heterodox Believers' Questions About Investigating the Claims of the Orthodox Bahá'í Faith
Should I Tell My Bahá'í Friends That I am Studying the Orthodox Faith?
What Can I do About Being Shunned?
Can I Stay in the Heterodox Organization Even Though I Have Declared as an Orthodox Bahá'í?
Do I Have to Shun My heterodox Bahá'í Friends?
How Do I Join the Orthodox Bahá'í Faith?
Do you have more questions? SEND THEM INShould I Tell My Bahá'í Friends That I am Studying the Orthodox Faith?
Of course, that is entirely up to you. However, you should be aware that just as soon as the heterodox organization finds out that you are reading Orthodox Bahá'í material, the organization will put pressure upon you to stop reading it and to affirm your faith in and obedience to the heterodox organization.
Don't make the mistake of believing that your Bahá'í friends will keep the matter confidential. They will not. They will notify an institution of the heterodox organization. You will most likely receive a call from an Auxiliary Board Member who will question you.
The ABM will act like he or she is looking out for your own "spiritual health." In fact, the ABM is gathering facts to determine whether or not you should be declared a covenant-breaker for "the good of the entire community." Don't believe you will have a fair hearing or that your "Universal House of Justice" will carefully deliberate about whether or not you are a covenant breaker. They won't.
If the ABM does not like your answers, it is likely that your community will be informed that you have a spiritual disease and must be shunned. The ABM will contact your spouse and insist that he or she leave you, together with your kids, and if your family refuses to do so they will be shunned also. You may not have heard about it but this has happened a number of times to others just like you. It will happen to you also.
Why do this to yourself? While you are reading the material and before you have made up your mind, the last thing you need is to have this kind of pressure used against you. It may force you to make a decision before you are ready. Why not just quietly read the materials and refrain from telling anybody until you are ready to make a decision?
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What Can I do About Being Shunned?
The shunning behavior exhibited by the heterodox organization is a mind-control device in an attempt to keep the believers from independently investigating the truth. One must wonder what they are so afraid of? Do they have no faith in their position? Or are they aware that their position is wrong and don't want you to find out? Regardless of their reasons, if they found out you are investigating the Orthodox Faith or that you believe in it, you will be shunned. There is no way to avoid it. Many people have tried different strategies. The bottom line is that sooner or later, they will find out about you and you will be shunned. You must ask yourself whether or not it is worth it to pursue this matter further. Are you dedicated to the truth so much that you are willing to sacrifice all contact with your friends (and perhaps family)? If not, then it would be best for you to simply stop reading right now.
Return to TopCan I Stay in the heterodox Organization Even Though I Have Declared as an Orthodox Bahá'í?
Again, that is entirely up to you. Some newly-declared believers have thought that if they quietly remained in the heterodox organization, they might be able to gently guide their friends to the truth of the Orthodox Faith. It is certainly possible to do so. Some have been successful at this. Eventually, they are found out and shunned. This is a matter of individual conscience. You must ask yourself whether or not it is deceptive for you to continue in your role within the heterodox organization even though your loyalty has shifted to the Guardian. After all, the heterodox institutions are covenant breaking bodies.
Return to TopDo I Have to Shun My heterodox Bahá'í Friends?
Generally, no. The Guardian has not declared the rank and file members of the heterodox organization as covenant breakers. He recognizes them as misled believers and would welcome them back to the True Faith at any time. Therefore, you will not be asked to shun your friends within the heterodox organization. [FN1] Of course, they will be asked to shun you. If they fail to shun you, they will most likely be expelled by the heterodox organization.
Return to TopHow Do I Join the Orthodox Bahá'í Faith?
It is important for you to be clear about what it means to declare your belief in the Orthodox Bahá'í Faith. When you sign the Orthodox declaration, you are affirming your belief that Shoghi Effendi was the first Guardian, that Charles Mason Remey was the second Guardian, and that Joel B. Marangella is the third Guardian. You are encouraged to fully deepen in the Writings and make sure you understand the significance of your declaration of belief. If you are interested in becoming an Orthodox Bahá'í, please contact:
National Bahá'í Council
PO Box 3201
Roswell, NM 88201
obfusa@rt66.com
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