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The Baha'i Faith has no connection to Joseph Smith or the Mormon Church. I know. I became a Baha'i in Salt Lake City. The Baha'i Faith originated in the Middle East in 1844, the year that the telegraph sent the first message at the speed of light, "What hath God wrought?". In fact the Baha'i Faith began on the same day in May, 1844. Just a coincidence I'm sure. At that time there was little contact between Persia and the West.
"...The UN must work untiringly to exorcise religious bigotry and superstition from within their faith traditions and renounce claims to religious exclusivity and finality.”
I don't buy into the popular illusion that there is a group of "elite" who are behind the scenes controlling the events of the world. It perhaps makes the world seem more exciting, but I don't think that the leaders of the world are that erudite to be able to do this. But I also know that people who hold to this view of reality are not able to see things otherwise.
Originally posted by harlan
JR,
My question to you is: How do you distinguish between a conspiracy and something which is what it appears to be? From what you say, you must think that everything is a conspiracy.
My own conclusion concerning determining what is real and what is not is that everything must be investigated with an open mind to ascertain the facts. I good background in science, history and logic helps. I do not accept anything as fact just because it is in writing. I listen regularly to a radio program called Coast to Coast which I find interesting, but there are a lot of conspiracy theories presented which I listen to but don't accept as reality just because I heard it on the radio. I also enjoy science fiction and these conspiracy theories I enjoy just like I enjoy science fiction. A lifetime of experience has given me a balance to distinguish between reality and make-believe.
After investigating the Baha'i Faith over these many years, I find it to be the closest thing to reality that I've ever seen. On top of that it is beautiful and overflowing with love.
Harlan
...from a Baha'i perspective everything is leading to the eventual unity of mankind in a Federation of Nations, with people seeing themselves as one humanity with the need to live together in harmony for the benefit and prosperity of mankind. The Divine Conspiracy.
Originally posted by harlan
I suppose we have to get down to how we see the nature of reality. We live in a culture which sees reality as material. The Baha'i view, which is mine, is that reality is spiritual, or non-material, that we are spiritual beings and not just mammals with big brains...
We are born into this material existence for a purpose...
Certain majestic Figures in history have been spiritual Guides who have given insights and laws to guide souls in their journey. We know of Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, and Muhammed...
And Baha'is now recognize Baha'u'llah as the latest of these Divine Luminaries. I suppose you could think of this as a Divine Conspiracy to guide mankind towards a historical goal as well as providing individual souls with enlightenment. All of these Luminaries have had one purpose and are inspired by the same mysterious Divine Source.
...History really doesn't become clear until the passing of a considerable time. Not only new facts sometimes appear, but how the facts are interpreted change with time. All history is someone's interpretation. The victors write the history...
Determining reality also involves deciding on the likelihood of things happening.
..History really doesn't become clear until the passing of a considerable time. Not only new facts sometimes appear, but how the facts are interpreted change with time. All history is someone's interpretation. The victors write the history...