• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are
• Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week’s subject is on failure. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
The Baha’i of Kaua‘i
Young children with outstretched arms and a towel for a cape, zoom around the playground emulating their favorite superhero. These imaginary heroes are admired for their special powers which make them invincible while they rescue vulnerable victims. Although these heroes always do good, the emphasis is given to their physical powers.
Real heroes possess no special talent or powers. Their strength lies in their character which compels them to defend their beliefs and ideals and to take risks for others without concern for reward or personal safety. Heroism is evidence of a noble character in action.
Heroes and heroines come from every stratum of society, every culture, from among men and women, and from among the young and old. Throughout history, the stories of courageous individuals are recorded in epics, oral history and in holy scriptures such as the Quran, the Bible and the Baha’i Writings. These stories of courage and sacrifice, passed on from generation to generation, awaken individuals to their own potentials and inspire the ideals of a people. Heroes and heroines are not born; they are created by their faith.
In the document “One Common Faith” the Universal House of Justice, supreme governing body of the Baha’i Faith, asserts that history shows us that a “vast literature, to which all religious cultures have contributed” is a primary source of inspiration for humanity: “Down the millennia, the lives of those who responded to intimations of the Divine have inspired breathtaking achievements in music, architecture, and the other arts, endlessly replicating the soul’s experience for millions of their fellow believers. No other force in existence has been able to elicit from people comparable qualities of heroism, self-sacrifice and self-discipline.”
Topic for next week:
• Will you speak to us on enemies?
• Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
• Deadline each week is Tuesday, by 5 p.m.