Apr 18, 2012 -- 2:07PM, Cascade wrote:

Okay, now, earlier Kalzera mentioned Mormon folk who, I'm sure we can all agree, are by and large lovely human beings. However, and everyone please correct me if I'm wrong about this, Joseph Smith is not recognized by the Bahai Faith as a Manifestation of God.

My question here is this: Is it necessary for one to follow a path set by a Manifestation in order to reach a level of intimacy with the God comparable to that of one who has followed such a path? Can a sincere, devout Mormon, despite having no Manifestation to call his own, reach a state of communion comparable to that of a Bahai, Moslem or whatever, simply on the strength of his own spirit and desire for God? I realize that there's actually no comparing any two relationships with the God. I guess what I'm saying is, do you guys think that a lack of a Manifested Path presents an impassable barrier to growth and closeness to the Heart of All Worlds?

To answer that question, would have to say that Mormons are Christians and thus fulfill the conditions you have outlined in your conditions. The fact that we don't see Joseph Smith as a Manifestaion of God is thus not relevant to the particular question you bring.

Independent of the latest Manifestation of God, there isn't a connection from our side. God however is not bounded by anything.

"For He doeth whatsoever He willeth and ordaineth whatsoever He pleaseth. Nor shall He be asked of His doings, whilst all men will be asked of their every deed."

 (Baha'u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries)