One Reason Why I Will NEVER Convert to Baha'ism

Here are the gory details, straight from the Bahais themselves.

Abstract:

Whether Baha'is may practice self-defense in times of danger, and whether American Baha'is should purchase firearms.

From the texts you already have available it is clear that Bahá'u'lláh has stated that it is preferable to be killed in the path of God's service than to kill, and that organized religious attack against Bahá'ís should never turn into any kind of warfare, as this is strictly prohibited in our Writings.

So a Bahá'í is expected to "take one for the team" in the name of the faith? If a group of whacko Islamofascists were to set upon a Bahá'í temple with physical violence in mind, the Bahá'ís are supposed to simply stand by and let it happen?

A hitherto untranslated Tablet from 'Abdu'l-Bahá, however, points out that in the case of attack by robbers and highwaymen, a Bahá'í should not surrender himself, but should try, as far as circumstances permit, to defend himself, and later on lodge a complaint with the government authorities. In a letter written on behalf of the Guardian, he also indicates that in an emergency when there is no legal force at hand to appeal to, a Bahá'í is justified in defending his life. In another letter the Guardian has further point out that the assault of an irresponsible assailant upon a Bahá'í should be resisted by the Bahá'í, who would be justified, under such circumstances, in protecting his life.

How exactly is a Bahá'í (or anyone else, for that matter) to tell if the assailant is a responsible one versus an irresponsible one?

If the assailant is a responsible attacker, is then the Bahá'í adherent supposed to refrain from resisting?

What if the Bahá'í deems the attacker to be irresponsible, and later it's determined that the thug was indeed a responsible thug?

The House of Justice does not wish at the present time to go beyond the guidelines given in the above-mentioned statements. The question is basically a matter of conscience, and in each case the Bahá'í involved must use his judgment in determining when to stop in self-defense lest his action deteriorate into retaliation.

Oh no, the horrors of retaliation!

Of course the above principles apply also in cases when a Bahá'í finds himself involved in situations of civil disorder. We have, however, advised the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States that under the present circumstances in that country it is preferable that Bahá'ís do not buy nor own arms for their protection or the protection of their families.

Here we have it – an explicit proclamation from Bahá'í officialdom that firearms ownership is discouraged.

With that, I can safely say that I am not joining and will not join the Bahá'í faith.

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FOR FURTHER REFERENCE

1. Self-Defense, Guidance on by Universal House of Justice, first written or published 1969-05-26

NOTES

1. Reposted –
   
   
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   3. Tea Party Nation

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