamburger." ---- Abbie Hoffman __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[email protected] To unsubscribe, send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, use subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [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]
