cire perdue

Reading BAHA'U'LLAH: THE GREAT ANOUNCEMENT OF THE QU'RAN online I find that a Moslem, Muhammad Ahmad of the Sudan, claimed to be the Mahdi. He won battles against the British and Egypt, but died in 1885. I find it so similar to the Jewish revolt against Rome in 70. It ties into the literal interpretation of scripture, especially concerning the return of a Prophet. There is not a former religion on the face of the earth that does not believe in a literal return of its founder. Even the Babi's who did not turn to Baha'u'llah attempted to use the laws of the Bayan literally that of which most were abrogated by Baha'u'llah and were not meant to be ever enforced. What a contrast between literal and symbolic interpretation! One grows organically, the other remains static and attempts to become a victor using force. A meaning given for the abomination of desolation is that the outward trappings of religion are maintained without inner spiritual meaning and benefit.