Responding to attacks on the Faith
Here are some ideas about what to do, and what to avoid, taken from a letter dated 22 November 1999 from the Universal House of Justice on the subject: "Defending the Cause against its Opponents."
What to do
- Approach diverse opinions in the spirit of open-mindedness and loving sympathy.
- Refute the arguments of those that have attacked the Faith of God.
- Defend, in our writings, the Cause of God against its assailants.
- Use opportunities offered by potential enemies of the Faith to set forth, in a restrained and unprovocative language, its aims and tenets, to defend its interests, to proclaim its universality, to assert the supernatural, the supranational and non-political character of its institutions....
- Withstand them with the utmost love and kindness; consider their oppression and persecution as the caprice of children, and do not give any importance to whatever they do.
- Set forth Baha'u'llah's teachings cogently and courteously, but firmly, supporting them with rational proofs.
- Leave it to our hearers, whatever their interests or motivations, to consider our responses in this same spirit of courtesy and objectivity.
- Bear always in mind the reaction that the discussion of controversial issues tends to arouse in those who are merely casual readers and listeners.
- Where discussions of this kind have a direct and immediate impact on the perception of the Faith among the non-Baha'i public, seek the guidance and approval of the National Spiritual Assembly in all attempts to counter open attacks on the Cause.
- Welcome open attacks, and view every storm of mischief, from within or without, as a blessing in disguise.
What to avoid
- Contention
- Viewing with too critical an eye
- Acrimonious debate
- Reflecting on the character of others
- Trying to defend the institutions or members of the Faith from reckless slander
- Being drawn into discussions that divert attention from real and pressing issues
Here are some other ideas, taken from my experience and observation.
Temptations to resist
- Being occupied with people's motives and intentions, and who they really are
- Depreciating people
- Trying to discredit people
- Heckling or scolding people in Internet discussions
Some special cases
The dialogue/Talisman feud
Harmful behavior excused as trying to liberate, reform, protect or defend the Faith
Sectarianism, cultural poverty, and harmful behavior in Baha'i forums
People promoting Guardians after Shoghi Effendi
