Since leaving 5 years ago
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com
have the opportunity to talk to people familiar with the Baha'i community. I
want to ask them whether my experiences with the community were some uncommon
phenomena or representative of the faith in general. After reading Tim
Mulligan's posting and all of the responses, I sigh, and remember clearly why
I left without word or explanation, perhaps a heretic but probably still
signed up on someone's card count.
I don't know exactly how or why my ex-husband became Baha'i, but I suspect it
was for the favors that were offered him. I myself recall a Baha'i agreeing
to sell us a vehicle on-time at a steal of a price, but only if I signed my
card. When my (now)-ex-husband told me to sign, I did.
I don't know exactly how or why I became a teacher for the faith during my
first community meeting. Perhaps it was because no-one else would watch all
the children as the adults had their meetings. I remember that I had no idea
what the faith was about. They said "that's okay, here's a book and invite
non-member children also." When my children's classes drew dozens of
non-member children, the Baha'is wanted to teach them and took my classes
away.
I don't know exactly how or why the spiritual assembly decided that they
should support my ex-husband after he was jailed for assault and stalking me.
Perhaps it was because I would not tell them about the incident myself. I
remember feeling embarrassed about the whole thing and then getting very,
very angry as the "Community" went to court to testify about how I was
setting my ex-husband up.
Even now, at the university I attend, I see these young faces at their booth
on the commons, with pamphlets talking about unity and the equality of men
and women. I want to walk up to them and ask if my experience was some
surreal fluke. But the closer I look, the younger their faces appear to me
and I know they probably could never understand what I was asking. Questions
like, Is a faith a reflection of its members, or the reverse? What is the
purpose of a community meeting if half of your community is alienated? What
can a spiritual assembly really know about a marriage? How can a man and
woman be treated equally, if a man takes on a "year of patience" for his
errant wife to come to her senses and do what she is told once again? Do you
really think some words in book by Abdul Baha can sooth pain like this?
Sincerely,
Kathleen R. Mccolloch-Bodi
Formerly of Juneau, Alaska
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum
George
Your letter to us all touched my heart and to be honest, made me cry a bit
because I felt as if I could almost feel your pain. At the same time, I can
also
feel frustration and anger at the actions of people ( Baha'i or not) who
would
cause such pain. I can only pray that God will take your experience into
account when you enter the next world.
I believe that no one can make excuses for the actions of those whom you
have
described. I believe though, that you, and people like you, can change
things in some small way
by telling others as you have done. Especially, if they use the same
manor/style as you have chosen.
There are those here, and elsewhere who have a story to tell, but since
there is to much anger in the
way, not many people will see past the anger to see the real hurt behind.
Do you feel up to leading a discussion of the questions that you have
raised?
Perhaps some of us can learn something from your experience, and are or
could be in the future,
in a position to help someone else.
I am truly sorry for your experience. I wish I knew of a quote that would
help. Something about
forgiveness and detachment perhaps? I guess that I feel that no quote would
really help.
George
Timothy Mulligan
George wrote:
> I can only pray that God will take your experience into
> account when you enter the next world.
You're sick, George. You presume to imply that this woman may be judged
adversely for leaving your wretched religion?
peter bird
<6rcbd7$h98$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
>>
I don't know exactly how or why my ex-husband became Baha'i, to sell us a
vehicle on-time at a steal of a price, but only if I signed my
>card. When my (now)-ex-husband told me to sign, I did.
>
that is low down an makes me angry
.don't know exactly how or why I became a teacher for the faith
The hardest test for the Baha'is is the Baha'is, we are warned never to
judge the faith on the believers the faith is perfect, the believers are not
>I don't know exactly how or why the spiritual assembly decided that they
>should support my ex-husband after he was jailed for assault and stalking
me.
> Perhaps it was because I would not tell them about the incident myself. I
>remember feeling embarrassed about the whole thing and then getting very,
>very angry as the "Community" went to court to testify about how I was
>setting my ex-husband up.
I really can't believe that nobody had approached you over this matter did
the LSA not meet with you? was the auxiliary board not involved? To go to
court this community must have been in contact with the LSA and them the NSA
I cant believe that your NSA did not appoint somebody to mediate between you
and the LSA?
>Even now, at the university I attend, I see these young faces at their
booth
>on the commons, with pamphlets talking about unity and the equality of men
>and women. I want to walk up to them and ask if my experience was some
>surreal fluke. >
Very mild words (a total bloody travesty I'd call it)
and I know they probably could never understand what I was asking.
Questions
>like, Is a faith a reflection of its members, or the reverse?
The Baha'i' faith is perfect the Baha'is are not perfect, the faith is only
100 years old, we are called 'children of the half light' we have one foot
going toward the new age and one foot firmly rooted in the old, with all the
crap frailties that goes with it
What is the
>purpose of a community meeting if half of your community is alienated?
I totally agree, in the future when there are more people who are prepared
to stand up and be counted this will never happen again, people really need
to speak up
What
>can a spiritual assembly really know about a marriage?
I totally agree
How can a man and
>woman be treated equally, if a man takes on a "year of patience" for his
>errant wife to come to her senses and do what she is told once again?
To be honest this is not right the year is for both parties to try and work
out a solution (with I might add, both people consulting with the auxiliary
board) not for the husband to bring the errant wife to her senses.
Whoever told you this is definitely wrong and has no business to be making
such outrageous statements.
Do
you
>really think some words in book by Abdul Baha can soothe pain like this?
YES I DO
Rather look there to find solace than in the faces of the Baha'is
The faith is perfect the writings are perfect it is we the Baha'is who have
to operate it that are not perfect
WE have this wondrous embryonic
faith that is designed to last a thousand years to bring mankind to its
rightful place in the universe and WE are embryonic as a child out of the
womb
I am deeply shocked and horrified at your treatment by the Baha'is and I
feel ashamed but I would like to say to you to know there are a lot of
Baha'is that are really struggling to understand what it means to be a
Baha'i and one day we will have the spiritual awareness and then all the
wrongs you have suffered will never happen again
God bless you
Pete
peter bird
I Think George means that she will be rewarded for her suffering at the
hands of people of clay (the Baha’is).
The Baha'i faith is perfect’ the people in it are sadly not, they are made
of the earth with all the imperfections that exist their in (but then again
you know that to really don’t you?)
Pete ;-)
Roger Reini
wrote:
>Since leaving the Baha'i Faith almost five years ago, I have long wanted to
>have the opportunity to talk to people familiar with the Baha'i community. I
>want to ask them whether my experiences with the community were some uncommon
>phenomena or representative of the faith in general. After reading Tim
>Mulligan's posting and all of the responses, I sigh, and remember clearly why
>I left without word or explanation, perhaps a heretic but probably still
>signed up on someone's card count.
>
>I don't know exactly how or why my ex-husband became Baha'i, but I suspect it
>was for the favors that were offered him. I myself recall a Baha'i agreeing
>to sell us a vehicle on-time at a steal of a price, but only if I signed my
>card. When my (now)-ex-husband told me to sign, I did.
If what you say is true, then your declaration was obtained improperly
and cannot be considered legitimate, IMHO. It is a gross violation of
the spirit of the teachings of the Baha'i Faith to imply that one will
receive material favors if one signs a declaration card. Any believer
who would do such a thing is way out of line, IMHO.
One of the teachings of Islam, which as originally revealed is
considered a proper and true religion by Baha'is, is that "there shall
be no compulsion in religion." If what you say is true, then it
appears that you were effectively coerced into declaring.
What has happened to you is most unfortunate, and I've offered a
prayer for healing on your behalf. Someday, perhaps, you may feel
motivated to investigate the Faith in more depth, to learn about it on
your own terms. Perhaps your spiritual destiny lies on a different
path. Whichever is true, I wish you all the best.
George
I think that you are a good example of someone's anger getting in the way of
their better judgment.
I think you may want to reread what I wrote. If you do you may find that
what I wrote is not what you said.
I felt her pain may be so great that she may have to wait till the next
world before she can be compensated for it. None on this earth can come
close.
PostOn.
George
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com
Thank you for the thoughtfulness in your reply.
I don’t know anything about leading a discussion; however, I will continue to
ask questions as this entire scenario has hurt me beyond anything you can
likely imagine. I do not desire to launder my underthings in a public forum.
However, I have very specific charges that I believe the Baha’i community of
Juneau, Alaska should answer for. Any sincere Baha’i should take offense.
The magnitude of the injustice done to me with, if not the tacit approval of
the LSA, at least with the collusion of community members, warrants some type
of accounting.
Whether perfect or not, each and every single Baha’i represents this faith to
every single prospective/former/current member. You are your faith.
I deeply appreciate the sincerity that all believers and nonbelievers bring to
this list and it is in that same spirit that I post. However, you are quite
correct in your assumption that at this point in time, someone else’s thoughts
on forgiveness and detachment will fall flat. Right now, right here, only my
opinions on those subjects will be of value to me.
Sincerely,
Kathleen R. Bodi
formerly of Juneau, Alaska
In article <6rcj2l$5hf$1...@news.eli.net>, "George" wrote:
> Your letter to us all touched my heart and to be honest, made me cry a bit
> because I felt as if I could almost feel your pain. At the same time, I can
> also feel frustration and anger at the actions of people ( Baha'i or not) who
> would cause such pain. I can only pray that God will take your experience >
into account when you enter the next world.
>
> I believe that no one can make excuses for the actions of those whom you
> have described. I believe though, that you, and people like you, can change
> things in some small way by telling others as you have done. Especially, if >
they use the same manor/style as you have chosen.
> There are those here, and elsewhere who have a story to tell, but since
> there is to much anger in the way, not many people will see past the anger to
> see the real hurt behind.
>
> Do you feel up to leading a discussion of the questions that you have
> raised? Perhaps some of us can learn something from your experience, and are
> or could be in the future, in a position to help someone else.
>
> I am truly sorry for your experience. I wish I knew of a quote that would
> help. Something about forgiveness and detachment perhaps? I guess that I feel
> that no quote would really help.
>
> George
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com
> If what you say is true, then your declaration was obtained improperly
> and cannot be considered legitimate, IMHO. It is a gross violation of
> the spirit of the teachings of the Baha'i Faith to imply that one will
> receive material favors if one signs a declaration card. Any believer
> who would do such a thing is way out of line, IMHO.
>
> One of the teachings of Islam, which as originally revealed is
> considered a proper and true religion by Baha'is, is that "there shall
> be no compulsion in religion." If what you say is true, then it
> appears that you were effectively coerced into declaring.
>
> What has happened to you is most unfortunate, and I've offered a
> prayer for healing on your behalf. Someday, perhaps, you may feel
> motivated to investigate the Faith in more depth, to learn about it on
> your own terms. Perhaps your spiritual destiny lies on a different
> path. Whichever is true, I wish you all the best.
>
> Roger (rre...@wwnet.net)
> http://fp-www.wwnet.net/~rreini/
>
Thank you, Roger, for your response and any prayers you have offered.
In regards to my membership status, I think this may be something worth
looking into a bit deeper. In fact, I feel a desire to look into the whole
scenario a bit deeper. Coercion, yes, absolutely! In fact, my children were
coerced also. This same believer who converted us, testified in court that
the children should remain with my ex-husband because of the *faith*.
Neither they, nor I, *freely* chose to be Baha'i, rather we followed the
instructions of my husband and this gentleman. Regardless of the status of
my soul or my membership, the facts remain thus, I have only seen my children
one time in three years. But, my ex-husband still has his framed Baha'u'llah
name hanging in his house...the only remnants of his faith.
In truth,
Kathleen R. Bodi
formerly of Juneau, Alaska
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
Roger Reini
wrote:
>In regards to my membership status, I think this may be something worth
>looking into a bit deeper. In fact, I feel a desire to look into the whole
>scenario a bit deeper. Coercion, yes, absolutely! In fact, my children were
>coerced also. This same believer who converted us, testified in court that
>the children should remain with my ex-husband because of the *faith*.
>Neither they, nor I, *freely* chose to be Baha'i, rather we followed the
>instructions of my husband and this gentleman. Regardless of the status of
>my soul or my membership, the facts remain thus, I have only seen my children
>one time in three years. But, my ex-husband still has his framed Baha'u'llah
>name hanging in his house...the only remnants of his faith.
As someone has already suggested, you should contact the US National
Spiritual Assembly and appraise them of the situation. The Assembly
does investigate problems with local assemblies and takes action where
appropriate.
I hope your situation resolves itself for the best.
Fran Baker
>The hardest test for the Baha'is is the Baha'is, we are warned never to
>judge the faith on the believers the faith is perfect, the believers are not
Two quotes come to mind:
"Christians are not perfect, just forgiven."
--Fundamentalist Christian bumber sticker
"By their fruits shall you know them."
--Often cited by Baha'is when arguing that theirs
is a true (i.e., from God) religion
One could argue that everything in the Faith is true, since anything
follows from a contradiction, of which their seem to be many in the
Baha'i Faith. I think the apologetic gyrations of many Baha'is outdo
most other religions (in their current state, Mr. Abelard). Topics
include homosexuality, gender equality, unity of religions, unity of
humanity, actions of Central Figures, politics, materialism, proselytizing,
the list goes on and on. A truly unfettered forum, such as TRB, would
(1) enable Baha'is to see that not everyone (Baha'i or not) accepts the
facile answers so often given or fails to notice the double-speak and
(2) perhaps lead to some progress in Baha'i discourse at the most
accessible level and less preaching to the choir or to the uninformed.
Warm unaffiliated love,
Fran
Truly nonsectarian prayer:
Oh, diety, we pray to thee,
Whether thou singular or plural be.
And if in fact thou aren't there,
Please disregard this not-a-prayer.
Saman Ahmadi
> One could argue that everything in the Faith is true, since anything
> follows from a contradiction, of which their seem to be many in the
> Baha'i Faith.
What are some of these contradictions?
-saman
Roger Reini
wrote:
>
>As someone has already suggested, you should contact the US National
>Spiritual Assembly and appraise them of the situation. The Assembly
>does investigate problems with local assemblies and takes action where
>appropriate.
Oops -- I believe Alaska has its own National Spiritual Assembly, so
contacting the US National Center won't do you any good. You'll have
to work through the Alaska National Center.
Saman Ahmadi
> Try http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/3016/main.htm, and you will see.
I did. The page is created by Mr. Afshin Afrashteh - a few months
earlier
he posted an article on soc.culture.iranian expressing his wish to
"eliminate
the Baha'i Faith".
Lets examine a part of Mr. Afrashteh's thesis:
(From Part I on Bahaism)
"The Muslims are generally under the misconception as to the true
nature of the Babi or the Bahai movement, considering it to be a
movement within the religion of Islam. While in the West it is plainly
acknowledged that the religion of bab or Bahaullah has nothing to do
with Islam, the Bahai missionary in the East still gives the public an
impression that his creed is only an offshoot of Islam and under the
guise of a profound respect for the Holy Prophet and the Holy Quran
strikes at the root of the fundamental doctrines of Islam. It is an
esoteric
system hiding its real doctrines and important religious writings from
the
public eye, while its missionaries try to live among Muslims as Muslims
and among the Christians as Christians."
saman: While Islam accepts Judaism and Christianity, It is
differes on some teachings. The same holds for the Baha'i
Faith and its relatioship with Islam. Dissimulation/taqqiya
was forbidden by Baha'u'llah - that is why several Iranian
Baha'is have died in Iran rather than recant their Faith.
"It seems to be necessary to preclude a discussion of the teachings and
alleged proofs of the mission of Bab and Bahaullah by a short account of
their lives and the rise of the movement. The religion is called the
Babi
religion after its founder who styled himself the Bab, which means the
"Gate,"
while it is known as the Bahai religion after Bab's successor who styled
himself
Bahaullah. The sect has for long been known as the Babi sect, but
modern
Bahais prefer to be styled as Bahais, and in fact disown the title of
Babis, the
dispensation of the Bab being believed to have been superseded by the
dispensation of Bahaullah."
saman: The Babi Faith began in 1844 - the Bab was executed in 1850
by the Iranian government. The Baha'i Faith began in 1852 when
Baha'u'llah received His first intimation of His station in the Siyah
Chal/
Black Pit dungeon prison of Tehran. Most Babis became followers of
Baha'u'llah
after His public declaration of His station in 1863. The rest of the
Bab'is, for the
most part, became followers of Baha'u'llah half-brother Mirza Yahya, or
Subh-i-Azal.
"The founder of Babism was Mirza Ali Muhammad, a merchant of Shiraz,
born
about the year 1842 according to Count Gobineau and in the year 1819
according
to the writings of the sect itself."
saman: Siyyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, the Bab, was born in 1819 in Shiraz
and
executed by the Iranian government in 1850 in Tabriz (see Sepehr, court
historian of the Qajar dynasty)
"Persia is the home of Shi'ism, an offshoot of Islam, well-known to
every reader.
the followers of this sect attach special sanctity to the character of
Ali, the fourth
successor of the holy Prophet, and consider twelve of his descendants as
the twelve
sinless Imams. Eleven of these Imams are believed to have lived and died
like mortals,
but the twelfth who is termed the Imam Mahdi, said to have been born
hundreds of
years ago, is believed to be still alive, hidden in some cave from which
he would come
out in the latter days to spread Shi'ism throughout the world."
saman: Imam Ali was not the fourth successor of Muhammad according to
Shia doctrine.
Ali was the first Imam according to Shia Muslims, the fourth Caliph
according
to the Sunnis. At the deathbed of Muhammad, He asked for paper and
something
to write so he could make a will. Umar (I believe) stated that Muhammad
must
be too ill because how could an illiterate man write a will - no paper
and pencil
were provided for Muhammad. That is where the break occurs between the
Shia and the Sunni branches of Islam. Umar became the first Caliph and
conflict between those who followed Ali and those who followed Umar
arose.
*******
I can go on, Mr. Ajami, if you like.
For the definitive work on Shia Islam see "An Introduction to Shi'i
Islam" by Moojan Momen, published by George Ronald Press.
For the history of the Babi Faith see "Resurrection and Renewal;
the making of the Babi movement in Iran 1844-1850" by
Abbas Amanat, published by Cornell University Press.
-saman
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com
Sincerely, kate
In article <35DB65CE...@usa.net>,
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
Saman Ahmadi
> And this effects me how?
>
> Sincerely, kate
Someone, under this thread, mentioned that there
were many contradictions in the Baha'i Faith. I asked
for a list - Mr. Ajami suggested that I look at a website.
I was responding to points made by Mr. Afshin Afrashteh
on his website - he posted his wish to "eliminate the
Baha'i Faith" on soc.culture.iranian several months ago.
As you point out, this is probably not the proper subject
heading for this discussion - if it resumes, I will change the title.
-saman
Saman Ahmadi
> I just wanted to make a correction. I have not seen the reliability
> of the
> hadith where Muhammad asks for a pen and paper to write a will so I
> cannot
> comment on it directly, except to point out precicly *that* I doubt it
> due to
> Muhammad having been illiterate. Added to the fact that if it is true
> we do
> not know if he would have endorsed Abu Bakr's caliphate (after having
> appointed him imam to lead the community in prayers).
If Muhammad was inspired by God then Muhammad could have
written a will if God willed it - that is the argument of believer
which can not be empirically proven but faith, after all, is
unempirical.
There is a hadith in which Muhammad states that He is
the Seal of Apostles and Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law, is
the Seal of the Guardians.
The Baha'i Faith recognizes the authority of Ali after
Muhammad and the subsequent Imams.
-saman
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com
Saman, thank you for that. I have no desire to offend you and I appreciate
your consideration. Any anger that I am expressing here is directed
specifically toward those who have treated me unjustly. My questions are
addressed to those who are familiar with the faith because I sincerely wish
to know whether those actions permeate the Baha'i religion.
Kathleen R. Bodi
Saman Ahmadi
> Saman, thank you for that. I have no desire to offend you and I
> appreciate
> your consideration. Any anger that I am expressing here is directed
> specifically toward those who have treated me unjustly. My questions
> are
> addressed to those who are familiar with the faith because I sincerely
> wish
> to know whether those actions permeate the Baha'i religion.
I was not offended.
Baha'ullah writes that "the best beloved of all things in
my sight is justice".
Ever since I was a little boy, growing up in Iran, my
father always talked about this teaching of Baha'u'llah.
I saw my father try his best to be a just person and fight
injustice when he encountered it.
Baha'is would be hyporcrites if we didn't treat people
justly and a hypocrite, in the words of Baha'u'llah, is
the worst kind of person.
I hope you will persue your case and God-willing
you will reach a satisfactory answer - all I can tell
you is that detachment is extrememly important even
though at times it is almost impossible.
regards,
-saman
rli...@nils.com
I have read just now this series of posts concerning you and your children.
I find what I have read almost unbearable.
I have been married for many years to a woman who came to strongly dislike
the Baha'i Faith early in our marriage, due to the hypocritical actions of a
couple of Baha'is. It was a test which she could not pass, and caused her to
leave this Faith I love so much. 'Abdu'l-Baha' wrote (Stars of the West, vol.
6, pg. 45 I believe) that "those enemies outside of the Faith can do no harm.
But those enemies inside the Faith, those who call themselves friends, and
who break the twin laws of love and unity can do great harm at this time." He
continued by saying that these enemies were protected, but that protection
would be removed, and they would be "attacked with a madness". This
quotation, which I only partially remember, is quite possibly more in the
form of "pilgrims notes", (meaning not authenticated text) but it does in
fact mirror countless other passages in the Writings which discuss the
terrible damage that supposed believers can do to the Cause of God - from the
inside.
Additionally, read the Hidden Word (#20) which says: "O ye that are lying as
dead on the couch of heedlessness. Ages have passed and your precious lives
are well nigh ended, yet not a single drop of purity hath reached Our Court
of Holiness from you. Though immersed in the ocean of misbelief, ye profess
the one True faith of God. Him whom I abhore, ye have loved, and of my foe ye
have made a friend, heedless that my earth is weary of you, and everything
within it shunneth you. Were ye but to open your eyes, ye would in truth,
prefer a myriad griefs unto this joy, and would count death itself better
than this life!" (sorry, I can't perfectly remember all the lines)
We have two children, now 15 and 16. They have grown up in an atmosphere of
clear choice, where they had to choose their own spiritual path. I attempted
to give them the moral and spiritual teachings which underpin the Baha'i
Faith, and which are of course virtually identical in all Faiths. The two
boys, on turning 15, decided to sign declaration cards and actively continue
their pursuit of spirituality. Their mother, in the last few years, has seen
them grow up and develop their own strong character, free of the slightest
desire to use drugs, smoke, drink, lie, steal, or mess aroun' with girls, if
you understand my meaning. ;)
The attitude of their mother softened greatly during these last three years,
and while she may never be able to have a faith in God, she still sees that
the spiritual teachings have produced two reasonably good human beings.
My point(s) here, if indeed there is one, is that coercion of any kind may
lead to some ink tracks on a card, but it is only the daily, difficult,
painful, wonderful, uplifting practice of the spiritual teachings of religion
which will bring about a renewal of an individual or of a civilization. The
practice of hypocricy will destroy the soul of all involved. Does destroy.
The advice to contact the US National Spiritual Assembly may be good, if you
in fact live in the continental United States. As Alaska has its own separate
National Spiritual Assembly, I believe, your ex-husband and still-children do
not fall under the shelter of that (US) body, assuming they still live in
Alaska. You might contact an Auxiliary Board Member for Protection in
whatever area you live. He or she can sit down with you and you can explain
what has happened. In turn, the ABM can then forward the information up
stream.
Additionally, you might contact the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska as
well. That body will be constrained to investigate the matter and reply to
you, I believe.
Baha'u'llah wrote that "...Justice is My gift to thee. Turn not away
therefrom if thou desirest Me". I strongly believe in justice, and would not
suggest that you wait for the next world of God to be given it! Based upon
your statements, and the manner in which you have presented yourself, I feel
you ought to pursue this.
If you wish, you may contact me privately to continue this conversation. I
will answer you and promise to aid you in whatever small way that I can, if
only with my love and my prayers.
With regret,
Robert A. Little
In article <6rdknb$842$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>,
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com wrote:
> George,
> Thank you for the thoughtfulness in your reply.
>
> I don’t know anything about leading a discussion; however, I will continue to
> ask questions as this entire scenario has hurt me beyond anything you can
> likely imagine. I do not desire to launder my underthings in a public forum.
> However, I have very specific charges that I believe the Baha’i community of
> Juneau, Alaska should answer for. Any sincere Baha’i should take offense.
> The magnitude of the injustice done to me with, if not the tacit approval of
> the LSA, at least with the collusion of community members, warrants some type
> of accounting.
>
> Whether perfect or not, each and every single Baha’i represents this faith to
> every single prospective/former/current member. You are your faith.
> I deeply appreciate the sincerity that all believers and nonbelievers bring to
> this list and it is in that same spirit that I post. However, you are quite
> correct in your assumption that at this point in time, someone else’s thoughts
> on forgiveness and detachment will fall flat. Right now, right here, only my
> opinions on those subjects will be of value to me.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Kathleen R. Bodi
> formerly of Juneau, Alaska
>
> In article <6rcj2l$5hf$1...@news.eli.net>, "George" wrote:
> > Your letter to us all touched my heart and to be honest, made me cry a bit
> > because I felt as if I could almost feel your pain. At the same time, I can
> > also feel frustration and anger at the actions of people ( Baha'i or not)
who
> > would cause such pain. I can only pray that God will take your experience >
> into account when you enter the next world.
> >
> > I believe that no one can make excuses for the actions of those whom you
> > have described. I believe though, that you, and people like you, can change
> > things in some small way by telling others as you have done. Especially, if
>
> they use the same manor/style as you have chosen.
> > There are those here, and elsewhere who have a story to tell, but since
> > there is to much anger in the way, not many people will see past the anger
to
> > see the real hurt behind.
> >
> > Do you feel up to leading a discussion of the questions that you have
> > raised? Perhaps some of us can learn something from your experience, and are
> > or could be in the future, in a position to help someone else.
> >
> > I am truly sorry for your experience. I wish I knew of a quote that would
> > help. Something about forgiveness and detachment perhaps? I guess that I
feel
> > that no quote would really help.
> >
> > George
>
Dool Tracy
Just a quick reply,
You should judge the faith on its claims and merits. Bahais are people like
everyone else, but have a specific set of teachings to go by.
BTW Im very sorry to hear what youve gone through.
You should have cokmpllained to the NSA, or written to the house if you felt
they had treated you badly.
regards
Since leaving the Baha'i Faith almost five years ago, I have long wanted to
have the opportunity to talk to people familiar with the Baha'i community. I
want to ask them whether my experiences with the community were some uncommon
phenomena or representative of the faith in general. After reading Tim
Mulligan's posting and all of the responses, I sigh, and remember clearly why
I left without word or explanation, perhaps a heretic but probably still
signed up on someone's card count.
I don't know exactly how or why my ex-husband became Baha'i, but I suspect it
was for the favors that were offered him. I myself recall a Baha'i agreeing
to sell us a vehicle on-time at a steal of a price, but only if I signed my
card. When my (now)-ex-husband told me to sign, I did.
I don't know exactly how or why I became a teacher for the faith during my
first community meeting. Perhaps it was because no-one else would watch all
the children as the adults had their meetings. I remember that I had no idea
what the faith was about. They said "that's okay, here's a book and invite
non-member children also." When my children's classes drew dozens of
non-member children, the Baha'is wanted to teach them and took my classes
away.
I don't know exactly how or why the spiritual assembly decided that they
should support my ex-husband after he was jailed for assault and stalking me.
Perhaps it was because I would not tell them about the incident myself. I
remember feeling embarrassed about the whole thing and then getting very,
very angry as the "Community" went to court to testify about how I was
setting my ex-husband up.
Even now, at the university I attend, I see these young faces at their booth
on the commons, with pamphlets talking about unity and the equality of men
and women. I want to walk up to them and ask if my experience was some
surreal fluke. But the closer I look, the younger their faces appear to me
and I know they probably could never understand what I was asking. Questions
like, Is a faith a reflection of its members, or the reverse? What is the
purpose of a community meeting if half of your community is alienated? What
can a spiritual assembly really know about a marriage? How can a man and
woman be treated equally, if a man takes on a "year of patience" for his
errant wife to come to her senses and do what she is told once again? Do you
really think some words in book by Abdul Baha can sooth pain like this?
Sincerely,
Kathleen R. Mccolloch-Bodi
Formerly of Juneau, Alaska
-----== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==-----
Dool Tracy
Im actually curious WHY does he hate the faith so much ?
Dool Tracy
Oh, diety, we pray to thee,
Whether thou singular or plural be.
And if in fact thou aren't there,
Please disregard this not-a-prayer.>
sarcastic arent we???
why I wonder?
kate_mcco...@my-dejanews.com
dool...@aol.com (Dool Tracy) wrote:
> Kate, Hi,
> Just a quick reply,
>
> You should judge the faith on its claims and merits. Bahais are people like
> everyone else, but have a specific set of teachings to go by.
>
> BTW Im very sorry to hear what youve gone through.
>
> You should have cokmpllained to the NSA, or written to the house if you felt
> they had treated you badly.
>
> regards
I 'should' have done exactly what I did do, that is to extricate myself from
a dangerous situation before any more harm came to me. I 'should' also have
not trusted those who had shown themselves untrustworthy. Perhaps the
Baha'is in that community 'should' have lived up to their specific set of
teachings. As to complaining to the NSA, it has taken me 5 years to get to
this point. BTW Thank you for your sympathy.
Kathleen R. Bodi