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http://www.scribd.com/doc/21023921/An-Introduction-to-Bahai-Law Udo Shaefer implies Baha'i law mandates that it becomes the law of the land. He is emphatic on sexual laws. He says that the fines on illegal sex even between consenting heterosexual adults will cause legally imposed fines. Other worse sex: homosexulaity, pederasty, etc. will have heavier fines, imprisonment, and even the death penalty. ________________________________ From: Sen & Sonja <[email protected]> To: Stephen Gray <[email protected]>; Baha'i Studies <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, November 29, 2010 11:39:20 AM Subject: Re: Grave Influence On 29 Nov 2010 at 8:17, Stephen Gray wrote: > Social conservatism is a political or moral ideology that believes that > government has a role in encouraging or enforcing what they consider > traditional values or behaviors. ... Is the Baha'i Faith socially > liberal on abortion? embryonic stem cell research? human enhancement? > same-sex marriage? same-sex adoption? secularism in gov't and soiety? > drugs? prostitution? pre-marital sex? extra-marital sex? euthanasia? > pornography?. There are very few issues on which the Bahai teachings say that government should, or should not, play a role. Bahais, for example, do not drink alcohol. But the Bahai writings do not say whether governments should suppress or control the use of alcohol in society. Two item in your list that are discussed in the Bahai writings are drugs, and secularism in government. As for opium, Abdu'l-Baha writes: In this, the cycle of Almighty God, violence and force, constraint and oppression, are one and all condemned. It is, however, mandatory that the use of opium be prevented by any means whatsoever, that perchance the human race may be delivered from this most powerful of plagues. And otherwise, woe and misery to whoso falleth short of his duty to his Lord. (quoted in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 238) As I understand it, this comes under the heading of the duty of governments to provide for security, using force where necessary. This is in addition to the religious prohibition on Bahais using mind- altering substances except for medical purposes. As for secularism in government, Abdu'l-Baha says, "[To insure] freedom of conscience and tranquility of heart and soul is one of the duties and functions of government,.." "what need that the government should persecute this one or that one, or disturb itself about the ideas and consciences of its subjects and people? All are the subjects of the king, and are under the shadow of the royal protection. (Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveller's Narrative, 97-90) "... when they removed these differences, persecution, and bigotries out of their midst, and proclaimed the equal rights of all subjects and the liberty of men's consciences, the lights of glory and power arose and shone from the horizons of that kingdom in such wise that those countries made progress in every direction; and whereas the mightiest monarchy of Europe had been servile to and abased before the smallest government of Asia, now the great states of Asia are unable to oppose the small states of Europe. These are effectual and sufficient proofs that the conscience of man is sacred and to be respected; and that liberty thereof produces widening of ideas, amendment of morals, improvement of conduct, disclosure of the secrets of creation, and manifestation of the hidden verities of the contingent world." (Abdu'l-Baha, A Traveller's Narrative, p. 91) and Baha'ullah writes, in the Lawh-e Ashraf, (Gleanings, CII): The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath ever regarded, and will continue to regard, the hearts of men as His own, His exclusive possession. All else, whether pertaining to land or sea, whether riches or glory, He hath bequeathed unto the Kings and rulers of the earth. From the beginning that hath no beginning the ensign proclaiming the words "He doeth whatsoever He willeth" hath been unfurled in all its splendor before His Manifestation. And in the Surah-ye Bayan, (Gleanings CXXVIII): Out of the whole world He hath chosen for Himself the hearts of men - hearts which the hosts of revelation and of utterance can subdue. Thus hath it been ordained by the Fingers of Baha, upon the Tablet of God´s irrevocable decree, by the behest of Him Who is the Supreme Ordainer, the All-Knowing. It is precisely because of this principle, that one would not expect to find in the Bahai teachings any detailed statements about what policies, or taxes, governments should follow. However there are more general statements about the ethics and goals of government, and in particular an advocacy of the involvement of the various religious communities in the process of governance (but not in government). Baha´u'llah writes: "O people of God! Give ear unto that which, if heeded, will ensure the freedom, well-being, tranquillity, exaltation and advancement of all men. Certain laws and principles are necessary and indispensable for Persia. However, it is fitting that these measures should be adopted in conformity with the considered views of His Majesty ... and of the learned divines and of the high-ranking rulers. Subject to their approval a place should be fixed where they would meet. There they should hold fast to the cord of consultation and adopt and enforce that which is conducive to the security, prosperity, wealth and tranquillity of the people. For were any measure other than this to be adopted, it could not but result in chaos and commotion. (Tablets of Baha´u'llah, 92) -- "The purpose of religion [in general, not one particular one!] ... is to establish unity and concord amongst the peoples of the world; make it not the cause of dissension and strife. The religion of God and His divine law are the most potent instruments and the surest of all means for the dawning of the light of unity amongst men. The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquillity of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. ... It behoveth the chiefs and rulers of the world, and in particular the Trustees of God´s House of Justice [i.e., the leaders of the Bahai community], to endeavour to the utmost of their power to safeguard its [religion's] position, promote its interests and exalt its station in the eyes of the world." (Tablets of Baha´u'llah, 129) -- Abdu´l-Baha writes: "Universal benefits derive from the grace of the Divine religions, [note the plural] for they lead their true followers to sincerity of intent, to high purpose, to purity and spotless honor, to surpassing kindness and compassion, to the keeping of their covenants when they have covenanted, to concern for the rights of others, to liberality, to justice in every aspect of life, to humanity and philanthropy, to valor and to unflagging efforts in the service of mankind. It is religion, to sum up, which produces all human virtues, and it is these virtues which are the bright candles of civilization." (The Secret of Divine Civilization, 98) ---- Sen ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Sen McGlinn http://senmcglinn.wordpress.com Happy are those who spend their days in gaining knowledge, in discovering the secrets of nature, and in penetrating the subtleties of pure truth! Woe to those who are contented with ignorance, whose hearts are gladdened by thoughtless imitation, ... who have wasted their lives!"(~Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions p.137) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -- __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[email protected] Unsubscribe: send a blank email to mailto:leave-542489-27401.54f46e81b66496c9909bcdc2f7987...@list.jccc.edu Subscribe: send subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [email protected] Or subscribe: http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=bahai-st Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:[email protected] Web - http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/?forum=bahai-st News (on-campus only) - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
