tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post2614447739371604816..comments2024-03-26T08:42:50.357-07:00Comments on One Baha'i's approach...: DisappointmentMeadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02046847133963919765noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-72287791619937283022018-10-14T01:48:46.694-07:002018-10-14T01:48:46.694-07:00I agree with "Anonymous" (Jan. 29th, 201...I agree with "Anonymous" (Jan. 29th, 2014) above, who wrote that we can no longer excuse the failings of the Baha'i community as mere "growing pains". In particular, if the various institutions are made up of learned and experienced Baha'is, why can't they - at the very least - adhere strictly to the Writings and guidance given by higher authorities. It happens all to often that, in failing to investigate what is perceived to be an "issue", and in jumping to hasty conclusions, some institutions are causing a great deal of unnecessary distress and a consequent reduction in trust by the community.Michael Reevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-1947506450859009152014-01-29T10:49:02.319-08:002014-01-29T10:49:02.319-08:00Thank you for your clarification. I don't know...Thank you for your clarification. I don't know what you mean by "double jeopardy", but it sounds like you took good steps with a pure attitude. Perhaps you may want to take it to a higher level?<br /><br />And regarding my comment about the individuals on institutions, this was in reference to many communities where this is the problem with which they are struggling. When there are only 10 - 15 Baha'is, this type of problem has been known to occur. Besides, it was only a few years ago, in 1996, that the Universal house of Justice said, "Bahá'ís everywhere are at the very beginning of the process of community building". So we may want to keep in mind that it isn't that long ago.<br /><br />Assemblies seem to function at their absolute peak when dealing with thousands and thousands of people in their jurisdiction. That is when they are fairly sure to have ready access to experts in the multitude of areas required, such as counselling, economics, and so forth. And when the Assembly can call upon these experts, in addition to the wisdom they show through consultation, then it is light upon light. For now, though, I have seen too many cases where an Assembly made the best decision they could with the resources they had, and yet, if they had consulted someone trained in basic counselling, much pain would have been avoided.<br /><br />In communities where there are hundreds to draw upon, the difficulties encountered tend to be minimized, but unfortunately there are still many communities that have less than a few dozen members.<br /><br />As the Guardian said many times, the problems we are facing will best be overcome through teaching.<br /><br />My prayers are with you, and thank you for your question and clarification.<br />Meadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02046847133963919765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-32099102891702627192014-01-29T09:57:32.071-08:002014-01-29T09:57:32.071-08:00i took my local matter to the national level, only...i took my local matter to the national level, only to be further disappointed by what i can only call a case of double jeopardy, a monumental failure that has ruined my life and the lives of many around me. as for the individuals of the institutions, i could not disagree with you more. they are community elected based on their skills, talents, personalities, i.e. the 9 folks the community deems to be the creme de la creme. we will always be in perpetual wait for these people to mature and learn the laws of the faith, if we are to accept that these are all growing pains. as for growing pains, i'd accept that as a plausible defense in the 1960's, but not today. the bahais, because of the "milk breath" have enjoyed unprecedented advancement in terms technology, a globally aware international community among other things to rely on the argument crutch of "growing pains". i'm not directing this angst at you though, please don't get me wrong, this terminology of growing pains is just part of the bahai vocabulary.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-32309553611259349702014-01-27T11:16:03.078-08:002014-01-27T11:16:03.078-08:00That is such a great question. And one that I have...That is such a great question. And one that I have felt on more than one occasion. To start,though, I cannot answer how anyone else "should" feel. I can only talk about how I have felt. And what I felt was anger, initially, and then disappointment. What I did, though, was follow their decision while presenting my case to a higher institution. Actually, to start, what I did was find what I considered relevant guidance in the Writings and asked the institution to re-consider their decision. If that failed, then I went to a higher institution. From there, in every single case I was either presented with guidance I had not previously seen that helped me change my mind, or they consulted with the lower institution and helped them see the case in a new light.<br /><br />I think the overarching thing to remember is that we are at the very beginning of community building, according to the Universal House of Justice. many of these institutions are made up of members that are still learning about the intricacies of applying the teachings. And we need to show them patience, just as we hope to be shown patience, too.<br /><br />And while this can be very difficult in a small community where the institution is "controlled" by a very vocal minority, it is a part of our growing process. And the result is often growing pains.Meadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02046847133963919765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-12703996667136685002014-01-27T10:31:00.413-08:002014-01-27T10:31:00.413-08:00so how should we feel when baha'i institutions...so how should we feel when baha'i institutions fail us? grievously fail us?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-33002018220552668592014-01-26T15:22:42.827-08:002014-01-26T15:22:42.827-08:00Yes, we come to the Faith from different backgroun...Yes, we come to the Faith from different backgrounds and load it with imperfections, vanities, and ignorance; otherwise, we have no need of the Faith. There is a little light in our hearts that somehow guided us to Baha'u'llah. <br />The process of purification of the heart does not happens instantly; I continue to fail, to fall, and with the help of God, I continue to get back up so I can then, "bring myself into account each day" It is really painful to know that I am causing such disappointments to the Blessed Beauty!,- I am so attach to comfort among other things- but I always remember something 'Abdu'l-Baha says, "Take courage! God never forsakes His children who strive and work and pray!" ... and with pure intentions and honesty, I always try to present and live the Faith with the best of my abilities. Notice that this is not a confection but sharing my feelings ...Thank you Mead!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08249128780469060528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1734645058271734681.post-66870280721712042702014-01-26T12:17:33.468-08:002014-01-26T12:17:33.468-08:00This is spot on, Mead. Such an important lesson!This is spot on, Mead. Such an important lesson!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07636516479975018733noreply@blogger.com