I have known members of Bahai, and they are good folk. I am not sure that they are morally realistic enough, but they are certainly more benign than not.
I would like to see people moderate what one may call the Pharasaism of doctrine, in favor of a system where religions compete in the marketplace of ideas and institutions without having to trash their competitors. I think it is okay to assert that there are advantages to one's own religion, the problem is when you make out that the others are demonic, or, at least, merely dead ends.
I am mostly, here, concerned with the "civic religion", the customary observances that are largely taken for granted to solemnize various occasions and invoke the blessings of Providence on our endeavors. One of the watch words of this civic religion is "interfaith", and a decent respect for the religious traditions of our fellow citizens. Certainly it was easier when it was mainly Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish, but I believe we can incorporate sensitivity and dignity to all major religions, at least. |
