The world mustn't believe in a devil. If they do, they are using a scapegoat to justify the evil that they themselves create. One more thing God is not in the image of man because man is evil, and man must be careful not to come too close to God, for goodness repudiates evil. Attorney: You're dismissed, Rabbi. You've not given the people what their souls desire. You've compromised too much. Next witness: A Baha'i World Spiritualist. You believe the world is spiritual? Baha'i: (screaming) "Religion must be in accord with science and reason." Religion must compromise to meet the demands of human-developed truth. No priesthood is required in our true religion, but we honestly do have the authority of God in all that we do. Honestly. "God is the unknowable essence." We can't know Him, but we can know His qualities and attributes. "It is not possible for the created to know the creator." Attorney: Gadzooks, woman, hold your voice. You're not trying to penetrate the far corners of the universe to catch up with God's spirit, are you? Baha'i: You're right. I should be more calm. But I thought that if my hearers saw how determined and fearless I am, they would believe me faster. Hon. Judge: Madame Baha'i. You are here to testify concerning God's work, not to win sympathizers to your cause. I'm afraid you'll have to be dismissed. Baha'i: (descending from the stand, indignantly) I am a manifestation of God myself, and I have God's word. You'll feel everlasting compunction for thus disposing of me... Attorney: Next witness. (Pause) wow, Father, you have ten minutes. Please say what you must and then I'll interrogate. Father: The Catholic Church is God's Church. But, "the Catholic Church is really very human." "The Church has less influence over people, as the people have over the Church." Attorney: Father, will you speak of God and not your Church? Father: We "can't say anything specific about Him," but I can paint a personal picture of perfection. Let's see. (My glittering generalities usually strike response). "It is God who has drifted away from us." "He's not waiting to hear your prayers." "You don't hurt God." "It's hard to let God love you." "If you let God take an inch, he will take a mile." "God is unattractable." "God is a nuisance." his logic scares me naughty, naughty, that word compromise! Then what about the attributes? selfishness... Sergeant of Arms at work (The intensity of "p" sound through mike, awakes sleeping recorder) How boring. The World in attendance: Our heart strings are rent. This man claims holiness and authority of God. He is describing himself, not God. Our souls declare to us (when we listen) that the Eternal God loves us. We feel it and cannot deny it. This man doesn't even think like a Child of God. No wonder he's on trial. Hon. Judge: Silence! Silence! I agree with these here things you've said, but this is no time to say them. Please allow the Father some courtesy. Father: No. I am finished. The world has rejected my word and God's word. They understand their souls but not my words. Oh, would that I could die. Attorney: (conferring with Hon. Judge) I'd call the Unitarian Minister, but I'm afraid he'd be stoned before he concluded his message. Hon. Judge: (ostentatiously) The court has come to a decision. These testimonies are now deemed sufficient to convict or acquit the Ministers of Religion. The jury will presently retire and consummate the question at point. (As the jury, retires, the nerve-sharpened world in attendance witnesses the quiet kissing of the Rosary, the cross, and the Star of David. Prayers ascend to the ceiling and then mix with tobacco-laden air which frequently causes intense choking and coughing.) (After deliberating only fifteen minutes, the jury returned with a "guilty" decision. The ministers were led to their chambers of confinement amid majority cheers and minority tears. This same scene would be enacted again in two more days when the "masters of agnosticism" would be sentenced and executed.) I didn't know they had it in them That'll hit headlines. You will, you will. And our courthouse is made of wood. It'll take faith. short, but sweet