https://bahai9.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Brettz9 2026-09-16T02:17:09Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.46.0 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Existence_of_the_soul/Paris_Talks&diff=24577 2026-09-15T20:45:35Z

<p>Brettz9: /* Background and outline of proof from Paris Talks on the existence of the soul */</p> <hr /> <div>==Background and outline of proof from ''Paris Talks'' on the existence of the soul==<br /> <br /> While the passage from ''Paris Talks'' is phrased around prayer rather than physical hunger, it relies on the exact same logical premise as such a proof (the teleological argument from desire/instinct):<br /> <br /> 1. '''The Observation''': Humans possess a universal, innate spiritual instinct that prompts them to pray for and love those who have passed away.<br /> <br /> 2. '''The Premise''': No natural or spiritual capacity/instinct in creation is created in vain or without a purpose.<br /> <br /> 3. '''The Conclusion''': That instinct would be pointless and meaningless (&quot;given in vain&quot;) if the departed ceased to exist. Therefore, the instinct itself bears witness to the continuance of the soul.<br /> <br /> It is conceptually identical to the classic &quot;argument from hunger&quot; (that an innate capacity implies a corresponding reality), applied specifically here to the human heart's instinctual outreach toward the deceased.<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24576 2026-09-15T20:43:39Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not always as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|'''Potential answer''': Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|'''Potential answer''': God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|'''Potential answer''': The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|'''Potential answer''': God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the brief ''Paris Talks'' quote, the following outline examines its underlying logic'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Here is a dialogue about this proof'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks/Dialogue}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. For the extended course, please read the four chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Existence_of_God&diff=24575 2026-09-15T20:40:44Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>==Existence of God==<br /> <br /> ''This section is particularly for atheists/agnostics''<br /> <br /> # ''Read all quotations from [[Existence of God]]. Note from the Báb's misgivings about proofs that there will naturally be some inadequacies with proofs. They can point us in a given direction, but they might not always satisfy to the highest degree.''<br /> <br /> ===[[/Short guided course|Short guided course]]===<br /> <br /> ===[[/Long course|Long course]]===<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/sequence of teaching|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Oneness of God|next]]<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- Harmless; for users with custom JS code, can cause page to add collapsible list --&gt;<br /> &lt;!--<br /> Comment out for now as hard to read with large outlines especially<br /> &lt;span class=&quot;enable_collapsibleList&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;<br /> --&gt;<br /> [[Category:Outline]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Hidden_Words/Music&diff=24574 2026-09-09T05:41:04Z

<p>Brettz9: update version</p> <hr /> <div>{| class=&quot;wikitable sortable&quot;<br /> ! Language<br /> ! Hidden Word number<br /> ! Link to music and artist<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [https://bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/hw/arabic/introduction.html Preamble] || [https://suno.com/song/2b224fad-b6f3-4562-b51e-fe522336481d B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:1|1]] || [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/my-first-counsel L. Slott], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=sPxMJgYYYgo S. and S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://almunajat.com/chanting_collection_2.htm almunajat.com] [item 2], [https://music.devongundry.com/track/the-first-hidden-word D. Gundry], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/a-radiant-heart E. Mahony], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/my-first-counsel E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://store.audio.grlpro.com/track/dai-ichino-chugen Baha'i Youth of Japan], [https://joelinreallife.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-spirit Joel in Real Life], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Wia87EhZaG8 The Daguerreotypes], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=-H4qJiNxkfo E. Kelly], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=gXF1FrHFYtk L. Dely], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=xwOihZsUNAw Y. Mbazo &amp;amp; Friends], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=-EKrsBjyQJY Fleur &amp;amp; Tessa], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=83E1KyeamdQ G.H. Miller], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=eFJTJpKJ4nk S. Peyman], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=aU0hxuskhDs S. Eblaghi and M. Weigert], [https://soundcloud.com/katyporray/7-ling-xing-zhi-zi-a K. Porray], [https://9starmedia.com/rebecca-johnston-garvin-befriend-me R. Johnston-Garvin] [track 6], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=_jbFtSXF5Q4 D. Sylvester], [https://suno.com/song/cb1600a0-bfee-427b-9171-bcfade954ac9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:2|2]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=jU7k8NgFsOg M. Levine], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=gNI7gp9HEbI Nicolas &amp;amp; Louis], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Vw5yWIlX7FM L. Dely], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/ante-mi-vista A.E. Rahbin], [https://9starmedia.com/rose-marie-peterson-wave R. Peterson] [track 6], [https://suno.com/song/40f21e29-e1fa-4a78-aaba-91afe1aa70ee B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:3|3]] || [https://wensbomusic.com/track/o-son-of-man A. Wensbo], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/ancient-eternity E. Mahony], [https://serenesunderland.bandcamp.com/track/veiled-chinese S. Sunderland], [https://serenesunderland.bandcamp.com/track/veiled-english S. Sunderland], [https://9starmedia.com/matthew-levine-a-sacrifice-to-thee M. Levine] [track 2], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=qOY3PkHviFw L. Dely], [https://9starmedia.com/rowshan-vol-1 Rowshan] [track 8], [https://9starmedia.com/peter-held-corinne-bahia-creation P. Held &amp;amp; C. Bahia] [track 2], [https://suno.com/song/bb16519d-f699-46ea-b6fa-cccb43f93e63 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:4|4]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/amai-crearti-2 A. Youssefi], [https://esralilian.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-man E. Lilian], [https://manapacifica.bandcamp.com/track/i-loved-thy-creation MANA], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=n_ayABShKj0 S. Peyman], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/i-loved-thy-creation J. Cooper], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=B4wRPKHEG6g L. Dely], [https://9starmedia.com/rose-marie-peterson-wave R. Peterson] [track 4], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=FIXLbqtCSR4 Corinne &amp;amp; Riaz], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 3], [https://9starmedia.com/ladjamaya-intone-o-my-servant Ladjamaya] [track 7], [https://suno.com/song/2e1ddc84-04e2-4dcf-8fde-e731f80ea7b3 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:5|5]] || [https://insigniarecords.bandcamp.com/track/at-the-top-of-my-lungs D. Gundry], [https://walterheath.bandcamp.com/track/love W. Heath], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/amame-3 E. Mahony and A. Youssefi], [https://bassadjustment.bandcamp.com/track/amame Bass Adjustment], [https://ineh.bandcamp.com/track/love Ine], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=crTOBy1ow4M M. Weigert], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=eMplP0ZjRe0 S. Engle and J. White], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=SfY5sq7FbYQ S. Gomes], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=sCXjILNtY7M T. Ellis], [https://auralsculpture.bandcamp.com/track/know-this K. Kuolga], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=quLPwLIbgtM A. Mirra], [https://9starmedia.com/rowshan-vol-1 Rowshan] [track 11], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=0JaVrCOKlZ0 SKY], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=7BpsH5Nvgj4 KC Porter], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=-vVEpYf55_I E. Kelly], [https://9starmedia.com/matthew-levine-with-the-hands-of-power M. Levine] [track 7], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=wMbViFzG1_I L. Dely], [https://katkeymusic.bandcamp.com/track/plexiglass K. Key], [https://soundcloud.com/andy-sperandeo/07-love-me-1 A. Sperandeo], [https://suno.com/song/b8025b9c-e48b-4f8d-accd-ff891b74e8c2 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:6|6]] || [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/tarry-not A. Wood], [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/paradise L. Slott], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Hzr4OE6bY Y. Mesbah], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=p3P6zCGz2k0 L. Dely], [https://descendants.bandcamp.com/track/paradise The Descendants], [https://joburgbahaichoir.bandcamp.com/track/the-paradise-is-my-love The Joburg Baha'i Choir], [https://store.audio.grlpro.com/track/thy-paradise-2 Honiara Baha'i Youth], [https://suno.com/song/5db57f18-8c07-4221-b805-3d8dc3a0a6b8 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:7|7]] || [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/if-thou-lovest-me-rock-version The Badasht Project (1)], [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/if-thou-lovest-me-soul-version The Badasht Project (2)], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=GD74JABeAFM Nabil and Karim], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=8TPhLrPBreo Matt McGrath], [https://taraznosrat.bandcamp.com/track/hidden-word-seven T. Nosrat], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 12], [https://suno.com/song/a0904433-1a98-4bb5-aa15-87501f103c4b B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:8|8]] || [https://9starmedia.com/ladjamaya-intone-o-my-servant Ladjamaya] [track 4], [https://suno.com/song/d8bb4f71-6658-41c8-b548-f113dbeaa15a B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:9|9]] || [https://almunajat.com/chanting_collection_2.htm almunajat.com] [item 1], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/my-love-is-my-stronghold E. Mahony], [https://david-hunt.com/music/songs/my-love-is-my-stronghold D. Hunt], [https://nasimmaani.bandcamp.com/track/rejoice N. Ma'ani], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=awR00iXALxc S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=opbv7BX1Z8Q J. Raj], [https://suno.com/song/43259ae0-30a6-433b-9fad-de750002ca6b B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:10|10]] || [https://suno.com/song/240c2cf9-6708-4a2c-abf1-1d9eb300c537 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:11|11]] || [https://mjcyr.bandcamp.com/track/thy-radiance MJ Cyr], [https://oisindevine.bandcamp.com/track/my-light-is-in-thee O. Devine], [https://refugemusic.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-being Refuge], [https://insigniarecords.bandcamp.com/track/mi-l-mpara L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=-sUnMMFOZE4 Oisin &amp;amp; Bahiyyih Devine], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=a_8wXJT5v5M A. Azad], [https://ahdieh.bandcamp.com/track/palabras-ocultas-por-rosa-y-javier-2 Ahdieh], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=6n0dESh0KtE S. Taborn], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=_Q5dpejRW2Y S. Sunderland], [https://suno.com/song/ce018e4c-bae8-416b-852b-afeb5a042c3a B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:12|12]] || [https://descendants.bandcamp.com/track/hands-of-power The Descendants], [https://mea-music.bandcamp.com/track/crowned-in-gold O. Devine], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=hxKsMp7g5d4 B. Nakedi], [https://9starmedia.com/peter-held-corinne-bahia-creation P. Held &amp;amp; C. Bahia] [track 3], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=2iTx0ZFIIx4 M.C. Santillana], [https://9starmedia.com/matthew-levine-with-the-hands-of-power M. Levine] [track 2], [https://suno.com/song/d67c4be6-cbd5-49fa-96d3-31228e0bf2b7 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:13|13]] || [https://rosannalea.bandcamp.com/track/i-created-thee-rich R. Lea], [https://9starmedia.com/peter-held-corinne-bahia-creation P. Held &amp;amp; C. Bahia] [track 4], [https://joelinreallife.bandcamp.com/track/clay-of-love Joel in Real Life], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/te-hice-noble A.E. Rahbin], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 2], [https://suno.com/song/ae7b41de-d269-4b88-9e00-a06b66df4150 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:14|14]] || [https://mjcyr.bandcamp.com/track/thou-mayest-find-me MJ Cyr], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 9], [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/dominion L. Slott], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=iDMSUkDyQOI SKY], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/tu-eres-mi-dominio A.E. Rahbin], [https://suno.com/song/4da6faf0-8f18-490f-9bf3-644bd70ee18f B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:15|15]] || [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/turn-thy-face L. Slott], [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/oh-hijo-de-la-prolaci-n A. Youssefi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=xXUvU2X8h0Q L. Dely], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/ancient-eternity E. Mahony], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/turn-thy-face-unto-mine E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 14], [https://chicagobahaicommunity.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-utterance Chicago Baha'i Community]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:16|16]] || [https://munirihsparrow.bandcamp.com/track/son-of-light M. Sparrow], [https://store.audio.grlpro.com/track/o-son-of-light Honiara Baha'i Youth], [https://manapacifica.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-light MANA], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=bnW2SIgZh7A S. Jaberi], [https://9starmedia.com/leonor-dely-millero-congo-talisman L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo] [track 7], [https://suno.com/song/8f4eda2a-b3c2-4e1b-bd7a-63172062640e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:17|17]] || [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/seek-no-other L. Slott], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/free-thyself-feat-nasim-maani E. Mahony], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/be-thou-content-with-me-2 E. Mahony], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/be-thou-content-with-me E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=rV0ygILGyCM E. Henrikson], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=uFQKt00VeGc Mona, Dibo &amp;amp; Nachidah], [https://9starmedia.com/leonor-dely-millero-congo-talisman L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo] [track 7], [https://suno.com/song/731b76bd-02c5-4336-831f-ac65550fe6db B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:18|18]] || [https://esralilian.bandcamp.com/track/sei-darum-zufrieden E. Lilian], [https://suno.com/song/83ee77d4-cb1d-495a-9149-b055f89d7c86 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:19|19]] || [https://9starmedia.com/rowshan-vol-1 Rowshan] [track 5], [https://9starmedia.com/jamey-heath-i-have-returned-to-thee J. Heath] [track 9], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=5b1vrzmOJbI J. Heath], [https://9starmedia.com/delia-olam-t D. Olam] [track 11], [https://dawnbreakercollective.bandcamp.com/track/breathed-within-thee T. Ellis], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=pw2r8bCpFGI Sabin &amp;amp; Leticia], [https://suno.com/song/53e2fbf0-9116-4a26-8f6a-759501968ea9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:20|20]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/my-claim A. Youssefi], [https://bahaimusic.taliasafa.com/track/o-son-of-spirit-bahai-bahai TaliaSafa &amp;amp; Friends], [https://suno.com/song/1dfca65a-523e-42e2-9db4-4e8ea7159366 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:21|21]] || [https://ineh.bandcamp.com/track/return Ine], [https://meisaraswati.bandcamp.com/track/fruits M. Saraswati], [https://suno.com/song/f38997f0-3a23-4a89-b87a-920a95d36bf7 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:22|22]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/created-noble A. Youssefi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=gx4oR9cDk3o G.H. Miller], [https://nkak.bandcamp.com/track/noble NKAK], [https://soundcloud.com/katyporray/4-noble K. Porray], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/noble-have-i-created-thee E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=DekBzdt6IIE Ann-Sofie &amp;amp; Shahram], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=ub3KklxMfu8 T. Ellis], [https://descendants.bandcamp.com/track/noble The Descendants], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=8YrU0-BFjKA Naseem, Michele &amp;amp; Yasmin], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=bl3ZIi4LV_0 Meredth &amp;amp; Arman], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lc3dDyjyIxI E. Tarani], [https://suno.com/song/4d9f0217-9049-4770-87b7-1127403afec5 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:23|23]] || [https://ryazhari.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-the-supreme R. Yazhari], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=SoMqOWOC9m8 L. Dely]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:24|24]] || [https://suno.com/song/e1c859a7-36af-4bbb-8ca2-7084a23ba235 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:25|25]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dely] [track 5], [https://suno.com/song/8afbad62-f589-40f9-84a1-3326b8ed2bc3 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:26|26]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 17], [https://suno.com/song/6057c6c1-62ab-459b-8902-9422bdcd21c3 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:27|27]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=4pu_VHD8_5U L. Dely], [https://suno.com/song/e7f4129e-4174-4bd7-ba51-b3f9de6b7b26 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:28|28]] || [https://suno.com/song/063eeb2d-e149-4c15-b6d8-54982f3b27a9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:29|29]] || [https://9starmedia.com/peter-held-corinne-bahia-creation P. Held &amp;amp; C. Bahia] [track 5], [https://suno.com/song/f3dc811c-afe3-49c7-9aed-d3a5563d7f56 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:30|30]] || [https://suno.com/song/3c747ce3-a1d4-43e8-a510-34439a75bcba B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:31|31]] || [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/reckoning L. Slott], [https://jeph.bandcamp.com/track/bring-thyself jeph.ilosopher], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=CDYlRM9CVOs L. Dely], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=yLC1ifzBW7c K. Key], [https://suno.com/song/e144d864-1761-463c-adfa-41d96d316cfb B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:32|32]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/wherefore-dost-thou-grieve A. Youssefi], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/messenger E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=1uolLgLDbQw Roz, Amelia &amp;amp; Andre], [https://ahdi.bandcamp.com/track/ahdi-messenger-of-joy-ft-mr-mp Ahdi], [https://suno.com/song/a15a513a-f63a-4da3-9949-19f510cc6759 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:33|33]] || [https://lakan.bandcamp.com/track/rejoice-o-son-of-spirit P. Escobar], [https://nasimmaani.bandcamp.com/track/rejoice N. Ma'ani], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=ih6cJkkaWJA Laura &amp;amp; Michael], [https://9starmedia.com/rose-marie-peterson-wave R. Peterson] [track 5]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:34|34]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cg15mrLF6jY L. Herrmann], [https://gyenyame.bandcamp.com/track/the-further-shore Gyenyame], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=O4uSrN1pgfw C. Zurek], [https://suno.com/song/a2e7b8ec-1878-4edd-b98f-56adafd1ef61 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:35|35]] || [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/rejoice-in-the-gladness-of-thy-heart E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=UdLLv1bibbY L. Dely], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=lW8eOS2FPGQ S. &amp;amp; H. Fikri], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 21], [https://suno.com/song/63a0c167-c6b6-43cf-a27f-91a5e632a1d6 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:36|36]] || [https://alettaweiss.bandcamp.com/track/arabic-hidden-word-no-36 A. Tahirih R. Weiss], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/rejoice-in-the-gladness-of-thy-heart E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=LrObjwbi0WY J. Marks and S. Engle], [https://soundcloud.com/katyporray/ren-zhi-zi-a-hidden-words K. Porray], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=TyxcxUqvV3Y Hayden, Alessia &amp;amp; Anis], [https://suno.com/song/6c4f1c07-2660-44cd-87ff-dd13305fa918 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:37|37]] || [https://suno.com/song/4f0b1844-68e8-4b67-aa77-8fa020db4f60 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:38|38]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/statutes A. Youssefi], [https://dawnbreakercollective.bandcamp.com/track/for-love-of-me T. Ellis], [https://suno.com/song/ddf9533a-db73-473c-b711-87edf8c0f9a6 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:39|39]] || [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/neglect-not-my-commandments E. Mahony]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:40|40]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=sbqCtod9NSU Rowshan], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/tranquilidad A.E. Rahbin], [https://suno.com/song/8cde0a37-64a1-482c-b51e-3413dd483bc8 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:41|41]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=4vie5YCb-eM M. Tokuma], [https://9starmedia.com/leonor-dely-millero-congo-talisman L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo] [track 1], [https://suno.com/song/31cb1809-f09d-44a8-a422-ad8c68184a73 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:42|42]] || [https://insigniarecords.bandcamp.com/track/oh-son-of-man-2 Calling Waiting Searching], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=kkYNUIHXV_Y G.H. Miller], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 19], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=AD_-dUGHOiI S. Gomes], [https://suno.com/song/db495092-d375-4f13-bd2f-abf712453552 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:43|43]] || [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/make-mention-of-me E. Mahony], [https://dawnbreakercollective.bandcamp.com/track/son-of-being Dawnbreaker Collective], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=l5_Dtuarvso Heroes Teaching Conference], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=wF1FmncLuNc M. Perez], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=mktY0wpO9rg J. Duhart], [https://suno.com/song/2b4625b8-1905-4f40-b5ed-04de3540bc5c B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:44|44]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=kkYNUIHXV_Y G.H. Miller], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=yw0HPYsV5yE L. Dely], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/tu-o-do A.E. Rahbin], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 8], [https://suno.com/song/db126732-cfb0-4b17-b8c1-b63d2b3759c6 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:45|45]] || [https://suno.com/song/51211e93-5697-4563-a44e-2b723a0eaee7 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:46|46]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=F2bTiQueFQA Nabil and Karim], [https://suno.com/song/9d77d6b0-efca-47b7-afc7-107f17acf754 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:47|47]] || [https://suno.com/song/0275a69d-fc78-4434-adbe-7d85a4455a9a B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:48|48]] || [https://rosannalea.bandcamp.com/track/there-is-a-sign R. Lea], [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/the-sign-of-love L.Slott], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=a6D6_AgswW0 Katie &amp;amp; Faizi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=kkD6vOJ88hA L. Dely], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=t0XUlSS-mzg SKY], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 15], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=_kvxeEVYXJY HeartBeat Collective], [https://leonaandlarry.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-man-for-everything-there-is-a-sign L. &amp;amp; L. Hosack], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=vBuTAf0T2jQ S. Acevedo]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:49|49]] || [https://suno.com/song/e8ed8e68-b2d3-4199-b3e9-f6267b4be003 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:50|50]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/adversity A. Youssefi], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/light-in-thy-love E. Mahony], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=G2vWDbBmC6g K. and D. Eckert and A. Youssefi], [https://suno.com/song/db87a070-78e7-4b4f-9791-f24f3a237c57 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:51|51]] || [https://leonaandlarry.bandcamp.com/track/my-calamity Leona and Larry], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=msDEJm57r1A The Baha'i Trio], [https://suno.com/song/96c8ffd1-6cbe-4411-91ef-f9abf5fb1aaf B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:52|52]] || [https://esralilian.bandcamp.com/track/patience E. Lilian], [https://9starmedia.com/leonor-dely-millero-congo-talisman L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo] [track 6], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/should-prosperity-befall-thee E. Mahony], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=LIrroMQJwqU N.D. Huening], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=q_mUv-vI9DM C. Oja], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=UWz7mpL9xrk S. Skiti]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:53|53]] || [https://9starmedia.com/jamey-heath-i-have-returned-to-thee J. Heath] [track 7], [https://suno.com/song/f33c9542-2703-490c-9e30-87abcff64074 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:54|54]] || [https://suno.com/song/3fd1018c-278d-486e-92ce-76937269520a B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:55|55]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=WDC2nmo_JHI S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://9starmedia.com/matthew-levine-acquiescence M. Levine] [track 3], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=WBwqNdeA0TI W. Eng &amp;amp; N. Rajan], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=FCdy0K-UGeA Qurratul, Ruhiyyih &amp;amp; Verona], [https://oisindevine.bandcamp.com/track/my-light-is-in-thee O. Devine], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=y_-10kIggCg R. Orona], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=UClSkFGGgYs T. Bradley], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/for-with-fire-we-test-the-gold J. Cooper], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=DZSKupO6wjM Seaon &amp;amp; Saman]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:56|56]] || [https://dannystevensonmusic.com/track/gold D. Stevenson], [https://suno.com/song/84a38e42-828b-4840-944b-4488730aae11 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:57|57]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 7], [https://suno.com/song/6edd0c1d-2109-4326-936a-6bed0f6df2ee B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:58|58]] || [https://soundcloud.com/katyporray/hidden-words-arabic-58-and-59 K. Porray], [https://suno.com/song/c3823fec-b59e-406f-97a2-30b781b675f9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:59|59]] || [https://soundcloud.com/katyporray/hidden-words-arabic-58-and-59 K. Porray], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=W_BflddqUN4 O. Devine], [https://store.audio.grlpro.com/track/nanjino-kokorowa-wagaie-dearu Baha'i Youth of Japan], [https://quiquesaba.bandcamp.com/track/tu-coraz-n-es-mi-morada-2 QuiqueSaba], [https://strongsteep.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-being-2 Strong Steep], [https://9starmedia.com/ladjamaya-intone-o-my-servant Ladjamaya] [track 2], [https://suno.com/song/63a017ea-2dc4-4721-b919-6c800e366222 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:60|60]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=3ZennhoKwKY Z. Affolter], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=BXjnQvxm5nA L. Dely], [https://suno.com/song/4661db79-3661-45db-b9f9-f7dc10e03883 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:61|61]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 10], [https://suno.com/song/ab563d80-ec58-4f27-a742-c1e5094da6c0 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:62|62]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=I7cLRtKdR60 unknown], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 1], [https://suno.com/song/91c90753-7d01-413c-a5c6-9cb5119c2a97 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:63|63]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=246M3tzqhGI M. Cuvillier], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 9], [https://suno.com/song/3f60465b-4a99-44c5-8862-1c8a7bb6f3b9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:64|64]] || [https://9starmedia.com/peter-held-corinne-bahia-creation P. Held &amp;amp; C. Bahia] [track 6], [https://suno.com/song/d739ed09-2c96-47c3-9422-c1e5baae6397 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:65|65]] || [https://suno.com/song/d6f8d5a9-f578-431c-8661-17e7de1d76e6 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:66|66]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 20], [https://ineh.bandcamp.com/track/divine Ine], [https://suno.com/song/bf4f8742-6d82-43c4-80b2-d1e961d25f88 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:67|67]] || [https://suno.com/song/54f78875-3e1b-485c-bab1-a1ec6708571e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:68|68]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=gMCqbLzCndk W. Heath], [https://chicagobahaicommunity.bandcamp.com/track/dust Chicago Baha'i Community], [https://9starmedia.com/peter-held-corinne-bahia-creation P. Held &amp;amp; C. Bahia] [track 7], [https://davide+G2dwardwalker.bandcamp.com/track/hidden-word-68-o-children-of-men-sacred-words-of-bahaullah D. E. Walker], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=kIiv19SUPGE S. Jaberi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=uNJnZ3fjg6k C. Oja], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=sjKQYvAnxiA L. Harley], [https://suno.com/song/9086f691-9aeb-4a27-a979-3678a3782a4f B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:69|69]] || [https://suno.com/song/52639e37-6afb-4d33-9332-34e74db20a69 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:70|70]] || [https://suno.com/song/c55d566f-f59e-43af-813a-b967652197fe B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Arabic || [[hwa:71|71]] || [https://dannystevensonmusic.com/track/ink D. Stevenson], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=XbmyB2RZBTA L. Dely], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 16], [https://suno.com/song/dd2fcd1c-5b6c-4b5c-879f-64434098b2d5 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [https://bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/hw/persian/invocation.html (Introduction)] || [https://suno.com/song/f716ea89-ec81-4ba1-9531-358a864bc742 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:1|1]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=h5nuGq04_-U S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 1], [https://9starmedia.com/rebecca-johnston-garvin-befriend-me R. Johnston-Garvin] [track 7], [https://suno.com/song/f716ea89-ec81-4ba1-9531-358a864bc742 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:2|2]] || [https://store.audio.grlpro.com/track/kokorono-tori Baha'i Youth of Japan], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 2], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=xO75JUCeE8I L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo], [https://suno.com/song/12b24d2c-48e2-4307-a9e8-cc5c10a8f0b9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:3|3]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=pLvD1nzKMv0 S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=n-k47r0PVFs K. Key], [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/in-the-garden-of-thy-heart A. Bridges], [https://lukeslott.bandcamp.com/track/garden-of-thy-heart L. Slott], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=tqZLVi3S1r8 Rowshan], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=y6YORh-0vss SKY], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/rose-of-love E. Mahony], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=YmRDh1WysmE L. Dely], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=PUDUd2HlSnw S. Engle and J. White], [https://deliaolam.bandcamp.com/track/oami-thisisahiddenword Delia Olam], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=tLKrqHF51K0 B. Vahdat], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=AZpXKA_UgZU Sanale &amp;amp; Xolani], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3NExRI5ag Nora, Sasha &amp;amp; Ann-Sofie], [https://nkak.bandcamp.com/track/el-fuego NKAK], [https://9starmedia.com/zannetta-sacred-synergy Zannetta] [track 10], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/en-el-jardin A.E. Rahbin], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=sT3Vi3ASV4Y B. Silvestre], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=k9fZK6rwLfQ R. Bennett], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=DGglZnO-HSA S. Kouchekzadeh], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 6], [https://suno.com/song/70f91fcb-405d-4af6-bb8b-3495234f8a03 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:4|4]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=eAEEKZB--tM D. Hunt], [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/whither A. Youssefi], [https://bassadjustment.bandcamp.com/track/lover Bass Adjustment], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 4], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=h4OHf_4enN4 G.H. Miller], [https://9starmedia.com/rowshan-vol-1 Rowshan] [track 6], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=4Y526LtH7Rk Nabil and Karim], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/whither-can-a-lover-go E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://nasimmaani.bandcamp.com/track/true-lover N. Ma'ani], [https://amystephen.bandcamp.com/track/whither-can-a-lover-go-bahai A. Stephen], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=zGY4g6w4QM0 A. Wood], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=gylzSPNufX8 G. Besungu], [https://ahdieh.bandcamp.com/track/palabras-ocultas-de-bahaullah Ahdieh], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=upoZGcDXisE S. Parak], [https://suno.com/song/1c779d7d-225d-425f-8920-89b715b9b41c B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:5|5]] || [https://suno.com/song/f81afed3-8ad1-4e80-9ab2-0738ee15bd24 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:6|6]] || [https://suno.com/song/959325da-68f6-41d0-a0f3-992b028accbe B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:7|7]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/heights-above A. Youssefi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=LzH47hX7vg0 G.H. Miller], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=kICKRTTO6cM S. Zahrai], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/a-un-paso-2 A.E. Rahbin], [https://baharehkhademi.bandcamp.com/track/one-pace B. Khademi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Bh01ekNHm0s G. and M. Smith], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=dm6S4d0fwM4 S. Zein]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:8|8]] || [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-glory The Badasht Project], [https://wensbomusic.com/track/glory A. Wensbo], [https://angelabryanmusic.bandcamp.com/track/o-son-of-glory A. Bryan], [https://suno.com/song/7a507c31-a1bc-456d-847f-b01152de2e74 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:9|9]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=fDmazWjpA3k G.H. Miller], [https://9starmedia.com/afshin-toufighian-ali-youssefi-rise A. Toufighian &amp;amp; A. Youssefi], [https://suno.com/song/18e3c844-101b-4dfc-ba91-c04eba169501 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:10|10]] || [https://wensbomusic.com/track/o-son-of-desire A. Wensbo], [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 18], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 5], [https://suno.com/song/b4a0e8e7-def6-4c2a-8d1b-3f2dd73f2242 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:11|11]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=iBOJPs8LmNI G.H. Miller], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 7], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=zdUTK9zXJJs Naim, Miad &amp;amp; Justus], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=0FNT2mDFT4Y Z. Rolle], [https://suno.com/song/9608386c-0281-49c5-8390-f9fbf159473b B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:12|12]] || [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC48zpAzouA&amp;list=PLGoDd4Nz3ezlq-LFvJ8HK9ib3KbChXDrv&amp;index=92 T. Price], [https://angelabryanmusic.bandcamp.com/track/aye-sahebe-do-chashm A. Bryan], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/the-hallowed-beauty E. Mahony], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=3kIRkAQEgko J. Sweeting &amp;amp; M. Weigert], [https://chicagobahaicommunity.bandcamp.com/track/o-man-of-two-visions Chicago Baha'i Community], [https://manapacifica.bandcamp.com/track/o-man-of-two-visions MANA], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=MGzcRzNjVHU Meredith &amp;amp; Arman], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/o-man-of-two-visions J. Cooper]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:13|13]] || [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/melody-of-the-dove-of-heaven E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=vkizPe9Up4Q G.H. Miller], [https://suno.com/song/ec4038e7-aaee-4538-b535-b26ed80a4856 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:14|14]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=X_mciMKeIgU S. and S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/the-everlasting-beauty E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://manapacifica.bandcamp.com/track/abandon-not MANA], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=eC1sCJ34FZo S. Esmaeili], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=9nZTRuXj1Rk S. Peyman], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/abandon-not J. Cooper]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:15|15]] || [https://suno.com/song/a013ffa6-e659-4a54-bb51-418d1a0411f2 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:16|16]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=-JZI1_uCjG0 Rowshan], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/mir-adas A.E. Rahbin], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=rdcWRnxDp_M G.H. Miller], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=y3lr-7nTMMg L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo], [https://suno.com/song/6cd2e0c1-2a82-4818-aa67-0fe17dd911c6 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:17|17]] || [https://suno.com/song/d59a81a8-4c6f-463a-8fdd-92ef110619a1 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:18|18]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=2hJQh_dpPuc G.H. Miller], [https://suno.com/song/2f90cb5b-ce01-4f6d-aaae-473f4cdce69e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:19|19]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=waXuT4BgcJ4 O. Master], [https://suno.com/song/fbcef2b1-bfbb-4b32-834c-21126f828925 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:20|20]] || [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 10], [https://suno.com/song/14b2da8e-c7d8-4424-9656-72813b762599 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:21|21]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=x7iz9m_4MbI G.H. Miller], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=15P8ORIme0Y Anis &amp;amp; Friends], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=P-rmjCaAezk T. Ellis], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 8], [https://9starmedia.com/rebecca-johnston-garvin-befriend-me R. Johnston-Garvin] [track 6], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/i-desire-communion-with-thee E. Mahony], [https://suno.com/song/cf5a8699-7d47-4a9b-942f-8120a35e5f14 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:22|22]] || [https://nasimmaani.bandcamp.com/track/in-search-of-him N. Ma'ani], [https://suno.com/song/d50ad6de-1fcf-476f-af92-12124cb4b112 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:23|23]] || [https://suno.com/song/6d61454b-6179-405e-b9c0-87fbd678f774 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:24|24]] || [https://suno.com/song/d9586753-9783-466b-8a89-828df9c1d580 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:25|25]] || [https://suno.com/song/b291e92f-1551-464a-809a-433aec822771 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:26|26]] || [https://dannystevensonmusic.com/track/cast-out D. Stevenson], [https://martinkerr.bandcamp.com/track/o-my-friend-in-word M. Kerr], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/medita-un-momento A.E. Rahbin], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=4iowtytg460 J. Marks and S. Engle], [https://chicagobahaicommunity.bandcamp.com/track/o-my-friend-in-word Chicago Baha'i Community], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=L3eOsU2Vf3U Ashwin &amp;amp; Arhwin], [https://suno.com/song/31dec0d7-c835-414b-b551-0a7edce93820 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:27|27]] || [https://suno.com/song/d95a1578-2c3f-4d88-9f28-cf44898b5b1d B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:28|28]] || [https://suno.com/song/9afd5df8-b015-45c0-af40-751ad81c2260 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:29|29]] || [https://insigniarecords.bandcamp.com/track/out-of-the-wastes-of-nothingness Temple of Light], [https://suno.com/song/e28a02ad-7b33-4ad4-b2d7-b27622e6d7f8 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:30|30]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 11], [https://suno.com/song/d074c66d-bdb5-46f0-9bcc-bf84caa11664 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:31|31]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=YeY-0sCvvTw G.H. Miller], [https://bahaimusic.taliasafa.com/track/o-son-of-earth-caeli-lohr-remix TaliaSafa], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/seek-none-other-feat-siria-rutstein E. Mahony], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=iZIPlM-JcTg Turning Point], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 3], [https://9starmedia.com/anthony-and-michael-zemke-strive A. &amp;amp; M. Zemke] [track 5], [https://nasimmaani.bandcamp.com/track/illumine N. Ma'ani], [https://suno.com/song/13a2bcc8-21c6-40c0-9d0f-a8e78bdd308a B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:32|32]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=uWyOqjnV8LE G.H. Miller], [https://bahaimusic.taliasafa.com/track/o-befriended-stranger TaliaSafa], [https://wensbomusic.com/track/the-candle A. Wensbo], [https://manapacifica.bandcamp.com/track/o-befriended-stranger MANA], [https://shira19.bandcamp.com/track/o-befriended-stranger-hebrew S. Trick], [https://suno.com/song/d61797a4-a893-479c-8037-bec51c31d5bc B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:33|33]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=LDMtX7C5dug S. and S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/fresh-and-green A. Youssefi], [https://suno.com/song/c67b71f3-233b-4080-96f1-9bac9dcd2a6e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:34|34]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 4], [https://suno.com/song/b8483fd0-2625-460e-95b2-60cae6cdf524 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:35|35]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=qXY87QLv3O0 Carmel, Roya &amp;amp; Maryam], [https://suno.com/song/ca08544a-42eb-426c-9f31-add852038e62 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:36|36]] || [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/sabios A.E. Rahbin], [https://suno.com/song/74873fa0-3522-422e-b58f-05bac7bce8ae B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:37|37]] || [https://suno.com/song/ebcc2519-40d8-4825-826c-cc96a5c08137 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:38|38]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=A04CgbmO-mg S. and S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=CB2ObFp0THk S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/burst-thy-cage F. Lionheart], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/burst-thy-cage-asunder J. Cooper], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Q4rbY_UvaME Seaon, Sasha &amp;amp; Sam], [https://9starmedia.com/sonbol-taefi-along-the-tigris S. Taefi] [track 6], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=YPgEnzC8Jd8 S. Bayan &amp;amp; S. Suggs], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=hlYYHCdwbiM L. Dely], [https://noahethamilton.bandcamp.com/track/burst-thy-cage N. Hamilton], [https://suno.com/song/95586204-bcd0-4ad6-9ba5-af546c6c27f8 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:39|39]] || [https://baharehkhademi.bandcamp.com/track/barter-not B. Khademi], [https://hambredesentido.bandcamp.com/track/un-d-a-pasajero A.E. Rahbin], [https://suno.com/song/dede4bb3-b4b0-4fec-9b5b-badc9264498c B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:40|40]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=I7t_F2hrV9c S. Toloui-Wallace], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=cOXWIgzgoAE Rasmus &amp;amp; Ann-Sofie], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=1vLsz2ZU9fw Voices of Baha 2010], [https://dawnbreakercollective.bandcamp.com/track/fetters T. Ellis], [https://walterheath.bandcamp.com/track/fetters A Family Affair], [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/oh-mi-siervo-2 A. Youssefi], [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/free-yourself The Badasht Project], [https://refugemusic.bandcamp.com/track/seize-thy-chance-k-yt-hetkesi-oikein Refuge], [https://9starmedia.com/rose-marie-peterson-wave R. Peterson] [track 8], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZEQGLjslCT4 Nabil and Karim], [https://music.elikamahony.com/track/seize-thy-chance E. Mahony, F. Doomun-Rouhani &amp;amp; M. Brown], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/free-thyself J. Cooper], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=mGlPRWTsDZo S. Parak], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=D5LkYa9EmV8 A. Youssefi], [https://noahethamilton.bandcamp.com/track/prison-of-self N. Hamilton], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=fiqVRk1AMik Kiskadee], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=p3Fv5Ak2iL4 L. Dely], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=cOXWIgzgoAE Rasmus &amp;amp; Ann-Sofie], [https://suno.com/song/14e2a495-e524-4a24-be69-14923b8b0aeb B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:41|41]] || [https://suno.com/song/0ea6a695-e05b-4ff0-8659-127d336aba83 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:42|42]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=y3cO54F4qdc L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo], [https://jodycooper.bandcamp.com/track/purge-thy-heart-from-malice J. Cooper], [https://suno.com/song/e7c8216b-8479-43be-846f-2cddceb85c8e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:43|43]] || [https://suno.com/song/77bfb425-b625-42be-90f4-cf2550b7beec B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:44|44]] || [https://9starmedia.com/leonor-dely-millero-congo-talisman L. Dely &amp;amp; M. Congo] [track 9], [https://davidedwardwalker.bandcamp.com/track/hidden-word-44-o-companion-of-my-throne-sacred-words-of-bahaullah D. E. Walker], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=gVuMVKAbkaA S. Cleasby], [https://manapacifica.bandcamp.com/track/o-companion MANA], [https://suno.com/song/3b3c9f16-0db1-48f5-8d3b-13f7efee309f B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:45|45]] || [https://munirihsparrow.bandcamp.com/track/lovers-of-worldly-desire M. Sparrow], [https://suno.com/song/55cfdef4-e1e3-4259-8ff4-78b0f100cc4e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:46|46]] || [https://suno.com/song/7676fb56-3144-4df4-b1c0-9b674908a2a3 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:47|47]] || [https://suno.com/song/b1f5f216-e651-4867-83e4-8234392993b8 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:48|48]] || [https://suno.com/song/1f99a0ca-53dd-4416-a8ec-b7bce0603202 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:49|49]] || [https://suno.com/song/1829beeb-cc16-416a-a0a6-255a364169ba B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:50|50]] || [https://suno.com/song/200e1883-8944-4a19-9ca0-0941d54cae7f B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:51|51]] || [https://suno.com/song/07c3b4d2-ed15-4914-845c-6119f943be8c B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:52|52]] || [https://suno.com/song/47fb286a-55e8-4e91-81ce-2082016b550a B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:53|53]] || [https://suno.com/song/d14d28c2-7617-43c5-aa43-7072ae07353d B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:54|54]] || [https://suno.com/song/03453cad-224c-47bb-8618-9533f191eded B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:55|55]] || [https://suno.com/song/6ed72b60-69d3-4997-967a-acfabf82f36e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:56|56]] || [https://suno.com/song/5e122b54-c9e7-4817-94d7-84241d4d1151 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:57|57]] || [https://suno.com/song/20ac024b-2ac0-40ae-97b4-2471c49f8ccf B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:58|58]] || [https://suno.com/song/85d11f37-9279-4fde-a97c-099c57d50dac B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:59|59]] || [https://suno.com/song/9d45e4f7-920f-43fd-be9e-767fc122a2ae B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:60|60]] || [https://suno.com/song/0a990853-4593-4bb0-bb94-aeb2e30a602c B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:61|61]] || [https://suno.com/song/6cb62392-ca29-4f82-8d22-e0344c524845 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:62|62]] || [https://suno.com/song/715272ad-99a3-42b9-b98d-eb6e589afc7e B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:63|63]] || [https://9starmedia.com/lucie-dube-les-paroles-cachees L. Dube] [track 13], [https://suno.com/song/98040a66-b44b-42b2-b9f0-769a45b638ed B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:64|64]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=sxy6sQqgYkc G.H. Miller], [https://suno.com/song/b3c87352-d3b4-4895-bfe4-cc8c9b0009ea B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:65|65]] || [https://suno.com/song/a333eb2f-66a6-4441-93b8-401e629dd532 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:66|66]] || [https://suno.com/song/19ed439f-fc3b-4926-94f3-e435af69af81 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:67|67]] || [https://suno.com/song/c28e8a71-860d-4f11-9efb-eb3fffd83718 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:68|68]] || [https://suno.com/song/ae02a400-b414-4365-8058-5accf7d82756 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:69|69]] || [https://suno.com/song/5b161f05-2c61-4e34-93a0-fa1455d46dfa B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:70|70]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=3fl6Ne4jNiM G.H. Miller], [https://suno.com/song/803af71e-0c66-4d91-a03a-d26d37ca0d97 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:71|71]] || [https://suno.com/song/731ce024-ffb4-4921-9c4e-9a291aeb97f1 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:72|72]] || [https://badasht.bandcamp.com/track/finely-tempered-sword Bosch Bluegrass Band], [https://bahaimusicstore.com/arrayanes-arrayanes Arrayanes] [track 8], [https://suno.com/song/01033832-902b-49fa-8ea0-8ce81733d3b7 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:73|73]] || [https://music.aliyoussefi.com/track/daystar A. Youssefi], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=br39Q2hU7sw Friends from Mongolia], [https://suno.com/song/edb55cec-f8e5-4ef7-b7a0-97c8617832f7 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:74|74]] || [https://suno.com/song/c9b72b73-b1e9-4678-b464-953f44855447 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:75|75]] || [https://suno.com/song/cfecdf0b-1aad-46ca-8457-4b6659518c53 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:76|76]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=8kFffibicZY N. D. Huening], [https://suno.com/song/12d7e3ca-5baa-4348-86a0-ecfe55c4bbf9 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:77|77]] || [https://suno.com/song/f255d1e2-23dd-4285-90d0-8f0d8c32d7c2 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:78|78]] || [https://suno.com/song/9d7d769f-d3ca-44a2-9cb6-302aff5df373 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:79|79]] || [https://suno.com/song/f209dab9-43b5-4673-82d6-35a1a068e746 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:80|80]] || [https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZbuEG6CWARg C. &amp;amp; L. Heggie], [https://youtube.com/watch?v=s6uPCXEAxGs K. Key], [https://suno.com/song/111b2777-da17-4ff8-b553-e36463a3b160 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:81|81]] || [https://suno.com/song/f679df37-f35c-410b-8c44-fd66dad307ec B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [[hwp:82|82]] || [https://suno.com/song/5b683f38-1cfc-41dc-82cf-82840c63ce61 B. Zamir]<br /> |-<br /> | Persian || [https://bahai-library.com/writings/bahaullah/hw/persian/conclusion.html Conclusion] || [https://suno.com/song/9060aa26-e946-4e8e-a8ca-c37cd95f2f12 B. Zamir]<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Sources==<br /> * [http://blog.loomofreality.org/?page_id=252 Partial Inventory]<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * ''[[Hidden Words]]''<br /> <br /> [[Category:Hidden Words]]<br /> [[Category:Music]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Suffering_of_the_innocent&diff=24573 2026-08-21T04:04:31Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==The mind of man cannot fathom the trials of the innocent==<br /> &quot;the trials of the innocent are indeed heartrending and constitute a mystery that the mind of man cannot fathom.&quot;<br /> :([[Universal House of Justice]], ''[[Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-86]]'', no. [[muhjs:425.2|425.2]], p. [[muhj:661|661]])<br /> <br /> ==Recompense in the next world==<br /> <br /> ===Embryos, infants, children, or weak ones afflicted by oppressors will be recompensed===<br /> <br /> &quot;As to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who are afflicted by the hands of oppressors: This contains great wisdom and this subject is of paramount importance. In brief, for those souls there is a recompense in another world and many details are connected with this matter. For those souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of God. Verily that mercy of the Lord is far better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and the growth and development of this place of mortality. If it be the will of God, when thou shalt be present this will be explained in detail by word of mouth.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', pp. [[tab:337|337]]-338)<br /> <br /> ===Suffering of babes and infants contains great wisdom; these souls have a mighty recompense in the next world===<br /> <br /> &quot;As regards the question of young children and of weak, defenseless souls who are afflicted at the hands of the oppressor, in this a great wisdom is concealed. The question is one of cardinal importance, but briefly it may be stated that in the world to come a mighty recompense awaiteth such souls. Much, indeed, might be said upon this theme, and upon how the afflictions that they bear in life become a cause for them of such an outpouring of Divine mercy and bestowal as is preferable to a hundred thousand earthly comforts and to a world of growth and development in this transitory abode; but, if possible, God willing, all this will be explained to thee in detail and by word of mouth when thou arrivest here.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], [https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/271134634/1#973275948 from a Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]; earlier translation in ''[[Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', pp. [[tab2:337|337]]-338)<br /> <br /> ===Children who die before maturity are favoured by God and God's mercy will be turned upon them===<br /> <br /> &quot;Question: What happens to children who die before reaching the age of maturity or before the appointed time of birth?<br /> <br /> &quot;Answer: These children abide under the shadow of the Divine Providence, and, as they have committed no sin and are unsullied by the defilements of the world of nature, they will become the manifestations of divine bounty and the glances of the eye of divine mercy will be directed towards them.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', Chapter [[saqc:66|66]])<br /> <br /> ===See also===<br /> * [[Life after death/soul]] (e.g., on soldiers who are compensated for their suffering)<br /> * [[Capital punishment]] (of falsely condemned murderer)<br /> <br /> ==At the end of this world, one's suffering will ultimately end==<br /> <br /> &quot;As to the statement of Job, chapter 19, verses 25-27, `I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth,' the meaning here is: I shall not be abased, I have a Sustainer and a Guardian, and my Helper, my Defender will in the end be made manifest. And although now my flesh be weak and clothed with worms, yet shall I be healed, and with these mine own eyes, that is, mine inner sight, I shall behold Him. This did Job say after they had reproached him, and he himself had lamented the harms that his tribulations had wreaked upon him. And even when, from the terrible inroads of the sickness, his body was covered with worms, he sought to tell those about him that still he would be fully healed, and that in his very body, with his very eyes, he would gaze on his Redeemer.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(''[[Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', sec. [[swabs:145|145]], pp. [[swab:171|171]]-172)<br /> <br /> ==For our development==<br /> === Necessary to go through many processes in evolution ===<br /> &quot;Man must walk in many paths and be subjected to various processes in his evolution upward. Physically he is not born in full stature but passes through consecutive stages of fetus, infant, childhood, youth, maturity and old age. Suppose he had the power to remain young throughout his life. He then would not understand the meaning of old age and could not believe it existed. If he could not realize the condition of old age, he would not know that he was young. He would not know the difference between young and old without experiencing the old. Unless you have passed through the state of infancy, how would you know this was an infant beside you? If there were no wrong, how would you recognize the right? If it were not for sin, how would you appreciate virtue? If evil deeds were unknown, how could you commend good actions? If sickness did not exist, how would you understand health? Evil is nonexistent; it is the absence of good. Sickness is the loss of health; poverty, the lack of riches. When wealth disappears, you are poor; you look within the treasure box but find nothing there. Without knowledge there is ignorance; therefore, ignorance is simply the lack of knowledge. Death is the absence of life. Therefore, on the one hand, we have existence; on the other, nonexistence, negation or absence of existence.<br /> <br /> &quot;Briefly, the journey of the soul is necessary. The pathway of life is the road which leads to divine knowledge and attainment...&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', pp. [[pup:295|295]]-296)<br /> <br /> === Disasters may be lessons to teach us to rely on God ===<br /> <br /> &quot;...these events [as the Titanic disaster] have deeper reasons. Their object and purpose is to teach man certain lessons. We are living in a day of reliance upon material conditions. Men imagine that the great size and strength of a ship, the perfection of machinery or the skill of a navigator will ensure safety, but these disasters sometimes take place that men may know that God is the real Protector.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:48|48]])<br /> <br /> === Disability (of blindness) to teach others gratitude ===<br /> <br /> &quot;&quot;Jesus states that this defect [blindness from birth] exists in order to prove and show that the gift of sight is from God alone and is one of his bounties. Because were all created with sight the people would consider it a mere natural fact that they must be so made, and not give God thanks for His great gift.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(''[[Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', Note 1 on p. [[tab:643|643]])<br /> <br /> === Sufferings and trials are sent to test and perfect God's creatures ===<br /> <br /> &quot;Sufferings and trials, sent by God to test and perfect His creatures, are an integral part of life.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[On behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], at https://bahai-library.com/uhj_oppression_children )<br /> <br /> === Some suffering is inevitable, but can be used for happiness as a reminder and guide to self-improvement; but may only discover wisdom after it has passed and should not push too far to discover wisdom ===<br /> <br /> As to your question concerning the meaning of physical suffering and its relation to mental and spiritual healing. Physical pain is a necessary accompaniment of all human existence, and as such is unavoidable. As long as there will be life on earth, there will be also suffering, in various forms and degrees. But suffering, although an inescapable reality, can nevertheless be utilised as a means for the attainment of happiness. This is the interpretation given to it by all the prophets and saints who, in the midst of severe tests and trials, felt happy and joyous and experienced what is best and holiest in life. Suffering is both a reminder and a guide. It stimulates us better to adapt ourselves to our environmental conditions, and thus leads the way to self-improvement. In every suffering one can find a meaning and a wisdom. But it is not always easy to find the secret of that wisdom. It is sometimes only when all our suffering has passed that we become aware of its usefulness. What man considers to be evil turns often to be a cause of infinite blessings. And this is due to his desire to know more than he can. God's wisdom is, indeed, inscrutable to us all, and it is no use pushing too far trying to discover that which shall always remain a mystery to our mind.<br /> <br /> :(Shoghi Effendi, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:434|434]])<br /> <br /> ==Importance of accepting fact of God's dominion regardless of our limited understanding==<br /> <br /> ===We should recognize that all are in God's hands, even those who die, and can be compensated; remember that God can bear to see them suffer so and not for us to question His wisdom===<br /> <br /> &quot;But what we do know is that all we can do as Bahá'ís is to teach and to exemplify the Faith. We cannot bear the burden of suffering of others, and we should not try to. All men are in God's hands, and even if they do get killed we know there is another life beyond this than can hold great hope and happiness for the soul.<br /> <br /> &quot;No matter what happens, nothing is as important as our feeling of trust in God, our inner peacefulness and faith that all, in the end, in spite of the severity of the ordeals we may pass through, will come out as Bahá'u'lláh has promised.<br /> <br /> &quot;He urges you to put these dark thoughts from your mind, and remember that if God, the Creator of all men, can bear to see them suffer so, it is not for us to question His wisdom. He can compensate the innocent, in His own way, for the afflictions they bear.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, September 30, 1950; ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:791|791]])<br /> <br /> === Have no choice in God's will, so better to obey and trust ===<br /> &quot;He doeth as He doeth, and what recourse have we? He carrieth out His Will, He ordaineth what He pleaseth. Then better for thee to bow down thy head in submission, and put thy trust in the All-Merciful Lord.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', sec. [[Swabs:22|22]], p. [[Swab:51|51]])<br /> <br /> ==Refocusing thoughts about suffering of others==<br /> <br /> ===(Role of service to the Cause in moving beyond too much preoccupation with suffering)===<br /> <br /> &quot;As to your own torment and suffering arising from your perception of the fate of children and their oppressors, the way to peace and security for you and for humanity as a whole, is through service to the Cause, to which you have so earnestly committed yourself.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[On behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], at https://bahai-library.com/uhj_oppression_children )<br /> <br /> ===Defects as blindness exist in order to demonstrate their absence is God's bounty and presence should prompt thanks===<br /> <br /> &quot;As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, &quot;Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?&quot; Jesus answered, &quot;Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.&quot; <br /> <br /> :([[Bible]], [[bib:John 9:1-3|John 9:1-3]])<br /> <br /> &quot;Abdul-Baha elucidated Jesus' teaching against the theory of &quot;blindness from birth&quot; and the defects being caused by the sin of the individual in a former state (see St. John 9:1–3), thus:<br /> <br /> &quot;&quot;Jesus states that this defect exists in order to prove and show that the gift of sight is from God alone and is one of his bounties. Because were all created with sight the people would consider it a mere natural fact that they must be so made, and not give God thanks for His great gift.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;—Translator&quot;<br /> <br /> :(''[[Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', Note 1 on p. [[tab:643|643]])<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Polytheism&diff=24572 2026-08-21T04:04:23Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==Beware of joining partners with God==<br /> <br /> &quot;And now concerning thy reference to the existence of two Gods. Beware, beware, lest thou be led to join partners with the Lord, thy God. He is, and hath from everlasting been, one and alone, without peer or equal, eternal in the past, eternal in the future, detached from all things, ever-abiding, unchangeable, and self-subsisting. He hath assigned no associate unto Himself in His Kingdom, no counsellor to counsel Him, none to compare unto Him, none to rival His glory. To this every atom of the universe beareth witness, and beyond it the inmates of the realms on high, they that occupy the most exalted seats, and whose names are remembered before the Throne of Glory.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:94|94]], p. [[gwb:192|192]])<br /> <br /> ==Abandonment to bring unity==<br /> <br /> ===Following superstitions/idols prevents one from finding unity with other religions===<br /> <br /> &quot;If a man would succeed in his search after truth, he must, in the first place, shut his eyes to all the traditional superstitions of the past.<br /> <br /> &quot;The Jews have traditional superstitions, the Buddhists and the Zoroastrians are not free from them, neither are the Christians! All religions have gradually become bound by tradition and dogma.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> &quot;We must abandon the prejudices of tradition if we would succeed in finding the truth at the core of all religions. If a Zoroastrian believes that the Sun is God, how can he be united to other religions? While idolaters believe in their various idols, how can they understand the oneness of God?&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:136|136]])<br /> <br /> ===An idol was seen by the Egyptians as a miracle whereas it was just a stone; necessary to cast aside non-scientific beliefs and this will remove differences of belief and unity and demonstrate susceptibility to divine bounty among all people===<br /> <br /> Consider the superstitions and mythology of the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians; all were contrary to religion and science. It is now evident that the beliefs of these nations were superstitions, but in those times they held to them most tenaciously. For example, one of the many Egyptian idols was to those people an authenticated miracle, whereas in reality it was a piece of stone. As science could not sanction the miraculous origin and nature of a piece of rock, the belief in it must have been superstition. It is now evident that it was superstition. Therefore, we must cast aside such beliefs and investigate reality. That which is found to be real and conformable to reason must be accepted, and whatever science and reason cannot support must be rejected as imitation and not reality. Then differences of belief will disappear. All will become as one family, one people, and the same susceptibility to the divine bounty and education will be witnessed among mankind.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:176|176]])<br /> <br /> ==Past religions praiseworthy in teaching against idolatry==<br /> <br /> ===Islam deserving of praise for teaching that idol worship was wrong===<br /> <br /> &quot;Among these half animal people Muhammad was sent with His divine Message. He taught the people that idol worship was wrong, but that they should reverence Christ, Moses and the Prophets. Under His influence they became a more enlightened and civilized people and arose from the degraded state in which He found them. Was not this a good work, and worthy of all praise, respect and love?&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:48|48]])<br /> <br /> ===Christ rescued nations from idolatry===<br /> <br /> &quot;Christ educated and developed mankind universally. He rescued nations and peoples from the bondage of superstition and idolatry. He summoned them all to the knowledge of the oneness of God. They were dark, they became illumined; they were material, they became spiritual; earthly they were, they became heavenly. He enlightened the world of morality. This general, universal development is not possible through the power of philosophy. It is only attainable through the pervading influence of the Holy Spirit.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:206|206]])<br /> <br /> ==Degeneration of previous religions==<br /> <br /> ===Some still worship idols even though their teachings forbid it===<br /> <br /> &quot;...The real teaching of Buddha is the same as the teaching of Jesus Christ. The teachings of all the Prophets are the same in character. Now men have changed the teaching. If you look at the present practice of the Buddhist religion, you will see that there is little of the Reality left. Many worship idols although their teaching forbids it.<br /> <br /> :(Attributed to [['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[['Abdu'l-Bahá in London]]'': Addresses, and Notes of Conversations&quot;, Commemorative ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), pp. [[abl:63|63]]-64; also in ''[[Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster and Related Subjects]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_buddha_krishna_zoroaster#6 6])<br /> <br /> ===Original principles of some past religions disappeared and worship of statues/images/gods arose===<br /> <br /> &quot;Buddha also established a new religion and Confucius renewed the ancient conduct and morals, but the original precepts have been entirely changed and their followers no longer adhere to the original pattern of belief and worship. The founder of Buddhism was a precious Being Who established the oneness of God, but later His original precepts were gradually forgotten and displaced by primitive customs and rituals, until in the end it led to the worship of statues and images...<br /> <br /> &quot;...So it is with the divine religions: With the passage of time, their original precepts are altered, their underlying truth entirely vanishes, their spirit departs, doctrinal innovations spring up, and they become a body without a soul. That is why they are renewed.&quot;<br /> <br /> &quot;Our meaning is that the followers of Buddha and Confucius now worship images and statues and have become entirely unaware of the oneness of God, believing instead in imaginary gods, as did the ancient Greeks. But such were not their original precepts; indeed, their original precepts and conduct were entirely different.&quot;<br /> <br /> :('Abdu'l-Bahá, &quot;Some Answered Questions&quot;, Chapter 43, pars. [[saqp:43-8|8]], 10-11; older translation also in ''[[Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster and Related Subjects]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_buddha_krishna_zoroaster#4 4])<br /> <br /> ==(Monotheistic) religions need to unite to educate those out of idolatry==<br /> <br /> &quot;Alas! It is misguided ones like these who are the cause of division and hatred upon earth. Today there are millions of people who still worship idols, and the great religions of the world are at war among themselves. For 1,300 years, Christians and Mussulmans have been quarrelling, when with very little effort their differences and disputes could be overcome and peace and harmony could exist between them and the world could be at rest!&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', pp. [[pta:46|46]]-47)<br /> <br /> ==Worshipping products of imagination==<br /> <br /> ===Worship of gods/idols (of idle fancies) has brought loss and misery on their worshippers; should resolve to gain victory over selves in order to be freed from servitude to them ===<br /> <br /> &quot;Arise, O people, and, by the power of God's might, resolve to gain the victory over your own selves, that haply the whole earth may be freed and sanctified from its servitude to the gods of its idle fancies--gods that have inflicted such loss upon, and are responsible for the misery of, their wretched worshipers. These idols form the obstacle that impedeth man in his efforts to advance in the path of perfection. We cherish the hope that the Hand of Divine power may lend its assistance to mankind, and deliver it from its state of grievous abasement.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], [[Lawh-i-Dunyá]], in ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:43|43]], p. [[gwb:93|93]])<br /> <br /> ===People worship products of their imagination or nature===<br /> <br /> &quot;Some worship the product of their own imagination: they make for themselves an imaginary God and adore this, when the creation of their finite minds cannot be the Infinite Mighty Maker of all things visible and invisible! Others worship the sun or trees, also stones! In past ages there were those who adored the sea, the clouds, and even clay!&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:145|145]])<br /> <br /> ===Worshippers of idols carved by imagination are among the heathen===<br /> <br /> &quot;They that are the worshippers of the idol which their imaginations have carved, and who call it Inner Reality, such men are in truth accounted among the heathen.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], cited in Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. [[kan:60|60]]; also in [[Lawh-i-Shaykh Fání]] (''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:160|160]]))<br /> <br /> ===Idolatrous world is worshiping gods of its idle fancies, with the chief ones being nationalism, racialism, and communism===<br /> <br /> &quot;This vital force is dying out, this mighty agency has been scorned, this radiant light obscured, this impregnable stronghold abandoned, this beauteous robe discarded. God Himself has indeed been dethroned from the hearts of men, and an idolatrous world passionately and clamorously hails and worships the false gods which its own idle fancies have fatuously created, and its misguided hands so impiously exalted. The chief idols in the desecrated temple of mankind are none other than the triple gods of Nationalism, Racialism and Communism, at whose altars governments and peoples, whether democratic or totalitarian, at peace or at war, of the East or of the West, Christian or Islamic, are, in various forms and in different degrees, now worshiping. Their high priests are the politicians and the worldly-wise, the so-called sages of the age; their sacrifice, the flesh and blood of the slaughtered multitudes; their incantations outworn shibboleths and insidious and irreverent formulas; their incense, the smoke of anguish that ascends from the lacerated hearts of the bereaved, the maimed, and the homeless.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Promised Day Is Come]]'', par. [[pdcp:276|276]])<br /> <br /> ===Blessing for strong one who will shatter the gods of vain imaginings===<br /> <br /> &quot;Blessed is that strong one who will shatter the gods of vain imaginings through the potency of the Name of his Lord, He Who ruleth over all men.&quot; <br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:231|231]])<br /> <br /> ==Deification of nature a sign of desperation==<br /> <br /> &quot;The earnest hope that this moral crisis [the environmental crisis] can somehow be met by deifying nature itself is an evidence of the spiritual and intellectual desperation that the crisis has engendered.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'í International Community]], ''[[Prosperity of Humankind]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bic_prosperity_humankind#50 50])<br /> <br /> ==Deification of the state (and partisan agendas to which such beliefs give rise) have been principal enemies of even their own interests==<br /> <br /> &quot;Nor does concern to ensure the welfare of society as a whole require a deification of the state as the supposed source of humanity's well-being. Far otherwise: the history of the present century shows all too clearly that such ideologies and the partisan agendas to which they give rise have been themselves the principal enemies of the interests they purport to serve.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'í International Community]], ''[[Prosperity of Humankind]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bic_prosperity_humankind#22 22])<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Personal_God&diff=24571 2026-08-21T04:04:15Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==Personal God==<br /> <br /> ===God is a personal God===<br /> <br /> &quot;Within a compass of two hundred pages it [the [[Kitáb-i-Íqán]]] proclaims unequivocally the existence and oneness of a personal God, unknowable, inaccessible, the source of all Revelation, eternal, omniscient, omnipresent and almighty...&quot;<br /> <br /> {{gpb|139}}<br /> <br /> ===What is Meant by a Personal God--God is Not Anthropomorphic===<br /> <br /> (Also under heading &quot;Meaning of Personal God: Value of Religion&quot;, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1708|1708]])<br /> <br /> &quot;What is meant by a personal God is a God Who is conscious of His creation, Who has a Mind, a Will, a Purpose, and not, as many scientists and materialists believe, an unconscious and determined force operating in the universe. Such conception of the Diving Being, as the Supreme and ever present Reality in the world, is not anthropomorphic, for it transcends all human limitations and forms, and does by no means attempt to define the essence of Divinity which is obviously beyond any human comprehension. To say that God is a personal Reality does not mean that He has a physical form, or does in any way resemble a human being. To entertain such belief would be sheer blasphemy.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 21, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1574|1574]])<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Interventionist_God&diff=24570 2026-08-21T04:04:07Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==God is capable of intervening (for us)==<br /> <br /> &quot;Again with regard to your question relative to the birth of Jesus: He wishes me to inform you that there is nothing further he can add to the explanation he gave you in his previous communication regarding this point. One thing, however, he wishes again to bring to your attention, namely that miracles are always possible, even though they do not constitute a regular channel whereby God reveals His power to mankind. To reject miracles on the ground that they imply a breach of the laws of nature is a very shallow, well-nigh a stupid argument, inasmuch as God Who is the Author of the universe can, in His Wisdom and Omnipotence, bring any change, no matter how temporary, in the operation of the laws which He Himself has created.<br /> <br /> :(From a letter dated February 27, 1938 written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] [[to an individual believer]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1638|1638]])<br /> <br /> &quot;Regarding the question you have asked in connection with a passage in Dr. Einstein's 'Cosmic Religion': According to the Bahá’í conception there is and can be no incompatibility between the idea of causal law and that of an omnipotent and omniscient God, Who, if He deems it fit, may at times interfere with the normal sequence of events in the world, and thus retard or altogether stop the operation of certain laws, whether in the physical universe, or in any other worlds of nature and man.<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], December 6, 1939, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1703|1703]])<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Immortality_of_the_soul&diff=24569 2026-08-21T04:03:59Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>== The soul persists after the body ==<br /> <br /> &quot;To hold that the spirit is annihilated upon the death of the body is to imagine that a bird imprisoned in a cage would perish if the cage were to be broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the breaking of the cage. This body is even as the cage and the spirit is like the bird...Therefore, should the cage be broken the bird would not only continue to exist but its senses would be heightened, its perception would be expanded, and its joy would grow more intense.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', Chapter 61, par. 3)<br /> <br /> ==Proofs of==<br /> <br /> === Our spiritual instinct itself points to continuance of existence ===<br /> <br /> &quot;The very fact that our spiritual instinct, surely never given in vain, prompts us to pray for the welfare of those, our loved ones, who have passed out of the material world: does it not bear witness to the continuance of their existence?&quot;<br /> <br /> {{pta|90}}<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Existence_of_the_soul/Paris_Talks/Dialogue&diff=24568 2026-08-21T04:03:52Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>'''Setting''': Another dialogue between a Bahá'í and skeptic.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': I’ve been reading some of these Bahá’í texts, and I noticed this argument: the idea that our innate spiritual instincts—like praying for the dead, or a deep hunger for the transcendent—somehow prove that a spiritual reality or an immortal soul actually exists. To be honest, it feels like a logical leap. Physical hunger doesn't guarantee you'll get a meal; it just means your body needs fuel.<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': That’s a fair distinction, but consider what physical hunger actually demonstrates. Experiencing hunger doesn't guarantee you’ll eat tonight, but it does prove that food is a real category in the universe. A creature born into a universe entirely devoid of matter and organic nutrients wouldn't evolve a complex digestive system or a hunger mechanism. The existence of the capacity points to the reality of the realm that satisfies it. We might misidentify what will truly satisfy our hunger, or struggle to find the right nourishment, but the fundamental urge points directly to a real counterpart.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': Okay, but couldn't these &quot;spiritual urges&quot; just be psychological misfires or evolutionary byproducts? People desire all kinds of things that aren't real. I might desire to live forever with invincible superpowers, or wish that my parents were immortal beings who would never die. Just wanting something doesn't mean the universe owes me a mechanism for it.<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': But look at what those specific desires are made of. You desire invincible power or immortal parents because you are observing the concepts of power, protection, and life, and your mind is attempting to stretch them to their ultimate limits. The wish for an invincible protector or abiding life doesn't come out of a vacuum—it points to the existence of real categories like sovereignty, love, and eternal existence. A child crying in the dark for a parent doesn't guarantee a parent is standing in the room at that exact second, but the crying mechanism itself—the hardwired expectation of a protector—only exists because parents and caregiving are a baseline reality of human existence.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': So you're saying our misdirected or exaggerated wishes are just crude reflections of actual spiritual truths?<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': Exactly. We often mistake the shadow for the substance. We might channel our innate drive for eternal security into wanting our physical parents to live forever, or channel our drive for true spiritual sovereignty into a desire to rule the world. The specific form the desire takes in our imagination might be impossible or absurd, but the underlying urge isn't an accident. We don't have fundamental, universal human capacities—whether for reason, love, or the recognition of the sacred—that exist without a corresponding reality in the structure of existence.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': I can see the internal logic of that—that our deepest drives might be clues rather than just random noise. It's an interesting way to look at human longing, even if I'm still skeptical about where those clues ultimately lead.<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': Skepticism is healthy! The goal isn't to take a wild leap, but to start paying attention to what those deep longings are actually telling us about the kind of universe we inhabit.<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Existence_of_the_soul/Paris_Talks&diff=24567 2026-08-21T04:03:45Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==Background and outline of proof from ''Paris Talks'' on the existence of the soul==<br /> <br /> While the passage from ''Paris Talks'' is phrased around prayer rather than physical hunger, it relies on the exact same logical premise as such a proof (the teleological argument from desire/instinct):<br /> <br /> 1. '''The Premise''': No natural or spiritual capacity/instinct in creation is created in vain or without a purpose.<br /> <br /> 2. '''The Observation''': Humans possess a universal, innate spiritual instinct that prompts them to pray for and love those who have passed away.<br /> <br /> 3. '''The Conclusion''': That instinct would be pointless and meaningless (&quot;given in vain&quot;) if the departed ceased to exist. Therefore, the instinct itself bears witness to the continuance of the soul.<br /> <br /> It is conceptually identical to the classic &quot;argument from hunger&quot; (that an innate capacity implies a corresponding reality), applied specifically here to the human heart's instinctual outreach toward the deceased.<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Divine_incarnation&diff=24566 2026-08-21T04:03:37Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==God cannot incarnate His Essence==<br /> <br /> &quot;Know thou of a certainty that the Unseen can in no wise incarnate His Essence and reveal it unto men. He is, and hath ever been, immensely exalted beyond all that can either be recounted or perceived.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:20|20]], p. [[gwb:49|49]])<br /> <br /> ==Divine incarnation a crude and fantastic theory; God Who could incarnate would cease to be God==<br /> <br /> &quot;The human temple that has been made the vehicle of so overpowering a Revelation must, if we be faithful to the tenets of our Faith, ever remain entirely distinguished from that &quot;innermost Spirit of Spirits&quot; and &quot;eternal Essence of Essences&quot;--that invisible yet rational God Who, however much we extol the divinity of His Manifestations on earth, can in no wise incarnate His infinite, His unknowable, His incorruptible and all-embracing Reality in the concrete and limited frame of a mortal being. Indeed, the God Who could so incarnate His own reality would, in the light of the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, cease immediately to be God. So crude and fantastic a theory of Divine incarnation is as removed from, and incompatible with, the essentials of Bahá'í belief as are the no less inadmissible pantheistic and anthropomorphic conceptions of God--both of which the utterances of Bahá'u'lláh emphatically repudiate and the fallacy of which they expose.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[World Order of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', pp. [[wob:112|112]]-113)<br /> <br /> ==[[Biblical references against Divine incarnation]]==<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Bounties_of_God&diff=24565 2026-08-21T04:03:27Z

<p>Brettz9: &lt;noinclude&gt;Category:Content templates&lt;/noinclude&gt;</p> <hr /> <div>==The whole of creation is dependent on God's loving-kindness and bounty==<br /> <br /> &quot;I can have no doubt that should the holy breaths of Thy loving-kindness and the breeze of Thy bountiful favor cease, for less than the twinkling of an eye, to breathe over all created things, the entire creation would perish, and all that are in heaven and on earth would be reduced to utter nothingness.​&quot;<br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Prayers and Meditations of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. {{pms|58|LVIII}})<br /> <br /> ==Benefits of creation prove God's bounteousness (and need to turn to Him)==<br /> <br /> ===(God gives every atom for us, gives us a loving mother, etc. for love of us, but man neglects these bounties)===<br /> <br /> O SON OF BOUNTY! Out of the wastes of nothingness, with the clay of My command I made thee to appear, and have ordained for thy training every atom in existence and the essence of all created things. Thus, ere thou didst issue from thy mother's womb, I destined for thee two founts of gleaming milk, eyes to watch over thee, and hearts to love thee. Out of My loving-kindness, 'neath the shade of My mercy I nurtured thee, and guarded thee by the essence of My grace and favor. And My purpose in all this was that thou mightest attain My everlasting dominion and become worthy of My invisible bestowals. And yet heedless thou didst remain, and when fully grown, thou didst neglect all My bounties and occupied thyself with thine idle imaginings, in such wise that thou didst become wholly forgetful, and, turning away from the portals of the Friend didst abide within the courts of My enemy. <br /> <br /> :([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Hidden Words]]'', from the Persian, no. [[hwp:29|29]])<br /> <br /> ===See also===<br /> <br /> * ''[[Hidden Words]]'', from the Arabic, no. [[hwa:3|3]] and [[hwa:4|4]].<br /> <br /> ===Ignorance to believe that God created and nurtured man (with blessings, the sun, etc.) but did not love him (of whatever religion or no faith)===<br /> <br /> &quot;How ignorant therefore the thought that God who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness, and then did not love him. This is palpable ignorance, for no matter to what religion a man belongs even though he be an atheist or materialist nevertheless God nurtures him, bestows His kindness and sheds upon him His light.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 8, issue 7, p. 78)<br /> <br /> ==With a Creator loving its creation, and God nurturing all regardless of religion or belief, this is a proof of God loving us==<br /> <br /> &quot;In other respects all humanity is submerged in the ocean of divine mercy. God is the Father of all. He educates all. He provides for all. He loves all. For they are all His servants and His creation. Surely the Creator loves His creatures. It would be impossible to find an artist who does not love his own production. Have you ever seen a man who did not love his own actions? Even though they be bad actions he loves them. How ignorant therefore the thought that God who created man, educated and nurtured him, surrounded him with all blessings, made the sun and all phenomenal existence for his benefit, bestowed upon him tenderness and kindness, and then did not love him. This is palpable ignorance, for no matter to what religion a man belongs even though he be an atheist or materialist nevertheless God nurtures him, bestows His kindness and sheds upon him His light.&quot;<br /> <br /> :([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 8, issue 7, pp. [[works:Star of the West/Volume 8/Issue 7/Text#pg77|77]]-78)&lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:Content templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Category:HTML_templates&diff=24564 2026-08-21T04:02:27Z

<p>Brettz9: Created page with &quot;Category:Templates&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>[[Category:Templates]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Box&diff=24563 2026-08-21T04:02:07Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>&lt;div style=&quot;border: 2px solid darkred; background-color: lightgray; padding: 10px&quot;&gt;{{{1}}}&lt;/div&gt;<br /> &lt;noinclude&gt;[[Category:HTML templates]]&lt;/noinclude&gt;</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Evil_spirits&diff=24562 2026-08-21T04:00:55Z

<p>Brettz9: /* See also */</p> <hr /> <div>==Evil influences both in this world and the next but there are no evil spirits==<br /> <br /> &quot;In regard to your question concerning evil spirits and their influence upon souls, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to inform you that what is generally called evil spirit is a purely imaginary creation and has no reality whatever. But as to evil, there is no doubt that it exerts a very strong influence both in this world and in the next. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the '[[Some Answered Questions]]' gives us a thorough and true analysis of the problem of evil. You should preferably refer to that book for further explanation on that point.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 1, 1934, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1772|1772]])<br /> <br /> ==Lack of influence of evil spirits==<br /> <br /> ===There Are No Earth-Bound Souls===<br /> <br /> &quot;There are no earth-bound souls. When the souls that are not good die they go entirely away from this earth and so cannot influence anyone. They are spiritually dead. Their thoughts can have influence only when they are alive on the earth... But the good souls are given eternal life and sometimes God permits their thoughts to reach the earth to help the people.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(Attributed to [['Abdu'l-Bahá]], Questions answered by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Akka: Daily Lessons, Received at Akka, 1979 ed., pp. 35-36, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:687|687]])<br /> <br /> ===There is No Power Exercised Over People by Evil Souls that Have Passed Away===<br /> <br /> &quot;There is no power exercised over the people by those evil souls that have passed away. Good is stronger than evil and even when alive they had very little power. How much less have they after they are dead, and besides they are nowhere near this planet.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(Attributed to [['Abdu'l-Bahá]], Questions answered by Abdu'l-Bahá in Akka: Daily Lessons, Received at Akka, 1979 ed., pp. 43-44, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:688|688]])<br /> <br /> ===&quot;Jin&quot; or &quot;Genii&quot; in Qur'an are symbolic references to the power of men of evil (but they have no positive existence of any kind)===<br /> <br /> &quot;Regarding your question as to the meaning of Jin or Genii referred to in the Qur'an, these are not beings or creatures that are actually living, but are symbolic references to the power of men of evil and may be likened to evil spirits. But the point to bear in mind is that these have no positive existence of any kind.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, June 26, 1936: Bahá'í News, No. 105, p. 1, February 1937, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1667|1667]])<br /> <br /> ===Evil Spirits===<br /> <br /> &quot;As to the question of evil spirits, demons and monsters, any references made to them in the Holy Books have symbolic meaning. What is currently known among the public is but sheer superstition.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Spiritualism and Psychic Phenomena, p. 3, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1731|1731]])<br /> <br /> ===Influence of Evil Spirits===<br /> <br /> &quot;You have asked regarding the influence of evil spirits. Evil spirits are deprived of eternal life. How then can they exercise any influence? But as eternal life is ordained for holy spirits, therefore their influence exists in all the divine worlds.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper: Daily Lessons Received at Akka, p. 78, 1979 ed., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1732|1732]])<br /> <br /> ===Evil Spirits Refer to Lower Nature of Man===<br /> <br /> &quot;The reality underlying this question is that the evil spirit, Satan or whatever is interpreted as evil, refers to the lower nature in man. This baser nature is symbolized in various ways. In man there are two expressions: One is the expression of nature; the other the expression of the spiritual realm. The world of nature is defective. Look at it clearly, casting aside all superstition and imagination... God has never created an evil spirit; all such ideas and nomenclature are symbols expressing the mere human or earthly nature of man. It is an essential condition of the soil of earth that thorns, weeds and fruitless trees may grow from it. Relatively speaking, this is evil; it is simply the lower state and baser product of nature.&quot;<br /> <br /> :('Abdu'l-Bahá, ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', pp. [[pup:294|294]]-295, 1982 ed., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1733|1733]])<br /> <br /> ===Possession===<br /> <br /> &quot;Regarding your question relative to the condition of those people who are described in the Gospel as being possessed of devils: This should be interpreted figuratively; devil or satan is symbolic of evil and dark forces yielding to temptation.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 20, 1938: Ibid., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1738|1738]])<br /> <br /> ===Evil Souls who Have Passed Away Can Exercise no Power Over the People===<br /> <br /> &quot;One of the Bahá’í pilgrims from the West who asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the power exercised by evil souls who had passed to the next world, recorded His answer as 'There is no power exercised over the people by those evil souls that have passed away. Good is stronger than evil and even when alive they had very little power. How much less have they after they are dead…'<br /> <br /> &quot;Also, in a letter to an individual believer, written on behalf of the Guardian on 18th January 1951, it is stated: 'You should not be afraid any one can affect your mind. Even when we want to catch the thoughts of those we love most we cannot do so, how much less can other people succeed in penetrating our minds.'<br /> <br /> &quot;In relation to individuals seeking the advice of 'priests' to assist their healing when the cause of their illness is diagnosed as 'supernatural forces', we enclose for your study a passage from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and several extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian to individual believers on the subject of spiritual healing.&quot;<br /> <br /> : (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, August 30, 1984; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1770|1770]])<br /> <br /> ===What is Commonly Called Evil spirits is Normally an Imaginary Creation===<br /> <br /> &quot;In regard to your question concerning evil spirits and their influence upon souls, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to inform you that what is generally called evil spirit is a purely imaginary creation and has no reality whatever. But as to evil, there is no doubt that it exerts a very strong influence both in this world and in the next. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the 'Some Answered Questions' gives us a thorough and true analysis of the problem of evil. You should preferably refer to that book for further explanation on that point.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 1, 1934, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1772|1772]])<br /> <br /> ===See also===<br /> <br /> * [[Devil]]/[[Devil in the Bible]]<br /> * [[Evil]]<br /> * [[Psychic]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Unholy religious figures]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Renaissance&diff=24561 2026-08-21T04:00:38Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>==Impact of Islam on the European Renaissance==<br /> <br /> &quot;The so-called Christian civilization of which the Renaissance is one of the most striking manifestations is essentially Muslim in its origins and foundations. When medieval Europe was plunged in darkest barbarism, the Arabs regenerated and transformed by the spirit released by the religion of Muhammad were busily engaged in establishing a civilization the like of which their contemporary Christians in Europe had never witnessed before. It was eventually through Arabs that civilization was introduced to the West. It was through them that the philosophy, science and culture which the old Greeks had developed found their way to Europe. The Arabs were the ablest translators, and linguists of their age, and it is thanks to them that the writings of such well-known thinkers as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were made available to the Westerners. It is wholly unfair to attribute the efflorescence of European culture during the Renaissance period to the influence of Christianity. It was mainly the product of the forces released by the Muhammadan Dispensation.&quot;<br /> <br /> :(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 27, 1936, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1664|1664]])<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Reformation]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:History]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Sinners_are_called_rather_than_the_righteous&diff=24560 2026-08-21T04:00:00Z

<p>Brettz9: /* See also */</p> <hr /> <div>==The one who views themselves a sinner is seen as acceptable==<br /> <br /> {{PilgrimsNote|Our Lord: &quot;We ought to pray for Miss X, that she may become just as God wishes her to be. If she be so, it will be very good, because God always loves those who repent and are sorry for what they have done. Such people are ashamed before God and become very humble.<br /> <br /> &quot;Once a Pharisee and a Publican entered the Temple to pray. The Pharisee said: 'Thank God I am not as other men.' The other said: 'God have mercy upon me, a sinner!' Christ said of these two: 'The Pharisee is not acceptable in the Kingdom of God, but the other is acceptable, because the Pharisee is trusting in his own action, but the other is depending upon the forgiveness of God.'[35]<br /> <br /> &quot;But the only thing is this: One should remain firm in his repentance. I will pray for her.&quot;}}<br /> <br /> :([[Juliet Thompson]], ''[[Diary of Juliet Thompson]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/thompson_diary&amp;chapter=2#fnB-35 5 July 1909, 5 p.m.])<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Hypocrisy]]<br /> * [[Humility]]<br /> * [[Pride]]<br /> * [[Sin]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Religious concepts]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Sinners_are_called_rather_than_the_righteous&diff=24559 2026-08-21T03:59:39Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>==The one who views themselves a sinner is seen as acceptable==<br /> <br /> {{PilgrimsNote|Our Lord: &quot;We ought to pray for Miss X, that she may become just as God wishes her to be. If she be so, it will be very good, because God always loves those who repent and are sorry for what they have done. Such people are ashamed before God and become very humble.<br /> <br /> &quot;Once a Pharisee and a Publican entered the Temple to pray. The Pharisee said: 'Thank God I am not as other men.' The other said: 'God have mercy upon me, a sinner!' Christ said of these two: 'The Pharisee is not acceptable in the Kingdom of God, but the other is acceptable, because the Pharisee is trusting in his own action, but the other is depending upon the forgiveness of God.'[35]<br /> <br /> &quot;But the only thing is this: One should remain firm in his repentance. I will pray for her.&quot;}}<br /> <br /> :([[Juliet Thompson]], ''[[Diary of Juliet Thompson]]'', [https://bahai-library.com/thompson_diary&amp;chapter=2#fnB-35 5 July 1909, 5 p.m.])<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> * [[Hypocrisy]]<br /> * [[Humility]]<br /> * [[Pride]]<br /> * [[Sin]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Concepts]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Thief_in_the_Night&diff=24558 2026-08-21T03:59:04Z

<p>Brettz9: Category:Books</p> <hr /> <div>Read online at https://bahai-library.com/sears_thief_night<br /> <br /> [[Category:Books]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Wine_of_Astonishment&diff=24557 2026-08-21T03:58:59Z

<p>Brettz9: Category:Books</p> <hr /> <div>Read online at https://bahai-library.com/sears_wine_astonishment<br /> <br /> [[Category:Books]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Juliet_Thompson&diff=24556 2026-08-21T03:58:46Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>==Books==<br /> * ''[[Diary of Juliet Thompson]]''<br /> <br /> [[Category:People]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Oneness_of_God/study_questions/polytheism&diff=24555 2026-08-21T03:03:13Z

<p>Brettz9: Created page with &quot;== Study Questions: Polytheism and the True Meaning of Divine Unity == === I. Polytheism, Idol Worship, and the Nature of Shirk === {{Details|According to the Bahá&#039;í Writings, how is polytheism (associating partners with God) broadly defined beyond merely worshiping multiple physical idols?|&#039;&#039;&#039;Potential answer&#039;&#039;&#039;: Polytheism or &#039;&#039;shirk&#039;&#039; includes not only the literal worship of tangible idols or false deities, but also inner spiritual attachment—such as exalting one...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>== Study Questions: Polytheism and the True Meaning of Divine Unity ==<br /> <br /> === I. Polytheism, Idol Worship, and the Nature of Shirk ===<br /> {{Details|According to the Bahá'í Writings, how is polytheism (associating partners with God) broadly defined beyond merely worshiping multiple physical idols?|'''Potential answer''': Polytheism or ''shirk'' includes not only the literal worship of tangible idols or false deities, but also inner spiritual attachment—such as exalting one's own ego, passions, worldly desires, or human imaginations to the status of a partner or rival to God's supreme authority.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what way do the Manifestations of God serve as the sole means for humanity to attain knowledge of the divine, and how can misinterpreting Their nature lead to a form of polytheism?|'''Potential answer''': Because God's essence is unknowable, humanity can only know God through His Manifestations. Polytheism occurs when people either confuse the human temple of the Manifestation with the transcendent Divine Essence itself, or when they set up secondary intermediaries and human dogmas that veil them from the true Manifestation.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does the principle of the Oneness of God address the historical emergence of polytheistic belief systems across different human cultures?|'''Potential answer''': The Writings explain that polytheistic systems often arose from the corruption or degradation over time of pure, original monotheistic teachings, where people mistook symbolic attributes, natural forces, or holy personages for independent, competing deities.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|Why is the inner self or ego described in the Writings as the &quot;greatest idol&quot; or primary form of hidden polytheism?|'''Potential answer''': The ego is considered the ultimate idol because when an individual prioritizes personal desires, pride, and intellectual self-sufficiency over divine guidance and God's law, they are effectively placing their own self on the altar of worship in place of God.}}<br /> <br /> === II. Transcendence and the Safeguard of Monotheism ===<br /> {{Details|How does the doctrine of the absolute unapproachability and transcendence of the Divine Essence safeguard the Bahá'í concept of Monotheism against polytheistic concepts?|'''Potential answer''': By establishing that the Divine Essence is completely sanctified above all human comprehension, limitation, incarnation, or physical division, it becomes impossible for any created thing, person, or force to share in or divide God's singular, incomparable nature.}}</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Oneness_of_God&diff=24554 2026-08-21T03:00:54Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>==Oneness of God==<br /> <br /> ''This section is particularly relevant for polytheists, but the implications also apply to those who are not conventionally thought of as polytheists.''<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read all quotations from the following sections.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Implications of the Oneness of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Answer the following study questions'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/study questions}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Using the parts of the [[wikipedia:Baháʼí symbols#Ringstone_symbol|ringstone symbol]], commit to memory the different implications of Divine Unity.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Review the following, remembering what kinds of polytheism and idolatry there are.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{polytheism}}<br /> <br /> {{Divine incarnation}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Answer the following questions.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/study questions/polytheism}}<br /> <br /> {{box|'''For extended course participants, read how [[pantheism]]/panentheism is rejected in the Faith'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Bounties of God|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Existence_of_the_soul/Paris_Talks/Dialogue&diff=24553 2026-08-21T02:35:51Z

<p>Brettz9: +page</p> <hr /> <div>'''Setting''': Another dialogue between a Bahá'í and skeptic.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': I’ve been reading some of these Bahá’í texts, and I noticed this argument: the idea that our innate spiritual instincts—like praying for the dead, or a deep hunger for the transcendent—somehow prove that a spiritual reality or an immortal soul actually exists. To be honest, it feels like a logical leap. Physical hunger doesn't guarantee you'll get a meal; it just means your body needs fuel.<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': That’s a fair distinction, but consider what physical hunger actually demonstrates. Experiencing hunger doesn't guarantee you’ll eat tonight, but it does prove that food is a real category in the universe. A creature born into a universe entirely devoid of matter and organic nutrients wouldn't evolve a complex digestive system or a hunger mechanism. The existence of the capacity points to the reality of the realm that satisfies it. We might misidentify what will truly satisfy our hunger, or struggle to find the right nourishment, but the fundamental urge points directly to a real counterpart.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': Okay, but couldn't these &quot;spiritual urges&quot; just be psychological misfires or evolutionary byproducts? People desire all kinds of things that aren't real. I might desire to live forever with invincible superpowers, or wish that my parents were immortal beings who would never die. Just wanting something doesn't mean the universe owes me a mechanism for it.<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': But look at what those specific desires are made of. You desire invincible power or immortal parents because you are observing the concepts of power, protection, and life, and your mind is attempting to stretch them to their ultimate limits. The wish for an invincible protector or abiding life doesn't come out of a vacuum—it points to the existence of real categories like sovereignty, love, and eternal existence. A child crying in the dark for a parent doesn't guarantee a parent is standing in the room at that exact second, but the crying mechanism itself—the hardwired expectation of a protector—only exists because parents and caregiving are a baseline reality of human existence.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': So you're saying our misdirected or exaggerated wishes are just crude reflections of actual spiritual truths?<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': Exactly. We often mistake the shadow for the substance. We might channel our innate drive for eternal security into wanting our physical parents to live forever, or channel our drive for true spiritual sovereignty into a desire to rule the world. The specific form the desire takes in our imagination might be impossible or absurd, but the underlying urge isn't an accident. We don't have fundamental, universal human capacities—whether for reason, love, or the recognition of the sacred—that exist without a corresponding reality in the structure of existence.<br /> <br /> '''Alex''': I can see the internal logic of that—that our deepest drives might be clues rather than just random noise. It's an interesting way to look at human longing, even if I'm still skeptical about where those clues ultimately lead.<br /> <br /> '''Sam''': Skepticism is healthy! The goal isn't to take a wild leap, but to start paying attention to what those deep longings are actually telling us about the kind of universe we inhabit.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24552 2026-08-21T02:26:51Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|'''Potential answer''': Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|'''Potential answer''': God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|'''Potential answer''': The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|'''Potential answer''': God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the brief ''Paris Talks'' quote, the following outline examines its underlying logic'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Here is a dialogue about this proof'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks/Dialogue}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. For the extended course, please read the four chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24551 2026-08-21T02:26:39Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|'''Potential answer''': Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|'''Potential answer''': God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|'''Potential answer''': The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|'''Potential answer''': God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the brief ''Paris Talks'' quote, the following outline examines its underlying logic'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Here is a dialogue about this proof'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks/Dialogue}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. For the extended course, please read the four chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24550 2026-08-21T02:26:28Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|'''Potential answer''': Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|'''Potential answer''': God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|'''Potential answer''': The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|'''Potential answer''': God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the brief ''Paris Talks'' quote, the following outline examines its underlying logic'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks}}<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Here is a dialogue about this proof'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks/Dialogue}<br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. For the extended course, please read the four chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Existence_of_the_soul/Paris_Talks&diff=24549 2026-08-21T02:25:43Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>==Background and outline of proof from ''Paris Talks'' on the existence of the soul==<br /> <br /> While the passage from ''Paris Talks'' is phrased around prayer rather than physical hunger, it relies on the exact same logical premise as such a proof (the teleological argument from desire/instinct):<br /> <br /> 1. '''The Premise''': No natural or spiritual capacity/instinct in creation is created in vain or without a purpose.<br /> <br /> 2. '''The Observation''': Humans possess a universal, innate spiritual instinct that prompts them to pray for and love those who have passed away.<br /> <br /> 3. '''The Conclusion''': That instinct would be pointless and meaningless (&quot;given in vain&quot;) if the departed ceased to exist. Therefore, the instinct itself bears witness to the continuance of the soul.<br /> <br /> It is conceptually identical to the classic &quot;argument from hunger&quot; (that an innate capacity implies a corresponding reality), applied specifically here to the human heart's instinctual outreach toward the deceased.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Template:Existence_of_the_soul/Paris_Talks&diff=24548 2026-08-21T02:25:30Z

<p>Brettz9: Created page with &quot;==Background and outline of proof on the existence of the soul== While the passage from &#039;&#039;Paris Talks&#039;&#039; is phrased around prayer rather than physical hunger, it relies on the exact same logical premise as such a proof (the teleological argument from desire/instinct): 1. &#039;&#039;&#039;The Premise&#039;&#039;&#039;: No natural or spiritual capacity/instinct in creation is created in vain or without a purpose. 2. &#039;&#039;&#039;The Observation&#039;&#039;&#039;: Humans possess a universal, innate spiritual instinct that pr...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>==Background and outline of proof on the existence of the soul==<br /> <br /> While the passage from ''Paris Talks'' is phrased around prayer rather than physical hunger, it relies on the exact same logical premise as such a proof (the teleological argument from desire/instinct):<br /> <br /> 1. '''The Premise''': No natural or spiritual capacity/instinct in creation is created in vain or without a purpose.<br /> <br /> 2. '''The Observation''': Humans possess a universal, innate spiritual instinct that prompts them to pray for and love those who have passed away.<br /> <br /> 3. '''The Conclusion''': That instinct would be pointless and meaningless (&quot;given in vain&quot;) if the departed ceased to exist. Therefore, the instinct itself bears witness to the continuance of the soul.<br /> <br /> It is conceptually identical to the classic &quot;argument from hunger&quot; (that an innate capacity implies a corresponding reality), applied specifically here to the human heart's instinctual outreach toward the deceased.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24547 2026-08-21T02:23:47Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|'''Potential answer''': Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|'''Potential answer''': God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|'''Potential answer''': The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|'''Potential answer''': God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the brief ''Paris Talks'' quote, the following outline examines its underlying logic'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Existence of the soul/Paris Talks}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. For the extended course, please read the four chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24546 2026-08-20T23:54:57Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|'''Potential answer''': Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|'''Potential answer''': God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|'''Potential answer''': The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|'''Potential answer''': God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> === II. Comparative Felicity in Creation (Chapter 15 of ''Some Answered Questions'') ===<br /> {{Details|How is the &quot;felicity&quot; or perfection of the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms defined in Chapter 15?|'''Potential answer''': Each realm's felicity consists in achieving its maximum physical flourishing: lushness and greenness for minerals/plants, and healthy organs with abundant food, water, and shelter for animals.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does the &quot;ultimate felicity&quot; of a lower kingdom (such as the vegetable or animal realm) differ from its immediate earthly excellence or perfection?|'''Potential answer''': While immediate perfection is flourishing within its own realm, ultimate felicity occurs when a lower kingdom transcends itself by being consumed, assimilated, and raised into a higher degree of existence (such as the human realm).}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|Why does 'Abdu'l-Bahá state that no human wealth or material comfort can equal the physical wealth and abundance enjoyed by a wild bird?|'''Potential answer''': A wild bird enjoys the entire earth, air, and nature as its domain without anxiety, ownership limits, or diminishing wealth, whereas human material wealth is always constrained, precarious, and limited.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What constitutes the true, primary felicity and exaltation of the human degree, and how does it differ from the felicity of the lower realms?|'''Potential answer''': Human felicity consists of spiritual virtues, intellectual powers, moral integrity, justice, scientific discovery, and service to humanity, whereas the felicity of lower realms is purely material.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|According to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, why are unassisted natural human virtues fleeting (&quot;like rays of sunlight upon the wall&quot;), and what is required for divine perfections to truly manifest in man?|'''Potential answer''': Unassisted human virtues are temporary because nature alone lacks permanence; divine perfections require a celestial power and heavenly teachings to permanently transform and illumine the human reality.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24545 2026-08-20T23:53:30Z

<p>Brettz9: Q&amp;A</p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> == Study Questions: Bounties of God ==<br /> <br /> === I. General Bounties and Universal Providence ===<br /> {{Details|According to the excerpt from ''Prayers and Meditations'' (sec. LVIII), what would happen to creation if the &quot;holy breaths&quot; of God's loving-kindness were to cease for even a fraction of a second?|Creation would instantly cease to exist, as all beings depend continually upon the sustained outpouring of divine grace.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does Bahá'u'lláh describe God's preparation for human life prior to birth in Persian Hidden Words, No. 29?|God prepared for human existence by providing spiritual and material provisions long before soul and body were brought into being, preparing nourishment, protection, and care even while in the womb.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What is the ultimate divine purpose behind all the physical provisions and care provided to human beings during their development?|The physical sustenance and care provided throughout human growth are intended to enable humanity to attain spiritual awareness, know and love God, and develop divine virtues.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|In what ways does 'Abdu'l-Bahá argue that divine providential love extends to all human beings, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof? How does He use the analogy of an artist to demonstrate this point?|God's providence is universal, bestowing life, rain, and sun on all people equally; just as an artist loves all of their handiwork, God cherishes all human souls as His creation.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> === II. Comparative Felicity in Creation (Chapter 15 of ''Some Answered Questions'') ===<br /> {{Details|How is the &quot;felicity&quot; or perfection of the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms defined in Chapter 15?|Each realm's felicity consists in achieving its maximum physical flourishing: lushness and greenness for minerals/plants, and healthy organs with abundant food, water, and shelter for animals.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|How does the &quot;ultimate felicity&quot; of a lower kingdom (such as the vegetable or animal realm) differ from its immediate earthly excellence or perfection?|While immediate perfection is flourishing within its own realm, ultimate felicity occurs when a lower kingdom transcends itself by being consumed, assimilated, and raised into a higher degree of existence (such as the human realm).}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|Why does 'Abdu'l-Bahá state that no human wealth or material comfort can equal the physical wealth and abundance enjoyed by a wild bird?|A wild bird enjoys the entire earth, air, and nature as its domain without anxiety, ownership limits, or diminishing wealth, whereas human material wealth is always constrained, precarious, and limited.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|What constitutes the true, primary felicity and exaltation of the human degree, and how does it differ from the felicity of the lower realms?|Human felicity consists of spiritual virtues, intellectual powers, moral integrity, justice, scientific discovery, and service to humanity, whereas the felicity of lower realms is purely material.}}<br /> <br /> {{Details|According to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, why are unassisted natural human virtues fleeting (&quot;like rays of sunlight upon the wall&quot;), and what is required for divine perfections to truly manifest in man?|Unassisted human virtues are temporary because nature alone lacks permanence; divine perfections require a celestial power and heavenly teachings to permanently transform and illumine the human reality.}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24544 2026-08-20T23:44:47Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters and their outlines as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/SAQ_61/outline&diff=24543 2026-08-20T23:44:23Z

<p>Brettz9: +page</p> <hr /> <div>== I. Introduction: Dual Modes of Operation of the Human Spirit (Paras. 1–2) ==<br /> * '''Mode 1: Mediated Operation (Para. 1)'''<br /> ** The spirit operates through physical instruments and organs (e.g., seeing via the eye, hearing via the ear, speaking via the tongue).<br /> * '''Mode 2: Unmediated Operation (Para. 2)'''<br /> ** The spirit functions independently of bodily organs during sleep/dreams (seeing without eyes, traversing distances without feet).<br /> ** ''Superior Capacities in the Unmediated State:'' Solves complex problems, perceives future events (e.g., prophetic dreams realized years later), and transcends spatial and temporal constraints.<br /> ** Contrast between material travel (gradual, vehicle-bound) and spiritual travel (instantaneous).<br /> <br /> == II. The Analogy of the Cage and the Bird (Para. 3) ==<br /> * '''Condition during Sleep:''' The physical body is inert and unconscious, yet the spirit exhibits heightened perception and activity.<br /> * '''Destruction of the Vehicle:'''<br /> ** Just as a bird does not perish when its cage breaks, the spirit is not annihilated upon physical death.<br /> ** Breaking the physical &quot;cage&quot; frees the spirit, expanding its perception, joy, and freedom.<br /> * '''Spiritual Readiness:''' Explains why martyrs embrace sacrifice with joy, viewing physical death as liberation from a place of torment into paradise.<br /> <br /> == III. Rational Arguments for Independence: Instrument vs. Wielder (Para. 4) ==<br /> * '''Intellectual Foresight vs. Physical Sight:'''<br /> ** Physical sight is strictly limited by distance; intellectual vision (&quot;the mind's eye&quot;) can perceive and organize affairs across continents (e.g., in America).<br /> * '''The Distinction Between Wielder and Tool:'''<br /> ** Impairment or destruction of the instrument does not affect the existence of the operator.<br /> *** ''Analogy 1:'' A broken pen does not destroy the writer.<br /> *** ''Analogy 2:'' A destroyed house does not kill its owner.<br /> <br /> == IV. Physical Impairment vs. Spiritual Integrity (Para. 5) ==<br /> * '''Independence from Bodily Health:'''<br /> ** Physical ailments, loss of limbs, or paralysis impair bodily functions, but the spirit retains its original identity, capacity, and perception.<br /> * '''The Intermediary Role:'''<br /> ** Severe illness prevents the body from reflecting the spirit's influence, but the spirit itself remains uncorrupted.<br /> <br /> == V. Conclusion: The Sun and Mirror Analogy (Para. 6) ==<br /> * '''Non-Spatial Nature of Spirit:'''<br /> ** The spirit is not physically contained within or localized inside the body (free from entry, exit, or physical properties).<br /> * '''Relationship Defined:'''<br /> ** The spirit-body connection mirrors the sun-and-mirror relationship: the sun suffers no harm or decay when the mirror becomes dusty or shatters.<br /> * '''Final Summary:'''<br /> ** The spirit rules supreme over the body; its immortality is completely unconditioned by physical dissolution.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/SAQ_60/outline&diff=24542 2026-08-20T23:43:22Z

<p>Brettz9: +page</p> <hr /> <div>== I. Introduction and Classification of Spiritual Consequences (Paras. 1–2) ==<br /> * '''Primary Premise (Para. 1):''' Having previously demonstrated the existence of the human spirit, its immortality must be established as the foundation of all divine religions.<br /> * '''Two Categories of Divine Consequences (Para. 2):'''<br /> ** '''Existential Rewards and Punishments:''' Experienced both in this world and in heavenly realms; attaining them constitutes true eternal life (&quot;born of water and of the spirit&quot;).<br /> ** '''Ultimate Rewards and Punishments:''' The spiritual conditions and bestowals attained after the soul ascends from the physical world.<br /> <br /> == II. Existential Rewards and Punishments (Para. 3) ==<br /> * '''Nature of Existential Rewards (True Paradise):'''<br /> ** Transformation from dark, ignorant, heedless, and material states into luminous, informed, awakened, and spiritual realities.<br /> ** Rebirth through faith (&quot;born of God&quot;), acquiring divine attributes while casting off animal characteristics.<br /> * '''Nature of Existential Punishments (True Hell):'''<br /> ** Subjection to the material world, veilment from God, and immersion in animal vices (ignorance, greed, falsehood, and tyranny).<br /> ** Spiritual torment consists in remaining trapped in carnal desires and satanic fancies.<br /> <br /> == III. Ultimate Rewards and Punishments (Para. 4) ==<br /> * '''Ultimate Rewards:'''<br /> ** Eternal bounties, divine perfections, and everlasting joy vouchsafed in spiritual realms following the ascension of the soul.<br /> ** Analogous to human development from embryo to full maturity—culminating in reunion with God.<br /> * '''Ultimate Punishments:'''<br /> ** Deprivation of God's special bounties and descending to the lowest degrees of existence.<br /> ** Though such souls continue to exist after physical death, they are accounted as dead by the &quot;people of truth.&quot;<br /> <br /> == IV. Rational Proof of Immortality: Cause and Effect (Paras. 5–6) ==<br /> * '''Logical Principle (Para. 5):'''<br /> ** An effect cannot originate from non-existence; secondary effects require a primary existing cause.<br /> ** ''Analogies:'' Rays require a sun, waves require a sea, rain requires a cloud, and fruit requires a tree.<br /> * '''Application to Physical Dissolution vs. Human Spirit (Para. 6):'''<br /> ** When physical compositions (minerals, plants, animals) disintegrate, all their effects and influences permanently vanish.<br /> ** In contrast, the human spirit continues to exert influence, manifest signs, and sustain its power long after the decomposition of the physical body.<br /> ** ''Historical Example:'' The enduring, centuries-long spiritual sovereignty of Christ demonstrates that the underlying source remains vibrantly existent.<br /> <br /> == V. Epistemology and Conclusion (Paras. 7–8) ==<br /> * '''Rational vs. Spiritual Perception (Para. 7):'''<br /> ** While rational proofs satisfy the intellect, spiritual awakening (an opened inner eye and attuned spiritual ear) makes the immortality of the spirit as self-evident as the sun.<br /> * '''Transition (Para. 8):''' Acknowledgment that further rational arguments will be provided in subsequent discourses.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/SAQ_48/outline&diff=24541 2026-08-20T23:39:35Z

<p>Brettz9: Created page with &quot;== I. Introduction and the Materialist Position (Paras. 1–3) == * &#039;&#039;&#039;Context (Para. 1):&#039;&#039;&#039; Continuation of prior discourse regarding the nature of the spirit. * &#039;&#039;&#039;The Materialist Viewpoint (Paras. 2–3):&#039;&#039;&#039; ** &#039;&#039;&#039;Equivalence with Animals:&#039;&#039;&#039; Asserts that man is fundamentally an animal, sharing identical physical elements, powers, and bodily senses. ** &#039;&#039;&#039;Degree of Complexity:&#039;&#039;&#039; Argues that human distinction is merely due to a more balanced and complete combination o...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>== I. Introduction and the Materialist Position (Paras. 1–3) ==<br /> * '''Context (Para. 1):''' Continuation of prior discourse regarding the nature of the spirit.<br /> * '''The Materialist Viewpoint (Paras. 2–3):'''<br /> ** '''Equivalence with Animals:''' Asserts that man is fundamentally an animal, sharing identical physical elements, powers, and bodily senses.<br /> ** '''Degree of Complexity:''' Argues that human distinction is merely due to a more balanced and complete combination of material elements, resulting in a higher degree of intelligence rather than a distinct spiritual essence.<br /> ** '''Superiority of Animal Senses:''' Acknowledges that animals often surpass humans in outer senses (sight, hearing, smell) and inner faculties (memory).<br /> ** '''Evolutionary Lineage:''' Concludes that man evolved strictly within the animal kingdom from animal origins.<br /> <br /> == II. The Divine Philosophers' Perspective: The Singular Human Power (Paras. 4–5) ==<br /> * '''The Unique Human Faculty (Para. 4):'''<br /> ** Man is endowed with an extraordinary, all-encompassing power absent in animals.<br /> ** '''Source of Civilization:''' All sciences, arts, crafts, and technological inventions (e.g., telegraph, photograph, phonograph, metallurgy) originate from this power.<br /> ** '''Comprehension of Intangibles:''' It grasps non-sensible, intelligible realities that lack physical existence (mind, spirit, human virtues, love, grief).<br /> * '''Refutation of the Sensory Premise (Para. 5):'''<br /> ** If civilization and discovery were products of animal senses, animals would surpass humans, since their senses and memory (e.g., homing pigeons, tracking dogs) are superior.<br /> ** Demonstrates that human achievement requires an endowment fundamentally higher than animal faculties.<br /> <br /> == III. Intellectual Deduction vs. Sensory Confinement (Paras. 6–7) ==<br /> * '''The Animal's Confinement (Para. 6a, 7):'''<br /> ** The animal is a captive of its senses, incapable of conceiving anything beyond immediate physical perception.<br /> ** Animals cannot deduce abstract or unseen realities (e.g., the spherical earth or heliocentric solar system).<br /> * '''Man’s Capacity to Deduce the Unknown from the Known (Paras. 6b–7):'''<br /> ** '''Scientific Example (Astronomical Deduction):'''<br /> *** Sensible fact: Observation of the altitude of the Pole Star (33° at ‘Akká rising to 90° at the North Pole).<br /> *** Intellectual deduction: Inferring the curvature and sphericity of the earth from changes in celestial inclination.<br /> ** '''Conclusion:''' This distinct power of discovery and deduction is the human spirit.<br /> <br /> == IV. Human Transcendence and Dominion Over Nature (Paras. 8–10) ==<br /> * '''The Drive for Transcendence (Para. 8):'''<br /> ** Man innately aspires toward higher states; reducing human reality to the animal kingdom is contrary to this universal drive.<br /> * '''Dominion Over Living Beings (Para. 9):'''<br /> ** A child or physically frail human can command and subdue massive animals (camels, elephants) through intellect.<br /> * '''Withstanding and Overcoming the Laws of Nature (Para. 10):'''<br /> ** All lower entities (seas, celestial bodies) are bound irrevocably by natural laws.<br /> ** Man alone defies natural constraints through intellect (e.g., flight defying gravity, ships traversing oceans, rapid transport, global telecommunication).<br /> <br /> == V. Philosophical Proof: Inferring Cause from Effects (Paras. 11–12) ==<br /> * '''Refutation of the Materialist Empirical Objection (Para. 11):'''<br /> ** ''Objection:'' The human spirit cannot be physically seen or dissected in the body.<br /> ** ''Counter-argument (Analogy of Kingdoms):''<br /> *** The animal spirit is invisible, yet inferred from sensory powers absent in plants.<br /> *** The human spirit is similarly inferred from intellectual and creative effects absent in animals.<br /> * '''Precedent in the Natural Sciences (Para. 12):'''<br /> ** Invisible physical forces cannot be perceived directly, yet their existence is indisputable through their effects (e.g., gravity, light vibrations).<br /> ** Non-sensible realities are legitimately affirmed through their signs and manifestations.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/Some_Answered_Questions,_Chapter_15/outline&diff=24540 2026-08-20T23:33:41Z

<p>Brettz9: +page</p> <hr /> <div>== I. Premise: Excellence Is Contingent Upon Specific Conditions (Para. 1) ==<br /> * Every created entity has a distinct standard for its honor, exaltation, and perfection, dictated by its specific nature.<br /> <br /> == II. The Hierarchy of Felicity Across Lower Kingdoms (Paras. 2–6) ==<br /> === A. Mineral Realm (Para. 2) ===<br /> * '''Earthly Excellence:''' Beautified by spring rains, greenery, growing plants, fruit-bearing trees, and lush landscapes.<br /> <br /> === B. Vegetable Realm (Para. 3) ===<br /> * '''Earthly Excellence:''' Thriving beside fresh water, nourished by breeze, sun, and tending gardeners.<br /> * '''Ultimate Felicity:''' Transcending its own realm by being consumed and assimilated into the animal and human worlds.<br /> <br /> === C. Animal Realm (Paras. 4–5) ===<br /> * '''Earthly Excellence:''' Possessing healthy physical organs/powers and complete material provision (e.g., a bird with abundant food, water, and nesting space in a verdant forest).<br /> * '''Ultimate Felicity:''' Progressing into the higher human realm by being assimilated to replace consumed human body tissue.<br /> <br /> === D. Comparative Insight (Para. 6) ===<br /> * Material ease and boundless abundance are the ''highest'' possible standard for lower realms.<br /> * In purely material terms, even the wealthiest human falls short of a wild bird, whose natural possessions and sustenance are infinite and undiminished.<br /> <br /> == III. The True Felicity and Exaltation of Man (Para. 7) ==<br /> * '''Material Comfort Is Secondary:''' Physical ease and wealth cannot define human perfection.<br /> * '''Primary Human Virtues &amp; Attainments:''' True honor lies in spiritual, intellectual, and moral qualities:<br /> ** '''Spiritual &amp; Mental:''' Divine blessings, love and knowledge of God, scientific discovery, and intellectual perceptions.<br /> ** '''Moral &amp; Ethical:''' Justice, equity, truthfulness, integrity, self-abnegation, and safeguarding covenants and rights.<br /> ** '''Social &amp; Universal Service:''' Compassion for all nations, educating humanity, guiding all races, and obeying divine teachings.<br /> <br /> == IV. The Source and Manifestation of Human Perfections (Para. 8) ==<br /> * '''Requirement of Supernatural Power:''' Divine perfections can only truly manifest in human reality through a celestial power and heavenly teachings.<br /> * '''Limitations of Pure Nature:''' Natural, unassisted human virtues are fleeting and ephemeral, like sunlight reflecting off a wall.<br /> <br /> == V. Conclusion: The Call to Action (Para. 9) ==<br /> * Mankind has been endowed by God with a noble, luminous capacity (&quot;refulgent diadem&quot;).<br /> * Humans must actively strive to let these inherent spiritual gems radiate light to the entire world.</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24539 2026-08-20T23:30:50Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24538 2026-08-20T23:30:24Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters as well.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24537 2026-08-20T23:29:39Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters as well. For the short course, we will just cover Chapter 15.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24536 2026-08-20T23:29:22Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]] given how it does not provide abundant hope for true happiness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''In ''Some Answered Questions'', Chapter [[saqc:15|15]] hints at the true spiritual source of happiness for man, Chapter [[saqc:48|48]] ([[/SAQ 48/outline|outline]]) establishes the existence of the soul, and chapters [[saqc:60|60]] ([[/SAQ 60/outline|outline]]) and [[saqc:61|61]] ([[/SAQ 61/outline|outline]]) provide proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 below. For the extended course, please read the other three chapters as well. For the short course, we will just cover Chapter 15.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Please also read the following outline'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/SAQ_15&diff=24535 2026-08-20T23:27:24Z

<p>Brettz9: Brettz9 moved page Course:Meetings for teaching/Bounties of God/SAQ 15 to Course:Meetings for teaching/Bounties of God/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15</p> <hr /> <div>#REDIRECT [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Bounties of God/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/Some_Answered_Questions,_Chapter_15&diff=24534 2026-08-20T23:27:24Z

<p>Brettz9: Brettz9 moved page Course:Meetings for teaching/Bounties of God/SAQ 15 to Course:Meetings for teaching/Bounties of God/Some Answered Questions, Chapter 15</p> <hr /> <div>==True Felicity==<br /> <br /> 1 The honour and exaltation of every existing thing are contingent upon certain causes and conditions.<br /> <br /> 2 The excellence, adornment, and perfection of the earth consist in this, that through the outpourings of the vernal showers it should become green and verdant; that plants should spring forth; that flowers and herbs should grow; that blossom-filled trees should produce an abundant yield and bring forth fresh and succulent fruit; that gardens should be arrayed; that meadows should be adorned; that plains and mountains should don an emerald robe; and that fields and bowers, villages and cities should be decked forth. This is the felicity68 of the mineral world.<br /> <br /> 3 The height of exaltation and perfection of the vegetable world consists in this, that a tree should stand tall beside a stream of fresh water, that a gentle breeze should blow and the sun bestow its warmth upon it, that a gardener should tend it, and that day by day it should grow and yield fruit. But its real felicity consists in progressing into the animal and human worlds and in replacing that which has been consumed in the bodies of animals and men.<br /> <br /> 4 The exaltation of the animal world is to possess perfect members, organs, and powers, and to have all its needs supplied. This is the height of its glory, honour, and exaltation. So the supreme felicity of an animal resides in a green and verdant meadow, in a flowing stream of the sweetest water, and in a forest brimming with life. If these things are provided, no greater felicity can be imagined for the animal. For example, were a bird to build its nest in a green and verdant forest, in a pleasant height, upon a mighty tree, and atop a lofty branch, and were it to have at its disposal all the seed and water that it requires, then this would constitute its perfect felicity.<br /> <br /> 5 But true felicity for the animal consists in passing from the animal world into the human realm, like the microscopic beings that, through the air and the water, enter into the body of man, are assimilated, and replace that which has been consumed in his body. This is the greatest honour and felicity for the animal world, and no greater honour can be conceived for it.<br /> <br /> 6 Therefore, it is clear and evident that such material ease, comfort, and abundance are the height of felicity for minerals, plants, and animals. And indeed no wealth, prosperity, comfort, or ease in our material world can equal the wealth of a bird, for it has all the expanse of the fields and mountains for a dwelling place; all the seed and harvests for wealth and sustenance; and all the lands, villages, meadows, pastures, forests, and wilderness for possessions. Now which is the richer—this bird or the wealthiest of men? For no matter how many seeds that bird may gather up or give away, its wealth does not diminish.<br /> <br /> 7 Then it is clear that the honour and exaltation of man cannot reside solely in material delights and earthly benefits. This material felicity is wholly secondary, while the exaltation of man resides primarily in such virtues and attainments as are the adornments of the human reality. These consist in divine blessings, heavenly bounties, heartfelt emotions, the love and knowledge of God, the education of the people, the perceptions of the mind, and the discoveries of science. They consist in justice and equity, truthfulness and benevolence, inner courage and innate humanity, safeguarding the rights of others and preserving the sanctity of covenants and agreements. They consist in rectitude of conduct under all circumstances, love of truth under all conditions, self-abnegation for the good of all people, kindness and compassion for all nations, obedience to the teachings of God, service to the heavenly Kingdom, guidance for all mankind, and education for all races and nations. This is the felicity of the human world! This is the exaltation of man in the contingent realm! This is eternal life and heavenly honour!<br /> <br /> 8 These gifts, however, do not manifest themselves in the reality of man save through a celestial and divine power and through the heavenly teachings, for they require a supernatural power. Traces of these perfections may well appear in the world of nature, but they are as fleeting and ephemeral as rays of sunlight upon the wall.<br /> <br /> 9 As the compassionate Lord has crowned the head of man with such a refulgent diadem, we must strive that its luminous gems may cast their light upon the whole world.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Readings]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God/Some_Answered_Questions,_Chapter_15&diff=24533 2026-08-20T23:27:03Z

<p>Brettz9: +page</p> <hr /> <div>==True Felicity==<br /> <br /> 1 The honour and exaltation of every existing thing are contingent upon certain causes and conditions.<br /> <br /> 2 The excellence, adornment, and perfection of the earth consist in this, that through the outpourings of the vernal showers it should become green and verdant; that plants should spring forth; that flowers and herbs should grow; that blossom-filled trees should produce an abundant yield and bring forth fresh and succulent fruit; that gardens should be arrayed; that meadows should be adorned; that plains and mountains should don an emerald robe; and that fields and bowers, villages and cities should be decked forth. This is the felicity68 of the mineral world.<br /> <br /> 3 The height of exaltation and perfection of the vegetable world consists in this, that a tree should stand tall beside a stream of fresh water, that a gentle breeze should blow and the sun bestow its warmth upon it, that a gardener should tend it, and that day by day it should grow and yield fruit. But its real felicity consists in progressing into the animal and human worlds and in replacing that which has been consumed in the bodies of animals and men.<br /> <br /> 4 The exaltation of the animal world is to possess perfect members, organs, and powers, and to have all its needs supplied. This is the height of its glory, honour, and exaltation. So the supreme felicity of an animal resides in a green and verdant meadow, in a flowing stream of the sweetest water, and in a forest brimming with life. If these things are provided, no greater felicity can be imagined for the animal. For example, were a bird to build its nest in a green and verdant forest, in a pleasant height, upon a mighty tree, and atop a lofty branch, and were it to have at its disposal all the seed and water that it requires, then this would constitute its perfect felicity.<br /> <br /> 5 But true felicity for the animal consists in passing from the animal world into the human realm, like the microscopic beings that, through the air and the water, enter into the body of man, are assimilated, and replace that which has been consumed in his body. This is the greatest honour and felicity for the animal world, and no greater honour can be conceived for it.<br /> <br /> 6 Therefore, it is clear and evident that such material ease, comfort, and abundance are the height of felicity for minerals, plants, and animals. And indeed no wealth, prosperity, comfort, or ease in our material world can equal the wealth of a bird, for it has all the expanse of the fields and mountains for a dwelling place; all the seed and harvests for wealth and sustenance; and all the lands, villages, meadows, pastures, forests, and wilderness for possessions. Now which is the richer—this bird or the wealthiest of men? For no matter how many seeds that bird may gather up or give away, its wealth does not diminish.<br /> <br /> 7 Then it is clear that the honour and exaltation of man cannot reside solely in material delights and earthly benefits. This material felicity is wholly secondary, while the exaltation of man resides primarily in such virtues and attainments as are the adornments of the human reality. These consist in divine blessings, heavenly bounties, heartfelt emotions, the love and knowledge of God, the education of the people, the perceptions of the mind, and the discoveries of science. They consist in justice and equity, truthfulness and benevolence, inner courage and innate humanity, safeguarding the rights of others and preserving the sanctity of covenants and agreements. They consist in rectitude of conduct under all circumstances, love of truth under all conditions, self-abnegation for the good of all people, kindness and compassion for all nations, obedience to the teachings of God, service to the heavenly Kingdom, guidance for all mankind, and education for all races and nations. This is the felicity of the human world! This is the exaltation of man in the contingent realm! This is eternal life and heavenly honour!<br /> <br /> 8 These gifts, however, do not manifest themselves in the reality of man save through a celestial and divine power and through the heavenly teachings, for they require a supernatural power. Traces of these perfections may well appear in the world of nature, but they are as fleeting and ephemeral as rays of sunlight upon the wall.<br /> <br /> 9 As the compassionate Lord has crowned the head of man with such a refulgent diadem, we must strive that its luminous gems may cast their light upon the whole world.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Readings]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24532 2026-08-20T23:17:32Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Read the following on the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Chapters [[saqc:15|15]], [[saqc:60|60]], and [[saqc:61|61]] cover more extensive proofs for the immortality of the soul. Read the text and outline for chapter 15 here.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{/SAQ 15}}<br /> <br /> {{/SAQ 15/outline}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]].'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24531 2026-08-20T23:14:19Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following passages on God's bounteousness.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Study the proofs for the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]].'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24530 2026-08-20T23:13:26Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about how there is compensation in the next life, about the fact that suffering eventually terminates at the end of this life, and that there are positive purposes for some suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following sections in full.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Study the proofs for the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]].'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24529 2026-08-20T23:12:05Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward &quot;greatness&quot; than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about the next life, about the fact that suffering can terminate at the end of this life, and that there are evident reasons for suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following sections in full.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Study the proofs for the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]].'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9 https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Course:Meetings_for_teaching/Bounties_of_God&diff=24528 2026-08-20T22:57:32Z

<p>Brettz9: </p> <hr /> <div>''This lesson aims to establish the bounties of God (despite our undeserving).''<br /> <br /> ''This page is particularly for Deists or apatheists who cannot believe a God would intervene, care about us, allow suffering, be bountiful, or provide us life in the next world, etc. (even if they accept that a Creator may exist)''<br /> <br /> {{box|'''Before we can get to the notion of God being bountiful, we have to demonstrate that God must be capable of intervening in His creation. Read the following passages.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Interventionist God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''The following speaks to God being potentially interventionist ''for us''. Believing that God must be aloof says more about our individual attitude toward greatness than it does about what God actually is.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Personal God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''While one might accept that God could exist and could intervene, many are more stuck on the existence of suffering. While the following suggests that this is indeed a mystery that we simply cannot fathom, there are some arguments made here which offer some glimpse into how suffering is not as bleak as it seems.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Commit to memory the three general categories of responses in the following, i.e., about the next life, about the fact that suffering can terminate at the end of this life, and that there are evident reasons for suffering in this life, too.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{suffering of the innocent}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''With concerns about suffering being addressed, we may be more ready to consider the fact that, however difficult suffering is to understand, God is nevertheless in fact demonstrably bountiful. Read all of the following sections in full.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{Bounties of God}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''Study the proofs for the existence and immortality of the soul.'''}}<br /> <br /> {{immortality of the soul}}<br /> <br /> <br /> {{box|'''For the extended course, read the page on the rejection of [[reincarnation]].'''}}<br /> <br /> ==Navigation==<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Existence of God|previous]]<br /> * [[Course:Meetings for teaching/Need for religion|next]]</div>

Brettz9