Why are we listed under "Modern Religions" (not "Abrahamic" religions) in this forum?

Opal · 01-07-2008, 03:17 PM

I did have one question the first time I came to this board but havent had time to raise is, so I guess I will do it now

Howcomes Bahai is listed under "Modern Religions" and not "Abrahamic Religions" on this messageboard? Its rather strange...

Shall I raise this with the admin or something?

Opal · 01-07-2008, 03:24 PM

I was looking at the descriptions for each sub-forum

For "Modern Religions" it says:

Religions new to the world over the recent centuries, their ideas, followings, and meaning

While it is true that the Bahai faith stems back to the mid-1800s, it has been shown that Bahaullah is a descendent of Abraham and is hence an Abrahamic religion

arthra · 01-07-2008, 05:05 PM

Hi Opal!

A year or so ago this forum went through a few changes.. at that time, Baha'i Faith was listed among Abrahamic religions. Then the changes... We discussed this at great length with the administrator of the forum and were unable to change it. so that's where it lies.. I also have some issues with it and would welcome a change.

I was informed not too long ago that there will be additional changes in the wind... this too I'm unsure about but am hopeful things can improve.

- Art

wil · 01-07-2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opal

I was looking at the descriptions for each sub-forum

For "Modern Religions" it says:

Religions new to the world over the recent centuries, their ideas, followings, and meaning

While it is true that the Bahai faith stems back to the mid-1800s, it has been shown that Bahaullah is a descendent of Abraham and is hence an Abrahamic religion

Namaste Opal,

I would suppose that in another 150 years or so the argument that you are no longer modern would be well founded and the move should be made. And then no to long after that the Rasta's could join us as well.

It actually falls under the category of 'you can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all the people all of the time' Decisions are made and as you indicated you fit under Abrahamic, but are also clearly when it comes to religion also quite modern.

Sean H. · 01-07-2008, 09:52 PM

There are some advantages to the Bahai Forum being listed under Modern Religions.

arthra · 01-07-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wil

Namaste Opal,

I would suppose that in another 150 years or so the argument that you are no longer modern would be well founded and the move should be made. And then no to long after that the Rasta's could join us as well.

It actually falls under the category of 'you can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all the people all of the time' Decisions are made and as you indicated you fit under Abrahamic, but are also clearly when it comes to religion also quite modern.

I don't know about the hundred and fifty years there Will... ?! But ultimately on this forum it's up to the administrator. Other forums organize things their way as well...

- Art

Opal · 01-08-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean H.

There are some advantages to the Bahai Forum being listed under Modern Religions.

Such as?

I, Brian · 01-08-2008, 06:56 PM

The problem with the classification is that it's always going to have to be based on very arbitrary decisions - there are a few other faiths that could have been listed in Abrahamic, but the aim on that board is to capture the fact that there's a very long traditional history of inter-reference between the faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - and that board aims to continue to encourage that specific aspect.

That doesn't mean that Baha'is can't discuss such issues from their own standpoint, though. In fact, it could be read as an opportunity to make the Baha'i faith more prominent in that regard.

Modern Religions seemed more appropriate in that there are various religions founded over the past couple of centuries which are also rooted in ancient traditions, usually providing a more modern interpretation.

I know some people have complained about the company that sets Baha'is in, but I'm going by the historical perspective, rather than any attempt at qualitative judgements, which is not my place to make.

There was a rather lengthy discussion previously here:
http://www.comparative-religion.com/...ring-3787.html

arthra · 01-09-2008, 02:04 AM

Hey Brian..

Good to read your post...

You know away back there in 2005 you posted this:

"...the Modern Religions section is woefully under-developed, and I am to actively expand that.

I think someone raised a concern about being among less well known groups, but as that section expands, it could well become one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the site."

Now in 2008 what is your assessment?

Do you think "Modern Religions" has become "diverse and dynamic"?

or flacid and uniform...

Also, one other question:

What's in the works? That is, what kind of redesign are you considering for Interfaith forums?

- Art

I, Brian · 01-09-2008, 10:12 AM

Here you go, Art:
http://www.comparative-religion.com/...-way-8550.html

The time I've been able to spend developing CR has been woefully limited, but now I'm rebuilding it as Interfaith.org, hopefully this means I can start to catch up a bit.

arthra · 01-09-2008, 06:22 PM

Brian,

Let us know if you need assistance... or need to consult on any issues for the new site.

You are probably aware of other inter-faith sites too.

For some of us on this forum this has been a difficult experience in the past few years and I for one would like to assist in any way to improve things.

- Art

I, Brian · 01-10-2008, 04:51 PM

Will do, Art.

Dah-veeth · 02-01-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I, Brian

Here you go, Art:
http://www.comparative-religion.com/...-way-8550.html

The time I've been able to spend developing CR has been woefully limited, but now I'm rebuilding it as Interfaith.org, hopefully this means I can start to catch up a bit.

Will the new site show the relationship the Baha'i Faith has with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? We believe Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. There's no doubt we're Abrahamic

BruceDLimber · 02-04-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dah-veeth

There's no doubt we're Abrahamic

The more so given our Central Figures' descent from all three of His wives!

Bruce

Dah-veeth · 02-05-2008, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceDLimber

The more so given our Central Figures' descent from all three of His wives!

Bruce

Baha'u'llah is very Abrahamic

I think He is also descended from Zoroaster... or at least from the ancient kings of Persia. He was a prince, literally.