Before we celebrate the holidays and bring in a new year, LGBTQ Baha'i Experience host Sean Rayshel answers questions from page viewers about various topics.
THANK YOU! This format is a valuable service to anyone wishing to know about the Faith in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. Your courage to be transparent with your thoughts and feelings is meritorious.
I was Baha'i for a few years when I was quite young until I realized the stance on LGBTQ people (and some other issues that are problematic for me). That was 35 years ago and I am now a member of a Unitarian Universalist Society. I wish I had found UU before I encountered the Baha'i Faith; I would have avoided a lot of pain. I was young and naive and put all of my trust into the Faith only to discover these issues. I hope that everyone that has been hurt by the Baha'i Faith finds a spiritual community that allows them to flourish and be completely themselves. Blessings to you all.
@@robroyvanrobsn I read about it from 17-18 and then became a Baha'i when I left home for college. I was Baha'i from 18 to about 20. I stopped being active for a few years and then was active again for a few years in my mid to late 20's. I officially left when I was about 30.
Regarding the 70+ year old person who asked about Seals and Croft... The Baha'i Faith they espoused was the same faith Abdu'l Baha taught. No Administration. Just Live the Life! This is what I do. I live in China... I am NOT a pioneer...but I teach by example.
The best way to grow is to take the message of the faith the other communities. I've been visiting Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses since 2004. It was always a very easy conversation to get into about the promise fulfilled for God's kingdom on earth
Just keep telling people about Baha'u'llh or anything about the faith so that people even know it exists!! It's actually quite easy to ' draw that circle of unity..' " He hath purposed to unite mankind albeit spiritual and material means.."
oh this spoke to my heart so much. I think we are of similar generation growing up as Baha'is.. I miss the Baha'i Youth Workshops and the feeling of social action; now it feels like it's turning to dogma.. and this issue definitely needs to be confronted/faced/brought to the light. I do not think we are truly inclusive if we are leaving out the LGBTQ+ community. I feel this to my CORE. I have three children now and one is LGBTQ+ and I feel ashamed that the Baha'i stance is this backwards and rigid.. They are also automatically enrolled without choosing to sign their cards?
In the late 1970s I considered becoming a Bahai. As a lesbian, I didn't feel welcome. In the US, religions across the board are either losing members or have stagnant numbers, especially among younger people. One of the main reasons found for this is the perceived persecution of gay people. I am now a Unitarian Universalist.
Born and raised Baha'i (third generation on one side) so much love for the faith and so much conflict as a queer person Thank you for hosting a space where these things can be talked about
remember folks. choosing to be a Baha'i or any religion does not mean finding the religion that conforms to your beliefs. the intention is to submit our weakness to God and have faith that God has the growth of our soul in His best interest, and thus requires us making sacrifices and letting go of our own personal desires, making every effort to align ourselves with His Will and His Teachings for our own spiritual growth...it's clear these are all tests in life, it's very sad to hear though and it's a sign of the strength of Faith when a soul succumbs to the tests and leaves the Faith because they choose to attach to their own personal desires rather than make every effort to turn towards God and strive to align to the Teachings and Will of God
I have withdrawn my comments from Episode 1 with Dan Ware because they elicited personal attacks on my credibility and education, by either Baha'is or trolls. It is heartbreaking to me that any Baha'i would engage in arrogant bragging about their education and then make such incendiary attacks. While backbiting is strictly forbidden, these comments are overtly confrontational, making more heat than light. What a loss to all of us whenever that happens! I have no reason to engage in responding because I think that is not the intention of sharing the LGBTQ Baha'i Experience, which is focused on honesty, reconciliation, and healing. Re: the congruence of religion and science: while attaining my two science degrees, I learned that science is a fluid, ever-changing understanding of how our natural world works. It is an evolving work. As of now, no serious scientific researcher can honestly claim to understand why some folks are drawn to the same sex, others to the opposite sex. Some cultures have honored that variance. Most of today's cultures do not, and barbaric practices trying to change that attraction continue to this day. If religion truly respects science, then now is too soon to make judgement on peoples' lives. Science has not figured this out. Yet here is the Faith, prematurely hurting loyal Believers without respecting that science is not there yet. Such a loss to everyone.
Say: O people! The Lamp of God is burning; take heed, lest the fierce winds of your disobedience extinguish its light. Now is the time to arise and magnify the Lord, your God. Strive not after bodily comforts, and keep your heart pure and stainless. The Evil One is lying in wait, ready to entrap you. Gird yourselves against his wicked devices, and, led by the light of the name of the one true God, deliver yourselves from the darkness that surroundeth you. Center your thoughts in the Well-Beloved, rather than in your own selves.
...So ignore yourself and give all your attention to God? Sorry, but I don't think The Evil One has locked his gaze on any life that is focused on education, a safe living for raising a family, and while contributing to society. Thanks for the drama, but I think your unattributed quote shows more heat than light. We should be at our best when we consult about a difficult issue: is there no common ground here?
Since when does sexual or gender orientation trump the kingdom of God??? In order to transcend that it has to get real spiritual... like 'out of your mind' and 'no part of the world' spiritual..!! The best you can do to that end is just follow everything that Baha'u'llah revealed, fast, say the obligatory prayers, 95 Allah'u'abha's, get into Ruhi and keep reading the writings daily. Committing to memory if possible.. THAT, YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU!!
My daughter left the Faith a few months ago after many traumatic experiences I’ll be glad to share it with others if you’d like. It showed 😢he meanness of many- almost caused her to kill herself ! Is there a way to get in touch via an email or IG?
This is terrible. Those folks are Baha'i in name only. Baha'u'llah taught us that we are to love & accept everyone. Nowhere in his writings does he forbid expressions of gender, sexuality, or gay marriage.
@@StormKingLand are you kidding.. I suppose the problem then is the Kitab'i'Aqdas - and those attempting to follow it... or?? "Me thinks I shrivel.." is what Baha'u'llah revealed on " the subject of boys"... And marriage is the sacred union of a man and a woman - or something to that effect... I suppose non-judgmental is the way to go..
I was a victim of religious trauma caused by this religion. I was raised by Baha'i parents and I'm homosexual. When I turned 15 I told my parents I wouldn't become a Bahá'i and I came out of the closet at 20 years old. Thank god I am free of this religious sect. I'm sad that my parents are still active as Bahá'is, it is confusing to me that they support this organization having a gay child
Okay, I was thinking about this and good to see a video... A lot of the teachings of the faith or what's in the kitab-i-aqfas have nothing to do with sexual orientation or behavior.. gossip back biting pilgrimage the pillars. New furniture, a will, washing feet, not plunging hands into food (My favorite amusement at a potluck without utensils..😂😂) facing east, fasting, daily prayer... But what you could do - since gay marriage will never be allowed in the Bahai fairh anyway, is follow all the steps, and see how far you get.. permission and writing from all four parents, It just doesn't work. There's nothing to consummate in 90 days!!
UU.. Abdul Baha spoke at a UU church and had a great influence on a UU minister named Howard Colby Ives, who accepted the faith.. That was my congregation of birth in Portland, Oregon - principles are very similar. Too liberal on the sexual front, though.. this ultimately causes problems..
Can you expand on how "too liberal on the sexual front" causes problems? In my experience, when the AIDS crisis was at its height, gay folks with AIDS came to the Episcopal Church in droves, and were welcomed. We loved and accepted them, held them in our hearts, and eased their way into peaceful deaths. I am proud that my church married the first same sex couple. To me, we all were family. Whatever happened to appreciating diversity in the Baha'i Faith???
@@Gail-bz5kh I don't know. Maybe a few verses of revelation? Need to drink the wine or the wrath of fornication?? 🤔.. an ounce of prevention... I'm sure Baha'u'llah wants us to be compassionate human beings, though.. There's so many rainbow flags in this area. I don't even want to go outside anymore.. The teachings on chastity are so clear. Nothing else really should be promoted
In a general way 12 principles includes basically everyone... It could be that the Kitab-i-aqfas needs to be compiled again under the guidance of the future guardian and Universal House of Justice to come about among the nations.. (according to writ to deliberate on the most difficult issues of humanity... And having absolute control/ jurisdiction over all the Earth's resources...) These are different questions though about material prosperity!! And settling 'Superpower issues' like Ukraine and military alliances... Yes, we can hope for the kingdom!! :)!! Allah'u'abha!! See if there are other communities that take your interests, like the believers that followed. Dr. Leland Jensen.. and are the 'BUPC' or 'under the provisions of the covenant...'.. this has been shown to me to be true..
" Let your eye be chaste, your hand faithful, your tongue truthfu,l and your heart enlightened." - That's the counsell on gay marriage basically - from the ruhi sequence book one - directly from Baha'u'llah There are singles community in other religions that are very accessible, especially in the conservative faith like Baha'i - you can marry out into the Jehovah Witnesses and the latter-day Saints - worth looking into. However, there is also a living guardian that totally opens the doors to a whole kingdom on Earth. And maybe the body community really is the Republican party.. I'm kidding and not kidding, just to imagine the whole faith being exercised in the public realm, spiritual New Jerusalem.. !! 😮!
Allah'u'abha !! 🌴🌟🌴. God has to say no to some things because people are going to do them anyway... The Bible even says for everything there is a season... And thanks to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, when we fall short of the glory of god, we can return,!! You might really like theology in the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and see how that community works, and or comes to terms with you know challenging orientation issues
And that edict from Baha'u'llah has been followed exactly by so many gay couples I've known. This prejudice against a minority breaks my heart after working with so many kind, generous souls who died of AIDS in my lifetime. The timing of this enforcement of the Kitab-i-Aqdas is a disaster for the Faith,, and for its Believers. To say that the understanding of this edict "will all be revealed in the future" is a simplistic kicking the can down the road. It breaks my heart to read comments parroting this ridiculous trope, in a Faith which I can no longer adhere to. Broken heart.
@@Gail-bz5kh Don't worry - a Bahai can simply be a lover of humanity - and certainly, if the Word of God is true, "We are all siinners and fall short of the Glory of God..". .. knowledge of the faith is powerful and even to share some of it with people around you is extremely important - Jeffrey Holland, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ recently said about the church that it's 'a place to get well..'.. There's no limit to private and personal reading for sure... Neal Chase has a recent UA-cam video from September 23rd I think - That's the 12 principal version for the faith having nothing to do in the sexual behavior.. of the flip side, no one can really say your not a Bahai - I mean they do call it judgment day and that's everything under the sun
I agree except UUism doesn't have a 'leader'. I wish I had found UUism instead of the Baha'i Faith when I was young.But I'm so glad that I have the UU community now.
All of this is taught. and most of it you will find in western countries, and western influenced media. This is not an issue in non western world. Therefore, we got to think who is teaching these ideals and beliefs.
Sorry, but the NYTs just published an article (10/1/2023) about the Muslim antipathy toward homosexuality. One might conclude that the Muslim aversiveness to fluid gender influenced the writer of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. Its claim is outdated and in contrary to science: the existence of the XXY chromosome in sexually fluid genders has been badly ignored.
Tell that to all the LGBT refugees from the "non-western world" who have fled to western countries. Clearly, it is an issue, it's just more suppressed in many parts of the world.
If we throw away all the good things if “sex” of our own choosing is not mixed in it, we do not need religion. We need “sex.” So, please, do not work too hard to belong to any religion. Go have “sex” and enjoy your life and throw away all the religions who dare to not accept your way of life, So sorry to say that. But, truth is not always pleasant to the likings and taste buds of some, 😔🙏🏾
First I would to thank you for promoting and spreading the Baha'i Faith on your channel, I am a Baha'i a follower of Baha'u'llah the Supreme Manifestion of God for this Time and Age, as stated in Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) about His Highness Baha'u'llah "at once the Judge, the Lawgiver, the Unifier and Redeemer of mankind-announces to the kings of the earth the promulgation of the “Most Great Law”; pronounces them to be His vassals; proclaims Himself the “King of Kings”. In correcting misrepresentations of the Faith made by those who are hostile to it, our obligation is to set forth Baha’u’llah’s teachings cogently and courteously, but firmly, supporting them with rational proofs. Once this has been done, the challenge rests with our hearers, whatever their interests or motivations, to consider our responses in this same spirit of courtesy and objectivity. For Baha’is to go further than this, by engaging in acrimonious debate, much less by reflecting on the character of others, would be to cross the line that separates legitimate defense of the Faith from contention. - The Universal House of Justice, 22 November 1999. He does not ask us to follow Him blindly; as He says in one of His Tablets, God had endowed man with a mind to operate as a torchlight and guide him to truth. Read His words, consider His teachings, and measure their value in the light of contemporary problems and the truth will surely be revealed to you. Read books such as the Iqan, Some Answered Questions, Nabil's Narrative, and you will appreciate the truth of His mission, as well as the true spirit He creates in whosoever follows His ways. ("Bahá'í News" No. 80, January 1934, p. 5) The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behooveth everyone who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration. - The Kitáb-i-Aqdas The Bahá’í teachings on sexual morality center on marriage and the family as the bedrock of the whole structure of human society and are designed to protect and strengthen that divine institution. Bahá’í law thus restricts permissible sexual intercourse to that between a man and the woman to whom he is married. In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is stated: No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature. To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap. The Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) Section No. 134 The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Bahai.org. The official website of the Baha'is of the United States can be found here: Bahai.us.
Except.... one of the Baha'i months was named "Questions" as a worthy virtue. And so I question why, when science shows that some few individuals have an XXY chromosome, instead of XX (male) or XY (female), they are considered morally faulty. Makes no sense to me, since I've lived a lifetime in science and community service and found some of the most giving public servants were...guess what...gay couples. I HATE that the Baha'i Faith is going down a road of repealing everything that was once said about unity and honoring diversity. So much for humanity being the beautiful; garden of diverse flowers. This makes no sense. And to say that "all will be revealed in the future" is a cheap trick to subdue thoughtful questioning.
Members of LGBTQ community suffer immensely due to the conflict of wanting to practice homosexuality & also to belong to a religion that doesn’t fully embrace their lifestyle. But the suffering of homosexuals is only one form of the universal suffering that all human beings experience in various ways.
Bahai Faith is wonderful, gay people can be Bahai, however they must not be practicing homosexuality. The Bahai Faith is NOT, shrinking, it's growing profusely!
Oh dear, you've fallen for the tropism that most religions use: they do not record the loss of believers who've withdrawn or become inactive. In order to be considered withdrawn from the Faith, you must submit a letter of withdrawal to your NSA. So the religion, whether it be the Catholic Church or the Bahai'i Faith, continues to claim growth, while its actual membership fades. The total numbers are a total lie.
repent of your sin, gods cause will never normalize this spiritual darkness, it is spiritual sickness. the admitting of this is your first step, repent to god for priding yourself in sin. it is not the job of bahai communities to bend themselves to enable sinners to feel justified in their perversion. God sets standards, we may all fall short, but just like we dont enable alcohol or even sex in heterosexual relations outside of marriage. you may see bahais ding all types of sin, but none of them are trying to get the Devine institutions of god to enable their wrong doing. repent to God, and if you dont agree then stop pretending to love God, because repentance of sin is the first step in receiving the grace of the holy spirit.
@@lgbtqbahaiexperience4892 i think you need to learn to read, these are a few of many quotes that call for repentance of sin The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 34-49: gr49 Should anyone be afflicted by a sin, it behoveth him to repent thereof and return unto his Lord. He, verily, granteth forgiveness unto whomsoever He willeth, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 19-34: gr34 let repentance be between yourselves and God. He, verily, is the Pardoner, the Bounteous, the Gracious, the One Who absolveth the repentant. Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 57-80: gr36 That which harmeth Me is the conduct of my loved ones who, though they bear My name, yet commit that which maketh My heart and My pen to lament.' Such utterances as these have again and again been revealed, yet the heedless have failed to profit thereby, since they are captive to their own evil passions and corrupt desires. Beseech thou the One true God that He may enable everyone to repent and return unto Him. So long as one's nature yieldeth unto evil passions, crime and transgression will prevail. The World Order of Baha'u'llah, Pages 172-179: 178 He will, most certainly, lay hold on them for their sins. He, verily, is the fiercest of avengers." "Wherefore," He graciously exhorteth them, "hearken ye unto My speech, and return ye to God and repent, that He, through His grace, may have mercy upon you, may wash away your sins, and forgive your trespasses. I hope you come out of your confusion
I believe there are many Baha'is who are confused, dogmatic and intolerant. Attitudes that I have often encountered. you are Baha'ì only in name, you have only changed the label of your dress, but inside you are like all the other dogmatic religious people, closed, adoring only your insecurities. And would you be the new one? No, a script seen many times over the centuries. If the Baha'i faith is what you profess, better walk away like I did.
@@micheleromano2680 intolerant? you are not tolerant of me, your hypocrisy is exposed. I wonder if you think lying and stealing are ok? does God have any standards of morality and virtue? or is it just do as thou will, where you get to make up your own standards?
THANK YOU! This format is a valuable service to anyone wishing to know about the Faith in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. Your courage to be transparent with your thoughts and feelings is meritorious.
These videos are good for the faith. I’m Baha’i curious and gay married, so it’s important to me to see other gay Baha’is comfortable in their stance.
I was Baha'i for a few years when I was quite young until I realized the stance on LGBTQ people (and some other issues that are problematic for me). That was 35 years ago and I am now a member of a Unitarian Universalist Society. I wish I had found UU before I encountered the Baha'i Faith; I would have avoided a lot of pain. I was young and naive and put all of my trust into the Faith only to discover these issues. I hope that everyone that has been hurt by the Baha'i Faith finds a spiritual community that allows them to flourish and be completely themselves. Blessings to you all.
Well said ❤️
How long did you stay in the Bahai community?
@@robroyvanrobsn I read about it from 17-18 and then became a Baha'i when I left home for college. I was Baha'i from 18 to about 20. I stopped being active for a few years and then was active again for a few years in my mid to late 20's. I officially left when I was about 30.
@@kaesmithmusic That was my experience too.
@@kaesmithmusicwhat problems did you face? I am a bahai in South America. I wonder if this is more a problem in the US.
will always be Baha'i in my heart
Regarding the 70+ year old person who asked about Seals and Croft... The Baha'i Faith they espoused was the same faith Abdu'l Baha taught. No Administration. Just Live the Life! This is what I do. I live in China... I am NOT a pioneer...but I teach by example.
Completely unrelated but love the tree
The best way to grow is to take the message of the faith the other communities. I've been visiting Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses since 2004. It was always a very easy conversation to get into about the promise fulfilled for God's kingdom on earth
Just keep telling people about Baha'u'llh or anything about the faith so that people even know it exists!! It's actually quite easy to ' draw that circle of unity..' " He hath purposed to unite mankind albeit spiritual and material means.."
Thank you so much for these videos.
oh this spoke to my heart so much. I think we are of similar generation growing up as Baha'is.. I miss the Baha'i Youth Workshops and the feeling of social action; now it feels like it's turning to dogma.. and this issue definitely needs to be confronted/faced/brought to the light. I do not think we are truly inclusive if we are leaving out the LGBTQ+ community. I feel this to my CORE. I have three children now and one is LGBTQ+ and I feel ashamed that the Baha'i stance is this backwards and rigid.. They are also automatically enrolled without choosing to sign their cards?
In the late 1970s I considered becoming a Bahai. As a lesbian, I didn't feel welcome. In the US, religions across the board are either losing members or have stagnant numbers, especially among younger people. One of the main reasons found for this is the perceived persecution of gay people. I am now a Unitarian Universalist.
Born and raised Baha'i (third generation on one side) so much love for the faith and so much conflict as a queer person
Thank you for hosting a space where these things can be talked about
"Thy Name is my healing..."
what would Abdul Bahai Do? Love everyone
THANK YOU for engaging in this heart-breaking issue.
remember folks. choosing to be a Baha'i or any religion does not mean finding the religion that conforms to your beliefs. the intention is to submit our weakness to God and have faith that God has the growth of our soul in His best interest, and thus requires us making sacrifices and letting go of our own personal desires, making every effort to align ourselves with His Will and His Teachings for our own spiritual growth...it's clear these are all tests in life, it's very sad to hear though and it's a sign of the strength of Faith when a soul succumbs to the tests and leaves the Faith because they choose to attach to their own personal desires rather than make every effort to turn towards God and strive to align to the Teachings and Will of God
Remember Seals and Croft
They were not Gay.
@@NYWF1939 Just saying there good musicians
Many 🙏 prayers for seal and croft.
Brilliant video, Sean! Thank you so much!
I have withdrawn my comments from Episode 1 with Dan Ware because they elicited personal attacks on my credibility and education, by either Baha'is or trolls. It is heartbreaking to me that any Baha'i would engage in arrogant bragging about their education and then make such incendiary attacks. While backbiting is strictly forbidden, these comments are overtly confrontational, making more heat than light. What a loss to all of us whenever that happens! I have no reason to engage in responding because I think that is not the intention of sharing the LGBTQ Baha'i Experience, which is focused on honesty, reconciliation, and healing.
Re: the congruence of religion and science: while attaining my two science degrees, I learned that science is a fluid, ever-changing understanding of how our natural world works. It is an evolving work. As of now, no serious scientific researcher can honestly claim to understand why some folks are drawn to the same sex, others to the opposite sex. Some cultures have honored that variance. Most of today's cultures do not, and barbaric practices trying to change that attraction continue to this day. If religion truly respects science, then now is too soon to make judgement on peoples' lives. Science has not figured this out. Yet here is the Faith, prematurely hurting loyal Believers without respecting that science is not there yet. Such a loss to everyone.
It's beginning to look a lot like a...Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern Christmas!
Say: O people! The Lamp of God is burning; take heed, lest the fierce winds of your disobedience extinguish its light. Now is the time to arise and magnify the Lord, your God. Strive not after bodily comforts, and keep your heart pure and stainless. The Evil One is lying in wait, ready to entrap you. Gird yourselves against his wicked devices, and, led by the light of the name of the one true God, deliver yourselves from the darkness that surroundeth you. Center your thoughts in the Well-Beloved, rather than in your own selves.
...So ignore yourself and give all your attention to God? Sorry, but I don't think The Evil One has locked his gaze on any life that is focused on education, a safe living for raising a family, and while contributing to society. Thanks for the drama, but I think your unattributed quote shows more heat than light. We should be at our best when we consult about a difficult issue: is there no common ground here?
Since when does sexual or gender orientation trump the kingdom of God??? In order to transcend that it has to get real spiritual... like 'out of your mind' and 'no part of the world' spiritual..!! The best you can do to that end is just follow everything that Baha'u'llah revealed, fast, say the obligatory prayers, 95 Allah'u'abha's, get into Ruhi and keep reading the writings daily. Committing to memory if possible.. THAT, YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU!!
My daughter left the Faith a few months ago after many traumatic experiences I’ll be glad to share it with others if you’d like. It showed 😢he meanness of many- almost caused her to kill herself ! Is there a way to get in touch via an email or IG?
Sorry for the delayed response , I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter please feel free to reach out to me at bahailgbtq@gmail.com
This is terrible. Those folks are Baha'i in name only. Baha'u'llah taught us that we are to love & accept everyone. Nowhere in his writings does he forbid expressions of gender, sexuality, or gay marriage.
@@StormKingLand are you kidding.. I suppose the problem then is the Kitab'i'Aqdas - and those attempting to follow it... or?? "Me thinks I shrivel.." is what Baha'u'llah revealed on " the subject of boys"... And marriage is the sacred union of a man and a woman - or something to that effect... I suppose non-judgmental is the way to go..
Hello Sean, is there a way to communicate by email?
God bless! Work is worship!! 🌟
I was a victim of religious trauma caused by this religion. I was raised by Baha'i parents and I'm homosexual. When I turned 15 I told my parents I wouldn't become a Bahá'i and I came out of the closet at 20 years old. Thank god I am free of this religious sect. I'm sad that my parents are still active as Bahá'is, it is confusing to me that they support this organization having a gay child
HAPPY NAW RUZ BAHAI 180 OF LA MANCHA SHOUT SPAIN
Okay, I was thinking about this and good to see a video... A lot of the teachings of the faith or what's in the kitab-i-aqfas have nothing to do with sexual orientation or behavior.. gossip back biting pilgrimage the pillars. New furniture, a will, washing feet, not plunging hands into food (My favorite amusement at a potluck without utensils..😂😂) facing east, fasting, daily prayer...
But what you could do - since gay marriage will never be allowed in the Bahai fairh anyway, is follow all the steps, and see how far you get.. permission and writing from all four parents, It just doesn't work. There's nothing to consummate in 90 days!!
Spiritual legacy though... There's families that have martyrs in them...
Questioner 3 (I believe) - there is nothing in the Aqdas about gay marriage, gender, or sexual expression.
🤣🤣... I think he said he's bi.. sometimes that's what people hear when you tell them your faith...
UU.. Abdul Baha spoke at a UU church and had a great influence on a UU minister named Howard Colby Ives, who accepted the faith.. That was my congregation of birth in Portland, Oregon - principles are very similar. Too liberal on the sexual front, though.. this ultimately causes problems..
Can you expand on how "too liberal on the sexual front" causes problems? In my experience, when the AIDS crisis was at its height, gay folks with AIDS came to the Episcopal Church in droves, and were welcomed. We loved and accepted them, held them in our hearts, and eased their way into peaceful deaths. I am proud that my church married the first same sex couple. To me, we all were family. Whatever happened to appreciating diversity in the Baha'i Faith???
@@Gail-bz5kh I don't know. Maybe a few verses of revelation? Need to drink the wine or the wrath of fornication?? 🤔.. an ounce of prevention... I'm sure Baha'u'llah wants us to be compassionate human beings, though.. There's so many rainbow flags in this area. I don't even want to go outside anymore.. The teachings on chastity are so clear. Nothing else really should be promoted
In a general way 12 principles includes basically everyone... It could be that the Kitab-i-aqfas needs to be compiled again under the guidance of the future guardian and Universal House of Justice to come about among the nations.. (according to writ to deliberate on the most difficult issues of humanity... And having absolute control/ jurisdiction over all the Earth's resources...) These are different questions though about material prosperity!! And settling 'Superpower issues' like Ukraine and military alliances... Yes, we can hope for the kingdom!! :)!! Allah'u'abha!! See if there are other communities that take your interests, like the believers that followed. Dr. Leland Jensen.. and are the 'BUPC' or 'under the provisions of the covenant...'.. this has been shown to me to be true..
" Let your eye be chaste, your hand faithful, your tongue truthfu,l and your heart enlightened." - That's the counsell on gay marriage basically - from the ruhi sequence book one - directly from Baha'u'llah
There are singles community in other religions that are very accessible, especially in the conservative faith like Baha'i - you can marry out into the Jehovah Witnesses and the latter-day Saints - worth looking into.
However, there is also a living guardian that totally opens the doors to a whole kingdom on Earth. And maybe the body community really is the Republican party.. I'm kidding and not kidding, just to imagine the whole faith being exercised in the public realm, spiritual New Jerusalem.. !! 😮!
Allah'u'abha !! 🌴🌟🌴. God has to say no to some things because people are going to do them anyway... The Bible even says for everything there is a season... And thanks to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, when we fall short of the glory of god, we can return,!! You might really like theology in the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints and see how that community works, and or comes to terms with you know challenging orientation issues
And that edict from Baha'u'llah has been followed exactly by so many gay couples I've known. This prejudice against a minority breaks my heart after working with so many kind, generous souls who died of AIDS in my lifetime. The timing of this enforcement of the Kitab-i-Aqdas is a disaster for the Faith,, and for its Believers. To say that the understanding of this edict "will all be revealed in the future" is a simplistic kicking the can down the road. It breaks my heart to read comments parroting this ridiculous trope, in a Faith which I can no longer adhere to. Broken heart.
@@Gail-bz5kh Don't worry - a Bahai can simply be a lover of humanity - and certainly, if the Word of God is true, "We are all siinners and fall short of the Glory of God..". .. knowledge of the faith is powerful and even to share some of it with people around you is extremely important - Jeffrey Holland, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ recently said about the church that it's 'a place to get well..'.. There's no limit to private and personal reading for sure... Neal Chase has a recent UA-cam video from September 23rd I think - That's the 12 principal version for the faith having nothing to do in the sexual behavior.. of the flip side, no one can really say your not a Bahai - I mean they do call it judgment day and that's everything under the sun
These questions need to be asked be cause of anti lgbtq bigotry in the Baha'i community.
As a former member of the Baha'i Faith.... and later a Universalist... I can testify that UU IS what Baha'i used to spire to.
Just curious, what UU says or knows of Bahá’u’lláh.
I agree except UUism doesn't have a 'leader'. I wish I had found UUism instead of the Baha'i Faith when I was young.But I'm so glad that I have the UU community now.
@@melanieprice some UU honor Baha'u'llah
All of this is taught. and most of it you will find in western countries, and western influenced media. This is not an issue in non western world. Therefore, we got to think who is teaching these ideals and beliefs.
Sorry, but the NYTs just published an article (10/1/2023) about the Muslim antipathy toward homosexuality. One might conclude that the Muslim aversiveness to fluid gender influenced the writer of the Kitab-i-Aqdas. Its claim is outdated and in contrary to science: the existence of the XXY chromosome in sexually fluid genders has been badly ignored.
Tell that to all the LGBT refugees from the "non-western world" who have fled to western countries. Clearly, it is an issue, it's just more suppressed in many parts of the world.
Do you still consider yourself a bhai or follow? Baha u allahs teachings but just aren’t apart of the larger community?
Do you know, what would happen to LGBTQ people if the Baha'i faith succeeded in becoming a one world religion?
zl - Western States rep, BUPC - " the Ancient Beauty ruleth upon the Throne of David. Thus harh My Pen related in bygone ages.."
-Baha'u'llah 🌟🌴🌟 -
The Mormon church teaches that we are all children of god and have been given unique talents
If we throw away all the good things if “sex” of our own choosing is not mixed in it, we do not need religion.
We need “sex.”
So, please, do not work too hard to belong to any religion.
Go have “sex” and enjoy your life and throw away all the religions who dare to not accept your way of life,
So sorry to say that.
But, truth is not always pleasant to the likings and taste buds of some,
😔🙏🏾
First I would to thank you for promoting and spreading the Baha'i Faith on your channel, I am a Baha'i a follower of Baha'u'llah the Supreme Manifestion of God for this Time and Age, as stated in Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) about His Highness Baha'u'llah "at once the Judge, the Lawgiver, the Unifier and Redeemer of mankind-announces to the kings of the earth the promulgation of the “Most Great Law”; pronounces them to be His vassals; proclaims Himself the “King of Kings”.
In correcting misrepresentations of the Faith made by those who are hostile to it, our obligation is to set forth Baha’u’llah’s teachings cogently and courteously, but firmly, supporting them with rational proofs. Once this has been done, the challenge rests with our hearers, whatever their interests or motivations, to consider our responses in this same spirit of courtesy and objectivity. For Baha’is to go further than this, by engaging in acrimonious debate, much less by reflecting on the character of others, would be to cross the line that separates legitimate defense of the Faith from contention. - The Universal House of Justice, 22 November 1999.
He does not ask us to follow Him blindly; as He says in one of His Tablets, God had endowed man with a mind to operate as a torchlight and guide him to truth. Read His words, consider His teachings, and measure their value in the light of contemporary problems and the truth will surely be revealed to you. Read books such as the Iqan, Some Answered Questions, Nabil's Narrative, and you will appreciate the truth of His mission, as well as the true spirit He creates in whosoever follows His ways.
("Bahá'í News" No. 80, January 1934, p. 5)
The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed. It behooveth everyone who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration.
- The Kitáb-i-Aqdas
The Bahá’í teachings on sexual morality center on marriage and the family as the bedrock of the whole structure of human society and are designed to protect and strengthen that divine institution. Bahá’í law thus restricts permissible sexual intercourse to that between a man and the woman to whom he is married.
In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi it is stated:
No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Bahá’u’lláh, and homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature. To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul. But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap.
The Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) Section No. 134
The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Bahai.org. The official website of the Baha'is of the United States can be found here: Bahai.us.
Your fundamentalist approach is driving people away from the Faith, good luck with your approach in bringing all of humanity to the Light of Baha
Except.... one of the Baha'i months was named "Questions" as a worthy virtue. And so I question why, when science shows that some few individuals have an XXY chromosome, instead of XX (male) or XY (female), they are considered morally faulty. Makes no sense to me, since I've lived a lifetime in science and community service and found some of the most giving public servants were...guess what...gay couples. I HATE that the Baha'i Faith is going down a road of repealing everything that was once said about unity and honoring diversity. So much for humanity being the beautiful; garden of diverse flowers. This makes no sense. And to say that "all will be revealed in the future" is a cheap trick to subdue thoughtful questioning.
Members of LGBTQ community suffer immensely due to the conflict of wanting to practice homosexuality & also to belong to a religion that doesn’t fully embrace their lifestyle. But the suffering of homosexuals is only one form of the universal suffering that all human beings experience in various ways.
Seriously ? You you just negated my lived experience and the lived experiences of countless others , stay in your lane
Bahai Faith is wonderful, gay people can be Bahai, however they must not be practicing homosexuality. The Bahai Faith is NOT, shrinking, it's growing profusely!
Some Five Million according to the BWC since the early 1990's , its not growing
@@lgbtqbahaiexperience4892 Call the headquarters...growing more than ever once!
@@lgbtqbahaiexperience4892 IT the Bahai Faith is growing nicely.
Oh dear, you've fallen for the tropism that most religions use: they do not record the loss of believers who've withdrawn or become inactive. In order to be considered withdrawn from the Faith, you must submit a letter of withdrawal to your NSA. So the religion, whether it be the Catholic Church or the Bahai'i Faith, continues to claim growth, while its actual membership fades. The total numbers are a total lie.
repent of your sin, gods cause will never normalize this spiritual darkness, it is spiritual sickness. the admitting of this is your first step, repent to god for priding yourself in sin. it is not the job of bahai communities to bend themselves to enable sinners to feel justified in their perversion. God sets standards, we may all fall short, but just like we dont enable alcohol or even sex in heterosexual relations outside of marriage. you may see bahais ding all types of sin, but none of them are trying to get the Devine institutions of god to enable their wrong doing. repent to God, and if you dont agree then stop pretending to love God, because repentance of sin is the first step in receiving the grace of the holy spirit.
Repenting and the concept of Sin is not a part of Baha'i Theology , good try
@@lgbtqbahaiexperience4892
i think you need to learn to read, these are a few of many quotes that call for repentance of sin
The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 34-49: gr49
Should anyone be afflicted by a sin, it behoveth him to repent thereof and return unto his Lord. He, verily, granteth forgiveness unto whomsoever He willeth,
The Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 19-34: gr34
let repentance be between yourselves and God. He, verily, is the Pardoner, the Bounteous, the Gracious, the One Who absolveth the repentant.
Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed After the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Pages 57-80: gr36
That which harmeth Me is the conduct of my loved ones who, though they bear My name, yet commit that which maketh My heart and My pen to lament.' Such utterances as these have again and again been revealed, yet the heedless have failed to profit thereby, since they are captive to their own evil passions and corrupt desires. Beseech thou the One true God that He may enable everyone to repent and return unto Him. So long as one's nature yieldeth unto evil passions, crime and transgression will prevail.
The World Order of Baha'u'llah, Pages 172-179: 178
He will, most certainly, lay hold on them for their sins. He, verily, is the fiercest of avengers." "Wherefore," He graciously exhorteth them, "hearken ye unto My speech, and return ye to God and repent, that He, through His grace, may have mercy upon you, may wash away your sins, and forgive your trespasses.
I hope you come out of your confusion
I believe there are many Baha'is who are confused, dogmatic and intolerant. Attitudes that I have often encountered. you are Baha'ì only in name, you have only changed the label of your dress, but inside you are like all the other dogmatic religious people, closed, adoring only your insecurities. And would you be the new one? No, a script seen many times over the centuries. If the Baha'i faith is what you profess, better walk away like I did.
@@micheleromano2680 intolerant? you are not tolerant of me, your hypocrisy is exposed. I wonder if you think lying and stealing are ok? does God have any standards of morality and virtue? or is it just do as thou will, where you get to make up your own standards?