SOROUSH

To: Ali

SEAGULL answered your Questions, Please read it couple of times!!!( that 's my humble suggestion)

Let me explain it to you this way:

as long as creation continues, humankind will always be in need for guidance, in fulfillment of what is known as the eternal Covenant of God, which He established with humanity: that in return for obedience to His laws and teachings, He would not let us go astray. After all, even angels will continue to need guidance according to the Holy Qur'an:

"Say, if there were settled on earth angels walking about in peace and quiet, We should certainly have sent them down from heaven an angel for an apostle."
Qur'an 17:95

* * * * *
Some verses from the Holy Qur'an about the continuation and renewal of creation:

[21.104] On the day when We will roll up heaven like the rolling up of the scroll for writings, as We originated the first creation, (so) We shall reproduce it; a promise (binding on Us); surely We will bring it about.

[29.19-20] See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah. Say: Travel in the earth and see how He makes the first creation, then Allah creates the latter creation; surely Allah has power over all things.

[50.15] Were We then fatigued with the first creation? Yet are they in doubt with regard to a new creation.

and there are so many verses in Holy Quran about Rejection of the New Religion, and here are some:

"Do men think when they say `We believe' they shall be let alone and not be put to proof?"
- Qur'an 29:2

It has always been the wont of people to reject the new Messengers of God, and the Religions they bring. This has happened to every Messenger:

"Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him!"
- Qur'an 36:30

"But if they reject you, so indeed were rejected before you apostles who came with clear arguments and scriptures and the illuminating book."
- Qur'an 3:184

".. and every nation purposed to seize their Messenger and argued falsely, (thinking) thereby to refute the Truth. "
- Qur'an 40:5

It should be worthwhile to contemplate on the reasons why this has been the case, notwithstanding the clear evidence presented by the Messengers, and notwithstanding the fact that in most cases, the followers of the earlier religions, were fully expecting the coming of the new Messenger, and were ardently praying to God to hasten His advent.

When we study the sacred books of all religions, and specially the Qur'an (and also to some extent the history books), we begin to see patterns and find clues to the reasons for such rejection and opposition. Hopefully, becoming aware of these reasons, and understanding them, would help us avoid making the same mistakes, which we condemned the generations of old for.

Respectfully,

Mona

P.S. Ali, You really don't need to answer me, but please read and reflect on what has been told!!!

And Thank You for reading my long comment :)

Sha'ad va salamat basheed.

To Seagull

I am not contesting the concept of progressive revelation, of course throughout history great Prophets have succeeded each other and each has added to the revelations of the previous one.

If you read the Quran, it constantly reminds people that the message of Prophet Mohammad is the VALIDATION of the message of Jesus, Moses, Ibrahim, Noah, Younes, Yousef, Loot, Davood, Soleyman...etc that the Quran even validates very ancient Holy scriptures such as "Zaboor" which were revealed thousands of years ago. Nowhere in the Quran it ever says that the previous Holy books have "expired" so we need a new message!! As a matter of fact it constantly encourages people of other religions to read and follow their own Holy book. If a particular group of people get corrupted by violence, corruption and poverty, the Quran says that it is because they do not follow the Divine instructions properly, not because they are following an "expired" Holy book!! So, the interpretation of "progressive revelation" promoted by the Bahai faith is, in my opinion, the complete opposite of other religions.

Another point is that, as I mentioned before, each Prophet has added something new and original to the Divine guidance. And the new contribution has always been so powerful that it has, each time, changed the course of human history; It has caused great empires to fall, social structures to change, science and philosophy, mysticism and spirituality to flourish all over the world...etc But as I read the Bahai scriptures and speak to Bahais such as yourself, I see absolutely no original contribution that I can extracted from it. It is just repeating many humanitarian concepts and some rules that existed in other religions and ideologies way before Bahaism and which were even promoted, with much more sophistication, by Western secular philosophers.

Nowadays, there are many spiritual leaders and Gurus and authors who prescribe their own spiritual practices, gives speeches and promote humanitarian ideas and some of them have millions of followers. But that doesn't mean that everyone of them is a "Prophet" and in the same league as Jesus and Mohammad!!

Seagulls argument only

Seagulls argument only validates Islam and sematic religions with attestation to a true continium of a message from GOD. Bahaii religion wants to take a totally new direction in theologic concept and Seagull is not honest to share that like it is. The truth is that Bahaiism has a novel interpretation of divine and if they don't get in to this new angle then they have nothing more to offer than Islam, christianity and judaisim has already offered. Khatem on Nabbiien for Mohammad makes a lot of sense when Bahaiis try to interpret the world from the theological eyes of Islam because there is nothing to add. If you get in to their metaphoric description of the theology you are asking for totally new ball game which I am too tired to explain right now but I promise I will soon.

It is not just about social norms!!!

Ali, it will take a lot of reading and reflection to arrive to the destination you are looking for. I can suggest that you if you wish read the Book of Certitued, Kitabe Ighann. Most your questions are addressed in that book but i try to expalin in a nutsell!
If it was not necessary for new revelations, Adam would have been enough, why Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mohammad....? If social, spiritual, and mental capacity of men are on a continuous progress, then religion must also become progressive or be progressive in nature to serve its purpose.
This is a low of spiritual evolution, and constant revelations from the Almighty.
As you are well aware all prophets promised a return yet every time a revelation appeared it was met with rejection of the masses. Why would God want to do that? well God did not, it is man who rejects based on his own standard unaware or uninformed of Gods standards!
We expect God to appear to us based on what we think he should be, that is imagination not God.
He reveals Himself the way He does, so that those who are inclined to him, not to their own thoughts, would appreciate Him.
That is as close as one can get to God to start the journey. It is the story of the lover and the beloved not a mere proof and acceptance, that is, at the end of the day!

"Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths. Take heed that ye do not vacillate in your determination to embrace the truth of this Cause -- a Cause through which the potentialities of the might of God have been revealed, and His sovereignty established. With faces beaming with joy, hasten ye unto Him. This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Let him that seeketh, attain it; and as to him that hath refused to seek it -- verily, God is Self-Sufficient, above any need of His creatures."

"Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize this truth. Say: Through it the poor have been enriched, the learned enlightened, and the seekers enabled to ascend unto the presence of God."

"O Temple of My Cause! Say: Should I wish to transform, in a single moment, all things into mirrors of My Names, this undoubtedly is in My power, how much more in the power of My Lord, Who hath called Me into being through His all-compelling and inscrutable command. And should I choose to revolutionize the entire creation in the twinkling of an eye, this assuredly is possible unto Me, how much more unto that sovereign Purpose enshrined in the Will of God, My Lord and the Lord of all the worlds."

"Divine guidance is far more

"Divine guidance is far more important, fundamental and mightier than just "adapting to new social norms".

Ali, as you mentioned above divine guidance is of the essence. It seems to be missing though in the contending, major religions of today. They are solely concerned and preoccupied with oppressing their own people and one another, by different means and ultimately force. And the societies to which they cater are suffering from moral decade and ever growing confusion.
That is precisely why that the renewing, regenerating forces of spiritual guidance of a new revelation are working in the heart of every atom on earth, how much more the mind and heart of man!
I quote for you regarding the industrial revolution from the Bahai literature. Note worthy to mention that the industrial revolution began in the vicinity of the revelation of Bahaullah.

"The peoples of the West, among whom the first evidences of this great Industrial Revolution have appeared, are, alas, as yet wholly unaware of the Source whence this mighty stream, this great motive power, proceeds -- a force that has revolutionised every aspect of their material life. Their own history testifies to the fact that in the year which witnessed the dawn of this glorious Revelation, there suddenly appeared evidences of an industrial and economic revolution that the people themselves declare to have been unprecedented in the history of mankind. In their concern for the details of the working and adjustments of this newly conceived machinery, they have gradually lost sight of the Source and object of this tremendous power which the Almighty has committed to their charge."

"The world's equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind's ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System -- the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed."

To Seagull

Two things; first, you said that you would start investigating to replace the Bahai faith with a new one if a "thousand" years had passed! But as everyone know the humanity has seen more dramatic changes in the past 50 years than than in its entire history. The industrial revolution, then the nuclear technology, then the internet....etc have totally changed the state of humanity in the past century and decades. And the pace of change and shift of paradigms is going faster and faster everyday as humanity has to adopt itself to new challenges (ex: climate change...etc). So, according to your logic, you should be expecting a new Prophet very soon and be willing to give up your faith and replace it with his/her new teachings. And then, with the fast pace of change; perhaps a new Prophet every few decades or so!

I think that Divine revelation is not something to be taken lightly. If we want to analyze this within religious paradigms; it took exceptional Prophets with incredible miracles and amazing leadership to prove the authenticity of their message. Moses split the sea in half and liberated the slaves from one of the more powerful empires of history, Jesus rose the dead and not only transformed the Roman Empire but changed human history for ever, the Prophet Mohammad was a simple illiterate individual who, by the power and eloquence of his words (Quran) changed the mentality of a society conditioned by centuries of tribalism. He created such a momentum that transformed the greatest empires of his time and the entire human history of that matter. Their incredible miracles, the originality of their message and the help of God, made each of these individuals into historical icons known by the entire humanity.

Divine guidance is far more important, fundamental and mightier than just "adapting to new social norms".

to: Ali (not verified) on Fri Feb 22, 2008 03:29 AM CST

Ali, i try to be brief,
first, to your hypothetical question, if it was about a thousand years after the birth of the Bahai Faith, i would start investigating, but the faith has just been born and this is its era!
second, if you look at the state of religion and the numerous different sects that have tried to reform the Foroo-AAte deen, or its Osoolaat for centuries, you will see the results have not been satisfactory.
It is not for us MAN to reinvent the wheel of religion, this privilege rests with God.
The ossoole-deen, He has kept the same, the forooe-deen need not reforming or reinterpretation. that is confusing task for the masses, how can they trust who is going to the the job right!?
Thus the forooe-deen will have to be replaced, renewed but not reinterpreted, in a nutshell!
Peace

Hooshang ,,what is your current religion?

I am asking this in all inocence,because we all know you rejected Bahai faith ,but what happened next?

We should not make any assumptions about your new adopted religion!
Could you let us know ,as what your new religion is? and what qualities of this new religion attracted you to it?

I will wait for your reply.

Tahirih

Ali

Seagull will respond to questions you asked more eloquently.

Also I collected some verses of Holy Quran when I was investigating and studied about the Bahai' faith, I'll be more than happy to share them with you(about God's covenant to mankind, completion of religion,and seal of prophets,...)

Respectfully,

Mona :)

Hooshang

I also praise SEAGULL for being very Patience.(Patience is a VIRTUE!)

If you read Holy Quran then you know better than me about this verse :" O you who believe, seek COURAGE in FORTITUTE, and PRAYER, for God is with those who are PATIENT and PERSEVERE."

Quran 2-153

Mona :)

"My friend it is fanatic and fundementalistic to think..."

I did not expect you to call me a friend after all the slanders, but i do welcome that.
Hooshang, I never said that others did not, do not or will not have the privilege.
Even though every religion says it in their own way. Jesus said it, Moses said it, Mohammad PUH said it!
I can explain to you what i think it means, but if you are a Muslem then you should be able to find something in Islamic writings to explain the true meaning of that.
Jesus said that only thru him people would go to the kingdom and see the father. You know what that means, i am sure. and because of that same way of interpretation that you do now, Christians did not accept Mohammad!
Peace

Ali, i will respond to the

Ali, i will respond to the concerns you raise tommarrow.
Peace

the same religious erragance!!!!

Hooshang, as a Muslim you have the same self-righteous claim, except that your judgment on others is quite harsh and final. We deal with non believers with reverence and peace, you peruse them!
Also you need to take up the arrogance nature of the religions claims, ( we are it) with God himself if you don't comprehend His ways and His wisdom.
Also your are absolutely correct about the driver seat except the extending of the analogy to Bahais.
And this is why, Bahais are not and will not want the political driver seat that others are so obsessed about. We really don't care about that, that is a minor thing in the sight of those who seek God, you know that. "Leave what is Cesar's to Cesar".
And how come its ok for you to pad Ali's back, but Tahireh can't? is that how fair you are in your dealings?
Look if you are not fair with us, you are not fair with yourself, since that is the only way to really know what fair is, that is, by practicing it.

Peace to you Hooshang

What Bahaiis are suffering

What Bahaiis are suffering from is the same religious erragance that Hezbollah is suffering right now. Just like it was said before in this blog, the difference between Bahaiis and hezbullah is that one is in power and sitting on the driver seat and we can judge their action the other has never had power and has survived in the shadows. I can just see the degree of fanatism and fundamentalism in Bahaii community that will make hebollah look mild.
My friend it is fanatic and fundementalistic to think that you have seen the Sun and tasted the divine and who ever questions you has not had the same priviledge.
If Tahrih doesn't pad Seagull in the back who would.
KHOD Gooi o Khod Khandii Agab Mardeh Honarmandi.

Thank you seagul

I was going to say something,but so elequently you have anwsered "hooshang"
that really, I will not add anything.If someone is fair they can drink from the cup of truth if not ,just like a blind man you CAN NOT expalin beauty of the sun to him.
God bless you seagul,
Tahirih

To Seagull

1-If every era needs its own Divine rules and the previous ones get expired, then if an individual comes along somewhere and claimed to be a Prophet of God and asks you to abandon the teachings of Bahaollah and adopt the "new" revelations, would you accept it?

2-How come you accept the social "provisions" of Bahaism, but reject those of Islam (like the concept of Ahkameh avaliyeh, ahkameh sanaviyeh, Ayateh naasekh o Mansookh, the role of Imams and Marja's...etc)? Isn't that a huge double standard in a objective evaluation of both religions?

On one hand bahaiis are supposed to accept Islam in its Shiit

Hooshang,
you really need to reflect on what is being said.
We accept that Mohammad was a divine messenger and he did good for his time, mission accomplished.
That is simply it.
The book is expired, its laws and ordinances are incompatible with present day needs.
That is why there are specific social teachings and provisions in Bahai writings.
How difficult is that to understand?
Also, if Mohammad said to the christians and Jewish that their book is good, how come he revealed Quran, which is very similar to Torat. How come he did not honer Jesus's "turn your other chick" and kept the "eye for an eye".
What was Mohammad in relation to Moses and Jesus.
Was he the Messiah?
You need to reflect on what you say and what you hear.
How can progressive revelation be an Islamic phenomenon if Mohammad as you claim was the Khatam o Nabiiin, ( last of the prophets ). Are you saying that Imams have a higher station than that of the prophet?
There are more holes in your philosophy than there are black holes in the universe.
But I will be patient with you in honer of your dear father.
Peace to you

Bahaiis have no good

Bahaiis have no good explanations to the questions raised by Ali. The truth is that Bahaiis are so sonsumed in their world they can not even think outside the box. Here is another profound schitzophrenic response: On one hand bahaiis are supposed to accept Islam in its Shiit 12 Imam form. On the other hand their God told them cancel the Islamic rules and change the dominance of men over women (a miss interpretation of Islam) to equal rights. On one hand their prophet clearly indicates that Quran is the mother of the books from Allah on the other hand their God has canceled Quarn's teachings. It is truely a joke if one has a thinking cap on. Jesus never canceled the old testament. Mohammed never said that Bible's teachings are canceled. In fact Mohammed in more than one occasion reminded Jews and Christians that they have a good book of laws from God and should use it to settle their disputes. The Quran, new testament and old tastement flows together without major contradiction because it is all from God, the reader just has to open their heart to God's words. Bahaii writings are carefully designed to mean different things at different times and Bahaiis only feel accomplished if they can convince you to read just some thing from their sources because no body willingly is interested. The progressive rvelation is an Islamic phenomenon you can read it in translations of Quran first Sura in english. I will give the readers specific translation and the number of the page and the sentence tomorrow.

?!!! How is this suppose to work at a greater scale, like a nati

That is great question Ali.
I leave that for you to do some readings on Bahai administration, and more time and reflection. If you would need more i will be here and will be happy to facilitate.
I am also proud that you, my iranian brother, next to whom i fought during the war, are a well wisher and desire unity. to that i say salute.
good luck.

To Seagull

Again, none of the things you mentioned are original contributions brought to humankind by the Bahai faith. They are all ideas and concepts that existed way before Bahaism.

As for the system of administration that you described, it seems quite irrational to me. On one hand you claim that humanity is mature enough to rely on its own intelligence and doesn't need Imam or vellayat and so on to guide it, and on the other hand you don't even know who you are voting for and solely rely on prayers to chose the leaders of your community?!! Is this how humanity is suppose to rely on its own intelligence?!!! How is this suppose to work at a greater scale, like a national
presidential election...etc?? Anyway, that's your internal affairs and not any of my business.

What I care about is the unity of all Iranians and their peaceful coexistence within themselves and with others. And frankly, I don't see Bahaism as a solution to create that unity.

what significant contribution has Bahasim brought?

"what significant contribution has Bahasim brought?"

to name a couple;
Abrogation of the laws and ordinances of Islam is one contribution of the Bahai faith.
What does that mean? well it sets you free. dont worry about reinventing the book or reforming it.
That in itself will save lives of many and has profound implications.
Bahai faith also do away with the institution of clergy. No more someone else reading and interpreting. God has given all equal intelligence and the same free will so you may understand and appreciate your own faith and actions.
Progressive revelation is another contribution, that is there is no last Imam or Messenger. God will reveal to humanity more of his divine religion, as the humanity develops more capacity!!

This also has great implications and you should ponder on the possibilities.
The Bahai administration is also unparalleled in history. How?
There are no clergy or Vellayet. Every community elects nine members with secret ballot and no campaigning, no individual runs for any office.
Only required characteristics are discussed and prayers are recited prior to each annual election and votes are casted.
That is local administration. i can elaborate if you wish but it is best if you visit the Bahai resources on line and get acquainted with the way Bahai offices are filled all the way to the members of the Bahai International administration.
So if you wish to serve in any of the bahai offices you will need to ask God not people!!

Secondly, I never said "You also said that Bahaism adapts old religious laws to the realities of modern societies." maybe hooshang said that!!!!!!!!!!
Bahai faith has its own books and teachings and i encourage you to read up on some of these for a better appreciation of the differences between the Faith and other religions.
Also no religion that i am aware of has explicitly stated the principle of equality of man and women, elimination of extreme wealth and poverty, abolition of all sorts of prejudices, to name a few.

p.c. Please read each post a couple of times to hear what is being said so we can have a better understanding of concepts being discussed.

Re: Ali, Read one one time what SEAGULL said!

Your answer is there.

You said:"Shiits believe Imam (and "Marjas" in the absence of the last Imam) to adapt the rules of Islam to the new needs and complexities of modern societies. As a matter of fact, even non-clerics such Dr Soroush and other Islamic intellectuals are also trying to do that."

MY aswer to you is this:( please read it)

""God (NOT PEOPLE) is the great Physician WHO ALONE CAN rightly diagnose the world’s sickness and prescribe the APPROPRIATE REMEDY. The remedy prescribed in one age is no longer suitable in a later age, when the condition of the patient is different....Each Manifestations is the heart of the world and the proficient Physician of every patient. The world of humanity is sick, but that skilled Physician hath the healing remedy and He bestoweth divine teachings, exhortations and advices which are the remedy of every ailment and the dressing for every wound. Undoubtedly, the wise physician discovereth the needs of the patient at every season and prescribeth medicine.""

To Seagull

Almost all religions and even most secular ideologies promote the idea of unity and brotherhood among humans. This is certainly not the contribution Bahaism to the world. It is said that each religion has added some new concepts and sophistication to the previous one, I will really appreciate it if you could tell me what significant contribution has Bahasim brought?

You also said that Bahaism adapts old religious laws to the realities of modern societies. But that again is not exclusive to Bahaism; Islameeli Muslims are at their 49th Imam and have changed all the major rules of Islam, including the daily prayers, beyond recognition to adapt it to the modern world. Shiits believe Imam (and "Marjas" in the absence of the last Imam) to adapt the rules of Islam to the new needs and complexities of modern societies. As a matter of fact, even non-clerics such Dr Soroush and other Islamic intellectuals are also trying to do that. So again, why should one follow Bahaism instead of any of these other religions?! What is it that Bahaism is contributing to this aspect of religions?

here is more cult news for your peace of mind

cult of peace news flash;

human rights academic in court
استاد حوزه حقوق بشر در راه زندان (Rooz Online 20-Feb-2008)

ten executions in one day
۱۰ نفر در ايران به دار آويخته شدند (Radio Farda 20-Feb-2008)

no stoning or amputation or eye gauging today but there is a ghassas by sowrd, stay tunned!

Is there any religion or ideology on earth that has not called f

"Is there any religion or ideology on earth that has not called for peace,.."

yes hooshang, there is one and that is your cult.
you see that is why you are here, spreading hate instead of going to other blogs and defending your cult! This is the most positive thing your cult members do, try to belittle and hate others.
now go watch some public hangings, floggings, and stoning and that will give you more of the peace your cult provides as good will.

Ali you have hit the nail

Ali you have hit the nail right in its head with Bahaiis and their responses validate your point even more. Bahiis are trained to be on the defense at all the time and they like to rebottle everything because they have to. Now the new angle is you don't know enough about Bhaiis. The truth is there is not much to know. (Believe me I was raised Bahaii).
Bahaiis like to take the call for unity as unique to them in fact because majority of Bahaiis are controlled in what they are reading under cult scrutiny they really think everything good they say is invented by their founder. I once again call the readers to judge for themselves: Is there any religion or ideology on earth that has not called for peace, unity, getting under the same umberella, cooperation, love, equality, and humanity advancement.(Excluding starnge setanic cults etc).
Bahaiis have stolen the scripts from Islam and christianity and piecemealed it as if its theirs. The funny part is when you confront them with the fact that their writings are extracted from other sources they immediately claim that it is because all the religions of the world are the same.
Bahaiis are stuck in a situation that if they don't justify themselves and exert their opinion on others no body has interest or suriosity to look at another cult at 21 th century.

"but that ideology could be anything, including Nazism!!"

Bahais believe in unity in diversity not ethnic or religious cleansing, you must read more and shelve your preconceived notions for a moment.
Bahais believe in elimination of prejudice and the oneness of the world of humanity and the sameness of the divine origin of religions, no Natzi would want to coexist with you or me?
The world does not and will not have to be all Bahais for peace to be established but the world will realize the Bahai teachings as it has by the formation of the united nations as an example.
That realization will come to pass without a doubt since you are witnessing the violent collapse of long held ideologies that had once for a period sustained humanity.
Your superficial knowledge of the Bahai faith and rigid inferences thus made are on shallow grounds.

no one claims that there are not good people who are either clergy or belong to different religions. that is what you think people mean without further pondering on what is being said.
What needs to be understood though is that the social laws of the bygone are no longer sufficient and will not meet the requirements of today's societies.
you may take iran for your project to see the failure of such antiquated laws and ordinances and there are plenty other good examples.

keep walking

NO you lazy hooshang,
you dont have to analyze anything or think for yourself. you are used to following and immitating, the less work the better ha.
They have read the book and decided for you for centuries, you are so used to it even your dad could not get into your heart, old habbits are hard to kick I understand!

To Tahirih

You didn't get my point at all. It is not the concept of "clergy" that is corrupt but the absolutist mentality that exist within the members of a religion/ideology. Many Marxists also claimed that they didn't believe in any kind of social hierarchy, elites...etc and that everyone was equal in their eyes, but a great number of them had the most dogmatic and totalitarian mentality one could ever imagine. They also claimed the exclusivity on the "Truth" and anyone who did not share their views was either "brainwashed", or "conditioned" or at the service of evil capitalists!!

Now, I see the same mentality in Bahais. To them anyone who is not a Bahais it is because he/she has not been "exposed" to the "Truth" yet or they have been brainwashed by the Clergy. And the only way to achieve world's peace is that everyone follows the teachings of Baha'ollah!! Well, that's a wrong approach. Obviously if they entire planet agreed on one ideology there would be world peace, but that ideology could be anything, including Nazism!!

So, again, unless you learn to recognize good and bad elements among every ranks of people including the Clergy, and until you learn to recognize partial truths everywhere you spot them, it would be impossible for you to peacefully integrate in the Iranian society.

To Ali

You are skewing the facts ,are you aware ,or you are not familiar with bahai faith??

You say :""The only difference between a cleric who believes that Bahais should be executed and a Bahai priest who believes that he hold the exclusivity of the "Truth" is that the former is currently in power and the later is not!""
AS BAHAIS WE DO NOT HAVE CLERGY!!!!!
We elect every year 9 people from our city ,or community,to govern affairs of the community,they do not hold any power,and if they are corrupt ,we just do not vote for them ,and they will be changed next year.
Each of us , as bahais have to study the texts and be our own clergy.
see me, this little house wife am able to answer any question that you have!
This is the power in the hand of people!!!!

Regards,
Tahirih