Search found 63 matches

by jimhabegger
Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:44 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Where did "All religions are one" come from?
Replies: 2
Views: 16658

Where did "All religions are one" come from?

I can't find "all religions are one," in those words, in any authoritative writings. Does anyone know when and how Baha'is started saying that, in those words?
by jimhabegger
Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:38 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)
Replies: 7
Views: 38590

Re: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)

Hi Peter. Thanks for posting. You've encouraged me! Have you posted your ideas anywhere on the Internet, like in a blog or a forum, or on a Web page? If not, will you write to me about them? I'm still confused about what I want to do in my new blog and on my new Web pages, but part of it at least wi...
by jimhabegger
Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:04 am
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)
Replies: 7
Views: 38590

Re: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)

I've been wondering for years how to practice and promote networking between Baha'i theorists and Baha'i practitioners. One example of what I mean by "theorists" is people whose ideas are published repeatedly in Baha'i Studies journals. One example of what I mean by "practitioners&quo;...
by jimhabegger
Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:12 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)
Replies: 7
Views: 38590

Re: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)

John and Brett, thank you for those comments. I like those ideas very much. That helps a lot. I've been wondering how there might be more networking between people deeply involved in Baha'i studies associations and people deeply involved in the growth programs of the Baha'i Community, and what I mig...
by jimhabegger
Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:23 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)
Replies: 7
Views: 38590

Exploring the Ocean Together (revised)

Exploring the Ocean Together I'm planning to start a new blog, and some new Web pages, about helping to transmit encouragement, support and learning through walls of prejudice and over gulfs of estrangement that divide people who are interested in the writings of Baha'u'llah. Before I start, I'd lik...
by jimhabegger
Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:15 pm
Forum: Bahá'í Writings
Topic: LOCKED --- Exploring the Ocean Together
Replies: 1
Views: 21735

LOCKED --- Exploring the Ocean Together

Sorry, guys, Ive locked this topic. Reasons are given below... -BritishBahai, Tues 25th Nov 2008. ___________ I don't know why this post was removed. It might be because I posted it in the wrong forum. I'll try posting it here. If anyone removes it, please send me an explanation. I'm planning to st...
by jimhabegger
Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:35 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles
Replies: 8
Views: 29621

Re: A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles

I've decided to call the movement I'm talking about "The dialogue/Talisman new horizons movement," until I find something better. It's one of many movements I've seen to help free the spirit of the Baha'i Faith from its shackles, including the new culture that the House of Justice is promo...
by jimhabegger
Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:04 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Re: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles

Perhaps Jonah could merge the two if you asked him? Might easier for all to follow and participate if they were the same thread. Jonah, please, don't. I specifically created the other thread to dissociate the new horizons movement from the feud. I won't try to stop anyone from dragging red herrings...
by jimhabegger
Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:39 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Re: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles

This is a response to Loren's post to me in the thread " A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles. " My response could lead to discussions that might divert attention from what I wanted to discuss there. ---- Loren, I was very happy to see such a sympathetic and thoughtf...
by jimhabegger
Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:20 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles
Replies: 8
Views: 29621

Re: A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles

Hi Loren, I was very happy to see such a sympathetic and thoughtful response from someone who has concerns about what I'm doing. Thank you very much for posting! I've moved the rest of my response to the thread " Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles ." I want to limit my respo...
by jimhabegger
Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:59 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Forum problems? Can't login, or missing posts?
Replies: 2
Views: 12882

Re: Forum problems? Can't login, or missing posts?

If it's happened to enough people I can try re-installing the forum and importing an archived backup. If it's just two people, I won't worry about it. Jonah, could you restore the backup into a separate set of boards, or into an archive, or make it accessible to read some other way, without disturb...
by jimhabegger
Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:06 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: interpretation and elucidation
Replies: 6
Views: 18504

interpretation and elucidation

The House of Justice does not interpret. It elucidates. What difference does that make, in practice? I've thought of an image that might help. Think of the elucidations of the House of Justice as a reading lamp, and the scriptures of the Faith as a book you're reading. The lamp can help you see what...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:36 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

I'd like to try to explain more about my reasons for writing my story, and for discussing it here. I originally wrote the story partly in response to defamation campaigns against the people in it, and partly in response to defamation campaigns against the House of Justice. It would take a lot of tim...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:50 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Brett, another issue related to what you quoted from The Advent of Divine Justice is about my honesty in discharging my obligations to enemies of the Faith. I see campaigns by some Baha'is to poison people's minds against some of our enemies, and to influence other Baha'is to shun them. In my unders...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:37 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Brett, another issue related to what you quoted from The Advent of Divine Justice is about what Shoghi Effendi calls "the more serious deficiencies" by which the American Baha'i community "is being handicapped in the discharge of its task." I see those as examples of the shackles...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:36 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Brett, another issue related to what you quoted from The Advent of Divine Justice is the way we're advised to treat our enemies. Another example of how to treat our enemies, from the Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha: O ye beloved of the Lord! In this sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention are...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 2:33 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Brett, I'd like to discuss some issues you raised in an earlier post, which I see as very relevant to what I've been doing. You quoted this: It ["rectitude of conduct" "which the American believers must...strive to promote"] must be demonstrated in the impartiality of every defen...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:53 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Brett, you've brought up some writings and some issues that I see as very relevant to what I've been doing. Three of them are in your quote from The Advent of Divine Justice . 1. Recognizing any merits our enemies may possess. 2. The way we're advised to treat our enemies. 2. What Shoghi Effendi cal...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:27 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles
Replies: 8
Views: 29621

A movement to help free the Baha'i spirit from its shackles

I decided to start a separate thread on this topic, to help avoid it being obscured by other issues. This about what I'm calling a movement to help free the religious spirit from its shackles within the Baha'i community. Some time ago there was some interdisciplinary networking going on among some B...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:44 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

. . . dwelling on supposedly liberal "movements" (whatever their aspects) which obviously contradict its explicit teachings (by those who are no longer Baha'is no less) . . . Are you saying that Susan Maneck, Jonah Winters, Amin Banani, Erika Batdorf, Terry Culhane, Sandra Fotos, Amir Hag...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:21 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

I've re-written what I posted at the beginning of this thread, to remove the word "liberal," which can too easily be used to divert attention from what I wanted to discuss. ---- Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles http://www.geocities.com/netsofwonder/freedom.html In the fore...
by jimhabegger
Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:19 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Thank you, Brett. You wrote: . . . dwelling on supposedly liberal "movements" (whatever their aspects) which obviously contradict its explicit teachings (by those who are no longer Baha'is no less) . . . Let me see if I understand you correctly. Are you saying that Susan Maneck, Jonah Wint...
by jimhabegger
Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:47 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

hi jim, you didnt answer my question... In my very first post, I explained my reasons for what I'm doing. I've learned from painful experience that it's worse than useless to try to answer questions from someone who ignores the answers I've already given. If you can find the reasons I gave in my fi...
by jimhabegger
Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:20 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Thank you, Richard. Um . . . I think I agree with you?

Jim
by jimhabegger
Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:32 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

But my point holds that certain individuals (not necessarily those you named) are unfortunately trying to promote division. I've seen all of the people in my story campaigning against the House of Justice, if that's what you mean, but that isn't the liberal movement I'm talking about. That's part o...
by jimhabegger
Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:29 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

I've decided to change "liberation movement" to "liberal movement" in my essay. Out of context, "Baha'i liberation movement" might be misunderstood as Baha'i involvement in a revolutionary political movement.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:15 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Re: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles

There have been attempts to overturn the Baha'i Covenant in the past. And like it or not, at least part of what this bunch wants to do amounts to yet another effort at doing the same sort of thing--and yet another attempt at promoting division. Let me see if I understand you correctly. You're sayin...
by jimhabegger
Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:09 am
Forum: About Baha'i Library
Topic: Problem with the Web site?
Replies: 2
Views: 23685

Wow! How's that for service!
by jimhabegger
Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:41 pm
Forum: About Baha'i Library
Topic: Problem with the Web site?
Replies: 2
Views: 23685

Problem with the Web site?

I haven't been able to get onto the Baha'i Library Main page since last night. Anyone else having trouble?

Jim
by jimhabegger
Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:43 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles
Replies: 28
Views: 121231

Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles

Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles http://www.geocities.com/netsofwonder/freedom.html Freedom from sectarian hatreds and other shackles In the foreword to "One Common Faith," the Universal House of Justice wrote: . . . the disease of sectarian hatreds, if not decisively chec...
by jimhabegger
Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:04 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

I see some wonderful possibilities in the dialogue/Talisman movement. The conflicts, and the responses of the House of Justice, might have scared some people away from the adventure. I have some ideas about how the spirit I see stirring in the movement might be freed from its shackles. 1. More aware...
by jimhabegger
Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:39 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

It seems to me that I saw somewhere a list of current practices in the Baha'i community that were anticipated in "A Modest Proposal." Has anyone else seen that, and if so, where?

Jim
by jimhabegger
Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:33 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

"The spiritual growth generated by individual devotions is reinforced by loving association among the friends in every locality, by worship as a community and by service to the Faith and to one's fellow human beings. These communal aspects of the godly life relate to the law of the Mashriqu'l-A...
by jimhabegger
Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:39 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

I'm hoping that Momen's article will help popularize the Baha'i liberation movement as a topic of study, and that my story will help inspire research that highlights the good in the movement. I'd like to see some good scholarship that highlights: - The spirit of the movement at its best. Jonah has s...
by jimhabegger
Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:43 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

However, and unfortunately, it is those few discussions which have come to represent the entire Talisman 1 experience, and for which Talisman will be remembered to history. Not if I can help it. I'm imagining that the liberation movement will someday get the credit it deserves. I've already made a ...
by jimhabegger
Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:33 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

Sen and Steve, thank you.

I've started a folder on my computer for ideas and references. Your posts are the first two entries.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:53 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

Bruce, I don't want to take the time to try to explain it to you. You can either wait until I write the article, or try reading my Glimpses of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles, and the annex "The new wind." I'm not sure that will help, but it might.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Thu Feb 28, 2008 7:38 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

For now I'm calling it "A New Look at the dialogue/Talisman files." It will include. - examples of the spirit of the movement at its best, from the archives, and from memories of people who were there. - examples of ideas that came out of the movement, that were later widely adopted in the...
by jimhabegger
Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:58 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

I just realized today, I could do this myself!

"If you want something done right . . ."

Jim
by jimhabegger
Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:40 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

Re: A more modest proposal

Steve, thank you for helping me with this. I see some things that I need to clarify. By "Talisman movement," I mean a movement of liberation that I see associated with the LA study group, dialogue Magazine and the Talisman lists. It goes back to 1976 at least. I had "A Modest Proposal...
by jimhabegger
Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:11 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles
Replies: 18
Views: 46869

Proposal for a new study of the dialogue/Talisman chronicles

"A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth . . ." (Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 195) "What the Bahá'í community is engaged in bringing into visible expression is a new creation. In this, the Cause has urgent need of the unfettered and w...
by jimhabegger
Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:23 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Expandable overview of "One Common Faith"
Replies: 0
Views: 8534

Expandable overview of "One Common Faith"

I'm working on an expandable overview of "One Common Faith." I've posted it at http://www.geocities.com/geotalk/ocf/ .

Jim
by jimhabegger
Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:02 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: "Modest Proposal" and Service of Women paper
Replies: 2
Views: 8296

Never mind. I got permission.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:56 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: "Modest Proposal" and Service of Women paper
Replies: 2
Views: 8296

An editor's note at H-Bahai says that the authors were forbidden to circulate the Service of Women paper in any way. I would like to write to the authors to see if they can give me any more information about that. Does anyone know how I can contact Peggy Caton, Richard Hollinger, Marjan Nirou, Nader...
by jimhabegger
Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:25 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: "Modest Proposal" and Service of Women paper
Replies: 2
Views: 8296

"Modest Proposal" and Service of Women paper

Does anyone know where I can find copies of "A Modest Proposal" and the Service of Women paper I can post on my Web page? I want people to be able to read those documents without being subjected to malicious propaganda. I'm requesting permission to copy them from the H-Bahai site, but I have some do...
by jimhabegger
Mon May 16, 2005 8:12 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Looking for quote on power taken from Kings
Replies: 2
Views: 9390

"From two ranks amongst men," is His terse and prophetic utterance, "power hath been seized: kings and ecclesiastics." (Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 230) We have also heard that thou hast entrusted the reins of counsel into the hands of the representatives of the people. Thou, indeed, hast done...
by jimhabegger
Mon May 09, 2005 10:56 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Thank you, Hasan. Those suit my purpose very well!

Jim
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 11:36 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Here are the passages I've seen so far, in response to my question: "Whoso, while reading the Sacred Scriptures, is tempted to choose therefrom whatever may suit him with which to challenge the authority of the Representative of God among men, is, indeed, as one dead." - Gleanings from the Writings ...
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 11:29 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Thank you, Hasan, for those quotes. That's all very helpful.

I won't try, now, to respond to all your concerns about what I'm doing. Right now I'm only trying to answer any questions that might help clarify what I'm looking for.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 11:27 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Thank you, Mat. No harm done.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 6:02 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

I think it's an abuse of the writings of the Universal House of Justice to interpret them as placing boundaries around the kinds of ideas we can promote. In fact, it seems to me that one of the aims of the campaign of internal opposition has been to plant that very idea in people's minds, to create ...
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 5:49 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

So far I've seen the following responses to my question: 1. Warnings to not promote schism and to not challenge the authority of the Head of the Faith. 2. "To none is given the right to put forth his own opinion or express his particular conviction. All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of...
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 5:42 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

"The obedience of the House is the axis of all, it will be good to know what you exactly mean with 'what the House of Justice says,' as you know the House has powers of legislation, administrative and judicial." I'll rephrase the question. Does anyone know of any other writings that might prohibit p...
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 5:40 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

What is behind this question is that I think it's unhealthy, for individuals and for the community, and detrimental to the progress of the Cause, for people to be imagining that the Universal House of Justice is drawing boundaries around the *kinds* of views that anyone can promote.

Jim
by jimhabegger
Tue May 03, 2005 5:26 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

"It looks turbid what is behind this question." What is behind this question is what I said in earlier posts. ---- "It is incumbent upon every man, in this Day, to hold fast unto whatsoever will promote the interests, and exalt the station, of all nations and just governments." - Gleanings from the ...
by jimhabegger
Mon May 02, 2005 3:11 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

In case it wasn't clear, what I'm looking for in this thread is not arguments for or against any of the ideas I used in the examples. The only purpose of the examples was to help clarify what I'm looking for, which is writings that prohibit promoting views contrary to what the Universal House of Jus...
by jimhabegger
Mon May 02, 2005 8:14 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

I'll use an example to explain what I'm looking for. Imagine a follower of Baha'u'llah who believes that it's contrary to Baha'u'llah's purposes and prescriptions to exclude women from the Universal House of Justice. As I see it, she has a responsibility first to study and practice the writings on t...
by jimhabegger
Mon May 02, 2005 7:54 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Thank you, Hasan. As I understand it, you would say that even if it were possible to promote disobedience to the House of Justice without creating schism, it would still be wrong because it would be disloyal to the Covenant. I didn't find anything in the writings about being loyal to the Covenant. I...
by jimhabegger
Sun May 01, 2005 7:38 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Finally, I come back to my original request, which is for writings that anyone thinks place limits on the *kinds* of ideas we can promote. Does anyone see any writings, including those of the Universal House of Justice, that specify ideas that we are forbidden to promote? Letters to individuals, tha...
by jimhabegger
Sun May 01, 2005 7:34 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Also, I would welcome writings about *how* to promote our ideas. For example, from Hasan's post above: "provided that no disputes or arguments arise among the friends and the individual himself understands and makes it clear that his views are merely his own." "express their own views without pressi...
by jimhabegger
Sun May 01, 2005 7:11 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Besides writings that anyone thinks place limits on the *kinds* of ideas we can promote, I would also like help finding writings that encourage us to promote whatever seems good to us, regardless of how unpopular it might be. For example: "It is incumbent upon every man, in this Day, to hold fast un...
by jimhabegger
Sun May 01, 2005 6:40 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Hasan, thank you very much! That's very helpful!

Jim
by jimhabegger
Sat Apr 30, 2005 4:03 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Limits to promoting ideas
Replies: 27
Views: 46178

Limits to promoting ideas

I think it's better for Baha'u'llah's purposes for every person, including every follower of Bahau'llah, to promote whatever she believes in, even if it's contrary to the words of God Himself. I think some Baha'is feel inhibited about promoting some things they believe in, because of some people's i...

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