cire perdue

Most of us are aware that Christianity has for decades stated that if you believe that is all that is needed for salvation ignoring the verse that "belief without works is dead" James 2:14-26. Similarly it is possible to believe in Baha'u'llah but be unwilling to truly submit to His will. Despite being Baha'is I think we can or have been influenced by this idea, though we are taught that deeds are more important than words. The quote below can describe he who has only belief without being changed by the Elixir.

Whoso hath been quickened by its vitalizing power, will find himself impelled to attain the court of the Beloved; and whoso hath deprived himself therefrom, will sink into irretrievable despondency.(Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 168)

I think it is easy due to materialism which affects us all to presume the good that happens to us is God's will when it may actually be consequences of right action. Additionally we may assume the bad is God's will rather than our consequences or not accept our consequences when they occur which is a way of refusing God's will. We must avoid not accepting resposibility for ourselves. It is truly difficult to see ourselves as we are at times, but self knowledge is critical to really know where one is as a Baha'i. I think self evaluation can be a difficult thing to do, but is necessary.

Fadl

Hey CP,

I think you make some very interesting points. As you know, in the Aqdas, Baha'u'llah has revealed that "recognition" (belief) in the manifestation of God is an obligation on all men, and also obedience (deeds) to the laws and teachings of that manifestation. Clearly from the Baha'i view then, belief and deeds are both required.

I've often thought about this, and primarily because it is a topic brought up not infrequently by our Christian brothers and sisters. As they often point out, belief is what brings salvation. However, one way of seeing it is like this: What manner of belief is it that is not accompanied with deeds? If you truly believe, don't you then do out of the natural impulse that real faith brings? If you say you believe but don't do, can this be called belief at all?

To me, it is true that belief is what brings salvation. But it also seems to me that deeds have been made the touchstone by which true belief is tested and and distinguished from false belief. This is why deeds are so important in the teachings of Baha'u'llah. "Let deeds not words be your adorning" so that the truth of our belief may be established.

BlinkeyBill

Yes dear friends I understand from the writings that we must first believe in the messenger and then also act. So you are correct belief plus actions, this is always the great test.

To believe in a Manifestation and do good works, is a waste of time if a new Manifestation has come and you refuse to turn to Him and believe.

XXXVII. Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs, and recognized that "He shall not be asked of His doings." Such a recognition hath been made by God the ornament of every belief, and its very foundation. Upon it must depend the acceptance of every goodly deed.
Page 87
Fasten your eyes upon it, that haply the whisperings of the rebellious may not cause you to slip.

Baha'u'llah : Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah

BlinkeyBill

I did forget one other thing.

To my understanding God only accepts those who have accepted with faith His latest Messenger and then we must put our faith into action showing our faith in deeds. The thing I forgot was even then it is only through the Grace of God if we are accepted or not, He truly is the all knowing.

mytmouse57

It only makes sense.

You can't say, "I believe in marriage and love my spouse," but not put any of it into action, or your marriage will fail.

You can't declare: "I love my job, and believe in the company," but never do any work, or you will be fired.

You can't wax poetic about how much you care for your children and "believe" in parenting, and yet, never lift a finger to actually do it.

So, if action is needed in all those other vital relationships, why should the most important relationship in existence, that with your very Creator and Lord, be any different?

BlinkeyBill

Great example

Iconodule

Actually protestants have argued that for decades.

BlinkeyBill

What and you were not listening :-) tut tut