Search found 45 matches

by pilgrimbrent
Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:11 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Another film of 'Abdu'l-Baha?
Replies: 3
Views: 31602

Re: Another film of 'Abdu'l-Baha?

the Archives does not have a copy in Wilmette. Unless we are exceptionally lucky and this film was somehow preserved by a film library, at this point, a full century later, it is most likely lost to history. At one point copies were for sale through Star of the West. Brent
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:35 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Friend needs help with some tricky marriage questions
Replies: 4
Views: 23452

Re: Friend needs help with some tricky marriage questions

I personally think that these detailed legal questions -- civil law and Baha'i law -- should be referred to the Office of Community Administration at the Baha'i National Center community@usbnc.org or 847-869-9039.
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:31 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: The Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha
Replies: 3
Views: 16075

Re: The Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha

Interesting that Shoghi Effendi uses both words here: ". . . 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Center of His Covenant with all mankind and the appointed Interpreter and Expounder of His Word."
(Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 35)
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:23 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Experience of Baha'i-Muslims
Replies: 1
Views: 11513

Re: Experience of Baha'i-Muslims

I have met a few, but my guess is that they are pretty careful not to be too public, because there are some who would view it as their religious duty to do away with them. One man I met some time ago said that as he grew up he had Baha'i classmates but never gave the Baha'i Faith much thought. Later...
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:21 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: tattoo my body with bahai symbols?
Replies: 18
Views: 81226

Re: tattoo my body with bahai symbols?

Bruce's comments are not as denunciatory as you might first get the impression of. He posts in a large font, in bold, and this looks like shouting, but his points are well taken.
Brent
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:19 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: pilgrimage Reading/Preperation
Replies: 3
Views: 18037

Re: pilgrimage Reading/Preperation

The book Zikrullah Khadem is excellent preparation for Pilgrimage.
http://www.bahaibookstore.com/productde ... fm?PC=5736
Mr Khadem wrote essays about Pilgrimage and the Shrines that are in the back of that book. Excellent.
Brent
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:17 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Writing a will - easy as ABC?
Replies: 3
Views: 19199

Re: Writing a will - easy as ABC?

The Guardian noted that the laws regarding wills are detailed and vary state to state; I don't have the reference, nor time to look it up. It was in his own hand, i.e. in God Passes By or Citadel of Faith, perhaps. The House of Justice does not want a template for a Baha'i will. Just as with the mar...
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:14 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: tattoo my body with bahai symbols?
Replies: 18
Views: 81226

Re: tattoo my body with bahai symbols?

There are indications that the Bab directed that his followers tattoo their bodies with sacred symbols - the women with the daira, http://bahai-library.com/bab_daira_1 the men with the haykal http://bahai-library.com/bab_daira_haykal_1 Though it is not clear to me whether these were more in the natu...
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:07 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: English translation of the Qur'an
Replies: 4
Views: 24600

Re: English translation of the Qur'an

I personally find Muhammad Asad's translation to be the easiest to read, and the translation that best communicates spiritual realities to the Western mind. This Wiki about him has a link at the bottom to his translation on line, or look it up on Amazon and buy the book. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki...
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:03 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Sequencing the DNA of Baha'u'llah
Replies: 5
Views: 19251

Re: Sequencing the DNA of Baha'u'llah

Even in such a case, no one but a Guardian can appoint a successor Guardian. Only Shoghi Effendi could have appointed one; but all the Aghsan (Arabic for "branches" -- male descendants of Baha'u'llah) had died spiritually or physically -- not one was left within the Covenant.
Brent
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 10:00 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: infidelity
Replies: 9
Views: 37552

Re: infidelity

Fidelity in marriage is a very big deal in the Baha'i Faith. The punishment for adultery is in both worlds; in other instances, the punishment is complete in this world, e.g. capital punishment for murder: http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAB/sab-153.html In general I agree that in marriage absolu...
by pilgrimbrent
Thu May 31, 2012 9:31 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Did Charles (Carl) Steinmetz meet 'Abdu'l-Baha?
Replies: 14
Views: 40781

Re: Did Charles (Carl) Steinmetz meet 'Abdu'l-Baha?

Robert Stockman says that Abdu'l-Baha's train route did not go through Schnectady nor was there time for Him to travel there. The only reference to this subject I know of is in one of Stanwood Cobb's books in which he quotes a Unitarian minister as the source of the story that Abdu'l-Baha toured Ste...
by pilgrimbrent
Mon Jan 31, 2011 6:54 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Why do Baha'i's misunderstand what "shun politics" means?
Replies: 34
Views: 112245

Re: Why do Baha'i's misunderstand what "shun politics" means

Perhaps these quotes, if not already posted, will shed some light; if they've already been posted, my apology. "In the case of Mr. ..., it is important that you ascertain precisely what his membership on a village council entitles, and how he achieved such membership, i.e., by election or appoi...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 11, 2010 11:41 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Can't find the original quote: "Seventy and two meanings"
Replies: 6
Views: 25196

Re: Can't find the original quote: "Seventy and two meanings

On page 71 of my version of the Iqan, Baha'u'llah explains that the meanings He is giving to the verses from previous Revelations, are themselves the huris no mind has previously understood, i.e. "untouched by any man." The 70 virgins and the 70 meanings of scripture mean the same thing: I...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 11, 2010 11:36 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Baha'i Marriage Laws
Replies: 5
Views: 23604

Re: Baha'i Marriage Laws

I have myself served on a local spiritual assembly that performed a marriage for a non-Baha'i couple. They brought their parental consent letters. I don't remember if they brought witnesses or asked us to provide them. Besides the parental consents, they need to both recite the marriage vow exactly ...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Jul 03, 2010 1:37 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Tolstoy
Replies: 10
Views: 35128

Re: Tolstoy

My suggestion too is the book about Tolstoy and maybe find a way to correspond directly with the author. Mr Ali Nakhjavani's father was from the Caucasus and he spoke Russian, and Abdu'l-Baha directed him to communicate with Tolstoy. My impression is there was a good deal of correspondence. Mr Nakhj...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:55 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: INFALLIBILITY?
Replies: 8
Views: 28014

Re: INFALLIBILITY?

Yes, it stands to reason, even if it is not directly stated Yes, it points out the important principle stated by Abdu'l-Baha: "Now the members of the House of Justice have not, individually, essential infallibility; but the body of the House of Justice is under the protection and unerring guid...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:13 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: INFALLIBILITY?
Replies: 8
Views: 28014

Re: INFALLIBILITY?

The phrase "sin against the common weal" was written about acts of individual House members who could potentially make such acts (and subsequently be voted out of the body), so I think it might confuse things here to use that terminology (even if we can make the assumption that it applies...
by pilgrimbrent
Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:05 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: House members to increase?
Replies: 6
Views: 26427

Re: House members to increase?

My recollection is that I heard that there is room in the present Seat of the Universal House of Justice for 19 offices, should the number of House members increase. My memory may be faulty here.
Brent
by pilgrimbrent
Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:03 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: UHJ Letter in regards to non believers at 19 day feasts
Replies: 13
Views: 39268

Re: UHJ Letter in regards to non believers at 19 day feasts

Brett, the letter is dated 17 May 2009 and you can find it on the USBNC.ORG website under communications from the House of Justice. It does not say that the administrative portion is to be watered down. I read it to mean that non-Baha'is can now be accommodated at this portion of the Feast. Only mat...
by pilgrimbrent
Tue Mar 30, 2010 9:55 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: INFALLIBILITY?
Replies: 8
Views: 28014

Re: INFALLIBILITY?

Baha'u'llah Himself gave an explanation of what infallibility means. The second sentence pertains only to the Manifestation; the last sentence refers to conferred infallibility: "Know thou that the term 'Infallibility' hath numerous meanings and divers stations. In one sense it is applicable to...
by pilgrimbrent
Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:33 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Friendship with the "ungodly"
Replies: 10
Views: 44721

Re: Friendship with the "ungodly"

As far as Christoper Hitchens, my own personal test for who to avoid is this: If my contact with the person leads me to doubt. If on the other hand, when I read a person like Hitchens, who opposes belief in the Deity -- if I observe the errors in his thinking, then I'm on solid ground and I keep rea...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:52 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Friendship with the "ungodly"
Replies: 10
Views: 44721

Re: Friendship with the "ungodly"

A sensible thing to do but I'm swamped right now. I would want to comment on them and strive to reconcile them; but then, that is best done through experience than from the armchair. I really can't do it right now due to the press of work for clients (feast or famine) and also Baha'i work. Good to h...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Mar 03, 2010 3:10 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Friendship with the "ungodly"
Replies: 10
Views: 44721

Re: Friendship with the "ungodly"

I think this is one of the most important of the Baha'i teachings -- learning to distinguish between fellowship with all, and avoidance of those who are spiritually harmful. On the one hand we have passages such as this: "We have erewhile declared - and Our Word is the truth - 'Consort with the...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:13 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: A return of christ question
Replies: 5
Views: 19707

Re: A return of christ question

The term "resurrection" has several meanings in the Writings. One is the meaning explained by the Bab in the passage you have quoted. Another is that a person who becomes a believer and is transformed by the spirit and Teachings, is resurrected. Another is the Resurrection of Christ, as ex...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:07 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Website on the Covenant
Replies: 0
Views: 20828

Website on the Covenant

I have set up a website on the Covenant, please check it out and please refer people to it who have questions on these subjects. Thanks
Brent
http://bahai-covenant.blogspot.com
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:06 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Baha'ullah made prophecies that have come true?
Replies: 11
Views: 32220

Re: Baha'ullah made prophecies that have come true?

"Consider this wronged One. Though the clearest proofs attest the truth of His Cause; though the prophecies He, in an unmistakable language, hath made have been fulfilled..." (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, p. 58) "All Our warnings have come to pass, as indeed, they are b...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:35 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Some questions & concerns regarding the Baha'i Faith
Replies: 17
Views: 45834

Re: Some questions & concerns regarding the Baha'i Faith

1) What does it matter if one shaves one's head, or if men grow hair below the lobe of the ear? 2) In the "adultry and sexual intercourse between unmarried couples" section it says "Sexual intercourse between unmarried couples is punishable by a fine paid to the Local Spiritual Assem...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:12 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: The purposes of the Laws of God
Replies: 2
Views: 11793

The purposes of the Laws of God

In the Holy Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad enjoins the law of Pilgrimage. And unlike the Baha'i Pilgrimage which occurs throughout the course of the year, in the Muslim Pilgrimage, all the pilgrims go at one time. Social scientists more than a thousand years later have observed the effects of the Hajj...
by pilgrimbrent
Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:23 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Some questions & concerns regarding the Baha'i Faith
Replies: 17
Views: 45834

Re: Some questions & concerns regarding the Baha'i Faith

However, I do still have some continuing questions, concerns, and things that I would like to be heard about before I would feel comfortable and confident in officially re-joining the Faith.... Assuming that I am in agreement with all of the Baha'i beliefs, except for these three areas, would it be...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:49 am
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Some questions about the faith
Replies: 11
Views: 28022

Re: Some questions about the faith

One of the things about the Writings is that they appear at first to be too vast to cover them all. But let me ask you a question. Let's say that you wanted to read everything that Baha'u'llah revealed, in one year. How many pages per day do you think you would need to read? .... Guess. I'll wait......
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:05 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Responses to Baha'u'llah from kings
Replies: 2
Views: 12081

Re: Responses to Baha'u'llah from kings

Does anyone know of responses to Baha'u'llah's letters/tablets from the various kings and rulers in 'The Summons of the Lord of Hosts'? I would look in God Passes By, and the Promised Day is Come, for Shoghi Effendi's explanations of the responses of the kings. I was reflecting today on the greatne...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Jan 17, 2009 8:58 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Question on proof of Christ's return
Replies: 3
Views: 13126

Re: Question on proof of Christ's return

He explains that 1260 is 1844 on the Islamic calender, but the quote talks about the number of years the Jewish people will be banished from the land, not the year they will be allowed to return. Would this be correct? In my view the prophecies are not always stated or fulfilled in exact engineerin...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:26 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Reason and Faith
Replies: 7
Views: 19947

Re: Reason and Faith

"is it accurate to say that Baha'u'llah is saying reason and rationality should bring one to acknowledge God as the source of ultimate and perfect wisdom/reality, and then, you accept everything that comes from it?" These quotes come to mind: "Today, at table, let us speak for a littl...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:13 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Info on Potency of long Healing Prayer
Replies: 4
Views: 22948

Re: Info on Potency of long Healing Prayer

This is the only thing I know of, and I'm not sure if Baha'u'llah was directing the Master to say the Long Healing Prayer or a verse from it or only the Name of God the Healer. Brent Shaykh Sadiq-i-Yazdi Another of those who emigrated to Baghdad was Shaykh Sadiq of Yazd, a man esteemed, and righteou...
by pilgrimbrent
Wed Jan 07, 2009 10:53 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Looking for a prayer for a family ridden by suicide
Replies: 4
Views: 15413

Re: Looking for a prayer for a family ridden by suicide

This Tablet might be of assistance. Brent O thou seeker of the Kingdom! Thy letter was received. Thou hast written of the severe calamity that hath befallen thee -- the death of thy respected husband. That honourable man hath been so subjected to the stress and strain of this world that his greatest...
by pilgrimbrent
Mon Dec 29, 2008 6:09 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: times when you KNOW you're being tested
Replies: 16
Views: 36089

Re: times when you KNOW you're being tested

There's an unauthenticated quote I came across in the Barstow collection effectively saying that self-development is a mirage and only comes in the context of service to others. This is very similar to a statement by the eminent physician and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, who wrote: "I don't...
by pilgrimbrent
Mon Dec 29, 2008 5:57 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Discovering Baha'i --- Questions
Replies: 18
Views: 47186

Re: Discovering Baha'i --- Questions

n08 wrote: "Can a Baha'i marry a non-Baha'i?" I believe that when a person asks what the Baha'i teachings are, we Baha'is should let them know what the teachings say, in addition to our opinions. These questions give us a marvelous opportunity to explore our own Writings and better learn t...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:22 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Questions on a variety of things
Replies: 11
Views: 26986

Re: Questions on a variety of things

It would be a good idea for you to download the Ocean program at http://www.bahai-education.org and since you don't have the Net at home, burn a CD and bring Ocean to your home computer. It has all of the Baha'i Writings, as well as the scriptures of the earlier Revelations. Among these in the work ...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:03 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Drinking alcohol
Replies: 4
Views: 20155

Re: Drinking alcohol

The most appropriate way for you would be to contact the Office of Public Information at the Baha'i World Centre: opi@bwc.org . You can of course visit the Baha'i Shrines, as well.
Best regards
Brent Poirier
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:13 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Why was congregational prayer abolished?
Replies: 10
Views: 45473

Re: Why was congregational prayer abolished?

This is a really interesting question, and I do not recall ever seeing a specific answer in the Baha'i Writings as to why it was abolished. This would be the closest I know of: "The daily prayers are to be said each one for himself, aloud or silent makes no difference. There is no congregationa...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 4:58 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Request for help with Ruhi material
Replies: 5
Views: 17111

Re: Request for help with Ruhi material

You might contact these folks and get their advice.
Brent

http://www.palabrapublications.info/
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 4:55 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: times when you KNOW you're being tested
Replies: 16
Views: 36089

Re: times when you KNOW you're being tested

Thank you for sharing your heartache. This is what Baha'u'llah says in the next world the believers will also do -- share our burdens with one another: "Blessed is the soul which, at the hour of its separation from the body, is sanctified from the vain imaginings of the peoples of the world. Su...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 4:43 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: Pilgrimage hotels
Replies: 6
Views: 19873

Re: Pilgrimage hotels

If you go to http://pilgrimage.bahai.org/ you will find a booklet with current information from the Office of Pilgrimage about reliable hotels and hostels, in three price ranges. When you find one you like you might post questions about it here, to see if anyone's recently stayed there. Lucky you --...
by pilgrimbrent
Sat Dec 27, 2008 4:17 pm
Forum: Discussion
Topic: In search of a quote
Replies: 10
Views: 24261

Re: In search of a quote

Evening friends, I was curious if anyone knows of the exact quote and source regarding the House of Justice and the International Court of Arbitration's (perhaps referred to as the Supreme Tribunal) eventual consummation into one institution? I hope this isn't a figment of my imagination! :oops: Ad...

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