Archive-name: bahai-faith/bibliography Last-Modified: 16-September-1993 This article is comprised of the following sections. For your convenience in searching, all section headings start in column 1. INTRODUCTORY BOOKS BOOKS BY BAHA'U'LLAH AND `ABDU'L-BAHA OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS Our thanks to the original author, Babak Kashef , and for revisions and expansions offered by Carl Fravel <71610.2560@compuserve.com> Ed Ordaz <70404.1133@compuserve.com> Mark Towfiq Rick Troxel Additional entries are solicited, subject to editorial review. If an entry is in a language other than English, please include an English translation. INTRODUCTORY BOOKS ================== Titles within this section are arranged alphabetically. All Things Made New John Ferraby Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 338 pp ISBN 0-900125-24-1 Offers the reader a comprehensive introduction to the Baha'i Faith. The author's inclusion of many quotations from the Baha'i sacred Writings complements an overview of the Faith as complete as to be found anywhere. Its first section, "The Teachings of the Faith," discusses the oneness of God and of religion, the oneness of mankind, social and economic teachings, personal conduct, science and the knowledge of God, the relation of the Baha'i Faith to other religions. Part Two concerns the Central Figures of the Faith; and Part Three, "The Baha'i Community," looks at the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the Baha'i Administrative Order and laws, obligations and teaching the Faith. The Baha'i Faith Mary Perkins Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 96pp ISBN 0-7062-39393 A short, basic introduction to the Baha'i Faith, covering the history, teachings and way of life of the Baha'i community. One of the most popular, easy to read introductions to the Baha'i Faith. Fully illustrated. The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin Harper & Row, 248 pp ISBN 0-06065-441-4 (cloth) ISBN 0-06312-078-X (paper) As the publishers describe it, "Here is the first definitive introduction -- sure to become a standard reference work -- of the history, teaching, administrative structure and community life of the Baha'i Faith, the youngest and one of the fastest growing of the world's independent religions." Martin, an historian, and Hatcher, a professor of mathematics, have produced a survey of the Baha'i Faith especially strong in its examination of the turbulent early history of the Faith and its relationship to Islam. The authors stress the pivotal concept of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of the human race and an emerging global order. As well, they examine a wide range of Baha'i teachings, such as the oneness and progressive character of religion, the unity of science and religion, the equality of woman and man, economic justice, the spiritual foundation of life, the institutions of the Baha'i Faith and disciplines for daily living. Baha'u'llah and the New Era John Esslemont Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 318pp ISBN 0-87743-160-4 The best known introductory book, translated into 30 languages, and in continuous print since 1923. Written by a distinguished early British Baha'i, this book presents a thorough outline of the history, principal figures, spiritual and social teachings, and administrative organization of the Faith. An especially interesting section examines the relationship of Baha'u'llah to the expectations and prophecies, such as the coming of the Kingdom of God in Christianity, that are to be found in all faiths. The Earth is But One Country John Huddleston Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 320pp ISBN 0-900125-91-8 "Many, concerned about the condition of society and about the sense of unfulfillment in their personal lives," says the author, "automatically assume that they will not find an answer in religion. Past experience has left a negative impression of superstition and escapism. This Book is primarily addressed to those who have this point of view." It presents the needs of humanity today, emphasizing the practical means for building a new civilization where all peoples can live together in justice, harmony, and peace. The Imperishable Dominion Udo Schaefer George Ronald Publisher, 320pp ISBN 0-85398-142-6 An analysis of modern thought since the 1700's showing how it has contributed to society's current crises, and presenting the Baha'i answers to today's dilemmas. Preparing for a Baha'i/Christian Dialogue: Understanding Biblical Evidence Michael Sours Oneworld Publications Ltd Vol 1 ISBN 1-85168-018-7 Vol 2 ISBN 1-85168-032-2 A multi-volume study program designed to help Baha'is familiarize themselves with the Bible and Christian theology. Well written and not cumbersome. Among the features one finds practical advice on how to study the Bible; methods of interpreting the Bible; answers to the most common Christian questions concerning proofs and progressive revelation; and answers to Christian questions about Baha'i teachings, the Bible, and Christ. The Prophecies of Jesus Michael Sours Oneworld Publications Ltd, 223pp ISBN 1-85168-025-X In the nineteenth century, many Christians throughout the Western world expected the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies. Some even ventured to conclude from the Scriptures that Jesus would return in 1844. This widespread expectation is well known to historians and culminated in what has been referred to as 'the Great Disappointment.' Yet in the very same year, a dynamic religious movement swept across Persia which heralded the advent and swift emergence of the Baha'i Faith, the only religion born during that time to become a global faith. Its founder, Baha'u'llah, claimed to be no less than the fulfillment of the very biblical prophecies that had so inspired the hopes of the Christian adventists. _Prophecies of Jesus_ offers a thoughtful, verse by verse exploration of Jesus's greatest prophetic sermon in the light of Baha'u'llah's extraordinary ministry and teachings and of nineteenth century Christian beliefs and current Christian interpretations. The Renewal of Civilization David Hofman George Ronald Publisher, 144pp ISBN 0-85398-007-1 Examination of religion as the creative force behind the rise and reformation of civilization. To a Seeker Nathan Rutstein George Ronald Publisher, 121pp ISBN 0-85398-239-2 The need for spiritual development as a pathway to happiness is frequently overlooked. The author describes how the Baha'i Faith can show us the way to that elusive happiness. A dramatic vision of the future, and the steps now being taken by Baha'is to attain it, is offered to the seeker who searches for a "new day." A Thief in the Night: The Case of the Missing Millennium William Sears George Ronald, Publisher, 304pp ISBN 85398-008-X The author describes how, having once discovered a problem -- the belief among many Christians of that time that Christ's return would take place in the 1840's -- he set out to unearth the clues leading to its solution. The Baha'i Faith is presented as that solution. BOOKS BY BAHA'U'LLAH AND `ABDU'L-BAHA ===================================== The following books have been in some cases published by a number of Baha'i publishing trusts in various countries. Where ISBN numbers are listed, they are generally for the least expensive edition currently available from the USA Baha'i Distribution Service. Baha'u'llah ----------- The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah Baha'u'llah's teachings on ethics, and on the relationship of God and man The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys Two mystical writings, on the stages in the spiritual growth of the soul The Kitab-i-Iqan (Book of Certitude) Baha'u'llah's teachings on the subject of progressive revelation (the view that the religions and prophets are part of one historical process by which God has educated mankind). Explanations of earlier scriptures and the prophecies they contain. The Kitab-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) ISBN 0-85398-999-0 (hardcover) Baha'u'llah's book of laws for this dispensation, with comprehensive notes from the Universal House of Justice Tablets of Baha'u'llah ISBN 0-87743-216-3 (paperback) A collection of some of Baha'u'llah's late writings, revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas Epistle to the Son of the Wolf ISBN 0-87743-048-9 ISBN 0-87743-235-X (paperback) One of Baha'u'llah's last writings, this is essentially Baha'u'llah's anthology of His own teachings Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah ISBN 0-87743-111-6 (hardcover) ISBN 0-87743-112-4 (paperback) A collection of extracts of Baha'u'llah's writings covering many subjects Prayers and Meditations A large collection of prayers and meditations revealed by Baha'u'llah. Some of these are prayers revealed for us to use, and some are Baha'u'llah's own prayers to God. `Abdu'l-Baha ------------ Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha A collection of important passages from the writings of `Abdu'l-Baha Promulgation of Universal Peace The public talks given by `Abdu'l-Baha while he traveled through the United States Paris Talks Another collection of public talks on various subjects by `Abdu'l-Baha Some Answered Questions ISBN 0-87743-190-6 (paperback) A collection of dinner-table talks in which `Abdu'l-Baha answered a number of posed questions such as the relationship of the Baha'i teachings to the Bible Collections ----------- Baha'i Prayers ISBN 0-87743-175-2 ISBN 0-87743-176-0 (paperback) ISBN 0-87743-177-9 (deluxe) Prayers from Baha'u'llah, `Abdu'l-Baha, and the Bab, arranged by subject The Divine Art of Living Baha'i teachings on various aspects of living a spiritual life Unto Him Shall We Return Baha'i teachings on the purpose of life, and on death and life after death The Power of Unity Baha'i teachings on the application of the spiritual principle of unity in general to race unity in particular Peace: More than an End to War Baha'i teachings about the establishment of true peace in this world, and the prerequisites to that occurring OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS Bibliography of English-Language Works on the Babi and Baha'i Faith, 1844-1985 William P. Collins Oxford: George Ronald, 1990 ISBN 0-85398-315-1 The most comprehensive bibliography of English-language publications The Baha'i Faith: A Historical Bibliography Joel Bjorling New York: Garland Publishing, 1985 A less comprehensive bibliography which has been superseded by Collins The Baha'i Studies Bulletin Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K., 1982- This periodical contains regular bibliographic listings The Baha'i World, v.XVIII, 1979-1983, pp. 887-889 Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1986 Includes a brief listing of books in languages other than English HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS ========================== a) Visit your public library. It is quite likely that your library has a few introductory titles. b) Contact your local Baha'i community. Many local communities have a local phone number listed under "Baha'i Faith," or "Baha'i Community." c) Call the Baha'i Publishing Trust in your country. In the USA this is (800)999-9019. The staff can take telephone orders, and can also send you a price list and a more complete listing of publications than included in this article. d) Call or visit one of the Baha'i bookstores. For example, there is a book store at the Los Angeles Baha'i Center, (Los Angeles Baha'i Booksource, (213) 933-8297), and one at the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, IL. ****************************************************************************** Archive-name: bahai-faith/introduction Last-Modified: 16-September-1993 This periodically posted article is adapted from an introduction to the Baha'i Faith prepared by Kamran Hakim and Mike Register. Our thanks to Kamran for permission to modify and use it here. --The Moderators: nabil@world.net (Aaron Nabil Eastlund) kalantar@cs.cornell.edu (Michael Kalantar) CONTENTS This article is comprised of the following sections. For your convenience in searching, all section headings start in column 1. BAHA'I TEACHINGS EARLY HISTORY RECENT HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS REFERENCES BAHA'I TEACHINGS Some of the basic principles of the Baha'i Faith are: 1. The oneness of mankind "It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." --Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 250. 2. The oneness of religion "All these divisions we see on all sides, all these disputes and opposition, are caused because men cling to ritual and outward observances, and forget the simple, underlying truth. It is the outward practices of religion that are so different, and it is they that cause disputes and enmity -- while the reality is always the same, and one. The Reality is the Truth, and truth has no division. Truth is God's guidance, it is the light of the world, it is love, it is mercy. These attributes of truth are also human virtues inspired by the Holy Spirit." --`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, pp. 120-1. 3. Independent investigation of truth "Furthermore, know ye that God has created in man the power of reason, whereby man is enabled to investigate reality. God has not intended man to imitate blindly his fathers and ancestors. He has endowed him with mind, or the faculty of reasoning, by the exercise of which he is to investigate and discover the truth, and that which he finds real and true he must accept." --`Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 291. 4. Religion as a source of unity "He (Baha'u'llah) sets forth a new principle for this day in the announcement that religion must be the cause of unity, harmony and agreement among mankind. If it be the cause of discord and hostility, if it leads to separation and creates conflict, the absence of religion would be preferable in the world." --`Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith, p. 247. 5. The evolutionary nature of religion Baha'is view religion as a progressive, evolutionary process which needs to be updated as humanity evolves mentally, socially, and spiritually. Every so often a new Prophet is sent to humanity to update religion to the current needs of mankind. These Prophets bring essentially the same spiritual message to mankind; in a form that meets the needs of the people of Their time. Baha'is believe that Baha'u'llah has brought an updated message for mankind today. "There is no distinction whatsoever among the Bearers of My Message. They all have but one purpose; their secret is the same secret. To prefer one in honor to another, to exalt certain ones above the rest, is in no wise to be permitted. Every true Prophet hath regarded His Message as fundamentally the same as the Revelation of every other Prophet gone before Him... The measure of the revelation of the Prophets of God in this world, however, must differ. Each and every one of them hath been the Bearer of a distinct Message, and hath been commissioned to reveal Himself through specific acts. It is for this reason that they appear to vary in their greatness... It is clear and evident, therefore, that any apparent variation in the intensity of their light is not inherent in the light itself, but should rather be attributed to the varying receptivity of an ever-changing world. Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and Peerless Creator hath purposed to send to the peoples of the earth hath been entrusted with a Message, and charged to act in a manner that would best meet the requirements of the age in which He appeared." --Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pp.78-9. 6. Harmony between religion, science, and reason "Religion and science are the two wings upon which man's intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism." --`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.143. 7. Peaceful consultation as a means for resolving differences In the Baha'i Faith, difference of opinion is not squelched, in fact it is encouraged. "The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions." --Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha, p.87. However, differences of opinion can be expressed in a way that doesn't humiliate another human being. The Baha'i principle of consultation requires that an individual be detached from his or her opinions and always be open to the truth, from whoever or wherever it comes from. "They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views. They must in every manner search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for stubbornness and persistence in one's views will lead ultimately to discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden. The honored members (of the consulting body) must with all freedom express their own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the truth..." --Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha, p.88. 8. An international auxiliary language "It behoveth the sovereigns of the world -- may God assist them -- or the ministers of the earth to take counsel together and to adopt one of the existing languages or a new one to be taught to children in schools throughout the world, and likewise one script. Thus the whole earth will come to be regarded as one country." --Baha'u'llah, Tablet of Bisharat (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 22.) 9. Universal education "Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees of the House of Justice are then to recover from him that which is required for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My Loving-Kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world." --Baha'u'llah, Tablet of Ishraqat (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.128). 10. The elimination of all forms of prejudice "...again, as to religious, racial, national and political bias: all these prejudices strike at the very root of human life; one and all they beget bloodshed, and the ruination of the world. So long as these prejudices survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars." --Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha, p.249. 11. Equality of men and women "To accept and observe a distinction which God has not intended in creation is ignorance and superstition. The fact which is to be considered, however, is that woman, having formerly been deprived, must now be allowed equal opportunities with man for education and training. There must be no difference in their education. Until the reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible." --`Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.76. 12. The abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty "O Ye Rich Ones on Earth! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease." --The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah, p.41. "We see amongst us men who are overburdened with riches on the one hand, and on the other those unfortunate ones who starve with nothing; those who possess several stately palaces, and those who have not where to lay their head. Some we find with numerous courses of costly and dainty food; whilst others can scarce find sufficient crusts to keep them alive. Whilst some are clothed in velvets, furs and fine linen, others have insufficient, poor and thin garments with which to protect them from the cold. This condition of affairs is wrong and must be remedied. Now the remedy must be carefully undertaken. It cannot be done by bringing to pass absolute equality between men." -`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.151. 13. Universal peace "The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized. The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and, participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means as will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace amongst men. Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories." --Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 249. EARLY HISTORY In May of 1844, a young Persian by the name of Mirza `Ali Muhammad declared that He was the promised Qa'im of Shi'ah Islam. He assumed the title of The Bab (Gate). The Bab's mission was twofold: He first announced to the people of His native land His own station as an independent Messenger and He also prepared the way for the coming of another Manifestation (messenger) of God, a Prophet who would announce His station soon after The Bab. The next six years marked a dramatic increase in both the number of persons who became followers of the Bab and in the energy spent by the Shi'ah clergy of Iran to stamp out this new religion. Eventually 20,000 Babis would be put to death for their beliefs. The Bab Himself was imprisoned and was executed in July of 1850. Many Babis were also imprisoned. Among them was Husayn-`Ali, entitled Baha'u'llah (The Glory of God) by The Bab. Imprisoned for several months in 1853 in Tehran and then exiled to Iraq, in the city of Baghdad in 1863 Baha'u'llah announced to the world His station as the One for Whom the Bab had prepared the way. The majority of the Babis accepted Baha'u'llah's claim and became known as Baha'is (the followers of Baha). Shortly after His declaration, Baha'u'llah was again banished, even further From His native land: from Baghdad to Constantinople, and then to Adrianople. Finally in 1867, Baha'u'llah was exiled for the last time. He was sent to the prison city of Akka (Acre) in Palestine. He would stay in and around Akka until the end of His life in 1892. Before Baha'u'llah passed away, He appointed His eldest son, `Abdu'l-Baha, to be the center of His Covenant and the interpreter of His writings. `Abdu'l-Baha was leader of the Baha'i Faith until His own passing in 1921. Although He is not considered to be a Manifestation of God like the Bab and Baha'u'llah, `Abdu'l-Baha's decisions are believed to have been divinely guided and His writings (along with the Bab's and Baha'u'llah's) are considered a part of the Baha'i sacred scripture. After being released from the prison in Akka, `Abdu'l-Baha made several journeys to the West, including a trip to America in 1912. RECENT HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS `Abdu'l-Baha stated in his Will and Testament that leadership of the Baha'i community was to be passed on to his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, who became the "Guardian" of the Baha'i community after `Abdu'l-Baha died. Shoghi Effendi led the Baha'is until his passing in 1957. It was under Shoghi Effendi's leadership that the Baha'i Faith spread to all corners of the world. Today there are Baha'is in over 200 countries and territories and Baha'i literature has been translated into over 700 different languages. Consistent with the Baha'i principle of independent investigation of truth, according to which no individual Baha'i may offer an interpretation of the Baha'i Writings by which others are bound, there is no clergy in the Baha'i Faith. Baha'i institutions govern the administrative affairs of the Faith. In each locality, nine-member boards known as Local Spiritual Assemblies are elected annually. At the national level are National Spiritual Assemblies, also consisting of nine members, elected annually by representatives of the Baha'is in each country. At the international level is the Universal House of Justice, centered in Haifa, Israel (just across the bay from the prison city of Akka, where Baha'u'llah and `Abdu'l-Baha were imprisoned). The Universal House of Justice also consists of nine members and is elected every five years by members of the National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world. The Universal House of Justice has final responsibility for overseeing the international Baha'i community. REFERENCES For those interested in reading more about the Baha'i Faith, a few references are listed below. Some of these volumes can be found at your local public library. In addition, many Baha'i communities have lending libraries and, in varying degrees, bookstore capabilities. General Hatcher, W.S. and Martin, G.D. "The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion", Harper & Row, New York, 1986. Baha'i Sacred Writings "Baha'i World Faith: Selected Writings of Baha'u'llah and `Abdu'l-Baha", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1956, reprinted 1976. "Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", Baha'i World Center, Haifa, 1978. "Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", translated by Shoghi Effendi. Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1939, 3rd ed. 1976. "The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1939, 11th ed. 1980. "Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha", Baha'i World Center, Haifa, 1978. `Abdu'l-Baha. "Some Answered Questions", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL rev. ed. 1981. `Abdu'l-Baha. "Paris Talks: Addresses Given by `Abdu'l-Baha in Paris in 1911-12" Baha'i Publishing Trust, London, 11th ed. 1969. `Abdu'l-Baha. "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by `Abdu'l-Baha During His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1982. Baha'i History Effendi, Shoghi. "God Passes By", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1944. Balyuzi, H.M. "Baha'u'llah, the King of Glory", George Ronald, Oxford, 1980. ****************************************************************************** Archive-name: bahai-faith/welcome Last-Modified: 16-September-1993 Welcome! to the soc.religion.bahai newsgroup and its equivalent mailing list, bahai-faith. This article is one of several that shall be posted periodically. The current list of periodically posted articles is Welcome Introduction to the Baha'i Faith Annoted Bibliography PURPOSE The newsgroup will act as a non-threatening forum for discussing and sharing information about the tenets, history, and texts of the Baha'i Faith. Prior to its formation there was a good amount of traffic on this topic in other newsgroups; this group provides a "single point of contact" for such discussion. Examples of posts that fall within the group's scope are: * The Baha'i Faith's relation to other religions * Relevance of Baha'i principles to current world events/problems * Analysis of particular scriptural passages or themes * General Q & A MODERATOR POLICIES The newsgroup will be subject to standards of Baha'i consultation, a decision-making process whose salient features include frank yet respectful statement of views and the concerted, open-minded search for truth. In practice, the moderators will reject personal attacks (flames) directed at individual posters, similarly inflammatory attacks directed at religious institutions, and articles which use offensive language. These guidelines are intended to regulate only the tone of the discussions, and not their contents. 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An option in requests for specific information (how do I reach someone, where is this quotation to be found, etc.) is to ask explicitly that all replies be mailed directly to the poster, who may then post a summary if it is of general interest. This would result in only 2 messages (or perhaps just one) being seen by all subscribers, which could be desirable in some contexts. Likewise, responses to such requests may, in some cases, be most appropriately addressed just to the original poster. Please use line lengths of no more than 75. This keeps your text within the 80 character per line limit of most terminals, in both your initial article and in any followup articles, where it is customary to prefix each line of quotation from another article with a few additional characters to indicate the material is quoted. Please be merciful to small mail systems by limiting articles to 50 KiloBytes in length. Posts that exceed this limit should either be pared down or subdivided; or one could submit an announcement of the item instead, asking that readers respond via private mail in order to obtain the actual item. If you quote a previously posted article, please limit the amount of quoted text that you include. One may generally assume that readers have already seen an article to which one is responding. Therefore, you need only quote as much as required for establishing a context. Please choose your Subject: heading carefully! In the spirit of sharing ideas rather than wrangling over same, please consider the following two contrasting quotations and the questions that appear after them. The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions. `Abdu'l-Baha, in Baha'i Administration, p. 21 If two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the Divine questions, differing and disputing, _both are wrong_. The wisdom of this incontrovertible law of God is this: That between two souls from amongst the believers of God, no contention and dispute might arise; that they may speak with each other with infinite amity and love. Should there appear the least trace of controversy, they must remain silent, and both parties must continue their discussions no longer. `Abdu'l-Baha, in Baha'i World Faith, pp. 428-429 (Emphasis as in the original) a. In my article, is an idea being offered, expanded or clarified, or its implications being explored? Has it been stated previously? Or is it mostly being reiterated and/or defended? b. Have others indicated a desire to move on to another topic? c. If responding to an earlier article, is it best in this case to respond to each paragraph therein? Or is there one statement that succinctly summarizes the earlier viewpoint? Or should a paraphrase be attempted? d. Does the article express facts, or opinions? More important, is it easy to discern which is which? Our thanks for your help in maintaining a good "signal to noise" ratio. With best wishes, --The Moderators: nabil@world.net (Aaron Nabil Eastlund) kalantar@cs.cornell.edu (Michael Kalantar) ******************************************************************************