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Modes of determining truth

From Bahai9

Variously stated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá as the following (numbers indicate the reference number(s) mentioning the given mode), with all but the last being fallible methods:

  1. Senses - 1, 2, 3
  2. Reason - 1, 2, 3
  3. Tradition (Scriptural authority (not mere pilgrim's notes), whose understanding is based on reason) - 1, 2
  4. Inspiration - 2
  5. Holy Spirit (the only infallible one of these methods, though only perfectly accessible to Manifestations of God) - 1, 2

References[edit]

  1. Some Answered Questions, Chapter 83
  2. Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 20-22
  3. Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 253-255 (or to 261)
  4. (Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 355-358)
  5. Star of the West, Volume 8, Issue 9, pp. 114-115

When all modes of learning are used together, they can be relied upon as correct[edit]

"Consequently, it has become evident that the four criteria or standards of judgment by which the human mind reaches its conclusions are faulty and inaccurate. All of them are liable to mistake and error in conclusions. But a statement presented to the mind accompanied by proofs which the senses can perceive to be correct, which the faculty of reason can accept, which is in accord with traditional authority and sanctioned by the promptings of the heart, can be adjudged and relied upon as perfectly correct, for it has been proved and tested by all the standards of judgment and found to be complete. When we apply but one test, there are possibilities of mistake. This is self-evident and manifest."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 255)

Using all modes, one can believe in God and discover the bounties of His Grace[edit]

"...man cannot grasp the Essence of Divinity, but can, by his reasoning power, by observation, by his intuitive faculties and the revealing power of his faith, believe in God, discover the bounties of His Grace. He becometh certain that though the Divine Essence is unseen of the eye, and the existence of the Deity is intangible, yet conclusive spiritual proofs assert the existence of that unseen Reality."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Tablet to August Forel, par. 17)

Specific modes[edit]

Senses[edit]

Senses and faculties to be devoted to service of general good (eyes for laying hold of what will further civilization, ears for hearing wisdom of scholars and philosophers (and to practice it)[edit]

"God has given us eyes, that we may look about us at the world, and lay hold of whatsoever will further civilization and the arts of living. He has given us ears, that we may hear and profit by the wisdom of scholars and philosophers and arise to promote and practice it. Senses and faculties have been bestowed upon us, to be devoted to the service of the general good; so that we, distinguished above all other forms of life for perceptiveness and reason, should labor at all times and along all lines, whether the occasion be great or small, ordinary or extraordinary, until all mankind are safely gathered into the impregnable stronghold of knowledge."

('Abdu'l-Bahá, Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 3)

Reason[edit]

Bahá'ís should be the first to take up new and excellent methods[edit]

"The Baha'is should not always be the last to take up new and obviously excellent methods, but rather the first, as this agrees with the dynamic nature of the Faith which is not only progressive, but holds within itself the seeds of an entirely new culture and civilization."

(Shoghi Effendi, 5 May 1946 to an individual believer, Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-86, sec. 162.49, p. 313)

Baha'is to study to become up-to-date with thoughts of today, to study more general knowledge, scientific or otherwise[edit]

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also) to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today... What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, 5 July 1947, in Science and Technology (compilation), no. 7)

Inspiration[edit]

Holy Spirit[edit]

Other topics[edit]

See also[edit]

To-dos for this page[edit]

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