I feel that regarding such interpretations (of verses from
the Scriptures) no one has the right to impose his view or opinion and require
his listeners to believe in his particular interpretation of the sacred and
prophetic writings. I have no objection to your interpretations and inferences
so long as they are represented as your own personal observations and
reflections. It would be unnecessary and confusing to state authoritatively and
officially a dogmatic Bahá’í interpretation to be universally accepted and
taught by believers. Such matters I feel should be left to the personal
judgement and insight of individual teachers....
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated 6 April 1928 to an
individual believer; ‘Unfolding Destiny’)
Some insights:
- As Baha’is we can interpret the Writings provided we state that they represent our own personal “interpretations and inferences”;
- We should be careful not to make our personal interpretations as “dogmatic”, requiring all to accept them.
