Roger Neyman (neyman@eisner.decus.org)
15 Jul 1996 18:24:04 -0700
In article <4s3q10$lja@topeka.cjnetworks.com>,
s_samimi@postoffice.utas.edu.au (Steven Samimi) writes:
> Greetings,
>
> I have a few questions that I'd appreciate some answers to. I'd like to
> know whether formal registration (with the LSA, NSA and so on) as a Baha'i
> is a condition of, and an absolute requirement for being recognised as
> one. Have there _always_ been declaration forms to sign when joining in?
> If not, when/how did they come about , and how have they changed over the
> years? Do they differ in different parts of the world? If so, how? Thanks
> in advance.
There have already been many pertinent and excellent replies to your query,
to which I only have to offer the following perspective for your
consideration.
If, in your heart you are a Baha'i, then you will want to obey Him out of
your love for Him and for the God He represents on earth. See the first
few paragraphs of the Kitab-i-Aqdas for another statement on this theme
from a far more reliable source than me. ;^)
Participation in the functioning of the Faith (Feast, voting, etc) are
enjoined on us out of obedience, and for our own good. The institutions
created by divine fiat have deemed it appropriate for most if not all
Baha'is to undergo formal registration as a prerequisite for that
participation.
From these it follows that formal registration is an implicit requirement,
if not a formal one, based on believing in Baha'u'llah.
Welcome.
Yours, is love and service
+-------- Roger P. Neyman -- neyman@cmd.com ------------------------+
A mechanism of world inter-communication will be devised, embracing
the whole planet, freed from national hindrances and restrictions,
and functioning with marvellous swiftness and perfect regularity.
- Shoghi Effendi, "The World Order of Baha'u'llah" (1936) p. 203
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