Marcello wrote:
The great religions have lasted for thousands of years precisely because there was no central authority controlling the dialogue (although the Vatican certainly gave it a good try!). In contrast, the hierarchy of the Baha’i Faith seeks to create “unity” by stifling diversity. In the Ruhi books, they’ve even gone so far as to forbid individual interpretation. Until the Baha’i Faith can break free of this inflexible dogma, it’s unlikely to find a place alongside the great religions.
I think you need a lesson in history. Christianity survived precisely because it *did* have a locus of authority unlike the gnostics who fragmented endlessly and eventually dissipated.
Ultimately any religion which takes revelation seriously has to accept an authority outside of the self.
As for Ruhi, somehow I don’t think you’ve actually read the books. Nowhere does it forbid individual interpretation. Susan