December 27, 2014

1909 - The Chicago Baha'i Temple Committee



August 1, 1909 - The committee of fifteen reviewing architects' plans for the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Standing left to right: Mr. Windust, Mr. Remey, Mrs. True, Mr. Lesch. Mrs Brush, Mr. Hall, Mr. Brush, Mr. Chase, Mr. Jacobsen, Mr. Currier. Seated, let to right: Mr. Scheffler, Mr. struven, Mr. Agnew, Mr. Woodworth, Mr. Fuller.

December 20, 2014

We can’t be too exemplary


The eyes of the people of the world are beginning to be focused on us; and, as humanity's plight goes from bad to worse, we will be watched ever more intently by non-Baha'is, to see whether we do uphold our own institutions whole-heartedly; whether we are the people of the new creation or not; whether we live up to our beliefs, principles and laws in deed as well as word. We cannot be too careful. We cannot be too exemplary. 
(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, ‘Unfolding Destiny’)

December 13, 2014

One's vision


O Man of Two Visions! Close one eye and open the other. Close one to the world and all that is therein, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved.

(Baha'u'llah, ‘The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah’; included in Ruhi Book 2)

December 6, 2014

What it means to be a real Christian


Therefore, to be a Christian is not merely to bear the name of Christ and say, "I belong to a Christian government." To be a real Christian is to be a servant in His Cause and Kingdom, to go forth under His banner of peace and love toward all mankind, to be self-sacrificing and obedient, to become quickened by the breaths of the Holy Spirit, to be mirrors reflecting the radiance of the divinity of Christ, to be fruitful trees in the garden of His planting, to refresh the world by the water of life of His teachings -- in all things to be like Him and filled with the spirit of His love. 
('Abdu'l-Baha, from a talk; ‘The Promulgation of Universal Peace’)