Bahai Discussion/Apologetics

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The chapter opens with satanic forces of deception being ‘bound’ for a thousand years, that is, the ‘Millennium.’ But we are warned that, afterwards, these negative forces will be loosed once again for a ‘little season.’
The power of spiritual dominion during the thousand years is to be given to those ‘sitting on thrones,’ that is, to the Baha’i Universal House of Justice. The ‘psyches’ of the righteous of the Piscean Age are to be ‘resurrected’ and will reign with the Anointed One, Baha’u’llah, during that thousand years.
The remaining ‘psyches’ will not become ‘resurrected’ until the end of the thousand years.
After the thousand years, the satanic forces of deception will, once again, be loosed into the world. Another great ‘war’ is forecast, this time waged by the evil forces of ‘Gog and Magog’ against the ‘camp of the saints’ [Mount Carmel?] and the ‘beloved city’ [Haifa or Jerusalem?]. But ‘fire from God’ [another Manifestation?] will overpower the satanic forces of Gog and Magog. The ‘Deceiver’ and the guilty are to be judged and cast into the ‘lake of fire’ by One sitting on a ‘great white throne’ [Baha’u’llah or the next Manifestation?].
We recall that in a letter to the Leo-Aquarian Jews (the Church of ‘Smyrna’), verse 2:11, those Jews who are able to overcome the false teachings within their Faith will be able to avoid the ‘second death.’ Their ‘first death’ followed from their rejection of the healing Message of Jesus. As a consequence, their Temple was destroyed, Jerusalem became a desolate ruin, and they were sent into a world-wide exile that lasted for almost two-millennia. The ‘Exile’ itself has become their religion, in which they cling to the hope of a ‘Messiah,’ presumably a genetic descendant of David {2}, who will come to restore their kingdom and the glory of ancient days. Their religion has become a ‘dead’ religion of tradition, without ‘spirit.’
SATAN BOUND A THOUSAND YEARS:
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. -Rev 20:1-3
Following the triumph of Baha’u’llah, the forces of negation and deception will be held in check for a thousand years, the ‘Millennium.’ But, for a brief time following the thousand years, satanic forces will once again be released into the world of man.
JUDGEMENT AND THE FIRST RESURRECTION:
And I saw thrones, and they that sat on them, and judgment was given unto them; and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they reigned with Christ a thousand years. -Rev 20:4
The power of spiritual dominion will be given to the Baha’i Universal House of Justice who sit on nine THRONES {16} during the Millennium. The ‘souls’ of the righteous will be ‘resurrected’ and will reign with the Anointed One for the duration of the Millennium. Among those souls will be the martyrs of Jesus, and of those who died for the Word of God from every Divinely revealed Faith, and even those true Muslims who voted with their feet to avoid paying the taxes that kept the ‘beast’ alive during the Piscean Age.
The ‘resurrection’ will be of ‘souls’ (Greek ‘psyche’), not of ‘bodies.’ The meaning of this is that the heavenly attributes and virtues of the saintly and righteous of former Dispensations will become re-manifested among those reigning with the Anointed One.
“… 'In very truth I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit. Flesh can give birth only to flesh; it is spirit that gives birth to spirit …” “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. … This is the bread which came down from heaven; it is not like the bread which our father’s ate; they are dead, but whoever eats this bread will live for ever.” -REB: John 3:5-6, 6:54-58

 

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"… Even as Jesus said: ‘Ye must be born again.’{3} Again He saith, ‘Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’ The purport of these words is that whosoever in every dispensation {4} is born of the Spirit and is quickened by the breath of the Manifestation of Holiness, he verily is of those that have attained ‘life’ and ‘resurrection’ and have entered the ‘paradise’ of the love of God. And whosoever is not of them, is condemned to ‘death’ and ‘deprivation,’ to the ‘fire’ of unbelief, and to the ‘wrath’ of God. In all scriptures, the books and chronicles, the sentence of death, of fire, of blindness, of want of understanding and hearing, hath been pronounced against those whose lips have tasted not the etherial cup of true knowledge, and whose hearts have been deprived of the grace of the Holy Spirit in their day. Even as it hath been previously recorded: ‘Hearts have they with which they understand not.’ " -BH {5}
“He (Jesus) said, ‘If any man eat this bread, he shall live forever.’ That is to say whosoever assimilates these divine perfections which are within me will never die; whosoever has a share and partakes of these heavenly bounties I embody will find eternal life; he who takes unto himself these divine lights shall find life everlasting.’ How manifest the meaning is! How evident! For the soul which acquires divine perfections and seeks heavenly illumination from the teachings of Christ will undoubtedly live eternally. This is one of the mysteries of sacrifice.” -AB {7}
THE SECOND DEATH:
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath a part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. -Rev 20:5-6
John learns that many ‘psyches’ will not be re-manifested in the First Resurrection. Those righteous psyches who are re-manifested will reign as ‘priests’ with the Anointed One (Baha’u’llah) for the duration of the Millennium.
Apparently there will be many who do not accept the Revelation of Baha’u’llah. These will be excluded from the New Jerusalem that will ‘come down from God out of heaven’ in the next chapter.
SATAN RELEASED AGAIN; GOG AND MAGOG:
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison. 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: and the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. -Rev 20:7-8
[REB: 7-8 When the thousand years are ended, Satan will be let loose from his prison, and he will come out to seduce the nations in the four quarters of the earth. He will muster them for war, the hosts of Gog and Magog, countless as the sands of the sea.]
The enigmatic forces of Gog and Magog that are the subject of Ezekiel {6} are introduced. Just exactly who these names represent has been the subject of much speculation and debate. Such speculation is fruitless, since the events prophesied in these and following verses are to transpire a thousand years from now, and prophecies are only helpful in elucidating the past, not in predicting the future. A few points will be stressed that are evident from these verses and other sources:
The forces are to be very numerous and will come from a wide region, perhaps the whole earth.
At least a thousand years will have elapsed from the Revelation of Baha’u’llah. Ezekiel {8} informs us that Israel will have been restored and at peace for a long time.
The object of the invasion will be to take spoils. {9} The invasion will fail through divine agency. {10}
Those are the salient points regarding Gog and Magog that can be gleaned from the biblical texts. But there are other points to be found in the Qur’an regarding Gog and Magog:
Their forces will “hasten from every high land.” {11}
A Figure (code-named?) “Dhoulkarnain” (literally ‘The two-horned’) will be given power by God to lead forces against Gog and Magog. {12}

 

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SATAN BOUND A SECOND TIME:
9 And they went up to the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever. -Rev 20:9-10
[REB: 9 They marched over the breadth of the land and laid siege to the camp of God’s people and the city that he loves. But fire came down on them from heaven and consumed them.]
These are necessarily pure speculations: The ‘camp of God’s people’ may allude to the Baha’i World Center on Mount Carmel. The ‘city that He loves’ could be Jerusalem; then again it could be Haifa, or some other city that will be loved by God during the Millennium of Peace.
The ‘fire from heaven’ correlates with Ezekiel {13} and the Qur’an {14}. The meaning is ambiguous, and it could mean the fiery words of a prophet or of another Manifestation of God. We shall have to wait and see.
THE GREAT WHITE THRONE:
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. -Rev 20:11
Again the words are ambiguous, probably by design. Is the One sitting on the throne Baha’u’llah, or is he/she the Manifestation who will follow Baha’u’llah? {15}
No ‘place’ for whom? The answer is found in verse 14- “Hades and Death.” After the Millennium, the Dragon is to be captured and imprisoned for a second time, and finally cast into the “lake of fire” where the beast and the false prophet are already bound.
Some may be disappointed that the next thousand years is not an ‘open book.’ If it were so, there would be no test from heaven ‘about the weight of a talent’ for the next spiritual generation.
THE SECOND DEATH:
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. -Rev 20:12-14
[REB: 14 Then Death and Hades were flung into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death; ]
The ‘second death’ is the ‘lake’ of spiritual torment and unbelief. The sea of humanity is to be judged according to their deeds in the Balance of the Word of God.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. -Rev 20:15

 

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Regarding Catholic_dude: I have red your messege…which says I have hand-picked verses (so what would I do?..write the Bible here?.. its filled with prophecies!..and all I can discusss. But as you are determined only to reject, whatever comes…it is of no use to speak to the one who doesnt hear! Taking everything literally is you! After all the explanations!).

About the ‘Church’ you are speaking of, let me tell you that there are 20,780 Distinct Religious Denominations in Christianity, each with their own beliefs, against each other. NO SECT IS PRESENT IN THE BAHA’I FAITH.

Also let me tell you that Truth is not what the Priest says (as we can see from the past, and by Jesus Himself, in Matthew23), but in the prophecy and its spiritual meanings (which are not literal).

However, for you is this best readable. And if you want to know more, contact your nearest Baha’i house. <www.bahai.org.us>
That is, if you have any wish you know TRUTH.

WOULD YOU HAVE RECOGNISED JESUS?
Two thousand years ago people began to excitedly announce: “We have found the Messiah!- the very person Moses and the prophets told us about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth!” “Nazareth”?! came a skeptical reply, “Can anything good come from there?”
“Just come and see for yourself…” -John 1:45 (Living Bible-Catholic Edition)
Imagine the excitment that this news must have generated as it spread across the land. Have you heard, “We have found the Messiah”! He’s finally come! Imagine the hope that people would have felt. “Oh God, please let it be true.” Others may have wondered… how can a low-born, uneducated carpenter from Nazareth, of all places, be the Messiah?
Where would people back then have gone to try to find out whether this claim was true or not? They probably would have gone to their local clergyman. They would have asked their rabbi: “Rabbi, has the Messiah come?” Is “Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth” the Messiah?
How did the Jewish religious leaders respond to such questions? Most laughed at the very suggestion that a person like Jesus could possibly ever be the Messiah. You can imagine the questions that they would have scornfully asked in reply. “If Jesus is the Messiah… then explain to us why we haven’t seen any of our Messianic prophecies fulfilled yet?” “Our prophecies explicitly state that the real Messiah will be a king who sits upon the throne of David.” “Our Messiah will destroy the enemies of Israel.” “Our Messiah will abolish war forever.” “Our Messiah will restore prosperity to Israel.” "And even more explicitly, the rabbis knew that the appearance of the real Messiah will be heralded by the return of the Prophet Elijah from heaven. The rabbis probably would have asked sarcastically… “has anyone here seen Elijah come sailing down from heaven in a chariot of fire yet?” Nope! No one had. Jesus did not outwardly fulfill any of the rabbi’s messianic expectations. That’s why they would have had absolutely no doubt that Jesus of Nazareth could not possibly have been the Messiah.
There was only one problem with these conclusions. They were dead wrong. Jesus truly was the Messiah. Jesus truly was the one whose coming had been expected for centuries. But the Jewish religious experts couldn’t see this. Why not? What had the rabbis missed? Was there something that they had overlooked? Let’s take a closer look. “Just come and see for yourself…”

 

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Let’s begin by taking a look at this story from the rabbi’s perspective. Put yourself in their place. If you could have been there two thousand years ago… do you think that you would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah? Most Christians today like to think that somehow they would have. But how realistic is this? What were people back then actually expecting to see when their Messiah finally did appear? And then ask yourself this question… how closely did Jesus actually fit these expectations? To get a better understanding of what people back then would have been looking for… let’s begin by taking a look at how the people of Jesus’ own home town reacted when he first told them that he was the Messiah.
This great announcement was made in the same small synagogue that Jesus had attended year after year as he was growing up as a child in Nazareth. Jesus had come home to make this announcement. Jesus probably knew most of the people who were there that day. In fact, it’s probable that many of these people were his oldest and closest friends.
The New Testament account tells us what happened that day. It begins, as “…he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him…” Jesus read a passage where Isaiah foretold the coming of the “anointed” one. (In the original Greek, the word “anointed” is ‘Christ’) As Jesus sat down he turned to speak to the assembled crowd. The quote continues, "…The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened upon him, and he said to them ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’ "
Can you see what Jesus had just done? Jesus had just announced that he was the Messiah!
Can you imagine the awe that these people must have felt when they heard this stupendous proclamation? The Jewish people had been yearning for the coming of their Messiah for hundreds of years… and now, there he was, standing right in front of them! How did the people of Nazareth respond to this announcement? Were there tears of joy? Were there shouts of thanksgiving? Did people fall to their knees in gratitude that they had lived to see the coming of the Messiah? The answer is NO. None of these things happened.
Instead, we are told that “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.”-Luke 4:16-28 (CATHOLIC DOUAY BIBLE)
Notice that the people of Jesus’ own home town didn’t even consider the possibility that his claim might be true. Instead, they immediately sought to kill him. Why? What could have been the reason for their violent reaction? Why would Jesus’ own friends and neighbors have treated him like this?
To get a better understanding of why these people responded this way to Jesus’ claim… try putting yourself in their place. Ask yourself, if you HAD been there, two thousand years ago, do you imagine that you would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah… or, like most of the people who actually did meet him, would you have rejected him too? What would you actually have been expecting to see when the Messiah finally did appear?
MESSIANIC EXPECTATIONS
Many Christian books have been written in an attempt to explain what the Jews of two thousand years ago actually WOULD have been expecting to see whan the Messiah appeared… and most try to show how Jesus fulfilled these expectations.
One of the most popular of these kind of commentaries is Josh McDowell’s best selling book “Evidence That Demands a Verdict”. Josh McDowell is a modern Christian scholar who is well respected as an expert on Bible prophecy. In “Evidence That Demands a Verdict” he lists a large number of Old Testament prophecies which, in his opinion, offer a clear picture of what the average Jewish person in first century Israel would have been expecting to see when the Messiah appeared.
In the introduction of this book Josh McDowell states: “The Old Testament, written over a 1,000 year period, contains several hundred references to the coming Messiah. All of these were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and they establish a solid confirmation of His credentials as the Messiah.” (p. 141) Let’s take a closer look at a few of these prophecies to see what they actually say.
One of the more famous Messianic prophecies that Josh McDowell cites is from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah. Every Christmas we can hear this passage recited in churches all over the world:
“Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”-Isaiah 7:14 (p.145)

 

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For the sake of discussion, let’s assume that Jesus’ mother actually was a virgin when he was born. There’s no way that anyone could ever verify whether she was or not… so, for now, let’s just assume that she was. Still, this leaves us with the other part of this prophecy… “She will call His name Immanuel.” Was Jesus’ name Immanuel? No. How then is this prophecy a proof that Jesus was the Messiah? This prophecy continues by stating that Emmanuel will establish a “government” which will usher in an era of “Peace” in which people shall not “learn war any more.” (see Isaiah 9:6 & 2:4) Did Jesus do ANY of these things? He did not.
Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT trying to prove that Jesus was not the Messiah. I’d be the first one to freely admit that he was. But, for a prophecy to be of value… shouldn’t it be somewhat verifiable? Shouldn’t people be able to recognize its fulfillment?
Mr. McDowell continues by next quoting several prophecies which share a common theme. He cites the Book of Numbers 24:17—
“A star shall come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel, and crush Moab, and tear down all the sons of Sheth.” (p. 147) Then he quotes Jeremiah 23:5—
"‘Behold the days are coming.’ declares the Lord, ’ when I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king…’ " (p. 149) Josh next quotes one of the other Christmas favorites:
“But as for you, Bethlehem… from you will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.”-Micah 5:2 (p. 149)
This is more like it. Can you see the kingly theme that connects these prophecies? The Messiah “will reign as king” and he will “be ruler in Israel.” Josh McDowell continues by quoting Isaiah again:
“The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king.”-Isaiah 33:22 (p. 153) He quotes Psalms 2:6—
“But as for me, I have installed my King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” (p. 154) He quotes Zechariah 9:9—
“Shout in triumph, O daughter in Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming.” (p. 156) And finally Mr. McDowell quotes Psalms 110:1:
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘sit at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for thy feet.’” (p. 151)

These last seven prophecies are extremely specific. The Messiah will be named Immanuel. He will “reign as king”, “judge” and “lawgiver” of Israel. He will be seated both in “Jerusalem” and in “Zion, My holy mountain”. He will “crush Moab, and tear down all the sons of Sheth” and he will “make Thine enemies a footstool for thy feet.”
Once again, ask yourself, did Jesus do any of these things? Not that anyone there could see. What’s beginning to become apparent here, is that identifying Jesus as the Messiah from the description found in the Jewish prophecies was significantly more difficult than most people today seem to realize.
So, ask yourself again… if you had met the gentle carpenter from Galilee, two thousand years ago, would you have recognized him as the fulfillment of these prophecies? How could you? Jesus’ name was not Immanuel. He never did “reign as king” from “Jerusalem”. He never was the “ruler”, “judge” or “lawgiver” of Israel. Jesus never had an earthly kingdom. Jesus did not “crush Moab, and tear down and the sons of Sheth” and he certainly never made “Thine enemies a footstool for thy feet.” Jesus never literally fulfilled any of these Messianic prophecies. In fact, when the Messianic prophecies are viewed literally… it actually is easier to prove that Jesus could not have been the Messiah than it is to show that he was. And yet, despite all this apparent evidence to the contrary, Jesus truly was the Messiah.
Josh McDowell was right. These prophecies probably were an accurate representation of first century Jewish Messianic expectations. But, if Jesus didn’t literally fulfill the Messianic prophecies… that is, if he didn’t fulfill the prophecies in a way that could be seen and verified, then how could anyone be expected to recognize him as their fulfillment?
This certainly does seem to present a problem, especially when we consider these prophecies in conjunction with the Old Testament “return of Elijah” prophecy. Despite the fact that the “return of Elijah” prophecy was probably more important than all of the other prophecies combined… for some reason, Josh McDowell doesn’t mention it in his book.
“CHRIST… HAS NO POWER UNTIL ELIJAH COMES”
Here’s the story of the return of Elijah prophecy. The rabbis of two thousand years ago knew, without a doubt, that when they saw the fulfillment of this one prophecy… then and only then could they be absolutely certain that the Messianic era had begun. This one prophecy, more than any other, proved to be so significant that it actually became one of the primary reasons why the Jewish people rejected Jesus as their Messiah.

 

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The story of how this prophecy was fulfilled can found in two separate places in the New Testament accounts. However, one of the other early, non-Biblical, Christian books provides us with what is probably the most graphic example illustrating the significance of this prophecy.
This account is found in the writings of Justin Martyr, who is recognized as one of the founding fathers of Christianity. In “Eerdman’s Handbook to the History of Christianity” Justin Martyr is described as “the most notable of the second century [Christian] apologists.” (p. 108)
Justin Martyr, who lived approximately one hundred years after Jesus was crucified, wrote a book titled “The Dialogue with Trypho the Jew”. This book is a record of a discussion between Justin and Trypho- a Jewish rabbi. This “dialogue” begins with Justin telling the rabbi that he believes that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. The following excerpt contains this rabbi’s first argument that he used refute Justin’s claim that Jesus was the Christ.
It reads: “When I (Justin) had said this, [the students who were with the rabbi] laughed; but he smiling, says, 'I approve of your other remarks, and admire the eagerness with which you study divine things; but it were better for you abide in the philosophy of Plato… .”
Justin, before he became a Christian, was formerly a student of Plato and still wore the characteristic flowing robes of a Roman philosopher.
The quote continues: “…It were better for you abide in the philosophy of Plato rather than be deceived by false words, and follow the opinions of people of no reputation… for when you have forsaken God, and reposed confidence in man, what safety still awaits you?”
Now, here’s the important part: “…But Christ- if he has indeed been born, and exists anywhere… has no power until Elijah comes to anoint him, and make him manifest to all. And you, having accepted a groundless report, invent a Christ for yourselves, and for his sake are inconsiderately perishing.” -Ante Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1, p. 198.
In this one short passage, this rabbi reveals exactly what the Jewish religious leaders and the Jewish people of two thousand years ago were actually waiting to see before the Messiah appeared. Trypho argued that Jesus could not possibly have been the Messiah because he knew from the unmistakable text of the prophecy that anyone who claimed to be the Christ before Elijah the Prophet had visibly returned from heaven would have to be a false prophet.

This prophecy was one of the primary reasons why the Jewish people rejected Jesus’ claims to be the Messiah. This prophecy very likely was the reason why the people of Jesus’ own home town tried to kill him. How could Jesus have been the Messiah? Certainly, no one had seen Elijah return from heaven yet.
“I WILL SEND YOU ELIJAH…”
Two thousand years ago, the Jewish people were expecting to see Elijah physically descend from heaven announcing the appearance of God’s Messiah. This expectation comes from explicit statements made in the Bible. And Jesus explains how this prophecy actually was fulfilled.
Here’s the story. According to the Old Testament account, about 850 BC Elijah the Prophet ascended “into heaven”. (see: II Kings 2) Then, about four hundred years later, in 450 BC, the Prophet Malachi promised that Elijah will return from heaven before the Christ appears.
This prophecy reads: “try me in this, says the Lord of Hosts: shall I not open for you the floodgates of heaven, to pour down a blessing upon you without measure… Lo, I will send you Elia (Elijah), the prophet before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day.” -Malachi 3:10-24 (CATHOLIC DOUAY BIBLE)
ELIJAH ALREADY HAS COME
The Jewish religious leaders were well aware of this prophecy. And they had asked the disciples to explain how Jesus could possibly have been the Messiah when it was obvious that Elijah had not yet returned from heaven.
The Apostles couldn’t answer their questions, so they asked Jesus: “Why do the Jewish leaders insist Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?” Jesus answered by first affirming that this question was valid and that this prophecy indeed actually was true. He said: “They are right. Elijah must come and set everything in order… .”
Then he surprised them. Jesus explained: “In fact, he [Elijah] already has come, but he wasn’t recognized, and was badly mistreated by many… Then the disciples realized he was speaking of John the Baptist.” -Matthew 17:10-13 (LIVING BIBLE-CATHOLIC EDITION) (also see: Mark 9:11-13)
Clearly, Jesus taught that this was a true prophecy. But, to the surprise to everyone there, Jesus also claimed that John the Baptist was it’s fulfillment. This explanation was not well received by the Jewish religious leaders. How, they wondered, could John have possibly been the return of Elijah? They knew that Elijah was born eight hundred and fifty years before

 

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John. They believed that Elijah had physically ascended into heaven. And, they believed, that the same Elijah who had disappeared into heaven was, himself, going to return.
How, they argued, could John the Baptist possibly have been the return of Elijah from heaven? John was not named Elijah. John had not descended from heaven… everyone knew that he had been born as a child, just like everyone else. John had a different body, a different personality, different teachings and a different purpose. Nothing about John would indicate that he was Elijah.
The rabbis also might have pointed out that even John himself had said that he was not Elijah. At one point, early in his ministry, John the Baptist was asked whether he was Elijah. He answered that he was not. (see John 1:21) Jesus, however, said that he was. So, who was right?
In what way could John the Baptist have been the return of Elijah? This apparent contradiction can be resolved by a statement made at the beginning of the Gospel of Luke where it explains that John went “on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah.” -Luke 1:17 (KJV) Both John and Jesus were right. Elijah did return from heaven, but the fulfillment of this prophecy had nothing to do with Elijah’s physical body. John was the return of “the spirit and power of Elijah.”
This was not the way that the rabbis were expecting this prophecy to be fulfilled and this certainly was not an explanation that they were willing to accept.
WHAT WERE THE RABBIS EXPECTING?
The rabbis, obviously, thought that they were the greatest experts of Judaism in the entire world at that time. They knew what their prophecies said and they certainly thought they knew what was going to happen when the Messiah finally did appear. As far as they could see none of these prophecies had been fulfilled, Elijah had not returned and there certainly was no visible evidence that the Messiah had come. Nothing had changed. Everything was just as it always had been.
The rabbis did not believe Jesus’ explanation that John the Baptist was the return of Elijah. And why should they? They knew that Elijah was supposed to visibly return from heaven and, as the elect of Judaism, they very likely would have been expecting to be among the very first to welcome him when he actually did return. After all, how could they possibly miss anything as obvious as a Prophet of God floating down from out of the sky?
However, John the Baptist did not come floating down from heaven. Instead, he came into the world in the same way that everyone else had. John had a mother. He had a father. John had been born as a child and had grown up just like everyone else.
This was not what Malachi’s prophecy had promised and this certainly was not what the rabbis had been led to expect. Malachi’s prophecy explicitly says that Elijah himself was going to return… not some other guy. Instead of Elijah personally returning from heaven, what they actually got was John… a dirty looking fellow, who wore a leather loincloth, a camel’s hair robe and who ate locusts for lunch. John the Baptist actually ate grasshoppers! John did not fit any picture that the rabbis might have had of what the spectacular second coming of Elijah was going to be like. Is it any wonder that these Jewish priests found it impossible to even seriously consider the possibility that John the Baptist was the return of Elijah?
Even today, two thousand years later, the Jewish religious experts still await the second coming of Elijah. And every year at the Passover meal, Jewish mothers, in a time honored tradition, still set an extra place at the table for Elijah hoping that this will be the year when he finally returns to join them.
WHAT’S THE POINT?
According to Jesus, this prophecy concerning the return of Elijah from heaven was not fulfilled literally… in a way that most people could easily identify. Instead, it was fulfilled in a way that most people were not prepared to recognize. Elijah did return. But, it was his “spirit and power” which had returned… and not his fleshly body.
This is the hidden, true meaning of the return of the Prophets. In all of recorded history, not one of God’s Messengers, has ever literally, visibly come down from heaven in the flesh. This inner reality of return has been clearly explained many times in the Baha’i writings. For example, in one place it says: “a return is indeed referred to in the Holy Scriptures, but by this is meant the return of the qualities, conditions, effects, perfections, and inner realities of the lights which recur in every dispensation. The reference is not to specific, individual souls and identities.” -Selections from the Writings of `Abdu’l-Baha, page 183

 

[kashef_0909]

Another place in the Baha’i Writings we can read: “In the Divine Scriptures and Holy Books “return” is spoken of, but the ignorant have not understood the meaning… For what the divine Prophets meant by “return” is not the return of the essence, but that of the qualities; it is not the return of the Manifestation, but that of the perfections. In the Gospel it says that John, the son of Zacharias, is Elias (Elijah). These words do not mean the return of the rational soul and personality of Elias in the body of John, but rather that the perfections and qualities of Elias were manifested and appeared in John.” -Some Answered Questions by Abdu’l-Baha, page 288
Considering these facts, ask yourself again… if you had lived 2000 years ago do you imagine that you would have been one of the few who had the insight to correctly interpret these important promises and to recognize Jesus as the Messiah? Chances are, like the disciples of Jesus, you would not have understood how these prophecies had been fulfilled until after they had been explained to you.
Why is the example of this ‘return of Elijah’ prophecy important to us today? Do you understand how Jesus interpreted this prophecy? Have you noticed that all of the other prophecies were also fulfilled in non-literal, spiritual ways?
The same is true of the prophecies that Josh McDowell quotes in his book as proof that Jesus was the Messiah. The Messiah was supposed to be a king. Jesus truly was a king, but his kingdom was not of this world. His was a spiritual kingdom. The Messiah was supposed to be named Immanuel. Jesus was not named Immanuel, however he was the embodiment of the inner meaning of this name… “which means ‘God with us’”. (Matthew 1:23- NIV)
The Messiah was supposed to subdue all the nations of the earth. Jesus did not literally conquer Rome or any other nations. However, over the last two thousand years, he has subdued the hearts of millions of people worldwide. These prophecies were fulfilled, but they were not fulfilled literally or in a way that was easy to identify. They all were fulfilled spiritually.
“BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND”
Christians today look back at the Jews who rejected Jesus and wonder how those people could have been so blind. Even Jesus commented on their lack of insight. He said: “This people draweth nigh unto me (the Messiah) with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men… they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch.” -Matthew 15:14 (KJV) The Jewish clergy had totally misinterpreted the Messianic promises. The clear insight of these so-called experts had become blindness. These “blind leaders of the blind” had led their followers “into the ditch” of misunderstanding and rejection. Because they had denied Jesus as the Messiah… the faith of these people, which originally was true, now was pronounced by Jesus to be “in vain”.
These incorrect interpretations carried a high price. They cost John the Baptist his head and they got Jesus nailed to a cross.
Jesus wanted his followers to understand what had happened in the past so they could avoid repeating these same mistakes. He cautioned Christians to “beware the leaven of the Pharisees”. (see Mt 16: 6&11, Mk 8:15, Lk 12:1)
When questioned, Jesus explained that he wasn’t talking about yeast or about bread. Instead, what he meant by this curious phrase was that the Jewish religious leaders had replaced the “doctrines” of God with the “commandments of men.” And, that through the years, these false interpretations of men had gradually taken the rightful place of the true law of God.
What lessons can we learn from these mistakes of the past? Two thousand years ago the Jews were expecting Elijah to physically return from heaven. Today, we find that Christians are also expecting Jesus to physically descend from heaven. What’s the difference between then and now? Are people today repeating the same mistakes of the past… right now?
Referring to this question, the Baha’i writings explain: “know that the return of Christ for a second time doth not mean what the people believe, but, rather, signifieth the One promised to come after Him…” -Tablets of Abdu’l-Baha, page 138

 

[kashef_0909]

To all: Dont do the same the the Jews did when Christ came first. Its an advise.

However…ur wish.

Below are some astronomical events…which took place right at the time of 1844.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Comet_of_1843

science.nasa.gov/NEWHOME/headlines/ast22jun99_2.htm

britannica.com/eb/article-9079133/Bielas-Comet

time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,884927,00.html?promoid=googlep

And whats more…the appereance and different actions of these comets have close links with the Bahai history. (Your study required).

Miracles Catholic_Dude…are talked about in every Holy Book, by every Manifestation. While the Holy Books of the Krishna is filled with numerous. If you believe your own, you cannot go ahead and say that the others are wrong!.. Mircales are only for the one who sees it, not for the one who doesnt…its a very weak proof. And therefore, its all symbolical.

In one verse, Christ Himself says that he will not perform any Miracle, but the Miracle of Jonah. I will not site this verse, nor will I elaborate. If you really have faith, you will find out.

Have faith…study… dont torch your eyes and deafen your ears…before the light comes in…the the Holy Words are ushered. Because then it will be of no use…and you will only end up refusing everything put towards you…no matter how much sense they make!

Bye now… from here on…go and study in the right places. The Massage has been given… Now you cannot say to God ‘I didnt know…’

See ya!..

(READ MY POSTS…I CARRIED ALL YOUR ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR POSTS YOU GIVE ALL THE TIME AFTER THIS…OR THOSE WHICH LAY TO BE CONTINUED BY YOU…)

 

[kashef_0909]

I do not see Ba’hai as being any threat to Christianity. They have a good system of ethics. They do not aggressively prostelytize. They do not persecute others for their beliefs. They recognize the teachings of Jesus. They recognize truth in ALL religions. Harmless, and perhaps a path to Christianity for Muslims.

A path towards salvation for WHOSOEVER turns to it. And those who dont want to turn to it… let them be.

Its an Independent religion. Do read the posts carefully. See the logic, see the TRUTH.

Have a happy day!

 

[Catholic_Dude]

I dont think this thread is going anywhere. I have been responding to you, in fact have spent multiple hours in my response, but what I realized is that you are doing nothing more than cutting and pasting long blocks of text (from another web page) that are multiple posts long. I dont have the time or energy to respond to each and every one of those points and Im sure not going to invest the time if you are not interacting DIRECTLY with my comments as I have been doing with yours.

If you have a long text that you suggest I look at you should provide the LINK only, and maybe a significant quote, but to flood this thread with long cut and paste chunks of text is not my idea of discussion or debate.

 

[kashef_0909]

I dont think this thread is going anywhere. I have been responding to you, in fact have spent multiple hours in my response, but what I realized is that you are doing nothing more than cutting and pasting long blocks of text (from another web page) that are multiple posts long. I dont have the time or energy to respond to each and every one of those points and Im sure not going to invest the time if you are not interacting DIRECTLY with my comments as I have been doing with yours.

If you have a long text that you suggest I look at you should provide the LINK only, and maybe a significant quote, but to flood this thread with long cut and paste chunks of text is not my idea of discussion or debate.

I have provided from website only twice, and that also only in my third series of post. This was important, because it carried the adequate information. If you dont want to read, its your wish, I am not pressurizing anyone here to believe or not to believe, or read or not to read… these are informations that I am giving, not telling stories.

I actually, as a matter of fact, have quoted from Gospels and written everything which Gods light have shown. So in a way its all from Him who is the Heavenly Father. I am just a servant.

I have tiped pages after pages too… and directly answered your comments…but where neccessary to quote, I have done so, and rightfully so… this is the nature of theological discussion (please study the nature of such discussions, and how they are carried out).

Where neccessary I have provided the link. But where neccessary and relevant to our discussion, I have added some voice of mine which were previously printed. And this is perfectly normal. As I have mentioned before, the amount is not as much as you point out. Just perhaps a few lenth. CERTAINLY not my first and second post, but yes, the third post…and the post EXCLUSIVELY for you, about the FIRST COMING, and if you could recognise Him if you were there.

Your ideas are based on argument…my ideas are of discussion. If I would go for argument, my approach would have been unilateral.

Thank you.

 

[kashef_0909]

Where neccessary I have quoted from ‘Free Dictionary’, ‘Wikipedia’, The Bahai Scholar ‘Joel Smith’, The Tablets of Abdul Baha, The Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments). Where neccessary I have given links to webpages … from NASA to WIKI to the BAHAI Pages.
Remember the magnitude of this discussion. The topic is limitless. In this, how much more concise can a human make it? The material given was short, collected painfully. And those pages what I WROTE with the information where only for those who are interested. And I have been more direct than ever.

The reader who knows the topic, will definately find adequate relevancy, which is the intention of the author (myself). Religious discussions, to keep near truth, must contain doctinal and quoted facts. Even as I have definately written almost 9/12 pages myself (mammoth task)…I have definately brought in relevant and very important support and sources as materials for this discussion (I see it as a discussion).

The reader with insight, understanding, and a will to find the truth (to hear and understand, to see and realise) will find this helpful. I suggest, you read it patiently, and remember that I have put it here with love and effort. Real effort…

Your friend,

Kashef.

Love you all…those who deny (I pray for them).

God bless.

 

[Catholic_Dude]

I have provided from website only twice, and that also only in my third series of post. This was important, because it carried the adequate information. If you dont want to read, its your wish, I am not pressurizing anyone here to believe or not to believe, or read or not to read… these are informations that I am giving, not telling stories.

I actually, as a matter of fact, have quoted from Gospels and written everything which Gods light have shown. So in a way its all from Him who is the Heavenly Father. I am just a servant.

I have tiped pages after pages too… and directly answered your comments…but where neccessary to quote, I have done so, and rightfully so… this is the nature of theological discussion (please study the nature of such discussions, and how they are carried out).

Where neccessary I have provided the link. But where neccessary and relevant to our discussion, I have added some voice of mine which were previously printed. And this is perfectly normal. As I have mentioned before, the amount is not as much as you point out. Just perhaps a few lenth. CERTAINLY not my first and second post, but yes, the third post…and the post EXCLUSIVELY for you, about the FIRST COMING, and if you could recognise Him if you were there.

Your ideas are based on argument…my ideas are of discussion. If I would go for argument, my approach would have been unilateral.

Thank you.

I have googled much of what you have said and it is nothing but a “cut and paste” job from other sites.
For example post 13 was almost entirely a cut and paste job (without citing a link to where you got it).
Other cut and pastes:
-First (and most significant) half of post 15.
-Posts 16 and 17 were lifted from places like this or similar pages.
-Posts 35-49 [over 10 posts long]

I answered you through post 15, and I responded directly to what you had posted (actually cut and pasted). I showed many points which had significant flaws and frankly it became tiring responding to such claims as you posted. I took a break and was planning on getting to the rest of what you posted (posts 16-19 regarding the fulfilled prophecies and “calculations”), but when I came back there was a FLOOD of FIFTEEN POSTS in a row. After seeing this I became suspicious that maybe you werent here to have a back and forth dialog. I decided to google what you said and sure enough you werent dialogging at all but rather cutting and pasting long chunks of text.

THEN, in post 44 you “response” to all my work consisted in one paragraph, and in that you brushed off everything I said and said how Im not interested in the truth. Id say 90% of everything you posted in this thread was cut and paste. You did not interact with my responses at all and that is unacceptable to me, it is not dialog at all.

You never answered fundamental questions like what was the last “true” religion before the Bahai came along. I have been in enough online discussions to get a feel for when the person Im talking with doesnt know what he is talking about. Im pretty confident you dont have the level of discussion to respond to my claims when I was capable of interacting with your (or should I say your cut and paste) claims. On top of that the sources you were quoting from didnt understand the situation either, they didnt understand Catholicism at all. Your “sources” went around saying absurd stuff like " It is clear to all that Christ came from heaven, although apparently He came from the womb of Mary."

As for your mathematical calculations regarding the year 1844 and Christ’s return. It turns out you didnt come up with all that stuff at all but rather it started when a Protestant came up with those calculations and all those who bought into it were horribly embarrassed when nothing happened.

 

[kashef_0909]

I have cut and pasted the entire conversation? I think you just want to jump with this discovery of yours, which was never a discovery at all.

It is very pitiful, the reaction of yours. The 1844 matter… was the right calculation… AND EVERYTHING HAPPENED at that time… but those whose eyes were closed…couldnt see it!

Whatever material I have written or pasted, are RELEVANT. This is the most important part.

My first post was definately NOT A CUT AND PASTE. My Second post was 80% Written (those which I had cut and paste were quotes, materials, and things that I wanted to say and were found on the web).

I read books… and my knoweldge about Religions is through Their Respective Holy Books, and research materials of Baha’is, and other religious/non-religious scholars… catholics/protestants and all over. Now if I find something relevant to the discussion, some research work, quotation or article which were one of the sources of my investigation…then WHAT IS THE HARM TO PUT THEM HERE?.. Those are EXACTLY the things I wanted to say at that point…already printed…I found it normal to cut and paste! Your objection would be valid if these material would be IRRLEVANT and ABSURD. Which definately they are not.

I did not only answer you through my third post…but also some very detailed questions from Abraxix. And those who ask questions, should be prepared to read the answers!

I did mention my sources later on… in a seperate article. I also showed some ‘stars’ through good sources.

Abdul Baha’s sayings, and Baha’ullah (the Founder) sayings are important in this discussion, and must be quoted completely. The entire article is important and relevant to the last word. Instead of bringing the water to you, I took you to the fountain!.. so whats the problem?

If you really wanted the truth, your prime ambition would be to read what I wrote. And nothing but that. And then if you had confusion and problem, you could ask and point them out! Give your valid response. If you wanted to know if some length of the material are from a source… then you could very well ask them! I would definately provide.

Taking some articles was very important… such as the resurrection, the atmosphere of the First Coming… Even if I would write them, it would only act as time consuming and needless (as they are already well tiped and printed, in the exact manner in which I want to put them here!).

Using logic and common sense is what have brought mankind to the digital age.

About your constant asking about ‘which was the last true prophet??’…I think I provided you with the OFFICIAL BAHAI WEB LINK ‘www.bahai.org’. Here you could see it. I definately did not want to derail the discussion into a different topic. These tricks I know very well Mr…

1. The Mathematics CANNOT and IS NOT incorrect, as the Declaration was made at that time, and there IS A WORLD WIDE religion of it… and USA has the second largest Baha’i community on Earth…which is growing at a rate of 2.00 Baha’i per day now.
2. On that Holy Mount Carmel…is situated the Arc of the Covenant and the Seat of God ‘The Universal House of Justice’.
3. The Prophecies in the Bible are mostly in Parables, as was the tradition of all Prophets. Valid reasons given by ‘Christs own sayins’ and also the atmosphere of Christs First Coming will help in understanding this fact (which has been put in the conversation). This is an important article ‘Would you recognise Christ if you were there in His first coming?’ … judge yourself.
4. The sources I have given. But they were present also when you started this thread…and went ahead to end it with a very unfortunate post. Fortunately I came across this website, and had to bring it all infront of every eye…so that they can atleast try to conceive! People like to hear the negative, but I want to keep the positive beside it… open and clear…so that people can read!
5. Again, my posts are, in total… 35% written by me 65% material available (including prophecies). The Gospel have alot more to say about Baha’ullah than I do. And thats why I had to put them. Even the material which I have put, are filled with the quotes from Bible. I have read them, then put them…so that I know what I am doing. Didnt cut and pasted everything written, but selected the relevant parts. I WUD BE FLOODING if I were irrelevant, which know the topic, would write out of the topic, woud be irrelevant, or mix more info than required.

 

[kashef_0909]

1. Lastly…your frustation is the same one which was seen perhaps 2000 years ago… by some priests and scribes in a Land… which is alive once more in todays time, but with a different and more devine purpose. Its very life is a fulfillment…and not only half is fulfilled…the whole is fulfilled together.
2. If you be busy in fault finding (even if there is none)… if you be busy is somehow making the other low (anyhow, anyways…to divert everyones attention from the truth which is put)… then its your unfortunate deed. In this way the Glory of God is not hidden…
3. ALL YOUR QUESTIONS have been DIRECTLY addressed. I believe in EXACT writing and PERFECTIONING the material i use. The things there are because of that. It is to provide you easy reading, and good access.
4. First thing is to have respect…then patience…then to know what you want (which is explanation, answers)… and then to go for the information. If I were irrelevant, then you can say.
5. You didnt read the resurrection all did you?.. just one line, and then fire got in your head…and burnt all virtues…which could help your further reading. ‘JESUS DID APPERANTLY COME FROM THE WOMB OF MARY’…the ‘HEAVEN’ has a symbolic usage. If you read the article with an open heart, which is understanding and clean…then you can conceive. This filled heart which is making you deny the facts…are not reflection for the Love of Christ, but the love of that PRIDE/EGO and SELF-DESIRE, which were the hallmark of the Pharisees. Cant you see?

I am not attacking you… dont think so. I have nothing against you or anybody. But do see the facts… instead of just shouting your own needs. Not always what we desire is what comes infront of us with the SAME DIMENTIONS in which we wanted it. To accept the truth is the greatest TEST…and the JUDGE is God. For this age, for every age.

Good luck…

 

[kashef_0909]

And EXCUSE ME…post 16 and 17 were written by me. I am very happy to see the website you have provided. I will certainly use it in future. Only because its contents are similar…I dont jump into the conclusion that I lifted things from there.

Ofcourse Baha’is believe share the same information…and when the investigate and find something…and is Authenticated from the Universal House of Justice in Mount Carmel… we learn that information too. We are also told to go for independant investigation… and we love doing that.

We are not divided into SECTS… so we are the MOST UNITED Religion. This unity might be something witnessed first time by you…so you are confused.

But dont be confused…just follow the material…and yes…they are relevant. Dont worry over irrelevant subjects.

But ofcourse…if your motive is to DEFEAT…or WIN…or ARGUE…or Fault Finding…being a STAR… then I can understand.

Nice day!

 

[arthra]

I just noticed this thread…and have to confess I didn’t know much about before…I thought as a Baha’i I might also respond to some of the points raised above by “Catholic Dude”… I’m Arthur by the way and have posted on this forum awhile back.

Here are a few excerpts from Catholic Dude:

CD:

You never answered fundamental questions like what was the last “true” religion before the Bahai came along.

My reply:

Baha’is recognize that previous dispensations and religions are “true” in their own times and situations… this is also true of our Faith. It was revealed for this time and responds to the issues of the world today. The last “true” religion would be the dispensation of Islam which we believe concluded in the year 1260 AH/1844 AD.

CD:

On top of that the sources you were quoting from didnt understand the situation either, they didnt understand Catholicism at all. Your “sources” went around saying absurd stuff like " It is clear to all that Christ came from heaven, although apparently He came from the womb of Mary."

My reply:

Baha’is don’t claim to be authorities on Catholicism… We do accept the virgin birth of Jesus though and that Peter was designated apostle through which the church was established:

…let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that … the primacy of Peter, the Prince of the apostles, is upheld and defended.

(The Promised Day is Come,[1] p. 109​

…

(The Promised Day is Come,[2] p. 110)

Now with regard to your questions. First concerning the statement of Jesus Christ “Thou art Peter and upon this rock…”: this saying of Jesus establishes beyond any doubt the primacy of Peter and also the principle of succession, but is not explicit enough regarding the nature and functioning of the Church itself. The Catholics have read too much into that statement, and derived from it certain conclusions which are quite unjustifiable.

(From a letter dated 7 September1938 written on

behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer

CD:

As for your mathematical calculations regarding the year 1844 and Christ’s return. It turns out you didnt come up with all that stuff at all but rather it started when a Protestant came up with those calculations and all those who bought into it were horribly embarrassed when nothing happened.

My comment:

Well to many who expected the return of Christ in the literal clouds it was a “disappointment”. The Bab declared His mission on May 23, 1844 which was also the year “sixty” in the Muslim calendar and fulfilled the prophecy we believe of the Return of the Twelfth Imam and Mahdi according to the Shaykhi sect of Islam… I have always considered that the Messianic expectancy of two separate movements simultaneously in different parts of the globe could be very significant!

Also that eventually through what was thought to be government decree of the Sultan, Baha’u’llah was exiled to the Bay of Haifa and laid the remains of the Bab on Mount Carmel…

Any way thanks for having this thread and in the spirit of interfaith dialogue there are areas where I think Catholics and Baha’is can share things…

• Art

 

[arthra]

I was a Baha’i for two years before my major Christian conversion in '76. At the time I thought it was the answer to all the world’s problems, but the more I experienced it, the more disenchanted I became with their lack of local organization. A big factor was the fact that what they called their most important book, Kitab-e-Aqdas, had no official English translation. There was what was considered to be a good translation on the market, but it was by a fluent-in-Farsi anti-Baha’i American, and Baha’is were forbidden to read it.

Two decades down the line, our insurance agent in MD turned out to be Baha’i. He told me there now is an official translation, and he said he’d give me a copy, but he never did.

The Baha’i “scriptures” were for the most part written in Farsi, some (I think) in Arabic, and the translation is very flowery English, sometimes kinda hard to get thru.

FWIW, the name Baha’ullah is Arabic for “Glory of God.” His son’s name was `Abd-ul-Baha’, or “Servant of the Glory.” The grandson was Shoghi Effendi, which sounds Turkish to me.

Thankfully, I have forgotten most of what I knew about the Baha’i faith.

Hi Dave! Say…

I think it’s very interesting that you were a Baha’i some years ago… I just wanted to let you know that in 1973 the Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab-i-Aqdas was published… It was a summary by the Guardian Shoghi Effendi…

The complete translation into English of the Kitab-i-Aqdas occurred in 1992 and you can review it online at

reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KA/

Most of the ordinances of the Aqdas are not enforced as yet… The way they are implemented and enforced for the most part has been left for future Baha’i institutions.

As far as local organization goes…Baha’i communities are organized on the local level through nine adult believers called a Local Spiritual Assembly.

• Art:thumbsup: