Silvie wrote the following handwritten, illustrated note, showing how little she agrees with her father and the Baha'i Faith about the gay question. I have exhausted every avenue, including studying together the compilation "A Chaste and Holy Life," to persuade her of the justice of the Baha'i position on homosexuality. Maybe some of my readers can say something to where I have failed.
Homosexuality: My Opinion (by Silvie)
I think that when you say homosexuality is "sick and wrong," I beg to differ. It is just another person's way of loving. If you say that a person should be separated from the one they love, just because they are homosexual, then you must think that all lovers should be separated and do not need love in life. Therefore, in conclusion, I do not see that if you support straight lovers, why you should not support homosexuals (who married, never had sex, and got a kid via adoption. Let a cousin or aunt or uncle act as the "other parent.")
This is followed by a suggestion that I make a romantic gesture to her mother (it turned out that she wants to have another little brother or sister, because it would be "fun."). Her handwritten text has at the bottom a picture of an indignant cartoon man, hands on hips, saying, "Well, do you agree? Well? huh? do ya?! do ya?! ..." In the margins, like a Google email letter, are two "advertisements" framed in little squares. The first promotes her opinion that I would be better off shaving my beard off,
"Adsense. A nice fresh feeling on your chin. Very clean. Call 905-trimmers Now!"
And below that, in a second box:
Quote: "Just because you are trying to make a point, does not mean you are always right, Dad!" -me
At the bottom: FIN
3 comments:
It's merely your opinion that Silvie's note shows "how little she agrees with ... the Baha'i Faith about the gay question".
When this issue is examined strictly through a material lens, Silvie's logic can appear quite sound. But seeing with the "eye" of spiritual perception reminds us that the individual cannot ultimately know his/her true purpose without reference to the guidance of God. This is critical in differentiating between one's inclinations--some undoubtedly genetically and physiologically based--and how one lives life in accord with one's ultimate spiritual purpose. For Baha'is, Baha'u'llah's teachings on sexuality provide the definitive framework on how we as spiritual beings should live. This is all about the spiritual choice of the individual. One can hold this basic belief grounded in faith without in any way impinging on the basic rights of others.
I could have a lot to say about the subject but will be brief. We all see interpretations that are strict coming about, from Baha'i leadership (who ought to think if the earth is weary of them), when we know that none knows his own end (True Seeker). Okay, the idea is to keep the Faith pure. Hey, another Manifestation is coming in 900 or so years; how will the Baha'is receive this Person? We ought to think of that.
Now, let's do a little thought experiment: consider the middle sex issue. To which end does the holder of two operational appartuses lean? This was not meant to be facetious; rather, there is some number of instances thusly manifested that the question bears some interest on our part.
Oh, such would be the exception, one might argue. Yet, what is gender, exactly? We're told that men and women are equal. But, then we have the 'two seas' mentioned by the Master.
Why not allow that science would help delineate all the differencing mechanisms? And, in the meantime, chastisy, as a practice, would allow some relief (actually, may add to the grief), too. Of course, then the marriage event, as the opener of the doors of practice, would be the delimiting factor.
Otherwise, then, we would have that people will do whatever is necessary to maintain their health and happiness. As far as I know, the Faith is not counter to that goal.
How these things are defined for people is a matter of individual choice on this side (of course, we see that we ought to make ourselves ready to the next; yet, who said that sex cannot be spiritual?). At which point will we see the Kingdom here (refer to earlier remark about Progressive Revelation)?
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