only one correct religion with the truth?

[daler]

Thank you for the reply! While some of what you say is true (all religions have at least some kind of a partial handle on what’s true), there are also some things you have said that are gravely false.

For your first point, I agree with almost everything, and I accuse myself first of being distracted at work, prayer, or anything else God sets before me to do! But, a person can never be “too absorbed” in prayer, since (at least Orthodox) Christians are asked to pray always.

Secondly, no one meets the Lord “in the air”. When our mind and soul is formed by the Tradition of Faith in the True God (there is only one such Tradition that is continuous from Adam until us, and this is Orthodox Christianity. Both Islam and the Bahai religions do not illuminate the True God.), it is possible to give proper glory to God for all of His creation and actions in our lives!

Thirdly, no, this is false. You do not seek out God, but God seeks you out! In His love, He is always near you, ready to forgive and help you to walk in the ways of righteousness! You have no hope if you rely on yourself, or on other people.

Fourthly, what you say is both true and false, but mostly false. The age of revelation is over, since prophets (Messengers?) are not needed anymore! God Himself is present in the flesh every time at the Divine Liturgy! Also, the Prophets of the Old Testament never came to illuminate God in new ways or provide new messages, but came only to the Jewish people to bring them back to repentance and to the fullness of Faith in the True God! New messages (such as those given to Muhammad, who lied about the Divinity of Christ and Christ’s Resurrection) are only be demonic deceptions, since they do not illuminate the same God.

Here is where you teach grave, soul-destroying, damnable, demonic, and evil falsehood. Your religion teaches that all religions are paths to the True God, and that God sends new messengers regularly “to keep up with the times”. But, many religions worship idols (mental, physical, and spiritual) constructed by insane and demonized men! They do not illuminate the True God, since they are not of a consistent Tradition of prayer, worship and belief connecting people back to the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, through the Jewish people, illuminated by the Holy Prophets, and fulfilled in Christ, Who claimed to be God and resurrected from the dead!

The only true unity in God is at what we call the Eucharist, where people consume the Body and Blood of Christ, the True God. Without the Eucharist, all the ascetic spiritual journey would be pointless, since it would not lead us to God!

For both of you who follow the Bahai religion, you must renounce your religious beliefs and repent of your relativistic error. Then, you must return to spiritual and intellectual sanity, and unite yourself to God’s True Church, where the True God reveals Himself. Without doing so, you cannot know God, either now or in eternity.

Mel,
. I think there is some miscommunication here which needs clarification. You are free to disagree, but we are here to discuss what the elephant is to us, as we are all blindfolded to the ultimate truths, each having only a particular perspective which we hold to be true. You have your trunk and I have a tail, etc.

. First, I agree that our lives should be an uninterrupted prayer. Baha’is consider work done in the service of others as worship, and this should be part of the mix. What I meant, however, is that when He Who is the Object of our prayers appears and we are too busy supposedly “praying to Him” that we fail to recognize Him to Whom our prayers are offered, there is something wrong with this picture.

. Second, all religions “claim” to glorify God, and do to the extent the people submit to His Will as it truly exists, and is not imagined. This is a judgement call, and all too often people condemn others according to limited understanding and particular interpretations which are often deficient and prejudiced.

. Third, let me answer with a quotation from the Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah:

. “Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant.”

. Fourth, “separate” religions exist when a body of believers insist that theirs was the last Prophet sent by God, refusing to acknowledge the coming Prophet Who succeeds the former. Consider: “There shall be no Prophet after Joseph” “Moses was the last Prophet” “Jesus was the final Word” “Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets”.
. and yet! All, every one of them, foretell the coming of yet another Prophet in the fullness of time…
. and the weakest of arguments is to dismiss the others as demonic, thus allowing hate to enter the picture, instead of constructive dialogue with objective arguments to be considered dispassionately and in the spirit of: “Come, let us reason together”

. For a Baha’i to reject Baha’u’llah, he would first have to reject Christ, and all the other Prophets of God. Such a “Go to hell attitude” is not productive, and is little more than the demands of a childish tantrum. Who are you to say that I don’t know God because I don’t eat a cookie?.

.

 

[Matthew_Light]

The dichotomy you are creating is a segregation between church and state. In reality if this is truly God’s Kingdom, and is to be as such as prophecied in religious history and Sacred Texts, then it should ALL be under Divine Law…

So it has divorced itself from Divine Law and the Catholic Church is happy to sit back and watch. Isn’t it time for the state to be administered by Divine Institutions?

It is very true that government will never operate with justice and effectiveness unless informed by spiritual principles and the ethical values taught by religion. But government and religion are two different institutions, and these different organizations need to operate within their own spheres.

Baha’u’llah, Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi made it very clear that religious organizations must never run the government or it leads to disaster. As witnessed quite clearly throughout history, most especially in Iran today!

This is reiterated over and over again in the Baha’i Scriptures and in the interpretations written by Shoghi Effendi.

The separation of church and state is a divinely revealed aspect of reality, applicable to every revelation from God, stated by Jesus as “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”. Baha’u’llah quotes Jesus and affirms this teaching directly! And Abdu’l-Baha wrote an entire book on this theme, Risaleh-i-Siyasiyyeh.

Here are just a few quotations from the Baha’i Writings about the separation of religious institutions from political ones:

“Say: O people! Sow not the seeds of discord among men, and refrain from contending with your neighbor, for your Lord hath committed the world and the cities thereof to the care of the kings* of the earth, and made them the emblems of His own power, by virtue of the sovereignty He hath chosen to bestow upon them. He hath refused to reserve for Himself any share whatever of this world’s dominion. To this He Who is Himself the Eternal Truth will testify. The things He hath reserved for Himself are the cities of men’s hearts, that He may cleanse them from all earthly defilements, and enable them to draw nigh unto the hallowed Spot which the hands of the infidel can never profane.” - Baha’u’llah, Tablet to Nabil-i-Azam, from Gleanings CXXXIX

• Note that elsewhere Baha’u’llah makes it clear by “Kings” is also intended the other forms of government.

“By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men. Upon them the eyes of Baha are fastened. To this testifieth the Kingdom of Names, could ye but comprehend it” - Baha’u’llah, Kitab-i-Aqdas

“Religion is concerned with things of the spirit, politics with things of the world. Religion has to work with the world of thought, whilst the field of politics lies with the world of external conditions.
It is the work of the clergy to educate the people, to instruct them, to give them good advice and teaching so that they may progress spiritually. With political questions they have nothing to do.” - Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks

“Should they place in the arena the crown of the government of the whole world, and invite each one of us to accept it, undoubtedly we shall not condescend, and shall refuse to accept it.” - Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan

“Theirs is not the purpose, while endeavoring to conduct and perfect
the administrative affairs of their Faith, to violate, under any
circumstances, the provisions of their country’s constitution, much
less to allow the machinery of their administration to supersede the
government of their respective countries.” - Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Baha’i Faith

It is clear that a theocratic government, by which is meant that a government by the head of a particular religious organization, is totally unjust and unacceptable as it privileges one religion over all others and members of that faith over people of all other faiths. Fortunately, the Baha’i Writings are very clear that a government should not be run by the leadership of any religion, including the Baha’i Faith!

 

[Vouthon]

Can Catholicism possibly find such courage to follow in similar footsteps?

I am surprised by this statement, brother Servant.

Since the Second Vatican Council I think that any impartial observer would be of the mind that the Catholic Church has taken the lead among the major world religions in promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

Have you forgotten that the Catholic Church arranged this event, the largest of its kind:

Pope John Paul II organized the first World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy, on October 27, 1986. In all there were 160 religious leaders spending the day together with fasting and praying to their God or Gods. They represented 32 Christian religious organizations and 11 other non-Christian world religions, including:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Prayer#World_Day_of_Prayer_for_Peace

That same pontiff, now a canonized saint, said years later:

"…I have wished to recall the ancient doctrine formulated by the Fathers of the Church, which says that we must recognize “the seeds of the Word” present and active in the various religions (Ad gentes, n. 11; Lumen gentium, n. 17). **This doctrine leads us to affirm that, though the routes taken may be different, “there is but a single goal to which is directed the deepest aspiration of the human spirit ** as expressed in its quest for God and also in its quest, through its tending towards God, for the full dimension of its humanity, or in other words, for the full meaning of human life” (Redemptor hominis, n. 11).

The “seeds of truth” present and active in the various religious traditions are a reflection of the unique Word of God, who “enlightens every man coming into world” (cf. Jn 1:9) and who became flesh in Christ Jesus (cf. Jn 1:14). They are together an “effect of the Spirit of truth operating outside the visible confines of the Mystical Body” and which “blows where it wills” (Jn 3:8; cf. Redemptor hominis, nn. 6, 12).

Every quest of the human spirit for truth and goodness, and in the last analysis for God, is inspired by the Holy Spirit. The various religions arose precisely from this primordial human openness to God. At their origins we often find founders who, with the help of God’s Spirit, achieved a deeper religious experience. Handed on to others, this experience took form in the doctrines, rites and precepts of the various religions.

In every authentic religious experience, the most characteristic expression is prayer. Because of the human spirit’s constitutive openness to God’s action of urging it to self-transcendence, we can hold that “every authentic prayer is called forth by the Holy Spirit, who is mysteriously present in the heart of every person”. We experienced an eloquent manifestation of this truth at the World Day of Prayer for Peace on 27 October 1986 in Assisi, and on other similar occasions of great spiritual intensity.

1. The Holy Spirit is not only present in other religions through authentic expressions of prayer. “The Spirit’s presence and activity", as I wrote in the Encyclical Letter Redemptoris missio, "affect not only individuals but also society and history, peoples, cultures and religions” (n. 28). Indeed, the Spirit is at the origin of the noble ideals and undertakings which benefit humanity on its journey through history…For the reasons mentioned here, the attitude of the Church and of individual Christians towards other religions is marked by sincere respect, profound sympathy and, when possible and appropriate, cordial collaboration…The attitude of respect and dialogue is instead the proper recognition of the “seeds of the Word” and the “groanings of the Spirit”…May the Spirit of truth and love, in view of the third millennium now close at hand, guide us on the paths of the proclamation of Jesus Christ and of the dialogue of peace and brotherhood with the followers of all religions!.."

- Saint Pope John Paul II, General Audience Address, September 16, 1998, Vatican

You have honestly lost me on this occasion. I do not agree with you that the Catholic community as a corporate whole needs to find any “courage” in following the example of this, admittedly wonderful, Ayatollah. He is following in our footsteps if anything. This is a landmark moment in Islam but it has come late. Had it came as early as it did within the Catholic Faith, so many Baha’is, Christians and atheists in Iran could have been spared martyrdom. We had our “landmark” a long time ago now.

(continued)…

 

[Vouthon]

I cannot see how condemning me, my wife and my children to no salvation is not too dissimilar

This statement surprises me even more. In all our many discussions with each other, have I not adequately explained to you the Catholic Faith’s doctrine of “baptism by implicit desire” or “baptism by the spirit” which holds that those outside the faith who have good will and faithfully adhere to the dictates of their conscience are not denied salvation? There must be some grave failure on my part if I have led you to believe that the church condemns you and your family and denies salvation to you all on the basis of you simply not being a visible member of the Church.

“…ince Christ died for all men, and since the ultimate vocation of man is in fact one, and divine, we ought to believe that the Holy Spirit in a manner known only to God offers to every man the possibility of being associated with this paschal mystery…The unique mediation of the Redeemer does not exclude, but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a participation in this one source…”

- Vatican II [Gaudium et Spes 22], 1965

"…The universality of salvation means that it is granted not only to those who explicitly believe in Christ and have entered the Church. Since salvation is offered to all, it must be made concretely available to all. But it is clear that today, as in the past, many people do not have an opportunity to come to know or accept the gospel revelation or to enter the Church. The social and cultural conditions in which they live do not permit this, and frequently they have been brought up in other religious traditions. For such people salvation in Christ is accessible by virtue of a grace which, while having a mysterious relationship to the Church, does not make them formally part of the Church but enlightens them in a way which is accommodated to their spiritual and material situation. This grace comes from Christ; it is the result of his Sacrifice and is communicated by the Holy Spirit. It enables each person to attain salvation through his or her free cooperation…

Normally it will be in the sincere practice of what is good in their own religious traditions and by following the dictates of their own conscience that the members of other religions respond positively to God’s invitation and receive salvation in Jesus Christ, even while they do not recognize or acknowledge him as their Saviour…"

***- Blessed Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio (1990) ***

You have, essentially, misrepresented the Church’s teaching and historic contributions to interfaith dialogue.

This is the first time in our lengthy correspondence that I discern a “disconnect” in our sentiments. I was actually, I am so very sad to say, offended by some of your comments.

 

[Vouthon]

The Catholic Church and its members are involved with tens of thousands of charitable programs for doing everything from delivering health care to the needy, educating children, building homes, feeding the homeless, and a myriad other projects. These activities reflect the teachings of Christ which are the teachings of Baha’u’llah.

We need to recognize and honor this contribution!

Here are just a few examples:

crs.org/about/mission-statement/
apamhospital.com/
saludhondu.org/

Bless you brother Matthew

As ever you are a wonderful example to all of us in your respectfulness, magnanimity, open mindedness and love.

 

[Vouthon]

It is very true that government will never operate with justice and effectiveness unless informed by spiritual principles and the ethical values taught by religion. But government and religion are two different institutions, and these different organizations need to operate within their own spheres.

If I may be so bold as to add one more:

“…Religion is separated from politics. Religion does not enter into political matters. In fact, it is linked with the hearts, not with the world of bodies. The leaders of religion should devote themselves to teaching and training the souls and propagating good morals, and they should not enter into political matters…”

***- Abdu’l-Bahá, Eleven essentials ***

Needless to say that Holy Mother Church fully agrees with both you and Abdu’l-Baha:

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20051225_deus-caritas-est_en.html

"…The just ordering of society and the State is a central responsibility of politics. As Augustine once said, a State which is not governed according to justice would be just a bunch of thieves: “Remota itaque iustitia quid sunt regna nisi magna latrocinia?”.[18] Fundamental to Christianity is the distinction between what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God (cf. Mt 22:21), in other words, the distinction between Church and State, or, as the Second Vatican Council puts it, the autonomy of the temporal sphere.[19] The State may not impose religion, yet it must guarantee religious freedom and harmony between the followers of different religions. For her part, the Church, as the social expression of Christian faith, has a proper independence and is structured on the basis of her faith as a community which the State must recognize. The two spheres are distinct, yet always interrelated.

Justice is both the aim and the intrinsic criterion of all politics. Politics is more than a mere mechanism for defining the rules of public life: its origin and its goal are found in justice, which by its very nature has to do with ethics…

Here politics and faith meet. Faith by its specific nature is an encounter with the living God—an encounter opening up new horizons extending beyond the sphere of reason. But it is also a purifying force for reason itself. From God’s standpoint, faith liberates reason from its blind spots and therefore helps it to be ever more fully itself. Faith enables reason to do its work more effectively and to see its proper object more clearly. This is where Catholic social doctrine has its place: it has no intention of giving the Church power over the State. Even less is it an attempt to impose on those who do not share the faith ways of thinking and modes of conduct proper to faith. Its aim is simply to help purify reason and to contribute, here and now, to the acknowledgment and attainment of what is just.…"

- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Deus Caritas Est, encyclical), 2009

 

[PRmerger]

Come in PR. Can you show me where in the Bible that the word “Catholic” and “Church” are used to indicate Truth?

Again, you seem to have forgotten what forum you are on. Did you perhaps think that you were in an Evangelical Bible Alone forum? (Last time it appeared you thought were were in a Calvinist forum. )

For surely you are aware, after being here as long as you have, on a CATHOLIC forum, that Catholicism does not in any way make any proclamations that we must show “where in the Bible” that anything is.

Our faith was whole and entire before a single word of the NT was ever put to writ.

 

[PRmerger]

Something in reality makes me say that, “And “our salvation”, humanity’s, comes ONLY thru the Jews” and it is also what the Church teaches and that is that Jesus Is OUR Saviour.

If it is as you propose, that this is “also what the Church teaches”, please cite the document that says our salvation comes ONLY from the Jews.

By the way, the “Church” is Jesus’s Church, not the Pope’s, and the boundaries of the Church Is God’s domain, not man’s.

Amen! Very Catholic, this!

 

[PRmerger]

Personally, I am more interested in God than I am in the Catholic Church.

There is no need to create a dichotomy.

Again, you would not know about God, except for the fact that the CC told you who He is, what He did for you, and that you can achieve salvation through Him and His Body.

Is there some other way you know about Jesus, except for the Catholic Church?

Perhaps you got some info from Eusebius and Tacitus?

If so, then your info about Jesus would be very, very limited to some obscure facts such as: he lived in Palestine in the 1st century and was a Jew who was crucified by the Romans.

That’s all you would know about Jesus were it not for the CC.

God Is God, the Catholic Church is an instrument of God and is part of God’s Plan that God has had since before creation itself.

Amen!

So without the CC, you would not have any instrument of salvation.

Actually, all of creation is part of God’s Plan

Amen!

Some people seem much more interested in religion and dogma and doctrine and many other things about God than in God.

What is it that you believe about God that couldn’t be called “dogma”, Tom?

Could you say something about God that isn’t dogma?

I would say that one of the paradoxes, concerning God, is that some who do not even believe in God are much closer to God than some who believe in God.

Well, now! Here you are proclaiming your dogma!

And yet, curiously, you seem to object to others proclaiming dogma.

Why do you reserve for yourself what you deny in others?

It is written that we are ALL made in the “Image of God”, and it seems to me that ALL of us fall short of what those words mean, I “know” that I do, I can’t speak for anyone else but reality has a way of being reality.

And yet another example of you professing a dogma.

Why do you permit yourself to espouse dogmas and proclaim these beliefs, but not the CC?

 

[Servant19]

It is very true that government will never operate with justice and effectiveness unless informed by spiritual principles and the ethical values taught by religion. But government and religion are two different institutions, and these different organizations need to operate within their own spheres.

…

“Should they place in the arena the crown of the government of the whole world, and invite each one of us to accept it, undoubtedly we shall not condescend, and shall refuse to accept it.” - Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan

“Theirs is not the purpose, while endeavoring to conduct and perfect
the administrative affairs of their Faith, to violate, under any
circumstances, the provisions of their country’s constitution, much
less to allow the machinery of their administration to supersede the
government of their respective countries.” - Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Baha’i Faith

It is clear that a theocratic government, by which is meant that a government by the head of a particular religious organization, is totally unjust and unacceptable as it privileges one religion over all others and members of that faith over people of all other faiths. Fortunately, the Baha’i Writings are very clear that a government should not be run by the leadership of any religion, including the Baha’i Faith!

Thankyou for this Matthew. I understand where you are coming from, yet I would like to point out that at no point did I mention that the religion should be involved with politics. Politics is a predominantly man-made vehicle for local and national governance which is (I repeat) “lamentably defective”

I have no interest in the church and state becoming united in this current oppressive global climate, yet at some point in the future when souls have matured to a level whereby an understanding is reached that this is indeed the Kingdom of God, then a voluntary unification of Church and state is inevitable.

As the Universal House of Justice points out in its 1995 document “Separation of Church and State”:

**

In light of these facts alone it is evident that the growth of the Baha’i communities to the size where a non-Baha’i state would adopt the Faith as the State Religion, let alone to the point at which the State would accept the Law of God as its own law and the National House of Justice as its legislature, must be a supremely voluntary and democratic process.

**

I would humbly offer you something to ponder, if I may

My 11 year old son started his own Junior Youth Group about 5 months ago (hes nearly 12 now). He went around his neighbourhood with me and asked other junior youth to join him in this group. We now have six 11 year old youth coming to our home every week, all of whom are from our street and neighbouring streets.

This week, they came to a conclusion. As much as they want to do their service component as to what they think needs to be done from their own limited experiences of their community, they decided that they will knock on every single door in their neighbourhood and ask everyone what they think needs to be done. This grassroots knowledge will enable them to fully understand the reality of the needs of their neighbourhood. The junior youth then collaborate with the neighbourhood and plan with them on services that need to be rendered in order to advance the community. Education programs, socio-economic development projects, a sharing of a simple prayer, cooking food, a offer for transport, helping the sick and traumatised. They all are options that may present themselves.

And all this from 11 year old youth who are not Baha’is!!

What do you think this endeavour is a seed to? This is the seeds of a unification of church and state. Armed by the power of the Holy Spirit they have been inspired to read the reality of their own community and plan ways and means to address those needs. This is true governance

Sure they use Baha’i principles, but when the neighbourhood realises the merits of this means of “Law” then when full collaboration occurs as the process matures, then there is no need for the local government to do anything for them (sure it may take a long time, but you know that Baha’is will NEVER give up and implement sustainable measures to ensure longevity)…the whole neighbourhood becomes self-sufficient, church and state united in one common faith, the faith of selfless service.

Hope that clarifies where I am coming from in this. Now this can only be successful because the principles being adopted are Divinely revealed principles, and not man-made.

.

 

[PRmerger]

Can you please elaborate as to which of the social teachings of the Baha’i Faith are not consonant with the Truth?

Here’s a good example of one:

“The denial of a civil marriage or an equivalent to homosexuals is
discrimination, and should be opposed by Bahais”
senmcglinn.wordpress.com/email-archive/same-sex-marriages-6/

 

[Servant19]

Here’s a good example of one:

“The denial of a civil marriage or an equivalent to homosexuals is
discrimination, and should be opposed by Bahais”
senmcglinn.wordpress.com/email-archive/same-sex-marriages-6/

Lol what???

That’s not a Bahai teaching, that’s someones opinion. Maybe I will ask him to come clarify why he has that opinion

Either way that’s not to be seen in any Baha’i Text…

.

 

[PRmerger]

Lol what???

That’s not a Bahai teaching, that’s someones opinion. Maybe I will ask him to come clarify why he has that opinion

Either way that’s not to be seen in any Baha’i Text…

.

Ah. So Bahai teaching is against gay marriage?

And perhaps you could direct me to the official Bahai teaching on this social issue?

 

[Servant19]

Ah. So Bahai teaching is against gay marriage?

Yes

.

 

[PRmerger]

Yes

.

Please direct me to the official position in this. I had no idea! It is indeed encouraging to learn this.

 

[meltzerboy]

Yes

.

Why is Baha’i teaching opposed to same-sex marriage?

 

[Servant19]

This is the first time in our lengthy correspondence that I discern a “disconnect” in our sentiments. I was actually, I am so very sad to say, offended by some of your comments.

Dear brother, please try to understand that my intention is not to offend you at all. I understand the Catholic Church has this teaching of baptism by implicit desire, yet I feel hurt, disheartened and saddened (I genuinely am) when the adherents of Catholicism do not practice this understanding when meeting Baha’is who have this “implicit desire”

If you wish I can point to several posts which have advised me tha there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church (I am not part of the Catholic Church ), that I should repent to avoid condemnation, that "Those who are not catholic and in mortal sin need to get to RCIA and into that confessional box with a holy priest and reconcile with our Saviour, before Jesus gives up on them (period).
Listen close. The time is ticking!"

I think it has taken a long time of this kind of rejection which has culminated in me feeling somewhat confused. What is being taught at my local congregation?

I, like Matthew, have acknowledged the wonderful contributions to reducing suffering that the Catholic Church has made, and I have praised these acts on numerous posts and will do again here

But this constant barrage of condemnation boils down to grass roots prejudice, otherwise where is it coming from?

So the final concern I had was visiting a local Catholic Church and meeting with Father Nicholas. We run a Baha’i childrens class just outside of this Church in the park area there. We came in and talked about what Baha’i childrens classes are, praised Catholicism for its Godly endeavours, praised him for his work in the community. He even said that he sees God working “through us” which was lovely. We though that it was a wonderful discourse based on mutual love and respect.

A few minutes passed and we asked if on rainy days we could possibly find shelter for the kids in the one of the rooms of the Church, since the park was very open and without shelter. He said “NO” because we are “different”

Why???

Anyway, I’m happy to just give up…maybe I’m over-reacting, but ask my wife, I do not get flustered or offended by ANYTHING, but right now I’m hurting, and disappointed.

I see what changes are needed in the world, but I guess others don’t see it that way at all

God bless you brother, and please know that if I EVER offend you, tell yourself that my intention is ONLY LOVE. I mean this brother Vouthon, I would readily die for you, such is my admiration for your loving-kindness. Please forgive me for any pain I may have afflicted upon your person. God bless you

.

 

[Servant19]

Why is Baha’i teaching opposed to same-sex marriage?

Beacause marriage is an institution revealed by G-d for the union of man and wife to create children.

Dear brother. I did not get to answer your kind question, but I saw brother daler provided a response. I hope that his response addressed your queries?

G-d bless you!

 

[Servant19]

Please direct me to the official position in this. I had no idea! It is indeed encouraging to learn this.

Just got some work to do sister

I will find a link a little later for you

God bless!

.

 

[marywarfield]

Dear brother, please try to understand that my intention is not to offend you at all. I understand the Catholic Church has this teaching of baptism by implicit desire, yet I feel hurt, disheartened and saddened (I genuinely am) when the adherents of Catholicism do not practice this understanding when meeting Baha’is who have this “implicit desire”

If you wish I can point to several posts which have advised me tha there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church (I am not part of the Catholic Church ), that I should repent to avoid condemnation, that "Those who are not catholic and in mortal sin need to get to RCIA and into that confessional box with a holy priest and reconcile with our Saviour, before Jesus gives up on them (period).
Listen close. The time is ticking!"

I think it has taken a long time of this kind of rejection which has culminated in me feeling somewhat confused. What is being taught at my local congregation?

I, like Matthew, have acknowledged the wonderful contributions to reducing suffering that the Catholic Church has made, and I have praised these acts on numerous posts and will do again here

But this constant barrage of condemnation boils down to grass roots prejudice, otherwise where is it coming from?

So the final concern I had was visiting a local Catholic Church and meeting with Father Nicholas. We run a Baha’i childrens class just outside of this Church in the park area there. We came in and talked about what Baha’i childrens classes are, praised Catholicism for its Godly endeavours, praised him for his work in the community. He even said that he sees God working “through us” which was lovely. We though that it was a wonderful discourse based on mutual love and respect.

A few minutes passed and we asked if on rainy days we could possibly find shelter for the kids in the one of the rooms of the Church, since the park was very open and without shelter. He said “NO” because we are “different”

Why???

Anyway, I’m happy to just give up…maybe I’m over-reacting, but ask my wife, I do not get flustered or offended by ANYTHING, but right now I’m hurting, and disappointed.

I see what changes are needed in the world, but I guess others don’t see it that way at all

God bless you brother, and please know that if I EVER offend you, tell yourself that my intention is ONLY LOVE. I mean this brother Vouthon, I would readily die for you, such is my admiration for your loving-kindness. Please forgive me for any pain I may have afflicted upon your person. God bless you

.

I’m very disappointed by this post. It is beneath your
dignity and the dignity of the other posters and I will
tell you why. It is dishonest plain and simply
dishonest. Why? Because you have been repeatedly
told what the Church teaches concerning salvation
outside of the Church yet you cling to the injury
you received from some idiot spouting nonsense.
And at any time in your life while on the Internet
instead of posting this ridiculous obtuse attitude you
simply could have googled Catholic Catechism salvation
or justification or whatever and up would have
popped any number of sites including the Vaticans
own site with it spelled out clearly for you.

This makes your proposal that the Church work
for some immediate heaven on earth suspect since
people clinging to injuries they have no need to
experience is exactly what causes anger, wars, and
divisiveness around the globe.