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Association for Bahá'í Studies (English-Speaking Europe) Issue 17 - Summer, 1995CE |
ASSOCIATE
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Reports on Activities
First European Bahá'í Conference on Law and International Order
Regional Bahá'í Societies Conference, February 1995: "Is Science Enough?"
Religious Studies Special Interest Group
Community Feast Discusses Agriculture SIG
ABS-Francophone Europe Conference, Geneva, December 1994
ABS-Australia: Conference on the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Brisbane
Book Review
The Bahá'í Faith in America 1900-1912 vol 2
Press Watch
The Growth of Post-materialism in Britain
Association for Bahá'í Studies (English Speaking Europe), 27, Rutland gate, London SW7 1PD, United Kingdom. |
REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES
Attendance was drawn from some 20 countries, including most of Europe. As indicated by the conference title, there were presentations on a number of areas rather than on one single theme. This buffet of information provided participants with a wonderful choice of information to digest. The presentation of the Dr Aziz Navidi Memorial Lecture by Dr Kiser Barnes, a Counsellor from the World Centre, provided an inspirational start to proceedings. What followed in the next three days were presentations by Dr Udo Schaefer (Crime and Punishment), Dr Kiser Barnes (The Nature of Bahá'í Law), Dr Wendi Momen (Towards the Lesser Peace), , and apaper by Ms Colleen Dawes (Service to Mankind Through the Legal Profession). There were workshop sessions in the late afternoons which were conducted with the participation of the keynote speakers. This provided participants with a wonderful opportunity to discuss further with them points raised in their presentations.
One of the evening highlights was a presentation by two eminent international lawyers, Dr Pieter van Dijk (a world expert on international human rights law) and Mr William Fenrick (a senior lawyer with the UN War Crimes Tribunal set up to hear cases against alleged war criminals in the former Yugoslavia). This event was preceded by a reception at the Conference Centre. Dr van Dijk's presentation was of particular interest: he spoke of the Bahá'í concept of unity in diversity and how it could be applied within the framework of current international human rights law. Under current European law in this area every state whi ch has accepted the European Convention on Human Rights has agreed to guarantee every person within its territory certain specified human rights. However, in implementing these rights within their territories, states must, to a certain degree, have regard to what is termed 'margin of appreciation'.
Dr van Dijk's main argument was that this could be used to allow states having different cultural backgrounds to differ in their implementation of certain human rights, for example, the human right to free expression. However, there are some 'core' rights which would always be guaranteed in the same way by states to their citizens: as, for instance, the right to freedom from torture. Mr Fenrick's presentation which was very favourably received centred on the conflict in the former Yugoslavia and was at times understandably emotional.
A major contribution to the Conference was made by Mr Omid Djalili who on the Saturday evening performed for participants his piece of theatre 'The Short Fat Kebab Shop Owner'. The Conference was highly praised as one of the best many had ever attended. Plans are already being made for next year's Conference which will be held in September 1996. Following is the final paragraph of the Conference's letter to the Universal House of Justice:
It is with a sense of enthusiasm and optimism for the future that we express to you, our beloved Universal House of Justice, our commitment to the promotion and understanding of the process of organic development of the framework which will help maintain world peace. A system which will give expression to the beloved Guardian's promise in which force will be the servant of justice and not justice the servant of force. |
Report by Danesh Sorooshi
The Regional Bahá'í Societies Conference brought together 25 participants from Scotland and the north of England, with representatives from Sheffield, Leeds, Durham, Liverpool, Manchester, Salford and Edinburgh gathering in the Manchester University Students' Union.
The Conference consisted of two parts: talks and discussions revolving around the topic "Is science enough?", and workshops on the functioning of Bahá'í Societies.
The scene was set by Holly Twiname's Science and Religion — Some Basic Principles. This was followed by a lively discussion on 'revealed' versus 'discovered' truth, and the leap of faith which may be required in accepting scientific hypotheses. Medicine and the Bahá'í Faith by Jalil Afnan, a medic at Leeds University, constituted a summary of the history of medicine. The speaker emphasised the link between healers and religion in many civilisations. This sparked discussions about parallels between modern medicine and the Bahá'í teachings and whether psychiatrically ill patients can recognise the Manifestations of God.
Chris Gregory, a non-Bahá'í scientist was insistent: Science is Enough! He asked 'Who is God?' and 'Why do you keep referring to this person called Bahá'u'lláh? Think for yourselves!' Many of those present attempted answers to Chris's questions.
Robert Hercock, a scientist researching into robotics, spoke on The Science of Religion: Faith in Science. The main issue he posed was that of causality: is the cosmos accidental or the creation of a higher intelligence? Gopi Shanmuganathan spoke on Hinduism and Science in which the Far Eastern paradigm was introduced.
The theme of the second day was how to improve our Bahá'í Societies. What are the important ingredients in a successful Bahá'í Society? Workshops included how to conduct panel discussions, social activities (e.g. multi-cultural parties, pot luck dinners), firesides and publicity (e.g. posters, personal invitations). Finally, some questions arose such as regional versus national Bahá'í Societies conferences and whether to retain the current style of programme or innovate. Views on the first question differed. In the second case, however, it was felt that the present format should be maintained, with the addition of an evening programme.
The Regional Conference was declared a great success by all who participated and enormous enjoyment was derived from the event.
Report by Erfan Yeganeh
A seminar took place over the weekend of 23-25 June 1995 at the Bahá'í Centre. Newcastle upon Tyne. Around 30 Bahá'ís were in attendance from the UK and overseas, including Germany, Norway and the USA. Lively discussion touching upon methodology, history, philosophy and theology took place on themes raised by the papers presented. The following are abstracts of these (in order of presentation):
"Bahá'í Review: Protective Measure or Restrictive Practice?" (Barney Leith, Abingdon, UK). In 1971 the Universal House of Justice re-affirmed that review of all works by Bahá'ís which deal with the Faith was obligatory before submission for publication. The temporary nature of this measure was also restated. This form of review is represented as being necessary for the protection of the Bahá'í Faith against misrepresentation 'at this early stage of its existence'. The present paper considers what balance there is between the stated benefits of review and its costs in loss of freedom of expression, loss of credibility by Bahá'í academics in the eyes of their peers and general diminution of the creative and scholarly output of the Bahá'í community. It raises questions about how long it will be possible to continue reviewing material by Bahá'í authors, given the explosive developments that are taking place in computer-mediated communications.
"A Bahá'í Approach to Sexual Ethics" (Connie Chen, Cambridge, USA). Sexuality in many Western religions is a commonly avoided topic. We either pretend it does not exist or else sweep it under the rubric of 'chastity' and assume that everyone knows what that means. Yet sexual ethics — perhaps more than any other kind of ethics - are almost completely shaped by religious belief. In a religion without clergy or rigid rules and regulations to dictate behaviour, this often means that the community may have a feeling of being left adrift in resolving tricky moral issues. The Bahá'í Writings, however, do provide clear guidance for those who care to look. This paper, while not offering definitive answers, examines Bahá'í texts in an attempt to begin a dialogue with a view to determining what constitutes appropriate sexual behaviour within a Bahá'í framework.
"Sikhism and the Bahá'í Faith - Some Preliminary Observations" (Seena Fazel, Oxford, UK). This paper reviews the Bahá'í approach to the non-Abrahamic religions and explores the possibilities for a Bahá'í-Sikh dialogue. An examination of Bahá'í literature on Sikhism is also presented.
"Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet of 'The Uncompounded Reality' (Basit al-Haqiqa)" (Moojan Momen, Northill, UK). This paper consists of an introductory survey, together with a provisional translation of Bahá'u'lláh's Tablet of the Uncompounded Reality. The subject of the Tablet is the unresolved conflict in Islam between philosopher mystics who adhere to the philosophy of existential oneness (wahdat al-wujud) and jurists and others who oppose this view, regarding it as heresy and blasphemy. Bahá'u'lláh seeks to resolve the issue and bridge the gap between these two attitudes of mind by showing how both viewpoints can be true when taken within the context of theophanology (the concept of the Manifestation of God).
"Developing Integrated Methodologies" (J.H., London, UK). This presentation discusses ways to include structurally various modes of knowledge in academic methods. Such inclusion is a new kind of rigour, enhancing understanding of inter-connectedness, probing the dynamics of unity and expanding our experience and concepts of knowledge. The limits of purely intellectual pursuits are explained with examples from Aristotle, Kant, Newton, Saussure, and Lobachevsky. A number of implications proceeding from a consideration of Bahá'í teachings are presented. Finally, comments about the movement from the concrete to the abstract to the actual are mentioned in the light of contemporary advances in Chaos and Complexity theories.
"The 'Risala fi'l-nubuwwa al-khassa' (Treatise on Specific Prophethood) of the Báb" (Stephen Lambden, Newcastle, UK). During the course of his six months stay in Isfahan in 1847 the Bab was asked by the wealthy and influential Georgian crypto-Christian eunuch, Manuchihr Khan (d.1847) to write a work providing the truth of the mission of the Prophet Muhammad. The result was an Arabic work of some fifty pages. Therein 'al-nubuwwa al-khassa', the 'specific prophethood' of Muhammad, is interpreted in both concrete (physical appearance, name, date of birth, etc.) and highly theophanological terms. Manuchihr was converted to the Bábí Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bahá praised him highly and wrote an Arabic Ziyarat-namih ('Visiting Tablet') for him which Shoghi Effendi also recommended.
"Time and Eternity -Some Preliminary Notes" (Fariba Hedayati, Newcastle, UK). The concepts of time and eternity are of central importance within the fields of theology, philosophy and science. Bahá'í primary literature contains a number of references to time and eternity, as well as their implications regarding such questions as the origin of the universe, the timelessness of God and the world of temporality. Some preliminary notes upon these matters will be presented, as well as aspects of their background within various religious and philosophical traditions.
"The Tablets of the Divine Plan of Abdu'l-Bahá" (Shahriar Razavi, Swindon, UK). During 1916 and 1917 - the darkest hours of World War I — Abdu'l-Bahá addressed 14 highly significant Tablets to the Bahá'ís of N.America. Collectively known as the Tablets of the Divine Plan, they constitute much more than mere exhortation and inspiration for their intended recipients. Among other things, they are a charter for the expansion of the Bahá'í religion. In this presentation the manner of their writing and eventual unveiling in America, along with their general significance and enduring aspects, are sketched. Major sources of historical information include a work on Mirza Ahmad Sohrab and material in various issues of Star of the West magazine.
On April 2 Northern Ireland Bahá'ís came together for a 'Community Feast'. They were joined by Bahá'ís from the Irish Republic and a special guest, Nancy McIntyre from the USA, as well as lots of children and many people who are not Bahá'ís. The Community Feast is a particular concept which has developed in Northern Ireland in order to bring together geographically dispersed communities. Community Feasts happen roughly every three months and consist of a mixture of devotionals, discussions and entertaining distractions. They have become very popular and attract attendances of up to 100.
At the last such event, Nancy McIntyre spoke about the development of the ABS SIG on Agriculture and Community Development in the US. Plans are under way to develop a similar SIG in Europe and there was much interest in Nancy's experience. In addition, there was an extensive report of the UN Social Summit and NGO Forum in Copenhagen. Les Gornall and Betsy Omidvaran gave a most inspiring presentation.
This event, attended by some sixty participants, featured presentations by nine youth on papers given at the ABS's ninth annual meeting. This meeting was doubly successful in that it facilitated youth in deepening on social and moral issues and also in that it facilitated youth in deepening on social and moral issues and also for the energising influence which the young contingent exerts on the activities of the Association in general.
The Association is happy to announce the publication of the proceedings of the ninth meeting referred to above. This 78 page volume, "La societe a-t-elle besoin de valeurs ethiques, morales, spirituelles?" presents papers on law, medicine, sociology, environment, mathematics and journalism. For further information and orders contact: Association d'Etudes Baha'ies—Europe Francophone, Route de Malagnou 24, CH-1208, Geneva. Switzerland.
Attended by some 250 Bahá'ís and friends, this event, which was held at the University of Queensland at Brisbane on 9 October 1994, consisted of inspirational and academic talks by Bahá'í scholars of all ages, interspersed with music, dance and multi-media presentations, as well as activities for children. Jamsheed Fanaian, Naysan Saeedi and John Walker spoke on topics ranging from The Impact and Influence of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas to The Superlative Distinction of the Kitáb- i-Aqdas. Stephen Hall and Jamal Walker spoke on Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Blueprint For a New Educational Paradigm and Universality of the Laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.
BOOK REVIEW
This book is a veritable cornucopia, a tightly-woven description of those fascinating and sometimes bewildering times, the early days of the Faith in the USA. Robert Stockman carefully outlines how spiritual allegiance led to acceptance of the social implications of this new religion.
As the actual Scriptures became available, so the form and nature of belief changed. The style is not hagiographical and the result will no doubt cause some critical questioning. The open frankness, however, is the strength of this work, of which the bizarre Thompson incident is a good example.
Harry Clayton Thompson, chairman of the Chicago House of Spirituality, announced at the second National 'Convention' in 1910 that he was the next prophet after Bahá'u'lláh — the sort of thing which makes our present Annual Conventions seem rather tame. Thompson believed that his divine instruction came from 'Zom Zhoum', via one Estelle M. Hamsley.
Another story of a different nature concerns Pauline Hannen in Washington D.C. On the street at Thanksgiving she met a black woman whose arms were laden with bundles and whose shoe-laces were untied. Pauline, inspired by The Hidden Words, knelt at the woman's feet and tied her laces, much to the latter's astonishment. Teaching work among the African-American community of that city was to start from then.
The Bahá'ís are shown as normal people striving to make sense of what they had found, overcoming ego and doctrinal differences to grow as a viable community. The book has excellent footnotes explaining Bahá'í terms and making it, in general, an easy research source.
The past 15 years have seen several books on the background of communities in N.America. The excellent Kalimat series started in 1982 and provided us with much valuable information. The book which really opened one's eyes to the wealth of information available was Moojan Momen's Bábí and Bahá'í Religions 1844-1944: Some Contemporary Western Accounts. It is regrettable that there are currently no plans to reprint this. In Stockman's book it is Thornton Chase who stands out as a spiritual force and we look forward with anticipation to the promised biography.
In a work this size - some 537 pages, including the index - errors are bound to occur. Tudor Pole, for example, was not the recipient of a knighthood: he is Major Wellsley Tudor-Pole, OBE — but the book is a masterful example of painstaking and tenacious research, as well as being presented in a well-written, readable style. Stockman deserves every credit for bringing together all this historical data in a single volume.
PRESS WATCH
One in five Britons is rejecting materialism and conspicuous consumption in favour of personal fulfilment and quality of life, according to new research by the MORI organisation (reported in The Independent On Sunday, 4 June 1995). This is interpreted as a deep-seated global shift in values which could act as a brake on the world economy: 25 years ago the proportion of post-materialists was only one in twenty. For the first time ever there are now more post-materialists than materialists (only 15%). This shift has been referred to as 'the silent revolution' and seems to accompany urbanisation and industrialisation and is strongly linked to environmental awareness, a more tolerant sexual outlook and a rejection of consumerist lifestyles.
Concurrent with the growth in post- materialism, international studies have identified so-called 'Euro-American currents', including waning confidence in large institutions and a preference for social change from grassroots level. Unlike the materialist goal of a 'job for life', the alternative goal consists of flexible working and several jobs during one's life.
Reporting: Seosamh Watson