Spring Break
Baha'i encourages cooperation between religions
TREVOR WILLIAMS For The Red & Black
Issue date: 5/1/07 Section: News
Being small, the association's schedule varies by semester based on the whims of the group members. This spring, it held weekly meetings, usually on Sundays in the Student Learning Center or in one of the members' homes.
A typical meeting begins with prayer followed by a presentation focusing on some topic of faith. Then the group reads some writings from one of the accepted religious traditions and closes with another prayer, usually taken straight from a Baha'i prayer book.
Gilleland stressed Baha'i faith's ability to reconcile these seemingly conflicting religious ideologies attracted him to Baha'i faith when he was 16 years old.
"The way we look at it is that different religions are like different grades in a school," Gilleland said, noting that as societies develop, religious institutions must evolve in order to remain relevant.
With Baha'i faith, Gilleland maintains his baptist-bred respect for the Bible without disregarding what he now sees as God's more contemporary revelations.
This syncretism, though it may sound problematic to strict adherents of other faiths, creates a safe atmosphere for non-religious people looking for a spiritual connection.
Both Baha'is and non-Baha'is play an active role in the meetings, and about one-third of the association's members are non-Baha'i, Gilleland said.
"The Baha'i Association is a very open group. It's very accepting of all kinds of faiths," said Jack Purvis, a senior agribusiness major from Blairsville. "It would seem that it wouldn't matter if you're an atheist; you're welcome."
Purvis heard about the Baha'is from a group member he met at the dining hall, and although he is a self-described agnostic, he has been significantly involved in the association's meetings this year.
Purvis's involvement is a testament to the association's openness, which stems from an important Baha'i belief.
"Religion is a choice," Moshtael said. "Through a process of independent investigation of truth, every individual needs to study for themselves and decide for themselves whether they want to follow any religious beliefs."
For more information about the Baha'i Association of the University, visit www.uga.edu/bahai.
A typical meeting begins with prayer followed by a presentation focusing on some topic of faith. Then the group reads some writings from one of the accepted religious traditions and closes with another prayer, usually taken straight from a Baha'i prayer book.
Gilleland stressed Baha'i faith's ability to reconcile these seemingly conflicting religious ideologies attracted him to Baha'i faith when he was 16 years old.
"The way we look at it is that different religions are like different grades in a school," Gilleland said, noting that as societies develop, religious institutions must evolve in order to remain relevant.
With Baha'i faith, Gilleland maintains his baptist-bred respect for the Bible without disregarding what he now sees as God's more contemporary revelations.
This syncretism, though it may sound problematic to strict adherents of other faiths, creates a safe atmosphere for non-religious people looking for a spiritual connection.
Both Baha'is and non-Baha'is play an active role in the meetings, and about one-third of the association's members are non-Baha'i, Gilleland said.
"The Baha'i Association is a very open group. It's very accepting of all kinds of faiths," said Jack Purvis, a senior agribusiness major from Blairsville. "It would seem that it wouldn't matter if you're an atheist; you're welcome."
Purvis heard about the Baha'is from a group member he met at the dining hall, and although he is a self-described agnostic, he has been significantly involved in the association's meetings this year.
Purvis's involvement is a testament to the association's openness, which stems from an important Baha'i belief.
"Religion is a choice," Moshtael said. "Through a process of independent investigation of truth, every individual needs to study for themselves and decide for themselves whether they want to follow any religious beliefs."
For more information about the Baha'i Association of the University, visit www.uga.edu/bahai.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Jeff
posted 5/01/07 @ 10:13 AM EST
This is the same nutty group that has predicted the end of the world and great catastopies for years, even pinpointing actual dates...and then nothing happens. (Continued…)
Also Jeff
posted 5/01/07 @ 4:21 PM EST
Jeff,
You seem to be mistaken about this. Baha'is are not expecting any catastrophes.
- Also Jeff
Wendy
posted 5/02/07 @ 12:23 AM EST
Jeff,
Perhaps you're thinking of one of various Christian sects who have made such predictions. Baha'is, who are not a sect of any religion, don't believe the world is going to end, though we may have some troubles before we finally get it together. (Continued…)
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