A Duty and Privilege to Investigate Truth

Ted, I haven't just "investigated" the Bahá'í Faith and found it unpleasantly doctrinaire, as you seem to think. I was a Bahá'í for 22 years before realizing the religion demands blind faith, as Dan pointed out.

The way you and Jan rationalize the scripture that prescribes dogmatism would be contemptibly inadequate, but forgivable -- if it wasn't so deeply dishonest. As you alluded, Bahá'ís constantly reapply the public relations cosmetics that conceal the religion's dogmatism -- but it shows through.

'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Bahá'í patriarch, declared: "[T]he meaning of “He doeth whatsoever He willeth” is that if the [Prophet] says something, or gives a command, or performs an action, and believers do not understand its wisdom, they still ought not to oppose it by a single thought, seeking to know why He spoke so, or why He did such a thing."

His successor, Shoghi Effendi, wrote: "Is not faith but another word for ...uncompromising adherence to ...the ...will of God, however perplexing it might first appear...?"

Even the current Bahá'í head has admitted: "A dogma is a principle, tenet or teaching, especially an authoritative teaching, and in these senses it is apparent that the [Bahá'í] Faith has ‘dogmas’." (Universal House of Justice to the Bolivia NSA, 16/10/1979)

Anybody can see the faith prescribed by the Bahá'í Faith is indistinguishable from the close-minded dogmatism that the Bahá'í Faith claimed to abolish. In reality, it just replaced one set of unquestionable dogmas for another set of unquestionable dogmas. No amount of spin doctoring can conceal that.

A very wise man once said to me, "The only thing that is important is your relationship with Baha'u'llah." If I had been a Christian of any sect or a Muslim or any other faith, his words would have been equally true, had he said, "The only thing that is important is your relationship with (Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, Krisha, Abraham, etc.). The essence of the texts of every faith are meant as a guide for human beings on how to live their lives on the earth--which may not be the all-consuming reality we assume it to be. In all the scriptures quoted by former Baha'is in these comments, we might consider that one possibility is that the "eye-closing" references are to all things of this world, rather than any one religion, idea, or thing. If we focus on the worth of our own lives to others, as is recommended in all sacred texts bar none, and on living our lives in accordance with the sacred texts with which we resonate the most, needing to prove or disprove any religious writings or faith becomes meaningless.

Mavaddat – Thank you for offering your point of view. It caused me to ponder what I have believed in the last 30 some years. In my opinion, if a Baha’i were to follow your interpretations of the Baha’i verses you quoted, coupled with certain choice verses from the Baha’i Writings, there would be fanatical Baha’is running amok all over the world, helping to tear down the old world order and rebuild a new one in its stead. Fortunately, I and many Baha’is either balance the verses you cited with the remaining body of Baha’i scriptures, or simply interpret the text differently than you. Thus, independent investigation of truth, as eloquently expressed by Mr. Bower, is a practice I subscribe. I am struck by your opinion that Mr. Bower’s version is “cosmetic”. You do know that cosmetic is fleeting and requires constant reapplication. It is far easier to present the real thing and let it stand on its own merit. It appears that you have investigated the Baha’i Faith and found it unappealing to you. It is OK, according to Baha’u’llah, because all He asked for is a fair shake. God has given us all free will. You have exercised yours.

Reading these posts has been thought-provoking.

I embraced the Baha'i Faith 50 years ago after having been part of a conservative Christian church. Although I no longer count myself a Christian, I hold that church in deep affection and reverence, for it was there that I learned about God our Creator, about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and about invaluable moral virtues. These feelings I carry with me as prologue to my being a Baha'i.

May I suggest another understanding of the search for truth: as Baha'is we study the Baha'i scripture and are free to arrive at personal understanding of its scripture, which is the result of the human powers of rationality, provided that the individual makes clear that these understandings are merely one's own, and provided that these individual understandings should be shared but never be imposed upon others. This search for truth in the Baha'i scriptures knows no end. As our comprehension of Baha'i scripture grows and changes, so our interpretations will change. Even so, all individual interpretations are not equally valid; some may be indeed untenable. After God and His chosen ones, no one is beyond reproach. Furthermore, there is abundant official interpretation of the Baha'i scriptures. Beyond this there is wide latitude for individual understanding.

Just as in the realm of scientific research, given what is known of general scientific principles, every proposition advanced will not be admissible. Significantly, it must not remain unsaid that in the Baha'i Faith the concept of criminal apostasy is meaningless. If a person loses faith, every believer has the right to leave the Baha'i Faith without any stigma. However, commitment to religious faith as with commitment to scientific principles entails degrees of independence as well as certain restrictions. I am a Baha'i because I believe Baha'u'llah to be true, and I seek to learn and practice the truths He has offered to the world.

Dan - We raised our kids differently than you were raised. After age 15, the age of maturity, we want them to search the truth independently. Our wish and desire was that they would eventually find Baha’u’llah and fall in love with Him once again. In our view, this is the way for our children to become strong Baha’is, rather than in name only. Yes, we would have been disappointed if they had not returned to the fold. Here’s the guidance from our institution: “. . . upon attaining the age of fifteen a child becomes spiritually mature and is responsible for stating on his own behalf whether or not he wishes to remain a member of the Bahá'í community. If he does not then reaffirm his faith, he must be treated, administratively, as a non-Bahá'í." (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Brazil, December 12, 1975.)”

Beth -Your statement, “once a menber of the bahai faith, blind obedience was expected and enforced,” is news to me. I obey the Baha’I institutions because they are established by Baha’u’llah. I declared my believe in Baha’u’llah and with eyes wide opened, readily agreed to accept whatever His Books revealed. The institutions, along with their respective authority and jurisdiction – they are all in the scriptures (Kitab I Aqdas, Will and Testament of Abdul Baha). This is the first time in religious history that all the institutions of the Faith are established by its founder. The Baha’I institutions are like my parents. I obey them out of love. I do question my parents’ decisions, if they don’t make sense to me. In like manner, I will question the Baha’I institutions. But, you could go about it the right way or the wrong way.

While we deplore the abuse and injustices of Iranian authorities towards Bahá'ís in that Nation, we consider that readers should be informed that The National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá'ís of the United States is acting with a similar attitude and plans towards Orthodox Bahá'ís in America as the attitude and plans of Iranian authorities towards Bahá'ís who live in
that Nation. The National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá'ís of the United States is attempting to use U.S. Courts to force Orthodox Bahá'ís to stop practicing their Faith, stopping them from identifying themselves as Bahá'ís or using the name Bahá'í or the symbols of their Faith. The National Spiritual Assembly failed in its Court Action to deprive Orthodox Bahá'ís of their freedom of religion and now the National Spiritual Assembly filed an appeal to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals of Judge Amy J. St. Eve's decision in favor of the Orthodox Bahá'í Faith. Here is the link which leads to the details of the Court Action:

http://www.truebahai.com/court_case.html

Evidently the goal/plan of the leadership of the large body of Bahá'ís concerning Orthodox Bahá'ís parallels the goal/plan of Islamic leaders in Iran towards Bahá'ís, namely to eradicate them, and the justification of the leadership of the large body of Bahá'ís for its actions against Orthodox Bahá'ís is identical, namely, that it considers Orthodox Bahá'ís to be apostates (heretical/Covenant-breakers).

The most astonishing fact related to this circumstance is that this article has the title:

"A Duty and Privilege to Investigate Truth"

and yet the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S.A. forbids its members/adherents to communicate with Orthodox Bahá'ís and its NSA counterpart in Canada has sent out official letters banning its adherents from communicating with one who became Orthodox Bahá'í. This is the link to those official letters: http://lavaleo.tripod.com/cgi-bin/ross.html

Bahá'ís are persecuted in Iran essentially for providing Muslims in that Nation the opportunity to exercise their "Duty and Privilege to Investigate Truth", and the Islamic clergy in Iran seeks to eradicate the Bahá'í Faith for providing that opportunity, while at the very same time the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá'ís in America is seeking to use Court action to eradicate the Orthodox Bahá'í Faith for providing the large body of Bahá'ís in America with the opportunity to exercise their "Duty and Privilege to Investigate Truth" which Truth Orthodox Bahá'ís believe that they are holding forth just as Bahá'ís in Iran believe that they are holding forth Truth for Muslims to investigate.

Cordially,
Ross

i was raised as a bahai and remained a member until i was 30 years old. as mavaddat and dan both mention, my experience with the concept "independent investigation of truth" was it was to be usedto help one find the baha'i faith. but once a menber of the bahai faith, blind obedience was expected and enforced.

there were many wonderful aspects of the baha'i community as well, but mr. bowers presents it as something that is not completely accurate. my biggest problem with the bahai faith now is exactly that - instead of being straight-forward about concepts that would be less than popular with most americans, everything is spun heavily to emphasize the elements that are best sounding and downplay the elements which there is contention about. people have every right to believe anything they want - but masking the whole truth is never okay.

I commend the Washington Post on having the foresight to add Ken Bowers to the panel of "On Faith". It has always bothered me when Faith groups only have included different sects of the Christian Faith to their panels. All Faiths should be included whether or not they are led by one who claims a special status.

In the Baha'i Faith no one is more important than any other, though the faith is fortunate to have such well read, thoughtful, accomplished persons as Ken Bowers to represent us.
E.Webb

Many thanks for sharing this insightful, illuminating, and practical explanation of how and why to study the revealed scriptures of world
religions, each of which offers words of wisdom emanating from an identical and unified core of spiritual value. Thanks also to Mr. Ken Bowers for taking the time to describe such a common sense approach to this essential use of our limited time in this fast-fleeting life.

Very well presented...of interest to all interested in truth as a main element and principle to one's faith.

James,

I am completely with you in supporting the release of the imprisoned Bahá'ís. My criticism of the Bahá'í Faith as dogmatic and suppressive of criticism is equally applicable to Islam, as I suggested. Indeed, your desire to have me silenced shares its roots with the motive of Iranian Muslims in silencing Bahá'ís, whom they consider apostates. Both bespeak of a deep underlying insecurity and inability to cope with criticism.

That a person would give their life for an idea is a testimony to the strength of that person's belief. Such sacrifice says nothing at all about whether their confidence was justified. It seems your complaint is really that criticism of your religion exposes its cheapness to you, and you want to remain blissful if ignorant. I sympathize with your fearful condition. If it's any consolation, know that countless brave individuals besides Bahá'ís have made similarly superhuman sacrifices in the name of their respective delusions.

My parents are very experienced, dedicated, and educated Baha'is. When I told them that I was no longer sure that I believed in Baha'u'llah, and appealed to "independent investigation of truth" in my defense, they held that this was misplaced; that as a Baha'i I was not entitled to independent investigation of truth (I had enrolled upon turning 15 years of age). They told me that I had already found the truth, so there was nothing to investigate. I have since realized that their position is supported by the Baha'i scriptures.

Abbas, I apologize. I responded as if you were charging Baha'is with ignorance of their own teachings. Instead, it was Mavaddat. Again, I sincerely apologize.

Dear Abbas/Robert/Mavaddat,

Baha'is are told to not make the one religion of God a cause of dissension. Obviously, it is we humans that do this, not the Holy Beings Who revealed and divinely tailored every expression of God's religion to every branch of humanity down through the ages.

Abbas, Baha'is are better informed of Baha'i Writings then you give them credit for. Because Mr. Bowers originally and clearly stated in his article: "The Word of God has a dynamic effect on the mind and spirit when approached in a spirit of regular study, action and reflection." This seems to summarize, and adequately so, the quotes you posted.

Robert, your excellent questions concerning what others perceive to be the Word of God, like the Book of Mormon, can't be properly answered in a mere post without causing conflict or, at the very least, misunderstandings. There are too many human variables and perceptions involved, including those embedded within the realm of pure emotion. This is why one must sincerely, quietly,investigate for his or her self what has been proferred to mankind as the Religion of God for this Age. Only then can this and all other questions be answered for you.

Besides, there is only ONE religion on earth that boldly makes the claim that the Promise One of all ages and religions has come -- Baha'u'llah. His Holiness Jesus called Him the Spirit of Truth. This claim, this promised standard of Truth should make any sincere investigation easy.

Mavaddat, please take heed of your words. You are one individual. Millions of others have discovered greater meaning and purpose. While we are engaging in this conversation, some are imprisoned in Iran, even facing death, for the very beliefs you now disparage. If you can find it within yourself to begin another personal journey of further understanding, please do so. Otherwise, your words are cheapening the superhuman sacrifices being made by those few in the Name of God. At least to me.

I am a former Bahá'í who occasions this website from time-to-time. I left the Bahá'í Faith because, contrary to Mr. Bowers' suggestion, the Bahá'í Faith teaches strict close-mindedness in its followers. This is a surprise to many Bahá'ís, who only know their religion as one that encourages investigating the truth and tolerance of other beliefs. In reality, though, the Bahá'í scripture only encourages *non-believers* to investigate the truth, and it assumes this process will lead non-Bahá'ís to realizing the truth of the Bahá'í Faith. Once someone becomes a Bahá'í, however, they are encouraged to be close-minded.

Regarding the investigation of truth, the Bahá'í prophet (Bahá'u'lláh) writes:

"Blind thine eyes, that thou mayest behold My beauty; stop thine ears, that thou mayest hearken unto the sweet melody of My voice; empty thyself of all learning, that thou mayest partake of My knowledge [...]" (Persian Hidden Words).

And also,

"Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs, and recognized that ‘He shall not be asked of His doings’. Such a recognition hath been made by God the ornament of every belief and its very foundation. Upon it must depend the acceptance of every goodly deed. Fasten your eyes upon it, that haply the whisperings of the rebellious may not cause you to slip" (Kitáb-i-Aqdas, 77).

And again,

"He accomplisheth whatsoever He willeth, and doeth all that He desireth. “Whoso sayeth ‘why’ or ‘wherefore’ hath spoken blasphemy!” Were these people to shake off the slumber of negligence and realize that which their hands have wrought, they would surely perish, and would of their own accord cast themselves into fire — their end and real abode. Have they not heard that which He hath revealed: “He shall not be asked of His doings?” (Qur’án 21:23). In the light of these utterances, how can man be so bold as to question Him, and busy himself with idle sayings?" (Kitab-i-Iqan, 169)

In other words, the image Mr. Bowers has presented of the Bahá'í Faith as an open-minded and intellectual religion is just false. This is just Islam with a backwards cap and baggy jeans.

Mr. Bowers has presented a cosmetic version of the Bahá'í Faith meant to entice outsiders into finding it attractive.

The truth is that the Bahá'í Faith teaches that all the other religions have been corrupted by humans, that the Bahá'í Faith is the only uncorrupted religion, and that dogmatic adherence to the tenets of the Bahá'í Faith is justified once you commit yourself to the religion.

For example, regarding investigating other faith, the prophet of the Bahá'í Faith (Bahá’u’lláh) has said:

"Be thou content with Me and seek no other helper. For none but Me can ever suffice thee" (Arabic Hidden Words).

And also,

"Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being, why seekest thou enlightenment from anyone beside Me? Out of the clay of love I molded thee, how dost thou busy thyself with another? Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting" (Arabic Hidden Words).

Abbas wrote, "I do not believe that there are definitive standards of proof. Some of those elements are used to distinguish Baha'u'llah from an ordinary individual, but there are no complete proofs, or else the standards would make it a lot easier to agree."

I find it odd that Bahá'ís know so little about their own religion. If you had studied your scripture, you would know that 'Abdu'l-Bahá has said, "You must come into the knowledge of the divine Manifestations and Their teachings through proofs and evidences" (Promulgation, 227-228). And also, "God sends Prophets for the education of the people and the progress of mankind. Each such Manifestation of God has raised humanity. They serve the whole world by the bounty of God. The sure proof that they are the Manifestations of God is in the education and progress of the people" (Abdu'l-Baha in London, 42).

Please learn more about your religion, Abbas.

I would like to thank Mr. Bowers for his insightful and thought provoking comments. The idea of all religions having a common set of scriptures from which to gain direction and truth is very intriguing.

Sorry, below, I meant "I do not believe there are definitive standards of proof"

By what method does the Baha'i Faith determine that a given set of documents and writings constitute "the Word of God"?

Regarding the above question -- The Baha'is recognize the founders of the world's major religions as bringing the Word of God.

Hindu scripture speaks of this: "Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, O Bharat, and the rise of irreligion, it is then that I send forth My spirit. For the salvation of the good, the destruction of the evil-doers, and for firmly establishing righteousness, I manifest myself from age to age." (Bhagavad Gita 4:7-8)

The following is from the US Baha'i National Assembly: The number nine, which in itself is the number of perfection, is considered by the Bahá'ís as sacred because it is symbolic of the perfection of the Bahá'í Revelation, which constitutes the ninth in the line of existing religions, the latest and fullest Revelation which mankind has ever known. The eighth is the Religion of the Báb, and the remaining seven are: Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism,Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the religion of the Sabaeans. These religions are not the only true religions that have appeared in the world, but are the only ones which are still existing. There have always been divine prophets and messengers, to many of whom the Qur'án refers. But the only ones existing are those mentioned above. (28 July 1936)

@ Robert

To give context, I'm a Baha'i, my interpretation is obviously not binding, and I don't know the answer to that question, although I'm sure someone could access Baha'i writings and find more guidance.

However, back to the whole "innate" concept you discussed with James, I agree with you that people can't tell what is right/wrong in an absolute sense - that's the whole reason we need religion in the first place. But, on the other hand, we can read scriptures, whether holy or not, that inspire us to do/be "good" and we can tell when we find more contentment in our lives. I believe that Baha'i holy writings are considered the most timely, and thus the most apt to handle today's problems (at least for now), but Baha'is don't deny the effect of the text of other "major religions," or other divinely inspired individuals who may not have been a manifestation of God on earth, as we believe the major prophets were (e.g., Nanak Dev from Sikhism, who I do not believe claims to be a prophet), or even lesser positive thinkers that apply divine principles. In that sense, I think Sikh writings can be inspirational, as can the Book of Mormon or poetry of Rumi. I think the battle shouldn't be with trying to decide which one is "right" (i.e., straight from God), but which one is "right" (i.e., it uplifts you), and many religious, divine, and non-religious writings can do that.

On a concrete level, when you get to writings that impose certain laws affecting behavior, we believe our laws are the appropriate ones for today, so you should primarily use Baha'i writings, but you can glean wisdom from as much as you want, with the certain knowledge that AT LEAST the few books mentioned in Baha'i Writings as religious or divine are so, but that those prophets or inspired individuals and their books are not exclusive.

And I kindly disagree with Mavaddat in that I do not believe that there are no definitive standards of proof. Some of those elements are used to distinguish Baha'u'llah from an ordinary individual, but there are no complete proofs, or else the standards would make it a lot easier to agree. Thanks for making me reassess my own thinking.

Robert,

The standard whereby Bahá'ís judge some text to be "from God" is one that is intimately tied-up in the Islamic tradition. Bahá'ís assume that the markers of a text's godliness are found in its eloquence, its power, its alignment with Islamic prophecies, the character of its author (he -- always a man -- was rich and gave up wealth, was formally uneducated but intelligent, persecuted for his teachings, etc.), and the willingness of its believers to die for their beliefs. If you ask Bahá'ís to justify these standards, they will tell you to pray on their scripture until you realize its truth.

@Michael/Ellen

I understand what Bahá'ís believe constitute the Word of God; what I'm trying to understand is how they arrived at this belief. As best as I can gather, a Word of God is a text of one the world's major religions. Leaving aside the fact that these texts contradict each other, how does one define "major"? By numbers? Well, there are about twice as many Sikhs as Jews, so why isn't the Shri Guru Granth considered among the Words of God?

My understanding is that Baha'is believe there is essentially only one religion; that God reveals His teachings to mankind gradually by sending humanity Messengers throughout time. These Messengers are the Prophets of the world's monotheistic religions: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Baha'u'llah, and Others. Each revealed Holy Texts and these are collectively referred to as the Word of God. Baha'is believe that the most recent Messenger brought the teachings for the time in which we are now living. His name is Baha'u'llah (translated, 'The Glory of God') and he proclaimed the Baha'i Faith in the mid 19th Century in the Middle East, teaching that all of these major world religions are in agreement. The Baha'i Writings support diligent exploration of the Word of God; each individual is encouraged to read, research and investigate this reality for themselves.

My understanding is that Baha'is believe there is essentially only one religion; that God reveals His teachings to mankind gradually by sending humanity Messengers throughout time. These Messengers are the Prophets of the world's monotheistic religions: Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Baha'u'llah, and Others. Each revealed Holy Texts and these are collectively referred to as the Word of God. Baha'is believe that the most recent Messenger brought the teachings for the time in which we are now living. His name is Baha'u'llah (translated, 'The Glory of God') and he proclaimed the Baha'i Faith in the mid 19th Century in the Middle East, teaching that all of these major world religions are in agreement. The Baha'i Writings support diligent exploration of the Word of God; each individual is encouraged to read, research and investigate this reality for themselves.

Excellent indeed!

I am deeply saddedned and siamayed by the ongoing persecusion of the Baha'is in Iran by the rulers of that Goverment. Every member of humanity must stand against such horrendous action against anyone, especially those innocent Baha'is who are imprisoned for their peaceful Faith.

Hi Robert,
Bahá'ís believe that Bahá'u'lláh is the latest messenger from God and that the Bahá'í Faith is a legitimate revealed religion from God in a long tradition of the World's religions. Bahá'ís believe that all of the world's major religions are really in truth all part of one religion. Bahá'u'lláh and his son 'Abdu'l-Bahá (who later became the head of the Faith)themselves indicated these major texts that Ken Bowers included in his piece.

You Wrote: "The Word of God has a dynamic effect on the mind and spirit when approached in a spirit of regular study, action and reflection".

The dynamic effect on the MIND & SPIRIT in a Study: adds in focusing on good stuff that enlightens & soars spirit in lofty ways;
ACTION: when one gets enlightened he courses his daily activities on good DEEDS;
REFLECTION: when one reflects a lifetime of actions help identify & correct human frailties that needs reform.

Nicely said Yes, & if I may add too,
CONSULTATION: When one hear about things from others also light up new ideas to absorb & apply to his regimen of good character & conduct.

It seems to be a wonderful enunciation of a vital practice that all communities might engage in together... The Bahai Faith seems to summarize the essential elements of all religions and peoples and would seem to bode well for the promise of the eventual unity of all humanity in searching for a oneness of truth that does not admit to multiplicity and would seem to underlie all religion, the entire creation and it's Creator...

Well, finally, a religion that makes sense! No wonder the Baha'is are being persecuted in Iran, a good country of good people strapped with a religious government that doesn't make any sense at all.

This article was very informative and refreshing. I really enjoyed it.

Thank your Mr. Bowers for this enlightening and comforting perspective. I truly enjoy hearing about the Baha'i Faith.

A very interesting approach on a very important subject. What a different world we would all be living in if individual's investigated the truth for themselves.

Great article. Thank you

Thank you Mr. Bowers. As health care provider living in the US, I can attest the study circles I have completed have given me spiritual insights I did not expect. Studying concepts such as reflecting on our deeds and actions, truthfulness and trustworthiness has been a refreshing contrast to the condition of the world today. The study circles have made me a better father, spouse and care giver to those I serve.

I Like to congratulate ON FAITH for publishing this excellent article.
I very much liked the quotation in the last paragraph - that underlines the principle of moderation in all things:
"Burden not your souls so as to cause exhaustion and weigh them down, but rather endeavour to lighten them, that they may soar on the wings of revealed Verses unto the dawning-place of His signs. This is conducive to nearer access unto God, were ye to comprehend."
Thank you for your efforts to bring the gift of understanding to all.
rst

We hope lots of people read this!

@James

Thank you, James, for your response, but I wonder: if the ability to determine the Word of God is innate, then why do so many people disagree on what that Word is?

Would you categorize the Book of Mormon among the Words of God?

It is wonderful that you can share the teachings and unifying spirit of the Baha'i Faith. We are of course fortunate and privileged to have the House of Worship in the northern shores of this beautiful city of ours, Sydney, about an hour's drive from our home. The Sunday morning service is especially joyous and uplifting, with readings from the sacred scriptures of world religions combined with a choir singing the holy words, a powerful almost magical blend of worship.

Thank you

Thank you for this refreshment!

Robert, within every human being is the ability to know truth. One thus has the innate ability to discern between what comes from man and what comes from God.

I believe Mr. Bowers began addressing your question by saying: The Word of God has a dynamic effect on the mind and spirit when approached in a spirit of regular study, action and reflection.

In another place he states: Engaging with the Word of God is a source of illumination, of gladness and comfort for the soul.

Obviously, the Word of God was always meant to be the source of life, both for the intellect and the spirit. Thus, one can know it by its Effect.

While traveling in India for humanitarian and Christian missions, I happened to speak with a rural state Doctor. I ask him if he were Hindu and his response to me was a reflection of what I hope for all peoples, "I am not a Hindu, I am a truth seeker".

This I believe is what man was created for... to investigate, find, and embrace truth. An old adage past down to me was spoken this way, "Truth is Truth where ever it is found".

My own spiritual pilgrimage led me to Jesus Christ as, in His words, "I Am the Truth, the Way, and the Life". I have found little to argue against Him. Therefore, I follow Him, by Faith, that He is who He said that He is.

Thanks for such a good post.

Thank you for offering this refreshing new perspective!!

greetings to You, Author Kenneth Bowers. i wish You shall bring precious words with precious worths on.

Great statement. A very clear and articulate explanation of how lay persons engage with the Word of God, and with a liberating attitude of acceptance of all the major faiths stemming from that one unknowable greater power outside ourselves that we call God. I found this statement inspiring. I like this website.

Fairness is complicated at times when all things have seemingly been concidered and planning goes on to further stages over time until finaly a new project is put into affect along with those proclomations of conciderations; upon which at that time, or shotly following, the unforseen unfairnesses draw to the surface their victims; thus the wheel picks up its momentum while the gravity is controled by the seeded gains and those seated to observe only opperate with their educators and employers memo to manage till either the business overwhelms the valued appearnce of the individual grievances or the weight of the grievences super-seed the appearance of the designed project's intentions.
Working with many religions seems to me, from what I have read from this small article of "not scripture", very political and sincerily fair; so much so that it seems to me fair to call it a "faith"; my wonder being, with governments and political party platforms working with many religions and relying on those individual specified as-need-is-called "religiouss faith leader's advice" but the governments are free from "religious" title in their faiths and from some responcible factors if they accounted first an opinion from the religious faith communities; is to the constituents of the faith in its politics.

By what method does the Baha'i Faith determine that a given set of documents and writings constitute "the Word of God"?