This study of Baha’u’llah’s Surih of the Temple is intended to provide the reader with tools to gain insight into the complex symbols and structure that underlie any attempt at interpreting the meaning and purpose of this critical work. To this end, Hatcher unravels the major symbols employed by Baha’u’llah, and explains the challenging framework whereby complex matter has been framed by Him into a dialogue between Himself, as He lies imprisoned in the Siyah-Chal, and the Holy Spirit, personified as the Maid of Heaven.
Incorporated into this rendering of the Surih are five representative epistles among those Baha’u’llah addressed to the most prominent kings and rulers of the world. Hatcher demonstrates how these letters become integrated into the central themes of the Surih as Baha’u’llah examines and delineates how God has delegated authority through the Manifestation to these rulers and, ultimately, to humankind.
The book culminates in revealing how the divine plan for global unity and justice can come about solely by the collaboration of world leaders who, though having failed to recognize the station of Baha’u’llah, can still heed His salient and rational guidance for hastening a “Lesser Peace.” The Surih of the Temple is thus critically pertinent to present-day conflicts and challenges we face, whether as a global community, as nations, or as individuals striving to create the foundation for global change by establishing collaborative and nurturing communities—the essential framework for urgently needed global transformation.