AboutJoel Bjorling Expertise I can answer questions on the basic teachings, practices, and history of the Baha`i Faith and can provide information on diverse Baha`i groups (as the Orthodox Baha`is).
Experience I have personally studied the Baha'i Faith for over twenty years and published a reference book on the Faith entitled THE BAHA'I FAITH; AN HISTORICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY. I also hold a Masters degree in Theological Studies.
Publications THE BAHA'I FAITH: AN HISTORICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY (Garland Publishing,1985).
Education/Credentials BA in Behavioral Sciences (Oral Roberts University)
MATS (McCormick Theological Seminary)
Further study, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Expert: Joel Bjorling Date: 12/26/2006 Subject: Guardian of the Cause of God
Question Hello, My name is Jim Fluri, I live near Vienna Austria.
My Question is this-
Where is the Guardian of the Bahai Faith?
In the Will and Testament of `Abdu'l-Baha it is stated that it is incumbent on the Guardian of the Cause to appoint in his lifetime a successor (Guardian). It appears that there is no Guardian of the Bahai faith now (not as an individual anyway). I have read that Baha'u'llah said he rules from the throne of David (proclamation of Baha'u'llah). If this is the case this makes Baha'u'llah the Return of Christ (Messiah Ben David, King on the throne of David) If this is the case then it make perfect sense that the Guardian of the Bahai Faith at the head of the International Bahai Counsel is just what the world needs at this time. Where is the Guardian of the Cause of God?
Answer Jim, you ask a very good question. It has concerned me, too. The Will and Testament of Abdu'l-Baha does say that the Guardian (ie. Shoghi Effendi) should name another Guardian in his lifetime. However, at his death in 1957, he did not do that. Why, I don't know. Baha'is did expect there to be another Guardian after his death. However, after not finding anyone named as Guardian, the mainstream Baha'is (of Wilmete, IL) claimed that the Guardianship was "badah," or that God changed his mind about it. Yet Mason Remey, a prolific Baha'i teacher and president of the International Baha'i Council, insisted that the Guardianship be continued. He felt that as president of the IBC, he was the rightful Guardian. For this assertion, Remey and his followers were declared "covenant-breakers" by the Universal House of Justice. His followers, known as Orthodox Baha'is, still insist on the Guardianship, yet they differ on Remey's role in it. The Orthodox Baha'is of Roswell, NM claim that he was the actual Second Guardian. The Orthodox Baha'is of Las Vegas, NM claim that he was a "Regent" until the Second Guardian appeared. Suffice it to say, it was quite a mess. As a matter of fact, there is a current case in the Illinois Supreme Court where the mainstream Baha'is are trying to register the name "Baha'i" and keep the Orthodox Baha'is from using it. Apparently, the Orthodox have been a pain in the mainstream's side and have provoked some questions they don't want to deal with. I guess the main question is what the Guardianship means, is it part of the plan of God, or is it a temporal means of religious government? I am not a Baha'i, so my comments are as a observer. Arguing for the Guardianship has not accomplished any useful end. The mainstream will not change. They won't even talk to the Orthdoox. If you accept the idea that God's plan is to promote unity, contending for the Guardianship is not doing that. It deepens divisions. My opinion is that Baha'is need to get beyond the Guardianship and teaach the basics. Otherwise, the Faith loses its credibility.
