Re: [Q] Bahai way of Salvation?
Alexander Renwick (renwick@owlnet.rice.edu)
Tue, Jan 31 1995 20:54:50 GMT
In article <1995Jan27.020252.5121@cs.cornell.edu>, Stephen Sottong <stephen.sottong@library.gatech.edu> writes:
|>
|> I'm having some difficulty following this. What do Baha'is
|> believe about those who have no opportunity to hear the word
|> of God? If a pagan is a good pagan does he merit salvation
|> and what is the opposite of salvation (e.g. for Christians
|> it's hell). And what about an atheist who is a "good" atheist
|> at least in terms of his works?
|>
|> Thanks
|> Steve
What do Baha'is believe? I used to think I had some idea;
I'm not so sure anymore. My own beliefs have been stongly
shaped by what are, I think, Baha'i ideas, and they follow...
This life is not about passing, or failing, the test of
achieving "salvation". We each have received in this life
the precious gift of the opportunity for spiritual growth by
coming to better know God. There are many ways of doing
this; in this age, the Baha'i faith offers the most clear
and direct path.
In this way of thinking, the obvious "opposite" of spiritual
growth is spiritual regression. Neither of these are static
end points in the way that "heaven" and "hell" are typically
conceived.
A "good work" must be judged by the spirit in which it is
performed, as well as by its result. Really, the two (intent
and result) are not separable. So it would be very difficult
to do good things and truly be an atheist (i.e., one who believes
in nothing beyond immediate physical and psychological needs.)
So, each is responsible for his/her own spiritual growth,
whether they be "pagan" (a term I'd rather not use because
of Christian baggage) or otherwise. Living in harmony with
the guidance offered by the Baha'i Faith will facilitate
one's own growth and provide an environment helpful to the
progress of one's neighbors.
Warmest Regards,
Alex
renwick@owlnet.rice.edu
Xref: cornell soc.religion.bahai:4444 soc.answers:2473 news.answers:37086