In the litigation [http://trueseeker.typepad.com/true_seeker/court_case.html] brought against the Orthodox Baha'is by the NSA of sans-Guardian Bahais currently headquartered in Wilmette, the Wilmette NSA is attempting to prevent the OBF from using the word Bahai, claiming that they own a trademark to the name. They say that the OBF's use of the word "Bahai" is deceptive, misleading and irreparably damaging to the NSA. The OBF counters that it is the generic term for a religious teaching, and that the NSA does not have the exclusive right to use the term, and that the OBF's non-commercial use of the word to describe its religious beliefs is lawful.
The thing that is so sick about the Wilmette NSA's actions is that if anyone is damaging the name Bahai, it is them, in the undignified manner in which they advertise and promote the Faith (using billboards, for example). If you want to see how low it has become, go to amazon.com and search for "Baha'i" and see what you get. You will find t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps with slogans such as "Army Baha'i" "Baha'i Power" "Kiss Me I'm Baha'i" and the ever appropriate "Do Not Hate Me Because I'm Baha'i". You can get "I Love (heart) Baha'u'llah" coffee mugs, and you can be a hit with the ladies with the "I Love (heart) Baha'i Girls" t-shirt. You can even purchase "I Love (heart) Baha" keychains and a lawn sign resembling a street sign that says "Baha'i Way."
The Wilmette NSA is so protective of the Baha'i name, but it apparently has no problem with the cheapening of the Greatest Name on apparel and novelty items. They sicken me.
I decline your request that I refrain from speaking out against evil and the enemies of God. It is not backbiting to denounce the violators.
Posted by: Jeffrey | May 01, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I think personally that you are making a big deal out of nothing. Anyone whose faith lies with Baha'u'llah wouldn't be offended by a t-shirt that says "kiss me, I'm baha'i." If you don't like the shirts or hats or pins or necklaces, then don't buy them. Furthermore, don't go looking for them. As far as that goes, if you have a problem with something that the NSA is doing, the I would suggest that you take it up with them, in stead of telling everyone else that you have a problem. In the Baha'i world, I would tend to call that backbiting, although I can't speak for every other Baha'i.
I wish peace for you, and I hope that you can resolve this situation without hostile thoughts or actions.
Ya'Baha'ul'Abha!!
Posted by: Gaelin | May 01, 2008 at 11:14 AM