"Interesting" comments
The Sacramento Baha'i Examiner (that's me, by the way) received the following comments as feedback to a recent post about the persecution of Baha'is in Iran:
"The Bahai are a cult, like the branch dravidians or scientologist. The only discrimination they suffer is the scorn of the masses. During the revolution more than 30000 people died, and a few hundred were Bahais, it's not a beyond reasonable percentage given the turmoil of the day. As far as university discrimination and illegality of Bahai land ownership, this is complete disinformation. The only land Bahai's can not buy is land for cult practices and indoctrination of youth. Honestly, it is in the best interests of society that the government should eradicate this harmful cult, god willing, when the corrupt mullahs are removed a new secular government can also take more forceful corrective actions against this blight of a cult."
I've heard the "scorn of the masses" type comment before, but the "a few hundred Bahai deaths is a reasonable percentage" Does it ever occur to some people that no one should HAVE to die for their basic human rights?
The author does not address university discrimination (I can't help but wonder why), but the land ownership rebuttal almost made me laugh. Okay, so, Baha'is cannot buy land for "cult practices", so they can't have a center or a temple in Iran. So where do they gather to pray and hold the Nineteen Day Feast? In each other's homes! Well, glory be, perhaps THAT'S how they have been kicked out of their homes!
And indoctrination of youth? That's what they call Baha'i schools, which were open to every child in Iran regardless of religious affiliation or economic status? Well, no wonder they closed them down!
This, however, is the most chilling statement:
"Honestly, it is in the best interests of society that the government should eradicate this harmful cult, god willing, when the corrupt mullahs are removed a new secular government can also take more forceful corrective actions against this blight of a cult."
I wonder how many other Iranians feel this way? I am grateful to be an American citizen when I read statements like that, and that I have the freedom to worship in the way that spiritually nourishes me. Not only that, I have freedom of speech, which enables to me to express my opinions publicly and to speak up on behalf of those who cannot, such as the Baha'is in Iran or the people of Darfur.
The previously quoted statement gives me valuable insight into mindset of some of the people who wish harm upon a group who obey the laws of the Iranian government and do not revolt or participate in the political machinations of their country. Cult? NO Baha'i is allowed to separate themselves from their families, friends, country or the world; that goes against the basic principle of unity as taught by Baha'u'llah!
"The earth is one country, and mankind is its citizens." Baha'u'llah.
I guess loving humanity is a weird, esoteric, cult practice. Odd how hate, anger, and suspicion are considered "normal" in this world.
"The Bahai are a cult, like the branch dravidians or scientologist. The only discrimination they suffer is the scorn of the masses. During the revolution more than 30000 people died, and a few hundred were Bahais, it's not a beyond reasonable percentage given the turmoil of the day. As far as university discrimination and illegality of Bahai land ownership, this is complete disinformation. The only land Bahai's can not buy is land for cult practices and indoctrination of youth. Honestly, it is in the best interests of society that the government should eradicate this harmful cult, god willing, when the corrupt mullahs are removed a new secular government can also take more forceful corrective actions against this blight of a cult."
I've heard the "scorn of the masses" type comment before, but the "a few hundred Bahai deaths is a reasonable percentage" Does it ever occur to some people that no one should HAVE to die for their basic human rights?
The author does not address university discrimination (I can't help but wonder why), but the land ownership rebuttal almost made me laugh. Okay, so, Baha'is cannot buy land for "cult practices", so they can't have a center or a temple in Iran. So where do they gather to pray and hold the Nineteen Day Feast? In each other's homes! Well, glory be, perhaps THAT'S how they have been kicked out of their homes!
And indoctrination of youth? That's what they call Baha'i schools, which were open to every child in Iran regardless of religious affiliation or economic status? Well, no wonder they closed them down!
This, however, is the most chilling statement:
"Honestly, it is in the best interests of society that the government should eradicate this harmful cult, god willing, when the corrupt mullahs are removed a new secular government can also take more forceful corrective actions against this blight of a cult."
I wonder how many other Iranians feel this way? I am grateful to be an American citizen when I read statements like that, and that I have the freedom to worship in the way that spiritually nourishes me. Not only that, I have freedom of speech, which enables to me to express my opinions publicly and to speak up on behalf of those who cannot, such as the Baha'is in Iran or the people of Darfur.
The previously quoted statement gives me valuable insight into mindset of some of the people who wish harm upon a group who obey the laws of the Iranian government and do not revolt or participate in the political machinations of their country. Cult? NO Baha'i is allowed to separate themselves from their families, friends, country or the world; that goes against the basic principle of unity as taught by Baha'u'llah!
"The earth is one country, and mankind is its citizens." Baha'u'llah.
I guess loving humanity is a weird, esoteric, cult practice. Odd how hate, anger, and suspicion are considered "normal" in this world.
Comments