[Questions sent by Professor Cairns, Edinburgh, June 24th,
1910- 1. Is it right to speak of the Bab and of Baha'u'llah as Manifestations, or as Incarnations?
- 2. Do the Baha’is teach the doctrine of reincarnation”
- 3. Did Baha'u'llah claim to supersede the Revelation of Jesus, the Christ?
- 4. Did Baha’u’llah claim to be greater than Jesus, the Christ?]
O daughter of the Kingdom!
Your letter has arrived. Its contents caused spiritual
happiness and heartfelt gladness. I wish to answer in detail, but at present my
health is not very strong; I am fatigued, so am obliged to write in short. When
I feel better, I will write at length, for verily, you are occupied with the
work of the Kingdom and are serving the world of humanity, and therefore are
worthy of correspondence.
Now I will write shortly:
(1): Answer: The Baha’is believe that the incarnation of the
Word of God, meaning the changing of the nature of Divinity into Humanity and
the transformation of the Infinite into the finite, can never be. But they
believe that the Bab and Baha’u’llah are Manifestations of a Universal Order in
the world of humanity. It is clear that the Eternal can never be transient,
neither the transient Eternal.
Transformation of
nature is impossible. Perfect man, Manifestation, is like a clear mirror in
which the Sun of Reality is apparent and evident, reflected in its endless
bounties.
(2): Answer: In the teachings of Baha’u’llah, the
reincarnation of the spirit in successive bodies is not taught.
(3): Answer: Baha’u’llah has not abolished, the teachings of
Christ. He gave a fresh impulse to them and renewed them; explained and
interpreted them; expanded and fulfilled
(4): Answer: Baha’u’llah has not claimed Himself to be
greater than Christ. He gave the following explanation: That the Manifestations
of God are the Rising Points of one and the same Sun; i.e. the Sun of Reality
is One, but the places of rising are numerous. Thus, Reality is One, but it is
shining upon several mirrors.
Your own answers were good; and now I have myself answered
in short.
Upon you be the Glory of the Most Glorious!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Baha
Abbas
(Star of the West,
vol. 2, no. 6, June 24, 1911)
