NUR
2009-11-09 04:56:43 UTC
But first for a hillarious Southpark "pastor" moment by Eric Stetson
in 2 parts:
1st part http://www.blip.tv/file/2808765
2nd part http://www.blip.tv/file/2813281
[Comment: you forgot to bless and forgive the STONERS and a whole heap
of their kind of derelicts, Minister]
Some people got it; some don't. But that's what happens when you have
your lips attached too closely to the butthole of the Steve Marshalls
and Susan Manecks as Eric Stetson does.
-
My future involvement in a Unitarian Bahai movement
Mon Nov 9, 2009 11:13 am
Dear Group,
As a result of the anger that has manifested in this forum regarding
whether or
not to allow Susan Maneck to be a member; and as a result of my other,
more
important commitments of time and energy to my church ministry in
Nashville, the
international Christian Universalist Association that I lead, and
other
organizations on whose boards I serve; I have decided that I will take
a step
back from the "Unitarian Bahai Faith" and mostly be an observer and
occasional
encourager rather than an active participant in the development of an
alternative liberal Bahai community.
I truly would like to see Bahais do something better, more progressive
and
beneficial to the world with their religion than what the Haifan
denomination
has become and done. However, it is probably not my role to spearhead
such an
effort. I have many suggestions for what liberal Bahais *could* do if
they wish
to practice their faith in a way that is compatible with 21st century
progressive values; but all of this is moot if a group like this is
going to be
just another venue for bickering, personal attacks, and people
promoting the
practice of shunning people of other religious affiliations. I have
*absolutely
no interest* in being involved in starting a denominational religious
organization that will just copy the same arrogant and exclusionary
attitudes of
the Haifan Baha'i Faith except on behalf of a more "liberal" point of
view on
spiritual and social issues. And I also have no interest in moderating
a
discussion forum where a simple democratic vote on an issue about the
policies
of the forum leads to a barrage of ferocious attacks against the
person who
started the poll and respected its results.
It may truly be the case that Bahaullah's religion is so tainted with
the spirit
of hatred and divisiveness that nothing can be done to reform this
religion,
because that poisonous spirit -- like the excrement in the proverbial
sh*t
sandwich -- remains there at least in traces, ruining the taste of the
entire
dish. If so, then it is yet another example of the tragedy of religion
and the
human condition. The stench of hypocrisy that emanates from Bahaism,
its
founders and most of its adherents is a source of great sadness to me,
perhaps
because I once found so much goodness and positive potential in this
faith. A
vision of a world united in peace and an ever-advancing
civilization... the
Kingdom of God on earth. Ah yes, what a world that would be. But I
don't think
it will be a "Bahai" world. Nor a "Christian" world or any other world
that
bears a particular religious label.
If some liberal Bahais such as the people in this forum want to go
forward with
a Unitarian Bahai movement, I'm all for it. But I won't be the leader.
I may
contribute in some ways to help this effort, as my very limited free
time
allows. I will have to decide whether to continue owning this group or
whether
to turn it over to someone else. If anyone here would be interested in
running
this forum, please let me know, and I'll consider it.
Peace to all,
Eric Stetson
Group Owner
in 2 parts:
1st part http://www.blip.tv/file/2808765
2nd part http://www.blip.tv/file/2813281
[Comment: you forgot to bless and forgive the STONERS and a whole heap
of their kind of derelicts, Minister]
Some people got it; some don't. But that's what happens when you have
your lips attached too closely to the butthole of the Steve Marshalls
and Susan Manecks as Eric Stetson does.
-
My future involvement in a Unitarian Bahai movement
Mon Nov 9, 2009 11:13 am
Dear Group,
As a result of the anger that has manifested in this forum regarding
whether or
not to allow Susan Maneck to be a member; and as a result of my other,
more
important commitments of time and energy to my church ministry in
Nashville, the
international Christian Universalist Association that I lead, and
other
organizations on whose boards I serve; I have decided that I will take
a step
back from the "Unitarian Bahai Faith" and mostly be an observer and
occasional
encourager rather than an active participant in the development of an
alternative liberal Bahai community.
I truly would like to see Bahais do something better, more progressive
and
beneficial to the world with their religion than what the Haifan
denomination
has become and done. However, it is probably not my role to spearhead
such an
effort. I have many suggestions for what liberal Bahais *could* do if
they wish
to practice their faith in a way that is compatible with 21st century
progressive values; but all of this is moot if a group like this is
going to be
just another venue for bickering, personal attacks, and people
promoting the
practice of shunning people of other religious affiliations. I have
*absolutely
no interest* in being involved in starting a denominational religious
organization that will just copy the same arrogant and exclusionary
attitudes of
the Haifan Baha'i Faith except on behalf of a more "liberal" point of
view on
spiritual and social issues. And I also have no interest in moderating
a
discussion forum where a simple democratic vote on an issue about the
policies
of the forum leads to a barrage of ferocious attacks against the
person who
started the poll and respected its results.
It may truly be the case that Bahaullah's religion is so tainted with
the spirit
of hatred and divisiveness that nothing can be done to reform this
religion,
because that poisonous spirit -- like the excrement in the proverbial
sh*t
sandwich -- remains there at least in traces, ruining the taste of the
entire
dish. If so, then it is yet another example of the tragedy of religion
and the
human condition. The stench of hypocrisy that emanates from Bahaism,
its
founders and most of its adherents is a source of great sadness to me,
perhaps
because I once found so much goodness and positive potential in this
faith. A
vision of a world united in peace and an ever-advancing
civilization... the
Kingdom of God on earth. Ah yes, what a world that would be. But I
don't think
it will be a "Bahai" world. Nor a "Christian" world or any other world
that
bears a particular religious label.
If some liberal Bahais such as the people in this forum want to go
forward with
a Unitarian Bahai movement, I'm all for it. But I won't be the leader.
I may
contribute in some ways to help this effort, as my very limited free
time
allows. I will have to decide whether to continue owning this group or
whether
to turn it over to someone else. If anyone here would be interested in
running
this forum, please let me know, and I'll consider it.
Peace to all,
Eric Stetson
Group Owner