House of Justice

Zhang · 08-08-2012, 03:39 PM

I think I read somewhere that the house of justice is considered infallible? Can anyone offer some insight into this?

LordOfGoblins · 08-08-2012, 06:38 PM

Means their decisions guided by God...
Even if they make a 'mistake' it is under Gods protection so eventually God will fix that mistake or it will be smoothed over in time.

Thats my understanding.

arthra · 08-08-2012, 07:32 PM

Here's some material on the Infallibility of the House of Justcie:

Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice

A few excerpts:

‘Abdu’l-Bahá states,

Let it not be imagined that the House of Justice will
take any decision according to its own concepts and
opinions. God forbid! The Supreme House of Justice
will take decisions and establish laws through the
inspiration and confirmation of the Holy Spirit.

Again, He says:

Whatever will be its decision, by majority vote, shall be
the real truth, inasmuch as that House is under the
protection, unerring guidance, and care of the one true
Lord. He shall guard it from error and will protect it
under the wing of His sanctity and infallibility.

Rani · 08-08-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordOfGoblins

Means their decisions guided by God...
Even if they make a 'mistake' it is under Gods protection so eventually God will fix that mistake or it will be smoothed over in time.

Thats my understanding.

From what we read, I think the possibility of error pertains only to Local or National Assemblies, but obedience to them will smooth out any 'mistakes'.

However from Arthra's quote, it says the House of Justice is infallible.

Zhang · 08-09-2012, 01:42 AM

I wish I felt differently, but this really makes me feel uneasy.

What do you guys think about this? Humans are notoriously good at falling in love with power, what if any of the elected members becomes corrupt? I'm not saying I don't trust any of them, I just worry about the future?

I don't know...what do you think?

LordOfGoblins · 08-09-2012, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhang

I wish I felt differently, but this really makes me feel uneasy.

What do you guys think about this? Humans are notoriously good at falling in love with power, what if any of the elected members becomes corrupt? I'm not saying I don't trust any of them, I just worry about the future?

I don't know...what do you think?

God will cast him out. The Bahais will cast him out. They are just people like you and me. They are servants with no special station as individuals (for being members). They are not like Shoghi Effendi or Abdul'Baha or Baha'u'llah. Thats not to say they shouldnt be respected or dont have a high station in the sight of God. We cant tell any other persons station really.
As a group though they have the authority to make decisions and guide the Bahai world...

Rani · 08-09-2012, 03:17 AM

I concur with LoG. I think if you believe in this Faith and its beauty, you trust -or at least I do, that God is protecting it.

Moreover as you probably know they are an elected body.

People in every local area vote for a delegate to send to each National Convention, who in turn vote for their National Assemblies; and then every 5 years the members of each National assembly will vote for the 9 people whom they consider are best fit to serve on the House of Justice. People will want to vote for those who evince humility and a spirit of service.
And they are voted on for a five-yr term.

As Log says, it is not one person who has authority, but the group's decisions have authority.
If you read many of the letters with guidance written by the House of Justice or on behalf of them to individuals, I hope you will find them edifying.

And it's not like they get paid much for their service. I think they just get enough to cover their basic needs.

I trust that the House of Justice is protected (from corruption). If it were 1500 years into the future when there may be a new Dispensation, and a new Manifestation then, hmm, I'm not sure. But at least for this Dispensation, I trust their guidance.

Zhang · 08-09-2012, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordOfGoblins

God will cast him out. The Bahais will cast him out. They are just people like you and me.

Thanks for this quote, it put things into perspective for me. My uneasiness and worry stems from a lack of faith, it is something I will have to work on in the future, with the help of God.

Thank you all for the kind responses.

BruceDLimber · 08-09-2012, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhang

Humans are notoriously good at falling in love with power....

What you overlook is that membership in ANY Baha'i institution--including the House of Justice--confers NO power and NO special status whatever! These individuals are still "just Baha'is."

Peace, :-)

Bruce

cire perdue · 08-12-2012, 11:45 AM

I met the Members on Pilgrimage, and my gut said that they were truly Baha'is and were unlike anything I could have expected. I was overwhelmed by them. As separate individuals the men greeted each of approximately 400 people, shook hands, and spoke to everyone. We live in a world that teaches us not to believe this quality of human being exists, but it does, and not just in Haifa. Baha'is can be very, very special. AND that should not be so unique, only by attempting to accept and live Baha'i values can this kind of person exist. Everyone has that potential.

08-08-2012, 03:39 PM	#1
Zhang Senior Member Joined: Aug 2012 From: USA Posts: 298	House of Justice I think I read somewhere that the house of justice is considered infallible? Can anyone offer some insight into this?

08-09-2012, 03:17 AM	#7
Rani Senior Member Joined: May 2011 From: Australia Posts: 444	I concur with LoG. I think if you believe in this Faith and its beauty, you trust -or at least I do, that God is protecting it. Moreover as you probably know they are an elected body. People in every local area vote for a delegate to send to each National Convention, who in turn vote for their National Assemblies; and then every 5 years the members of each National assembly will vote for the 9 people whom they consider are best fit to serve on the House of Justice. People will want to vote for those who evince humility and a spirit of service. And they are voted on for a five-yr term. As Log says, it is not one person who has authority, but the group's decisions have authority. If you read many of the letters with guidance written by the House of Justice or on behalf of them to individuals, I hope you will find them edifying. And it's not like they get paid much for their service. I think they just get enough to cover their basic needs. I trust that the House of Justice is protected (from corruption). If it were 1500 years into the future when there may be a new Dispensation, and a new Manifestation then, hmm, I'm not sure. But at least for this Dispensation, I trust their guidance. Last edited by Rani; 08-09-2012 at 03:20 AM.

08-12-2012, 11:45 AM	#10
cire perdue Senior Member Joined: Sep 2010 From: Louisiana Posts: 1,715	Meeting the Members of The House I met the Members on Pilgrimage, and my gut said that they were truly Baha'is and were unlike anything I could have expected. I was overwhelmed by them. As separate individuals the men greeted each of approximately 400 people, shook hands, and spoke to everyone. We live in a world that teaches us not to believe this quality of human being exists, but it does, and not just in Haifa. Baha'is can be very, very special. AND that should not be so unique, only by attempting to accept and live Baha'i values can this kind of person exist. Everyone has that potential.

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08-08-2012, 06:38 PM	#2
LordOfGoblins Senior Member Joined: Dec 2010 From: Australia Posts: 2,056	Means their decisions guided by God... Even if they make a 'mistake' it is under Gods protection so eventually God will fix that mistake or it will be smoothed over in time. Thats my understanding.

08-08-2012, 07:32 PM	#3
arthra Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: California Posts: 3,958	Here's some material on the Infallibility of the House of Justcie: Infallibility of the Universal House of Justice A few excerpts: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, Let it not be imagined that the House of Justice will take any decision according to its own concepts and opinions. God forbid! The Supreme House of Justice will take decisions and establish laws through the inspiration and confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Again, He says: Whatever will be its decision, by majority vote, shall be the real truth, inasmuch as that House is under the protection, unerring guidance, and care of the one true Lord. He shall guard it from error and will protect it under the wing of His sanctity and infallibility.

08-09-2012, 01:42 AM	#5
Zhang Senior Member Joined: Aug 2012 From: USA Posts: 298	I wish I felt differently, but this really makes me feel uneasy. What do you guys think about this? Humans are notoriously good at falling in love with power, what if any of the elected members becomes corrupt? I'm not saying I don't trust any of them, I just worry about the future? I don't know...what do you think?