Overview

"This study of Bah�'u'll�h's S�rih of the Temple is intended to provide the reader with tools to gain insight into the complex symbols and structure that underlie any attempt at interpreting the meaning and purpose of this critical work. To this end, Hatcher unravels the major symbols employed by Bah�'u'll�h, and explains the challenging framework whereby complex matter has been framed by Him into a dialogue between Himself, as He lies imprisoned in the Siy�h-Ch�l, and the Holy Spirit, personified as the Maid of Heaven. Incorporated into this rendering of the S�rih are five representative epistles among those Bah�'u'll�h addressed to the most prominent kings and rulers of the world. Hatcher demonstrates how these letters become integrated into the central themes of the S�rih as Bah�'u'll�h examines and delineates how God has delegated authority through the Manifestation to these rulers and, ultimately, to humankind. The book culminates in revealing how the divine plan for global unity and justice can come about solely by the collaboration of world leaders who, though having failed to recognize the station of Bah�'u'll�h, can still heed His salient and rational guidance for hastening a ""Lesser Peace."" The S�rih of the Temple is thus critically pertinent to present-day conflicts and challenges we face, whether as a global community, as nations, or as individuals striving to create the foundation for global change by establishing collaborative and nurturing communities-the essential framework for urgently needed global transformation."

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9780920904343

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Reviews

This book is an invaluable contribution to-and for newcomers, an invitation to participation in-a global conversation that will continue for generations. Some years ago, I likened the efforts of a learned Baha'i to those of a scout whose understanding and foresight can offer support and assistance to the community as it advances on its long journey of transformation to the ultimate attainment of its intended destination. In this book, John fulfills that role well, offering insights into the nature of reality and the method of learning essential for translating Baha'u'llah's teachings into action, before guiding the reader into a deep exploration of one of the central tablets of Baha'u'llah. And as is the case with the best scholarship, the aim is discovery and not the imposition of meaning. Those who are veteran Baha'is will find many insights to complement previous conceptions and provoke new understandings for future progress, especially through the connections to existing Baha'i efforts and contemporary challenges. For those who are new to this type of work-welcome to the conversation. - Paul Lample

This book is an invaluable contribution to-and for newcomers, an invitation to participation in-a global conversation that will continue for generations. Some years ago, I likened the efforts of a learned Bah�'� to those of a scout whose understanding and foresight can offer support and assistance to the community as it advances on its long journey of transformation to the ultimate attainment of its intended destination. In this book, John fulfills that role well, offering insights into the nature of reality and the method of learning essential for translating Bah�'u'll�h's teachings into action, before guiding the reader into a deep exploration of one of the central tablets of Bah�'u'll�h. And as is the case with the best scholarship, the aim is discovery and not the imposition of meaning. Those who are veteran Bah�'�s will find many insights to complement previous conceptions and provoke new understandings for future progress, especially through the connections to existing Bah�'� efforts and contemporary challenges. For those who are new to this type of work-welcome to the conversation. - Paul Lample

Author Information

John S. Hatcher is Professor Emeritus in English literature at the University of South Florida in Tampa where he taught for forty years. He is a poet, lecturer, translator, and author, having published twenty-five books, some of which have been translated into French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, German, and Norwegian. He has also published more than a hundred poems and articles, was editor of the Journal of Bah�'� Studies for seven years, and has been a guest lecturer at various distinguished universities. He received various awards for his work, including the Hasan Balyuzi Lectureship. Professor Hatcher lives with his wife Lucia on a farm in Plant City, Florida, continues his writing, and provides an online course on the Bah�'� Faith available on his website (www.johnshatcher.com). Michael Sabet's research involves putting a Bah�'� framework for governance into dialogue with political philosophy. He is a lawyer by training, having practiced constitutional litigation in Ottawa after clerking at the Supreme Court. Since 2020 he has been serving as the editor of The Journal of Bah�'� Studies.

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