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| | | | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_laws On this page we find "Bahá'u'lláh stated that the observance of the laws that he prescribed should be subject to "tact and wisdom", and that they do not cause "disturbance and dissension." [1][2] Bahá'u'lláh thus provided for the progressive application of his laws; for example certain Bahá'í laws are only applicable to Middle Eastern Bahá'ís such as the limit to the period of
engagement, while any Bahá'í may practice the laws if they so decide. Other Bahá'í laws such as the prohibition to drink alcohol have also been applied gradually in countries where it goes against social norms, and for which most Bahá'ís are new to the religion. Shoghi Effendi also stated that certain other laws, such as criminal laws, that are dependent upon the existence of a predominantly Bahá'í society would only be applicable in a possible future Bahá'í society. He also stated that if the laws were in conflict with the civil law of the country where a Bahá'í lives the laws could not be practiced. [1] Furthermore some laws and teachings are, according to Bahá'í teaching, not meant to be applied at the present time and their application depends on decisions by the Universal House of Justice."
What does social mores mean? I have a minor in sociology and have studied several cultures and do not find that social mores are really a strong arguement. Well, before I became a Baha'i I was an introvert who cared nothing for social mores, anyways but isn't the definition of social mores is that if you break them there is no punishment and if you follow them there is no reward, possibly only a reflection of your opinion of social mores in the first place!
Every translation book (like Lonely Planet for instance) has a translation for the phrase "That goes against my beliefs" or "That goes against my religion"!
It gives the example of not drinking alcohol being against the social mores of some countries. What countries?
Wouldn't it just be easiest for a Baha'i to explain Baha'i laws to everyone they interact with before it even becomes a future potential issue?
There are several other examples one can make! How does a Baha'i keep their hair between not bald and not longer than the lobe of their ear? What percentage does a Baha'i pay for a Baha'i zakat? etc... | | |
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