New definition for the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh

Those who come into contact with Bahá'ís will find that all of them,regardless of the name those believers go by (e.g., Orthodox Bahá'ís), willmake reference to the Bahá'í Covenant, and if they are asked, all of them, without exception, will maintain that they are faithful to the Covenant.

Unfortunately, what has happened following the death of the first Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, in 1957 is that the organization representing most of the believers changed the definition of the Covenant. A clear example of the way in which the changed definition was applied by the heterodox Bahá'í (i.e., sans-Guardian) organization can be seen in the following descriptions by John Ferraby in different editions of his book All Things Made New. The earlier edition was printed in 1957 prior to Shoghi Effendi's death; the later edition was printed in 1975.

The description BEFORE the passing of Shoghi Effendi read:

"The Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh has already given to mankind 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the Centre of the Covenant, and [through Him] Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian of the Cause of God, and has provided for other Guardians to follow" [for the duration of the Bahá'í Dispensation]. (Page 247 -- 1957 edition)

The revised description AFTER the passing of Shoghi Effendi reads:

"The power of the Covenant has already brought into being the Bahá'í Administrative Order whose yearly growth it sustains; it has enabled the Cause of God to overcome every obstacle..." (p. 148, 1975 edition)

"Although there could have been a series of Guardians, there is nowhere in the writings any promise or guarantee that the line of Guardians would not be broken but would endure forever. When Shoghi Effendi passed on, the conditions laid down by 'Abdu'l-Bahá in His Will and Testament for further succession could not be fulfilled." (Page 246 of later edition)

From Some Basic Facts Related to the Baha'i Covenant
http://www.rt66.com/~obfusa/facts.htm

Comments

[Michael Zargarov]

These are details of an upcoming conference at Louhelen "Baha'i" School.
I wish I could be there to question CERTAIN aspects of their interpretation of the Covenant.

The Majestic Process of the Covenant
October 24–26

Melanie Smith
‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers to the light of the Covenant as “the educator of the minds, the spirits, the hearts and souls of men.” This course looks closely at the majestic process of the Covenant, how our response and attitude toward it diffuse and suffuse the light, stimulating growth and movement. As individuals, communities, and institutions have arisen to implement the directives of the House of Justice, a shift in culture has occurred that will continue long into the future.

Adult and Youth (accompanied by an adult) ... $154

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