(CNN) -- Why is Rainn Wilson, "Dwight" on "The Office," writing a news commentary for CNN? Good question.
It's a bit strange for me, to say the least; a comic character actor best known for playing weirdos with bad haircuts getting all serious to talk about the persecution of the fellow members of his religious faith.
Dear readers of CNN, I assure you that what I'm writing about is no joking matter or some hoax perpetrated by a paper-sellin', bear-fearin', Battlestar-Galactica obsessed beet farmer.
I am a member of the Baha'i faith. What is that, you ask? Well, long story short, it's an independent world religion that began in the mid-1800s in Iran. Baha'is believe that there is only one God and therefore only one religion.
All of the world's divine teachers (Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Moses, Abraham, Krishna, etc.) bring essentially the same message -- one of unity, love and knowledge of God or the divine.
This constantly updated faith of God, Baha'is believe, has been refreshed for this day and age by our founder, Baha'u'llah. There. Nutshell version.
Now, as I mentioned, this all happened in Iran, and needless to say the Muslim authorities did not like the Baha'is very much, accusing them of heresy and apostasy. Tens of thousands were killed in the early years of the faith, and the persecutions have continued off and on for the past 150 years.
Why write about all this now? Well, I'm glad you asked. You see there's a 'trial' going on very soon for seven Baha'i national leaders in Iran.
They've been accused of all manner of things including being "spies for Israel," "insulting religious sanctities" and "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."
They've been held for a year in Evin Prison in Tehran without any access to their lawyer (the Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi) and with zero evidence of any of these charges.
When a similar thing happened in 1980, the national leadership of the Iranian Baha'i community disappeared. And this was repeated again in 1981.
In fact, since 1979, more than 200 Baha'is have been killed, holy places and cemeteries desecrated, homes burned, civil rights taken away and secret lists compiled of Baha'is (and even Muslims who associate with them) by government agencies.
It's bad right now for all the peace-loving Baha'is in Iran who want only to practice their religion and follow their beliefs. It's especially bad for these seven. Here's a link to their bios. They're teachers, and engineers, and optometrists and social workers just like us.
This thought has become kind of a cliché', but we take our rights for granted here in America. Imagine if a group of people were rounded up and imprisoned and then disappeared not for anything they'd done, but because they wanted to worship differently than the majority.
There is a resolution on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran being sent to Congress. Please ask your representatives to support it. And ask them to speak out about this terrible situation.
Thanks for reading. Now back to bears, paper and beets!
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Rainn Wilson.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/02/17/wilson.faith/index.html
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
"Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world."
"Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise. Were anyone to affirm that it is the Will of God as manifested in the world of being, no one should question this assertion. It is endowed with a power whose reality men of learning fail to grasp. Indeed a man of insight can perceive naught therein save the effulgent splendour of Our Name, the Creator. Say: This is an existence which knoweth no decay, and Nature itself is lost in bewilderment before its revelations, its compelling evidences and its effulgent glory which have encompassed the universe."
-Baha'u'llah. Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 142
-Baha'u'llah. Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 142
Monday, February 16, 2009
"..significance of the outcome of the recent presidential election..."
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
February 16, 2009
To the American Bahá'í community
Dearly loved Friends,
Your National Spiritual Assembly has reflected on the significance of the outcome of the recent presidential election in light of the Bahá'í teachings about the oneness of humanity and their compelling vision of the destiny of America, and we wish to share the following thoughts.
The election of an African American for the first time to the presidency of the United States is an event that transcends partisan politics. It clearly marks an important new stage in the social evolution of the American people and is an achievement that all Bahá'ís can wholeheartedly celebrate. The citizens of the United States have with this action, as much as with any in the long struggle to combat racial prejudice-the "most vital and challenging issue" confronting the nation-demonstrated their will to embrace more fully the unifying spirit of the age.
The many statements of 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His sojourn in this country nearly a century ago, praising America's material achievements, her spirit of enterprise, and her democratic form of government, still inspire us. Yet He was also uncompromising in His assessment that our nation, sunk in the morass of engrained racial prejudice, materialism, and accelerating moral decay, would go through a long and difficult period of trials that would gradually cleanse these various impurities from its social fabric, thereby preparing it to realize its ultimate destiny to "lead all nations spiritually."
Concerning racial issues, much progress has been made since the beloved Master visited these shores. Undoubtedly, it is in large measure a credit to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of countless individuals, the persistent efforts of organizations of civil society and of various religious institutions, and the bold actions of judicial and legislative bodies that such progress has been possible. The Bahá'í community also played a role, having striven earnestly for nearly a century to uphold by word and deed, in every region of the country, the pivotal principle of the oneness of humankind.
But there can be no sense of complacency nor any rest. The ideals of justice, equality, and unity have yet to be fully realized; the roots of racial prejudice are old, deep, and widespread. No single victory, political or otherwise, however groundbreaking, is sufficient to remove conditions so intractable and institutionalized.
Bahá'ís believe that the ultimate solution lies in the application of spiritual principle in the lives of individuals, in approaches to community-building, and in the operation of social institutions. People of every age and background can increase their individual and collective capacity to further progress through a learning process that is founded upon essential truths contained in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Promising patterns of activity, now emerging in every part of the country and throughout the world, should give us the confidence to strive with even greater urgency to address the needs of humanity.
Our ultimate success in this will depend, as the Universal House of Justice recently reminded us, "on the qualities that distinguish your service to the peoples of the world. So free must be your thoughts and actions of any trace of prejudice-racial, religious, economic, national, tribal, class, or cultural-that even the stranger sees in you loving friends. So high must be your standard of excellence and so pure and chaste your lives that the moral influence you exert penetrates the consciousness of the wider community. Only if you demonstrate the rectitude of conduct to which the writings of the Faith call every soul will you be able to struggle against the myriad forms of corruption, overt and subtle, eating at the vitals of society. Only if you perceive honour and nobility in every human being-this independent of wealth or poverty-will you be able to champion the cause of justice."
Bahá'ís of every race and ethnicity rejoice with our countrymen in this significant step forward. We remain aware of the challenges ahead and are unswervingly committed to facing and overcoming them. We march forward with unshakeable confidence that God's purpose for His children will not be thwarted, and that Bahá'u'lláh's statement of spiritual reality will be fully realized: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary-General
BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
February 16, 2009
To the American Bahá'í community
Dearly loved Friends,
Your National Spiritual Assembly has reflected on the significance of the outcome of the recent presidential election in light of the Bahá'í teachings about the oneness of humanity and their compelling vision of the destiny of America, and we wish to share the following thoughts.
The election of an African American for the first time to the presidency of the United States is an event that transcends partisan politics. It clearly marks an important new stage in the social evolution of the American people and is an achievement that all Bahá'ís can wholeheartedly celebrate. The citizens of the United States have with this action, as much as with any in the long struggle to combat racial prejudice-the "most vital and challenging issue" confronting the nation-demonstrated their will to embrace more fully the unifying spirit of the age.
The many statements of 'Abdu'l-Bahá during His sojourn in this country nearly a century ago, praising America's material achievements, her spirit of enterprise, and her democratic form of government, still inspire us. Yet He was also uncompromising in His assessment that our nation, sunk in the morass of engrained racial prejudice, materialism, and accelerating moral decay, would go through a long and difficult period of trials that would gradually cleanse these various impurities from its social fabric, thereby preparing it to realize its ultimate destiny to "lead all nations spiritually."
Concerning racial issues, much progress has been made since the beloved Master visited these shores. Undoubtedly, it is in large measure a credit to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of countless individuals, the persistent efforts of organizations of civil society and of various religious institutions, and the bold actions of judicial and legislative bodies that such progress has been possible. The Bahá'í community also played a role, having striven earnestly for nearly a century to uphold by word and deed, in every region of the country, the pivotal principle of the oneness of humankind.
But there can be no sense of complacency nor any rest. The ideals of justice, equality, and unity have yet to be fully realized; the roots of racial prejudice are old, deep, and widespread. No single victory, political or otherwise, however groundbreaking, is sufficient to remove conditions so intractable and institutionalized.
Bahá'ís believe that the ultimate solution lies in the application of spiritual principle in the lives of individuals, in approaches to community-building, and in the operation of social institutions. People of every age and background can increase their individual and collective capacity to further progress through a learning process that is founded upon essential truths contained in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Promising patterns of activity, now emerging in every part of the country and throughout the world, should give us the confidence to strive with even greater urgency to address the needs of humanity.
Our ultimate success in this will depend, as the Universal House of Justice recently reminded us, "on the qualities that distinguish your service to the peoples of the world. So free must be your thoughts and actions of any trace of prejudice-racial, religious, economic, national, tribal, class, or cultural-that even the stranger sees in you loving friends. So high must be your standard of excellence and so pure and chaste your lives that the moral influence you exert penetrates the consciousness of the wider community. Only if you demonstrate the rectitude of conduct to which the writings of the Faith call every soul will you be able to struggle against the myriad forms of corruption, overt and subtle, eating at the vitals of society. Only if you perceive honour and nobility in every human being-this independent of wealth or poverty-will you be able to champion the cause of justice."
Bahá'ís of every race and ethnicity rejoice with our countrymen in this significant step forward. We remain aware of the challenges ahead and are unswervingly committed to facing and overcoming them. We march forward with unshakeable confidence that God's purpose for His children will not be thwarted, and that Bahá'u'lláh's statement of spiritual reality will be fully realized: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."
With loving Bahá'í greetings,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE
BAHÁ'ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary-General
"O My servants! Sorrow not..."
"O My servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain."
-Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 329
Bernice Abbott
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Baha'i Leaders Imprisoned and on Trial in Iran
US Condemns Religious Persecution in Iran
By VOA News (Voice of America)
14 February 2009
U.S. officials have condemned Iran's reported decision to try seven members of the Baha'i faith for espionage, saying the charges are "baseless." A U.S. State Department spokesman, Robert Wood, issued a statement on Friday, saying the accusations against those detained are part of the ongoing persecution of Baha'is in Iran. Earlier this week, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported that seven members of the religious group will be prosecuted next week on charges of spying for Israel. They are also accused of "insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic." Baha'i leaders have rejected the allegations and said the accused have never taken part in any political activity. State Department said authorities have detained the Baha'i members for more than nine months without access to legal counsel or making public any evidence against them. U.S. officials said other religious minorities continue to be targeted solely on their beliefs. The U.S.-based advocacy group Freedom House has called the charges "contrived" and a new blow to religious freedom, and urged that the Baha'is be released. The Baha'i representative to the United Nations, Diana Ala'i, said it "demonstrates a concerted effort to destroy a religious community."
The Baha'i faith is a monotheistic religion that originated in Iran in the 19th century but has been banned since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Iranian officials believe the faith is heresy and have in the past harassed, imprisoned and executed its followers. The Baha'i headquarters have been located in what is now the Israeli city of Haifa since before the founding of the Israeli state. "
By VOA News (Voice of America)
14 February 2009
U.S. officials have condemned Iran's reported decision to try seven members of the Baha'i faith for espionage, saying the charges are "baseless." A U.S. State Department spokesman, Robert Wood, issued a statement on Friday, saying the accusations against those detained are part of the ongoing persecution of Baha'is in Iran. Earlier this week, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported that seven members of the religious group will be prosecuted next week on charges of spying for Israel. They are also accused of "insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic." Baha'i leaders have rejected the allegations and said the accused have never taken part in any political activity. State Department said authorities have detained the Baha'i members for more than nine months without access to legal counsel or making public any evidence against them. U.S. officials said other religious minorities continue to be targeted solely on their beliefs. The U.S.-based advocacy group Freedom House has called the charges "contrived" and a new blow to religious freedom, and urged that the Baha'is be released. The Baha'i representative to the United Nations, Diana Ala'i, said it "demonstrates a concerted effort to destroy a religious community."
The Baha'i faith is a monotheistic religion that originated in Iran in the 19th century but has been banned since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Iranian officials believe the faith is heresy and have in the past harassed, imprisoned and executed its followers. The Baha'i headquarters have been located in what is now the Israeli city of Haifa since before the founding of the Israeli state. "
"That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race..."
"The Great Being, wishing to reveal the prerequisites of the peace and tranquillity of the world and the advancement of its peoples, hath written: The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world’s Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation. We fain would hope that the kings and rulers of the earth, the mirrors of the gracious and almighty name of God, may attain unto this station, and shield mankind from the onslaught of tyranny. …The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action…. That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race..."-Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p.249-250
Saturday, February 14, 2009
"Does the soul progress more through sorrow or through the joy in this world?"
"The mind and spirit of man advance when he is tried by suffering. The more the ground is ploughed the better the seed will grow, the better the harvest will be. Just as the plough furrows the earth deeply, purifying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulation free man from the petty affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at a state of complete detachment. His attitude in this world will be that of divine happiness. Man is, so to speak, unripe: the heat of the fire of suffering will mature him. Look back to the times past and you will find that the greatest men have suffered most."
-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 178-179
-‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 178-179
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