February 19, 2010

The Meaning of the passage: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (King James Bible, John)

A conversation between 'Abdu'l-Baha and  Pasteur Monnier of Paris Theological Seminary in 1913:

Pasteur Monnier [of Theological Seminary in Paris]: If you permit us, we would like to ask a question: As we are students of theology, and in the rank of clergy, we would like to know your belief about Christ; who he was and what he was?

'Abdu'l-Bahá: Our belief in regard to Christ is exactly what is recorded in the New Testament; however, we elucidate this matter and do not speak literally or in a manner based merely on blind belief. For instance, it is recorded in the Gospel of St. John, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God." The majority of Christians accept this as a matter of belief, but we give an explanation which is accepted by reason, an explanation that no one need find occasion to reject.

The Christians have made this statement the foundation of the trinity, but philosophers deny it as mere superstition, stating that the trinity as regards the identity of divinity is impossible; and, in turn, the Christians do not give a satisfactory explanation and interpretation that can be accepted by the philosophers, as the former base their whole exposition of this subject upon the authority of the holy scriptures; the latter do not accept it, saying, "Is it possible to have three in one and one in three?"

February 18, 2010

The bounty and power of God is limitless for each human soul

A friend asked 'Abdu'l-Bahá how far the individual could attain to that Christ consciousness in himself of which St. Paul speaks as our hope of Glory.

'Abdu'l-Bahá turned with a look of great joy and said with an impressive gesture: "The bounty and power of God is limitless for each human soul. Consider what was the quickening power of the Christ when He was on earth. Look at His disciples! They were poor and uncultured men. Out of the rough fisherman He made the great Peter, and out of the poor village girl of Magdala He made one who is a power in all the world today. Many queens have reigned who are remembered by their dates in history, and nothing more is known of them. But Mary the Magdalene is greater than them all. It was she whose love strengthened the disciples when their faith was failing. What she did for the world cannot be measured. See what a divine power was enkindled in her by the power of God!" (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 88)

February 4, 2010

Inscription by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, in Persian, in an old Bible in a London church

This book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial Inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the Noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, the sign of the guidance of God. - 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbas  (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 17)

February 2, 2010

Christ's Essential Teaching

His [Christ's] essential teaching was the unity of mankind and the attainment of supreme human virtues through love. He came to establish the Kingdom of peace and everlasting life. Can you find in His words any justification for discord and enmity? The purpose of His life and the glory of His death were to set mankind free from the sins of strife, war and bloodshed. ('Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.5)