People used to think that metal disorders, health problems, and deviant behaviors were caused by demons, an evil spirit, unknown supernatural forces, and ... . It was widely believed that witches or demons were causing harm in societies. People were accused of being possessed by an evil spirit or a demon. A good example of this can be found in this clip: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (She's a Witch!)
Every major religious and cultural tradition worldwide has adopted the idea of spirit possession, or demonic possession, and more importantly the need for some form of exorcism! Longman Dictionary has defined Exorcism as:
"a process during which someone tries to make an evil spirit leave a place by saying special words, or a ceremony when this is done."
In other words, you have to pray!
Almost in all cultures mental disorders and even "deviant" behaviors were attributed to demons. Demonic possession was thought to precipitate "deviant" behaviors.
Interestingly, those who could not tolerate individual differences came up with this idea! Religious people were supporting this belief!
You might think that no one in our society believes in demons or evil spirits anymore! But you are wrong! People still do! They might not believe that demons are like ghosts, but they definitely believe in some sort of evil spirits. Even Baha'is believe in demons, evil spirits, or whatever you want to call them!
Yes Baha'is believe in demons! or Witches! Read this quote about homosexuality:
"Amongst the many other evils afflicting society in this spiritual low water mark in history, is the question of immorality, and over- emphasis of sex. Homosexuality, according to the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, is spiritually condemned. This does not mean that people so afflicted must not be helped and advised and sympathized with. It does mean that we do not believe that it is a permissible way of life; which, also, is all too often the accepted attitude nowadays."
"We must struggle against the evils in society by spiritual means, and medical and social ones as well. We must be tolerant but uncompromising, understanding but immovable in our point of view.
"The thing people need to meet this type of trouble, as well as every
other type, is greater spiritual understanding and stability; and of
course we Bahá'ís believe that ultimately this can only be given to
mankind through the Teachings of the Manifestation of God for this Day."
(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual
believer, May 21, 1954) (Compilations, Lights of Guidance, p. 364)
And this:
"...Baha'u'llah has spoken very strongly against this shameful sexual aberration, as He has against adultery and immoral conduct in general. We must try and help the soul to overcome them. (25 October 1949)
No matter how devoted and fine the love may be between people of the same sex, to let it find expression in sexual acts is wrong. To say that it is ideal is no excuse. Immorality of every sort is really forbidden by Baha'u'llah, and homosexual relationships He looks upon as such, besides being against nature.
To be afflicted this way is a great burden to a conscientious soul.
But through the advice and help of doctors, through a strong and
determined effort, and through prayer, a soul can overcome this handicap."
So, in other words, they were possessed by an evil spirit, a demon!
At least he didn't say homosexuals should pass the "water test"!
What is "water test" or sometimes called "running water"? According to Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology:
"Running water": Water represents purity and will reject evil. In folklore, crossing running water will enable a person to evade pursuing evil spirits and witches. In the European witch hunts, suspected witches were sometimes "swum,” or dunked into deep water with their hands and feet bound. If they floated, it meant that the water rejected them because they were evil, and so they were guilty of WITCHCRAFT. If they sank —and usually drowned—it meant that the water accepted them, and they were innocent." (p. 11)
Oh wait! Jesus could walk on the water? haha somethings wrong! Anyway, back to the topic.
According to Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology, in Zoroastrianism, Aeshma (a demon) "is responsible for all acts of aggression and malice... He has seven powers that he can use for the destruction of humanity." "Aeshma can be
driven away by the recitation of a prayer from the
Vendidad, a Zoroastrian text. The demon Asmodeus of Hebrew lore may be based in part on Aeshma." (p.4)
And I do not think it is necessary to mention how Christians deal with "demons"! Prayer of course!
So one can say that Baha'u'llah thought homosexuals were possessed by demons or evil spirits. This explains why he believed that "through
the advice and help of doctors, through
a strong and
determined effort, and through
prayer, a soul can overcome this
handicap."
I have heard so many times from Baha'is that the quote which I just showed you is about their soul/spirit. Many Baha'is have told me homosexuals are not physically sick, but they are spiritually sick and against nature. Demons are against nature/God as well!
Am I wrong?
