Susan asked that I share the attached note and invite discussion of points
raised by Peter Khan.
Regards, ahang.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ahang Rabbani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2003 12:09 AM
Subject: FW: Recent Talk in Sydney Australia by Dr Peter Khan. Notes
byCounsellorStephen Hall
This message comes to you from the translation list:
Friends,
Stephen Hall, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors, has given
permission for this message to be freely shared.
Regards,
ahang.
------ Forwarded Message
From: .....
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2003 06:20:02 +1300
To: ....
Subject: Recent Talk in Sydney Australia by Dr Peter Khan. Notes by
Counsellor Stephen Hall
Dear ...
Based on a quick glance this is the report as I wrote [it]. I ran the
report by Dr Khan who did not have any reservations about its accuracy or
it
being shared amongst the friends. Therefore please feel free to share it.
Warmest Baha'i love
Stephen [Hall]
***************************************************************************
Notes taken by member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for
Australasia Stephen Hall
***************************************************************************
Some Key Points from a Recent Talk by Dr Peter Khan
Member of the Universal House of Justice
Sydney Baha�i Centre
Sunday 9 December 2003
At the outset, as well as a number of times during his talk, Dr Khan
emphasized that he was sharing his individual thoughts and perspectives.
The focus of Dr Khan�s talk was on the needs of the Baha�i community in
these times of great organic change for the Faith. Correspondingly he
spoke
about the concern for those believers who are not receptive to change and
seemingly want the Faith to continue to function as it did in the past.
He clearly dispelled the myth that the changes that the Five Year Plan had
brought represented principles that did not previously exist in the Faith.
To the contrary Dr Khan illustrated how the process of clustering, for
example, emulated the approach launched by the Guardian in the Ten Year
Crusade. He also explained how cluster reflection meetings are another
manifestation of Baha�u�llah�s ordinance that we ?bring ourselves to
account
each day�.
In particular Dr Khan identified the need for Baha�is to acquire a deeper
understanding of what we are doing and need to do as a Baha�i community in
relation to resolving the problems of the world. The challenge is to see
how building a new World Order relates to the current problems of the
world.
If we fail to do this observers of the Faith will see us as just another
religion trying to win adherents.
First is the need to understand what the predominant problems of the world
are and Dr Khan identified the following as amongst the key issues in his
estimation:
1. Governance
People the world over have become unresponsive and even alienated from
their
respective governments. They are literally taking to the streets to
overturn governments.
2. Turmoil between Countries
There is a resurgence of nationalism resulting in an increasing number of
border disputes and huge tensions over displaced minority groups. In
general other countries are disinterested as long as they are not affected.
3. Religious Disputes
The doubters and opponents of religion who anticipated that it would fade
away to nothing in a secular system have been proven wrong. Terrorism,
fanatical indoctrination of children and denial of the rights of women are
amongst a number of indications of religious issues and disputes that are
paralyzing the global community.
4. Social Problems
Increased violence, the spread of AIDs - which has resulted in populations
that are virtually ?adultless�, drug trafficking, terrorism and corruption
of legal forces and the media are amongst the social problems that beset
humankind.
Critical Question: What are Baha�is doing in response to these problems?
Whilst others in society are endeavouring to resolve these problems through
material means, that at best can only address issues at a symptomatic
rather
than causational level, our role as Baha�is is to address the problems at a
spiritual level.
It is important to remember that the failure of humanity to recognize
Baha�u�llah is the root cause of these manifest problems. We can certainly
and should work together with like-minded people and organizations that are
endeavouring to address these problems but our role is to breathe spiritua
lity � the spirit of the Faith of Baha�u�llah � into these efforts.
Dr Khan identified four areas in particular that he felt the Baha�i
community, complementary to its focus on the core lines of action, could
contribute to the spiritual and social rehabilitation of western society �
that is, in countries like Australia. These would typically take the form
of social and development projects and include:
1. Building Successful Marriages
With the dramatic breakdown of marriages in western society there is a need
and an opportunity for us to share the powerful teachings of the Faith
about
marriage and that address such aspects as equality, decision making and
working together for noble goals.
2. Good Values for Children
Parents and society in general are desperate to find a coherent set of
spiritual values to teach children that are devoid of fanaticism. The
Faith
has the teachings and the approach that meet this need.
3. Safe Place for Social Interaction
The Baha�i community has the experience, the skills and the resources to
provide a safe, value-based setting for social activities that is open to
diversity and is inclusive.
4. Guidance to Those Seeking Meaning in Life
So many people are simply dropping out of society � prevalent amongst 30
-40
year olds in particular. We again have the Writings and are developing the
skills to be able to assist our fellow human�beings to discover their true
self and to find meaning in life.
Dr Khan emphasized the mysterious power of the Creative Word of God which
provides limitless insights and knowledge, particularly where achieved
through action, and that in turn reinforces belief.
In taking these steps to reach out to the wider community Dr Khan
emphasized
that we need to proceed with the confidence that this is what God wants us
to do.
END.
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