The Purpose of writing This Blog
Since I have received a lot of feedback and questions regarding the purpose of writing this blog, I would like to cover that topic in detail in this article. Let’s begin: Haifa, or mainstream Baha'is (who have their global headquarters in Haifa, Israel), always try to portray to the world that they are correct, regardless of whether their beliefs align with the teachings and structure outlined by Abdul Baha & Shoghi Effendi or not. The Haifan Baha’is prefer that the followers of the Orthodox Baha'i Faith vanish and that no one pay much attention to them. However, our part is significant and deserves to be heard. The reasons OBF exist need to be told as they would want them told, and not through the understanding of those who despise, reject them.
The Events of 1957
Every day that passes, we get that much
farther removed from the events of 1957 and their aftermath. Scholars and
others would like to hear what the followers of Orthodox Baha'i Faith have to
say, and then their story can be objectively analyzed, and a reaction made to
it. The Haifa Baha'is, since they have expelled all of those whom they found a
threat from and labelled them as covenant-breakers to be shunned, which means
all communication with them by Haifan Baha'is has been cut off.
Covenant-breaking is a serious matter and one is considered a covenant-breaker
when one has known the truth and then rebelled against it.
What is the Greater and Lesser Covenant?
Baha'is as a whole speak of "the Greater Covenant" and "the Lesser Covenant." The greater covenant is, allegedly, the covenant God makes with mankind about sending manifestations periodically to earth to renew religion and teach the way of God for the times in which they appear.
The lesser covenant pertains to the succession of leaders within the faith so that the religion remains intact and without schisms.
If one receives letters or pieces of
literature from the followers of Orthodox Baha’i Faith, it is termed as
communication from covenant-breakers and the Haifan Baha'is are urged that the
materials be destroyed or returned without reading, so as not to contaminate
oneself. Consequently, many Haifa Baha'is are relatively unaware of the
Orthodox Baha’i positions, which seems strange in a religion that advocates
"independent investigation of truth."
Who are the real covenant breakers?
Covenant-breaking is likened to a disease; 'Abdu'l-Bahá referred to it as 'leprosy,' suggesting that associating with covenant-breakers poses a risk of contagion.
However, the crucial inquiry remains: who possesses the authority to designate someone as a covenant breaker? What criteria are employed for such a designation? Does the Universal House of Justice (UHJ) operate in service to a living Guardian as stated in the W&T of Abdul Baha? In the absence of a living Guardian, if a member of the UHJ engages in actions detrimental to the faith or opposes its principles, who holds the authority to declare them a covenant breaker?
Presently, within the Haifan Bahá'í community, individuals who raise questions regarding the Guardianship or the legitimacy of the UHJ operating without a living Guardian as its head are viewed with suspicion. Should they persist in their 'Independent Investigation of Truth,' they risk being labelled as covenant-breakers.
Our sole objective is to answer each of these questions objectively and then let the investigators decide who has broken the covenant.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this blog aims to shed light on the motivations and intentions behind the Orthodox Baha'i Faith and its existence in contrast to the mainstream Baha'i community cantered in Haifa, Israel. Despite efforts to silence or marginalize the Orthodox Baha'is, their story and perspectives deserve to be heard and understood objectively. The events of 1957 and the subsequent events within the Baha'i community are crucial to understanding the dynamics at play.
The concept of covenant-breaking, central to Baha'i theology, is a contentious issue that warrants deeper exploration. While mainstream Baha'is assert their authority to label dissenters as covenant-breakers, questions arise about the legitimacy and criteria for such declarations. This blog seeks to provoke critical thought and dialogue on these matters, challenging prevailing narratives and promoting independent investigation of truth.
Ultimately, the purpose of this blog is to foster a more nuanced understanding of the complexities within the Baha'i community and to provide a platform for voices that may otherwise be marginalized. By engaging with these issues openly and thoughtfully, we hope to contribute to a broader conversation about faith, authority, and religious diversity in contemporary society.
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