I am interested in learning more about the religion just because it seems like a lovely one and quite interesting too. I may not be able to use this stamp but it is always good to learn the meaning behind these I feel.

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Well, the Båha'i Faith was founded in 1844 by Baha'u'llah (a title meaning "the Glory of God") in what was then known as Persia. We believe in the oneness of all religions, that they are all of God, and that humanity will eventually become united in a harmonious diversity-loving age of peace. That basically sums it up, heh. Check out the link in my signature or just ask me some questions. I'm happy to answer!

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<sub>"O Son of Man! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life."
- Baha'u'llah

For information on the Baha'i Faith [link]</sub>

Wow, that sounds really neat. I researched a bit into it the other day (particularly into the view of animals in the religion since...well...I like animals ^n.n^) and I was pleased to see that they are regarded with such kindess. It looks as though animals are also considered to be sort of...beings with no conscious other than insticts? Is this true? Haha, now you have me interested.

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Oh. My. Gosh. This is from quite a while ago! Shame on me! Well, here is a benefit of the new version of dA: I can actually see all the comments I neglected to answer! I'm so sorry, Aria.

Okay, I've done some research to help answer your question. The Baha'i view on animals is that they do have a spiritual aspect but it is different from humankind's in that the animal spirit does not have the ability to reason in the same way humans can. They don't have intellect and so they don't have a conscience like we do, but they are conscious. Instinct... I don't know where that comes in. Personally, I think the fact that animals have spirits means they can overcome instinct, or what a human would consider instinct. But it is clear that according to the Baha'i view, humans have a rational immortal soul while animals don't.

Does that answer your question? Now I'm curious to know your personal view on this.

Again, I'm so sorry for neglecting this!

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<sub>"O Son of Man! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life."
- Baha'u'llah

For information on the Baha'i Faith [link]</sub>

Oh that is completely fine, look how long it took me to answer back (clearing out messages helps...I may be almost completely on track again)

Ahh, I see. That makes more sense then. I have debated this before, I guess both sides have good point.

My personal view is that animals are fully conscious and with personality. I base this on experience of my own and those of others and I have even heard a lot of scientific fact to back it up. I can tell when I see how my animals interact, their different personalities and wants and affections. My black dog for instance, is very independent and smart, she is sweet but likes her alone time whereas the others prefer lots of affection. And of course there is the pickiness with toys or when they bond with certain other members of the family and their varying fears or interests. So I guess my belief is just that animals are fully conscience and intelligent. I think animals have moral views even but I think they are not alike to humans often in that area. I think one of the biggest reasons many humans view animals as sort of "unconscious" if you will is lack of understanding that...well, animals are not human and work very differently. We cannot use ourselves as the only way to determine intelligence.

Wow, long, haha sorry...

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How about a ten dollar commission? [link]
Beautiful icon by `DreamingMyth

Thanks for making this.

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"Are you making fun of us?"
"It's the universe that makes fun of us all."
"Why would the universe that makes fun of us all?"
"I dunno, maybe it's insecure."

Sure thing. I'm so happy to see you using it!

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<sub>"O Son of Man! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life."
- Baha'u'llah

For information on the Baha'i Faith [link]</sub>

Permanently posted to my journal. I'm going next spring. Unfortunately, the Shrine is being renovated.

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"Are you making fun of us?"
"It's the universe that makes fun of us all."
"Why would the universe that makes fun of us all?"
"I dunno, maybe it's insecure."