The Baha'i Studies Listserv I just added the following to one of my books:
Finally, for this chapter, historical statements should, I believe, be clearly distinguished from those which are theological or scriptural. Both the Resurrection and Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ are recorded in the New Testament texts. They are, however, theological, traditional, or scriptural accounts, not historical. There is no historical evidence for these events, like the majority of others, which have been recorded in the Biblical manuscripts. Accepting the truth or “established fact” of various doctrines, on a theological level or based upon religious authority, is not the same as confusing them with carefully documented histories:
First regarding the birth of Jesus Christ. In light of what Baháʾuʾlláh and ʿAbduʾl-Bahá have stated concerning this subject it is evident that Jesus came into this world through the direct intervention of the Holy Spirit, and that consequently His birth was quite miraculous. This is an established fact, and the friends need not feel at all surprised, as the belief in the possibility of miracles has never been rejected in the Teachings. Their importance, however, has been minimized. From a letter dated December 31, 1937, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual Baháʾí, Lights of Guidance: A Baháʾí Reference File. Number 1637.
... the meaning of Christ’s resurrection is as follows: the disciples were troubled and agitated after the martyrdom of Christ. The Reality of Christ, which signifies His teachings, His bounties, His perfections and His spiritual power, was hidden and concealed for two or three days after His martyrdom, and was not resplendent and manifest. No, rather it was lost, for the believers were few in number and were troubled and agitated. The Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body; and when after three days the disciples became assured and steadfast, and began to serve the Cause of Christ, and resolved to spread the divine teachings, putting His counsels into practice, and arising to serve Him, the Reality of Christ became resplendent and His bounty appeared; His religion found life; His teachings and His admonitions became evident and visible. In other words, the Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body until the life and the bounty of the Holy Spirit surrounded it.
ʿAbduʾl-Bahá, Some Answered Questions. Page 49. http://heartfulness.bahaifaith.info/ --- :) Mark A. Foster, Ph.D., sociologist 29 domains: http://markfoster.net Two books: http://bahaifaith.info Clinical: http://fosterservices.com __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[email protected] Unsubscribe: send a blank email to mailto:leave-624312-27401.54f46e81b66496c9909bcdc2f7987...@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]
