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Flipchart // Summary: Contents of the flipchart // Uncategorised
Flipchart // Summary: Contents of the flipchart // Uncategorised
Flipchart // Summary: Contents of the flipchart // Uncategorised
Baha’u’llah affirms in the Book of Ceritude:
“To every discerning and illumined heart it is evident that God, the unknowable Essence, the Divine Being, is immeasurably exalted beyond every human attribute such as corporeal existence, ascent and descent, egress and regress... He is, and hath ever been, veiled in the ancient eternity of His Essence, and will remain in His Reality everlastingly hidden from the sight of men... He standeth exalted beyond and above all separation and union, all proximity and remoteness...
Christ, the Son
“This is what Jesus Christ meant when He declared, "the father is in the son," the purpose being that the reality of that eternal Sun had become reflected in its glory in Christ Himself. It does not signify that the Sun of Reality had descended from its place in heaven or that its essential being had effected an entrance into the mirror, for there is neither entrance nor exit for the reality of Divinity; there is no ingress or egress; it is sanctified above all things and ever occupies its own holy station.” (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace)
The Return of Christ
by `Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions
pp. 132-134
THE "RETURN" SPOKEN OF BY
THE PROPHETS
Question.--Will you explain the subject of Return?
Answer.--Baha'u'llah has explained this question fully and clearly in the Iqan. Read it, and the truth of this subject will become apparent. But since you have asked about it, I will explain it briefly. We will begin to elucidate it from the Gospel, for there it is plainly said that when John, the son of Zacharias, appeared and gave to men the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God, they asked him, "Who art thou? Art thou the promised Messiah?" He replied, "I am not the Messiah." Then they asked him, "Art thou Elijah?" He said, "I am not." These words prove and show that John, the son of Zacharias, was not the promised Elias. But on the day of the transfiguration on Mount Tabor Christ said plainly that John, the son of Zacharias, was the promised Elias.
In chapter 9, verses 11-13, of the Gospel of Mark, it is said: "And they asked Him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And He answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that He must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him."
In chapter 17, verse 13, of Matthew, it is said: "Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the Baptist."
They asked John the Baptist, "Are you Elias?" He answered, "No, I am not," although it is said in the Gospel that John was the promised Elias, and Christ also said so clearly. Then if John was Elias, why did he say, "I am not"? And if he was not Elias, why did Christ say that he was?
The explanation is this: not the personality, but the reality of the perfections, is meant--that is to say, the same perfections that were in Elias existed in John the Baptist and were exactly realized in him. Therefore, John the Baptist was the promised Elias. In this case not the essence, but the qualities, are regarded. For example, there was a flower last year, and this year there is also a flower; I say the flower of last year has returned. Now, I do not mean that same flower in its exact individuality has come back; but as this flower has the same qualities as that of last year--as it has the same perfume, delicacy, color and form--I say the flower of last year has returned, and this flower is the former flower. When spring comes, we say last year's spring has come back because all that was found in last year's spring exists in this spring. That is why Christ said, "You will see all that happened in the days of the former Prophets."
We will give another illustration. The seed of last year is sown, branches and leaves grow forth, blossoms and fruits appear, and all has again returned to seed. When this second seed is planted, a tree will grow from it, and once more those branches, leaves, blossoms and fruits will return, and that tree will appear in perfection. As the beginning was a seed and the end is a seed, we say that the seed has returned. When we look at the substance of the tree, it is another substance, but when we look at the blossoms, leaves and fruits, the same fragrance, delicacy and taste are produced. Therefore, the perfection of the tree has returned a second time.
In the same way, if we regard the return of the individual, it is another individual; but if we regard the qualities and perfections, the same have returned. Therefore, when Christ said, "This is Elias," He meant: this person is a manifestation of the bounty, the perfections, the character, the qualities and the virtues of Elias. John the Baptist said, "I am not Elias." Christ considered the qualities, the perfections, the character and the virtues of both, and John regarded his substance and individuality. It is like this lamp: it was here last night, and tonight it is also lighted, and tomorrow night it will also shine. We say that the lamp of this night is the same light as that of last night, and that it has returned. It refers to the light, and not to the oil, the wick or the holder.
This subject is fully and clearly explained in the Kitab-i-Iqan.
Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of
longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of
rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker's
heart, and the breeze of His loving-kindness is wafted
upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled,
the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and
the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being.
BAHA'U'LLAH
SUMMARY: Contents of flipchart
"And since there can be no tie of direct intercourse to bind the true God with His creation, and no resemblance whatever can exist between the transient and the Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute, He hath ordained that in every age and dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be made manifest in the kingdoms of earth and heaven." --Bahá'u'lláh
P. 1 & 2 : THE MOST IMPORTANT TEACHING OF CHRIST IS LOVE
Here the teacher will introduce the idea that changes have
occurred within Christianity, and that they are all man-made,
but Jesus only showed and preached about love, and that is
forever unchanging. He even prayed for those who crucified
Him. This is the perfect demonstration of divine love.
Abdu'l-Baha often used this as an example demonstrating His
love and respect for Christ .
P. 3 & 4 : JESUS EXPLAINS WHO HE IS
These pages explain the difference between His divine nature
and His human nature. The idea here is to gently show - using
the Words of Christ Himself- that sometimes He speaks with the
voice and authority of God and sometimes as a human. This is
needed because many Christians think that Jesus Christ is God
Himself. They don't have a well developed idea of what is a
Messenger of God. Often Baha'is immediately introduce this
concept saying that Christ was a Manifestation of God - and the
confused Christians are dumbfounded because they haven't ever
heard that word Manifestation before - it is purely a Baha'i
terminology.
P. 5 & 6 : HIS NAME IS JESUS, BUT HIS TITLE IS CHRIST
This part develops the concept of the Manifestation further -
that Christ is a title of a Messenger of God. Also that the
Messiah Who the Jews were awaiting is come in the form of
Christ. This further strengthens the idea of what is a
Messenger by introduction the concept of continuation (what we
Baha'is call progressive revelation), but using the stories and
the Word of God in the Bible.
P. 7 & 8 : CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD
Instead of offending the Christians saying that Jesus is just a
Prophet not the Son of God, it is important to remember the
quote of our beloved Guardian: "As to the position of
Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or
equivocation that its Divine origin is unconditionally
acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are
fearlessly asserted, that the Divine inspiration of the Gospel
is fully recognized.." (Shoghi Effendi: The Promised Day is
Come, p. 113-114)
Once you have fearlessly asserted the Sonship and Divinity of
Jesus Christ then the Christian will relax and open up to what
you have further to say - confident and knowing that you also
respect his/her beloved Christ.
P. 9 & 10 : THE LAMP IS JESUS, THE LIGHT IS CHRIST
Here the teacher is further explaining the concept of what is a
Messenger of God - using a concrete example of the lamp and the
light. The outer form (human) is the lamp and the inner light
is the divine or Holy Spirit. This explanation will help the
Christian to understand the verse "Before Abraham was, I am."
The eternal Christ is a title for the Manifestation of God Who
appears from age to age.
P. 11 & 12 : BAHA'I WRITINGS GLORIFY CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD
These quotes further strengthen the confidence of the Christian
to listen to the Baha'i teacher because Christ prophecies that
when He returns "He will glorify me" (John 16:14) Once you
read the quotations together with the seeker he/she will be
exposed to the Word of God in the Baha'i Writings in a very
positive way.
P. 13 & 14 : THE HISTORY OF THE TRINITY
The next thought in the Christian's mind is often the Trinity,
the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. What is the explanation of
this? To refer to history and see how, when and why this
doctrine of the church was established will help to unravel the
mystery of this difficult concept and give it a new light.
Just to say no that we do not believe in the Trinity is closing
a door to the heart of the seeker.
P. 15 & 16 : SPIRITUAL MEANING OF THE TRINITY
The teacher will explain from the Writings what the spiritual
understanding is using the concrete examples of the sun and the
mirror. But instead of using the Baha'i terminologies the
teacher will use quotes from the Bible that give the same
explanation but reinforce the ideas with the authority that
will be accepted by the seeker.
P. 17 & 18 : RELIGION MUST BE RENEWED FROM AGE TO AGE
This is the beginning of explaining the concept of progressive
revelation again using the quotes from the Bible as the
authority.
P. 19 & 20 : PROGRESSIVE REVELATION IN THE BIBLE
If we immediately say that Jesus Christ is the same as Muhammad
and other Messengers such as Buddha etc. the Christian
sometimes is offended. The Baha'i Writings speak of the two
stations of the Messengers - that of the station of oneness in
relationship to the Creator, and the station of distinction in
relationship to the creation. Therefore for a seeker the
station of distinction is easier to understand than the station
of oneness especially if we start to explain progressive
revelation from the Bible.
P. 21 & 22 : ONENESS OF MANKIND
"And other sheep I have, which are not of this
fold........there shall be one fold and one shepherd" (John
10:16) This quote is the embryonic form of the oneness of
mankind. The next quote "I have many things to say unto you
but ye cannot bear them now" ((John 16: 12 - 13) tells us that
Christ could not have explained the concept of oneness to the
people of that time because of their limitations of knowledge.
All this information opens up the mind of the Christian to the
other world Religions.
P. 23 & 24 : SPIRITUAL STEPS FOR MANKIND
Now we go on to progressive revelation with more openness
explaining and praying in our hearts for their minds to open to
accept this new direction.
P. 25 & 26 : GOLDEN RULE: ONE LIGHT SHINING IN MANY LAMPS
Here the teacher will introduce the idea of unity in diversity
and the Oneness of Religion. Also the difference between the
inner (spiritual) teachings (the golden rule) and the outer
(physical) laws and practices (of dress, worship, food taboos
etc) can be explained. The quotes that are used as the Golden
rule throughout all Religions are very convincing.
P. 27 & 28 : THE THREE WIVES OF ABRAHAM
It is helpful to show the genealogy of Baha'u'llah and very
important to connect Him to Sarah because the Christians only
consider her to be Abraham's only true wife. This strengthens
the idea of the Covenant of Abraham coming down to Baha'u'llah
through both Katurah and Sarah.
P. 29 & 30 : THERE IS ONLY ONE CHRIST, THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA
Now we use the example of the sun and the mirror to include all
the Messengers of God and show how they all are the Alpha and
the Omega - the beginning and the end - the first and the last.
This is a preparation to understand the concept of spiritual
return.
P. 31 & 32 : THE BIBLE, THE HOLY BOOD OF GOD
Now we show our respect for the Holy Bible using the Baha'i
Writings and also introduce some history that often Christians
haven't heard about and may find very interesting.
P. 33 & 34 : WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DENOMINATIONS WITHIN
CHRISTIANITY?
The chart of the growth of Christianity down to the birth of
Islam gives an insight into the early days of the spread of the
Religion leading up to its decline into wars and the bloodshed
of the inquisitions and Crusades.
P. 35 & 36 : THE HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY
With dates we further travel from the time of the "dark ages"
into the Renaissance which happened with the coming of
Muhammad. The Chart takes us into more details of the first
split in Christianity and further splits up unto the time of
the coming of the Baha'i Faith in 1844. We can point out to
the seeker that it is not our purpose to criticize the mistakes
made in the past but to learn from them for the future. Point
out to the Christian that the first split was due to power, the
second due to interpretation of the Bible, and the last in 1844
is about the return of Christ.
P.37 & 38 : WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
We now look into some of the teachings of Christianity that
were introduced by the Church fathers based on their
interpretations. But we look at the inner spiritual meanings
as explained by our beloved Master.
P. 39 & 40 : WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF BREAD AND WINE?
Here we share the idea of the spiritual meaning of these
symbols in Christianity. We employ a rational approach and use
a reasonable appeal to get to this new understanding.
P. 41 & 42 : WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF MIRACLES?
Once again using the Word of God in the Bible we approach the
concept of miracles in their true spiritual intention. The
main thing is to show that we do not deny miracles.
P. 43 & 44 : THE DIVINE JUDGEMENT
This part is about the concept of salvation. Many Christians
are very much interested in this idea. We should in no way
take away the goal and outcome they seek, but expand its
understanding to embrace the fuller picture of living a life
full of virtue. The quote used clearly demonstrates this fact
and because it is so visual (sheep & goats) it is never
forgotten.
P. 45 & 46 : THE DEVIL IS THE OBSTACLE TO OUR PROGEESS TOWARDS
GOD
Here we have to unblock a misunderstanding and show it in a
fuller way, but do not deny the existence of Satan (as in the
quote from Baha'u'llah) To say no we do not believe in Satan
is to close a door.
P. 47 & 48 : PROOFS OF THE MESSENGER OF GOD
The list gives all the characteristics, virtues and actions of
a Messenger of God. This is a good checklist that can
eliminate all manner of mistaken understandings and outline and
clarify points that will lead to a clearer picture of what
constitutes the noble qualities that a Messenger of God must
possess that no other human being can. This can be expanded
upon.
P. 49 & 50 : WHY DID CHRISTIANS EXPECT CHRIST TO RETURN IN
1844?
Now we begin with the prophecies and promises of the return of
Christ all leading to the year 1844.
P. 51 & 52 : THIRD PROMISE OF JESUS - THE TIME PROPHESIES
The beloved Master calls the time prophecies the "Most
conclusive proof" Indeed, it sets the time exactly to 1844. It
shows the link between Christianity and Islam because 1844 is
the same as 1260AH which is mentioned both in the Bible and the
Islamic scriptures. See Christianity Renewed Volume 3 for
details.
P. 53 & 54 : SIGNS FOR THE FIRST COMING
This explanation shows the mistakes that the Jews made when
Jesus came the first time. It is an eye-opener to the
Christians that interpretations were the main problem for the
Jews not being able to accept Christ. Many of the same
mistakes are being repeated today with His second coming, and
history repeats itself.
P. 55 & 56: SIGNS FOR THE SECOND COMING
These prophecies include the "coming of the clouds" the "thief
in the night" and the "the falling of the stars" etc. These
signs are commonly used for the coming of all Messengers of
God.
PAGES 57 & 58 : BAHA'U'LLAH FULFILLS PROPHECIES - NEW NAME &
NEW PLACE
Where is the new name in the Bible? It is important for
Christians to know that He will be called by a new name which
is unfamiliar for them, but we can prove from the Bible that
this name (the Glory of God) is mentioned in many places in the
context of the return.
PAGES 59 & 60 : PROPHECIES RELATING TO ISRAEL
Where the return will take place - Carmel and Achor (Acca) -
and the exiles of Baha'u'llah - and how they are related. This
is a good place to tell Christians something about the story of
His life and sufferings. This is very important because they
can then relate the sufferings of Jesus with the sufferings of
Baha'u'llah. We want to build up their love for Baha'u'llah
and you cannot love an unknown person. This is important to
try to do before we try to relate to them the station of
Baha'u'llah in the proofs.
P. 61 & 62 : SPIRITUAL REALITY OF BAHA'U'LLAH IS SAME AS THE
SPIRITUAL REALITY OF CHRIST
The list relates some of the virtues and realities of a
Messenger of God and can be applied to both Baha'u'llah and
Jesus Christ. This shows the station oneness of the Messengers
of God. It is OK to introduce this concept after the prelude
leading up to it.
P. 63 & 64: THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD - SIGN FOR PEACE
The last pages show how Isaiah tells of the House of the Lord
which will be built on the Mountain of God in the last days and
how all nations will flow unto it and how this has already been
fulfilled by the establishment of the World Center. And every
eye can see this prophecy fulfilled 2 when they visit Israel. .