AboutSuzanne Gerstner Expertise I can answer questions on all aspects of the Baha`i Faith, but am most interested in the spiritual teachings of this and other Faiths, and the interconnectedness of all religions. I believe that true religion should bring about love and unity. This is what the world really needs right now and the Baha`i teachings have a lot to offer on this subject.
Experience I've been a Baha'i for the past 23 years and have been answering questions on the newsgroup soc.religion.bahai since 1998.
Education/Credentials BA in Liberal Arts; Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and am currently working on an MA in psychotherapy.
Expert: Suzanne Gerstner Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: meaning of a Baha'i term
Question Hi Suzanne, In some articles by Baha'i writers I've seen the term "entry by troops." If I'm not mistaken, this term is used only between Baha'is. What does it mean? Thanks -- David
Answer Dear David,
It means crowds or throngs and it's basically a prophecy about a great many people coming into the Faith of God in a short span of time. In my view, it would not be a passive congregation, but people who are actively trying to do the will of God and striving to transform themselves and helping to spritualize the world of humanity; to bring about peace, unity, love, justice and fellowship among mankind.
The term "troops" comes originally from the Qur'an. Surah 39 is called "The Troops". It's about the Day of Resurrection for all mankind -- the Day when God's love and justice will finally prevail on earth.
"...And the earth shall shine with the light of her lord, and the Book shall be set, and the prophets shall be brought up, and the witnesses; and judgment shall be given between them with equity; and none shall be wronged. And every soul shall receive as it shall have wrought, for well knoweth He men's actions...
"...those who feared their Lord shall be driven on by troops to
Paradise, until when they reach it, its gates shall be opened, and its keepers shall say to them, "All hail! virtuous have ye been: enter therein, to abide herein for ever."
(The Qur'an (Rodwell tr), Sura 39 - The Troops)
When I read this passage, I think of this passage by Micah:
4,3 And He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide concerning mighty nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
(Nev'im (Prophets), Michah (Micah))
Also I think of Christ's promise of the Kingdom of God "on earth as it is in heaven."
You see, I don't actually see the Baha'i Faith as being separate from the older religions of God. I see it all as being one and the same; like chapters in one book, or stages of development of one tree.
