Are We a Community

cfgeog · 09-14-2012, 11:43 AM

Indigent Baha'is generally do not have access to aid from the Baha'i community, just moral support. Yet most mainstream faiths--at least in their early years--were apparently 'socialist' in the sense of pooling and sharing community resources, and I surmise that such a practice helped to create group identity and cohere the nascent community. I believe the Iranian Baha'i community is like that still. Wondering why this is so (if it is so), my conclusion is that new religious communities that are actively persecuted tend to coalesce into a stronger core which forms the foundation for future growth. Perhaps the Western Baha'i communities will become stronger and more mutually supportive (interdependent) when we become seriously persecuted.

Rani · 09-14-2012, 03:53 PM

That's an interesting theory you put forward about the relationship between persecution and mutual support within a community.
If it is correct I feel it is unfortunate that it could take outside persecution for people to love and support each other.

I regret to say that I feel that it's been my experience that there's not much support for newcomers or people on their own. There are expectations, but how much support, especially for indigent baha'is as you say?

For people who've been brought up in the Faith in larger communities, yes, and for the persian believers I agree that there seems to be a good support network.

But yet, there is a focus on teaching others or taking children's classes for eg.

You said you feel that there is a lack of aid, just moral support -I feel that even the latter is wanting.

Rani · 09-14-2012, 06:01 PM

I think it's partly a numbers issue. We are still quite a small world community.

AdrianDavila · 09-16-2012, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfgeog

Indigent Baha'is generally do not have access to aid from the Baha'i community, just moral support. Yet most mainstream faiths--at least in their early years--were apparently 'socialist' in the sense of pooling and sharing community resources, and I surmise that such a practice helped to create group identity and cohere the nascent community. I believe the Iranian Baha'i community is like that still. Wondering why this is so (if it is so), my conclusion is that new religious communities that are actively persecuted tend to coalesce into a stronger core which forms the foundation for future growth. Perhaps the Western Baha'i communities will become stronger and more mutually supportive (interdependent) when we become seriously persecuted.

I also think a lot of it is how spread out we are. I know that, in my area, the largest Baha'i community is over 90 miles from me. I am the only Baha'i in my town of 25,000, and the closest Baha'i to me is 40 miles away. It makes it difficult for community building and mutual support. Thus, sometimes moral support is all that can be given.

Although, I do think you are on to something. Adversity does tend to bring people together (not just us, but also others).

tonyfish58 · 09-16-2012, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdrianDavila

I also think a lot of it is how spread out we are. I know that, in my area, the largest Baha'i community is over 90 miles from me. I am the only Baha'i in my town of 25,000, and the closest Baha'i to me is 40 miles away. It makes it difficult for community building and mutual support. Thus, sometimes moral support is all that can be given.

Although, I do think you are on to something. Adversity does tend to bring people together (not just us, but also others).

That is a good point.

I guess as long as we keep working at it it will be so no matter how small the numbers may be at this time.

The writings are clear that it will happen, it takes effort and we must make the effort.

Regards Tony

AdrianDavila · 09-16-2012, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyfish58

That is a good point.

I guess as long as we keep working at it it will be so no matter how small the numbers may be at this time.

The writings are clear that it will happen, it takes effort and we must make the effort.

Regards Tony

I do believe that, in time, the situation will change.

But, as you said, it will take effort on our part.

Jak08 · 09-17-2012, 04:28 AM

I know even my small community of 7, less than 20 minutes away a town in my cluster has a lsa, there is a decent amount of community. I've been asked to go to the movies or come over to watch a favorite show. Also with baha'i summer school I was helped out in the form of a scholarship. But perhaps impressed me most is when is when i got a new appartment I was offered old furniture, was even given a small care package. Apparently this out of the norm from what I am hearing here. I feel so blessed for the support I have here.

09-14-2012, 11:43 AM	#1
cfgeog cfgeog Joined: Sep 2012 From: Monterey, CA Posts: 1	Are We a Community Indigent Baha'is generally do not have access to aid from the Baha'i community, just moral support. Yet most mainstream faiths--at least in their early years--were apparently 'socialist' in the sense of pooling and sharing community resources, and I surmise that such a practice helped to create group identity and cohere the nascent community. I believe the Iranian Baha'i community is like that still. Wondering why this is so (if it is so), my conclusion is that new religious communities that are actively persecuted tend to coalesce into a stronger core which forms the foundation for future growth. Perhaps the Western Baha'i communities will become stronger and more mutually supportive (interdependent) when we become seriously persecuted.

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09-14-2012, 03:53 PM	#2
Rani Senior Member Joined: May 2011 From: Australia Posts: 444	That's an interesting theory you put forward about the relationship between persecution and mutual support within a community. If it is correct I feel it is unfortunate that it could take outside persecution for people to love and support each other. I regret to say that I feel that it's been my experience that there's not much support for newcomers or people on their own. There are expectations, but how much support, especially for indigent baha'is as you say? For people who've been brought up in the Faith in larger communities, yes, and for the persian believers I agree that there seems to be a good support network. But yet, there is a focus on teaching others or taking children's classes for eg. You said you feel that there is a lack of aid, just moral support -I feel that even the latter is wanting.

09-14-2012, 06:01 PM	#3
Rani Senior Member Joined: May 2011 From: Australia Posts: 444	I think it's partly a numbers issue. We are still quite a small world community.

09-17-2012, 04:28 AM	#7
Jak08 Member Joined: Aug 2012 From: GI, Nebraska Posts: 38	I know even my small community of 7, less than 20 minutes away a town in my cluster has a lsa, there is a decent amount of community. I've been asked to go to the movies or come over to watch a favorite show. Also with baha'i summer school I was helped out in the form of a scholarship. But perhaps impressed me most is when is when i got a new appartment I was offered old furniture, was even given a small care package. Apparently this out of the norm from what I am hearing here. I feel so blessed for the support I have here.