Proofs
Just as defense of the Faith through apologetics is advised to Bahá‘ís, so is study of the proofs:
- "It is imperative to acquire the knowledge of divine proofs and evidences...This matter is highly important. It is binding on everyone and must be regarded as an obligation."
- (’Abdu’l-Bahá, from a newly translated Tablet, The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, no. 29)
Bahá‘ís are also called upon to hold meetings studying the proofs[1] and to share them at Feast.[2]
In addition to calling for study of, and in addition to offering specific proofs, the Bahá'í Writings themselves outline and assert what qualities are that a true seeker must possess[3] and suggest what types of proofs are valid (see section below). They also speak to modes for determining truth (senses, reason, scriptural authority, and inspiration), indicating limitations inherent in such modes but praising their use all together.[4]
Forms of proofs[edit]
Study of various forms of proofs have been encouraged to Bahá‘ís.
One focus involves proving the existence of God.[5]
Another focus, one that is particularly emphasized, e.g., for meetings for teaching, is on proving that the current Manifestation of God for today has come:
- “This gathering must be completely spiritual. That is, the discussion must be confined to marshaling clear and conclusive proofs that the Sun of Truth hath indeed arisen.”
- (’Abdu‘l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 130-131, no. 94.1-94.4)
Various forms of proofs were also encouraged and offered to those of a particular religion, e.g., Bahá‘ís being advised to establish to Jews the validity of Christ as a Manifestation of God.[6]
Rational vs. spiritual proofs/arguments[edit]
Works such as Some Answered Questions offers some "rational proofs" aimed at proving the existence of God, the need for religion, the immortality of the soul, etc.
These also offer some "spiritual proofs".[7]
These are not to be offered at first to materialistic philosophers, presumably as they assume some form of preexisting belief yet are termed "proofs" because they argue how, for example, how God's status as a Creator necessitates always having had a creation.[8]
Types of proofs[edit]
The following are indicated as types of proofs.[9]
These are not a definitive list of sources of inspiration (e.g., one may also find the signs of God within nature or others), but these are considered to be reliable aspects on which to focus for demonstrating the validity of the Faith to others. Miracles are specifically listed as events or actions which, though they may occur, with God being able to intervene with the laws He creates[10], they do not serve as a reliable proof which others who did not witness them may accept.[11]
- The Life of the Manifestation of God
- The Word of the Manifestation
- The example of the believers
- The counter-example of the enemies
- Prophecies
Notes[edit]
- ↑ See meetings for teaching
- ↑ Nineteeen Day Feast, no. 11 and 13
- ↑ Kitáb-i-Íqán, par. 1-2, 213-218
- ↑ Modes of determining truth
- ↑ The Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, sel. 60
- ↑ ’Abdu‘l-Bahá, Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 411
- ↑ ’Abdu‘l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 50, par. 1
- ↑ ’Abdu‘l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 50, par. 6
- ↑ https://bahai9.com/wiki/Types_of_proofs
- ↑ From a letter dated February 27, 1938 written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1638
- ↑ ’Abdu‘l-Bahá, Some Answered Questions, Chapter 10, par. 3
