from the True Seeker blog:
http://trueseeker.typepad.com/true_seeker/2008/04/in-the-kitab-i.html
In the Kitab-i-'Ahd (Book of the Covenant), Bah=E1'u'll=E1h says:
"Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden in His Book. This
is a decree of God in this Most Great Revelation. It is divinely
preserved from annulment and is invested by Him with the splendour of
His confirmation. Verily He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise."
"Conflict and contention are categorically forbidden," and that means
conflict and contention are forbidden without exceptions or
conditions.
It is absolute, unqualified and unconditional that Bah=E1'=EDs may not
engage in conflict and contention.
In the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Bah=E1, He says that "[i]n this
sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention are in no wise permitted.
Every aggressor deprives himself of God's grace."
Conflict and contention are in "no wise" permitted. That is, no way.
I do believe in the rule of law. I do believe that, in civil matters,
one sometimes has to resort to the civil courts. Also, I do believe in
defending one's self if brought into court. But it is unseemly and
wrong for Bah=E1'=ED denominations to quarrel with one another in secular
courts over the right of each other to publicly exist, each other's
use of the Greatest Name, and over matters of faith and belief. Since
the aggressor deprives himself of God's grace, it would behoove all of
the Bah=E1'=EDs, and the various denominations such as they exist, to
strictly avoid battling in lawsuits in the secular courts.
Not only is this lawsuit contention forbidden, it is embarrassing. To
the public, it appears no different than the religious disputes of
other faiths. It is no different. It cannot be different unless and
until we obey Bah=E1'u'll=E1h.
What is needed is consultation. Brutally honest, frank, and open
consultation is what is needed. I have no fear of verbal warfare over
the various ideas and beliefs held by the Bah=E1'=ED denominations. Let
everyone speak and be heard. Don't hold back on the exchange of
ideas. I believe true consultation arrives one at the Truth, and that
the Truth will ultimately prevail. We do not want to air our issues
before secular judges. The issues that divide us can only be decided
in the hearts and minds of Bah=E1'=EDs, through the use of consultation,
and in obedience to Bah=E1'u'll=E1h.
Jeffrey
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