This is the "official statement" of the expected social principals.
- abandonment of all forms of prejudice
- assurance to women of full equality of opportunity with men
- recognition of the unity and relativity of religious truth
- the elimination of extremes of poverty and wealth
- the realization of universal education
- the responsibility of each person to independently search for truth
- the establishment of a global commonwealth of nations
- recognition that true religion is in harmony with reason and the pursuit of scientific knowledge (this is one of my favorites!)
However, I recently learned that while women are treated as equals to men and when it comes to education as more important (If a Baha'i family can only educate one child it must be a daughter before a son) at this time, no woman may serve in the Universal House of Justice which is, for lack of a better phrase, the governing body of the Baha'i Faith. The faith has no clergy and is instead organized by local assemblies (women can serve and lead assemblies), but the clarifications needed on mandates (again, for lack of a better word-the terminology is new to me) of the faith are decided upon by the Universal House of Justice.
This doesn't sit well with me and yet, unlike the way I would be in other times of my life...I'm still here with an open mind. I've been told and read that there are many who question this, but more who accept it. I guess I understand...in a way. If you are a believer and you trust a religion that feels as if it belongs to you, then occasionally you have to accept that there are mysteries not ready to be revealed, but even so, it troubles me.
I've read that eventually the reason will be revealed and will most likey be considered plausible by members of the faith. It will make sense. I've guessed at what it is (believe me!) and come up with some good ones, but still would like to know.
This in itself isn't enough to turn me away from the Baha'i Faith...but it makes me need to understand more and do more reading in order to feel comfortable with it. I mean, this is a faith that dictates equality of the sexes, yet women can't serve in the highest leadership...so, do you get mad, say it's like the Catholics and priests? Or do you look at the way women are revered in all other areas of the faith including education and just trust that the reason must be a good one?
Just one of my many questions.
Here's a video you might enjoy...Many people know that Rainn Wilson is a Baha'i (was raised one and is very open about his faith), but there are many others.
P.S. I wanted to include a link to this article because someday someone may read this blog and want to know more about the topic of why women are denied the right to serve at/on the Universal House of Justice. This is one woman's essay and offers a different perspective, but an important one...I like knowing all sides of an issue before making decisions and all views are helpful...
