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The meaning of "We" in the writings of Baha'u'llah

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 7:21 pm
by HuangRan
I heard a friend said taht, 'Abdu'Baha had mentioned that when Baha'u'llah says "We", He means all the Manifestations of God. Yet some understand that "We" implies the majesty of a King, that is God.
Which is correct? And, did 'Abdu'Baha say that?
Thanks.

Re: The meaning of "We" in the writings of Baha'u'llah

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 10:25 pm
by brettz9
Hi,

Although there are of course passages such as in Gleanings, sec. 22, which reference the Manifestations of God being "regarded as one soul and the same person" and the tradition cited there of "I am all the Prophets", the following quotation indicates the normal meaning of such usage:

"When Baha'u'llah uses the plural--'We', 'Our' etc.--He is merely using a form which is regal and has greater power than the singular 'I'. We have this same usage in English, when the King says 'we'. The Pope does the same thing."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 18, 1951; quoted in Lights of Guidance, no. 1554)


Best wishes,
Brett

Re: The meaning of "We" in the writings of Baha'u'llah

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 1:47 am
by HuangRan
Dear brettz9,

Many thanks!

Best Regards.