h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Still sounds a bit scary to me. You said you've no leaders in the way other faiths do and that it's all up to you essentially. Did I get that right?

I know that some religis leaders have a lot to answer for with terrorism, child abuse and other such things. But surely we all need some sort of accountability? Though I know that leaders of any sort must be chosen carefully and wisely as they have the added responsibility of teaching others.

Without others to teach us and to hold us accountable and with whom we can open up to etc, can we grow? Or will we just be going on thinking things are fine?

Don't know how much sense that makes, but I hope you know what I mean.

We are all responsible for our own relationship with God. there are elected bodies - Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and also the Universal House of Justice - which can and would step in to guide, assist or promote education. But at the end of the day, we are each held accountable for our own actions. In this age, the point is that mankind has reached a level of maturity where this is now feasible.

We can no longer abdicate responsibility of our own spiritual wellbeing, nor can we blamce others for our failings. Its up to us.

That is neither dangerous nor irresponsible but the opposite. What we do not have is priests or Imams. We read our holy writtings for ourselves and take guidance individually.

Keep passing open windows,

Kosh

I do agree with you that we are all responsible for our own actions, learning, readings etc. I also feel that we need people who can hold us accountable too.

I know that so often people just "go along" with something because their leader said so, without thinking it through for themselves and that can't be healthy or helpful. Anyone in a position of authority and trust must be accountable for advice etc.

In my own church, we have a team of pastors, who have people of the same faith, but in different congregations, who hold them accountable. We have Sunday services, and small groups that meet during the week. So everyone can learn from each other and everyone's accountable.

Just realised I might not have been expressing myself properly there. Think I was trying to say that yes, we all have to take responsibility, but if we go it alone, we canoften become disillusioned, disappointed, or deluded. We all need some form of accounability and supportr. It's very rare for someone to loose weight or stop smoking without some sort of support or guidance, so how can we take care of our eternal souls if we go lone-ranger?

In terms of community, the communities are supportive and the Local Assemblies are there for any member who needs guidance or support. But in this day and age, we believe in the principle of Independant Investigation of Truth and each persons responsibility for their own spiritual growth and well-being.

Guidance and support is there - within the context of Independant accountability.

Be well


Kosh

Well that's a good thing. It's one thing they've talked about in my church is "Lone Ranger Christianity" - though I think the same term can be applied in many settings. We have to do stuff ourselves, but we also can't do it alone and need the support, guidance and accountability we get in a group with the same beliefs.

If you can imagine growing up in Apartheid South Africa within a belief system that says that "all are equal before God" and there is no superior race or creed - it was vital to have the support of the community.

My friends - both in and out of the Faith - were from all different colour and race groups, and yet our schools, living districts and even movie theatres and toilets were all segregated. They were interesting times

Even now when I leave Johannesburg I am stuck by how the blanket of racism still lies over all towns outside of Johannesburg. I suppose it will take generations to wash out, but I must say that I prefer to stick to the company of Baha'is - where I can be certain that racism, bigotry and unnesscessary conflict will not exist. I havn't found that in other other group in SA.

Keep passing open windows



Kosh

I know what you mean about the segrehgation. I'm from Northern Ireland and while I know that there are differences between our situation and the one in South Africa, I do know that despite all legislation and integrated schooling etc, it'll take years for some people to be able to accept someone from "the other side", as it's refered to here.

I also do believe that legislation etc can only do a certain amount. You can make equal opportunities laws, human rights bills, codes of conduct etc, but you can't legislate a personal opinion. Legally, all you can do is channel it's expression.

There are still areas of Northern Ireland where you wouldn't dare walk around singing "God Save The Queen" or wearing certain football shirts.

I do believe that it'll take something outside our circle to bring real change. Here, the differences arise from political issues, though often get blamed on religious differences as the two sides are Protestant and Catholic. I think this can turn people away from religion in general, though I think it's going to have to be a faith thing that brings real lasting change.

You've hit it there! Its only when people are willing to overlook their own issues for the sake of God, that true transformation happens. A lot of Sa is now outwardly tollerant, but inwardly just the same.

I always think how blessed I am to have been raised in an integrated community - how much energy all that racism and hatred must consume! It exhausts me just to watch it!

Keep passing open windows


Kosh

Know what you mean. There are people here (especially some politicians) that I've wanted to knock their head off a wall.

I always found it strange how intolerant people can be. How much do these superficial differences matter overall?

To me, our differences are something we can celebrate. Who wants to be exactly the same as everyone else anyway? While I think it's vital to have things that pull us together, like our faith, it's also important to respect, value and honour our differences.

Absolutely *high five*!





Kosh

It definately is a lot nicer to agree about things even when we do have differences. Makes the world a much better place.