It's a weird feeling: someone who you've never had any dealings with and to whom you have warm regard because there's never been cause to have anything else suddenly writes a blog denouncing you. In displays of condemnation and self-righteousness and in generalisations and statements of prejudice and calumny, Jack McLean lets the world know that he is the best of Baha'is while others whom he labels as 'dissidents' are misguided and wicked. His pearls of wisdom were to be found on his blog Pilgrim's Notes, but he has since taken them down. Below are a few quotes from what he said. The full text can be found on Baha'i Rants.
His description of those he condemns: "A dissident is not, of course, an ex-Bahá’í, but someone who still claims to be a follower who has serious grievances against the Bahá’í Faith and who continues to militate for their acceptance." Only two names are given in the article, that of Juan Cole and Francesco Ficicchia. The rest are left to guess at who they may be. But Jack knows all about them, anyhow.
His calumny against Juan Cole: "What is perhaps not so well-known was that by that time Dr. Cole had been remonstrating with the Universal House of Justice more or less steadily for about 20 years." Never mind the evidence. (By the way, Jack, the list owner of Talisman I was John Walbridge and not Juan Cole.)
More generalisations about those he condemns: "I am submitting the following observations, consequently, not to revive some old grudges, nor to perpetuate present ones, but because I seriously doubt that the Bahá’í community has seen the end of the complaints of the constantly disgruntled, the doctrinally innovative and the permanently embittered."
More generalisations: "But in the final analysis, these doctrinal boundaries and ethical norms are simply not accepted by these individuals who, driven by frustration at the non-acceptance of the perceived moral rightness of their cause, ego-mania, hyper-individualism and the principles of 'liberal democracy,' engage in corrosive attacks which by definition are beyond the ethical norms and the principles of consultation which Bahá’u’lláh has mandated to replace acrimonious and divisive debate." Again, never mind the evidence or any quotes from scripture.
A dire warning from one who knows: "The founders of the Bahá’í Faith have repeatedly warned their followers—some individuals even balk at the very notion of a warning--of the grave moral and spiritual consequences that accompany such hostile, confrontational approaches." Gee, isn't this confrontational? Prior to this, I had no reason to think that Jack McLean was anything other than a well-wisher! I was even seriously contemplating interviewing him for my blog about his writing in Baha'i Studies. Now I wonder if it's beneath him to ever speak to me. He clearly considers me a very evil person indeed.
And now Jack indicates that he knows all the details associated with my expulsion: "Yet, just like the perpetrators who claim to be victims, they act shocked and surprised, and charge betrayal and harassment, when the government of their religion finally asks them to withdraw or takes measures to remove them permanently from the membership list. This removal, I should add, usually takes place after a lengthy and patient hearing and exchange of views, counselling and, final warnings. This careful process, however, has sometimes resulted in charges of fascism and religious fundamentalism being levelled against the institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. Of course, neither Bahá’í doctrine nor covenants gives any one a licence to radically alter Bahá’í belief or ethical practice to the point of making it unrecognizable to the community itself and to the institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. But for these individuals, this seems to be quite beside the point." There was never any need for Jack to contact me about my explusion, he knows the truth from other sources. He's got it all sorted out how I was expelled, why I was expelled and my secret motive to interpret the writings beyond recognition. It amazes me how well he knows me, when I have never spoken to the guy in my life!
Isn't this tragic? A devoted follower of Baha'u'llah (unlike Jack's assessment of me, I do credit him with belief in Baha'u'llah despite our seeming differences) stoops to self-righteous displays of condemnation of fellow believers. These days, this is considered good, loyal Baha'i behaviour. For goodness sake! How did it come to this? One believer judging another, telling her that her views are not within the boundaries of Baha'i belief. The early Christians excommunicated each other over issues to do with whether Christ was human or divine. It divided the church! People died because of it. Are we doomed to repeat their mistakes? Who cares!
Jack, hear me, I beg of you. I don't care what you believe. You can love the House of Justice with all your heart and all your mind, for all I care. But please, let's stop the hatred. It's not about you being within the boundaries and me being outside of them; you being really good and me being really bad. It's about loving Baha'u'llah. Let's put our differences aside and get on with revelling in our devotion to Him. Let's spread the fragrance of his Word across the globe and bring joy to hearts. Let's not focus on each other's perceived shortcomings. Let's use our sin-covering eye and get on with the important work that has been assigned to us by the grace of God. Let's not miss out on this precious opportunity that will never again be offered to us.
I remember you with fondness. Despite the fact that you portray yourself in your blog as disliking Talisman, you did participate in the Mysticism Conference that members of that list organised. Some of the talks were videoed and I bought a copy of the video. I remember you well. You clearly had an interest in mysticism, you gave a talk on it. It's my favourite subject. I especially remember the way you conveyed to the audience Abdu'l-Baha's statement that the longest journey was from the head to heart. You gracefully moved your hand from your head to your heart and thereby communicated your meaning perfectly. It was beautiful. I'll never forget it.
Now, let us move from the head to the heart and share in the love that Baha'u'llah has deposited in there in trust. It's a limitless ocean of bounty. Let's do Him proud and jump for joy, hands clasped.
I promise, hand on my heart: I'm not bitter at all. I'm simply lost to the majesty of Baha'u'llah.
Alison
