About

Although my given names are John Barnabas, I am more usually known as Barney. I’ve been a Baha’i since I was 18 (in 1966) and my faith has shaped the whole of my adult life. I have been married since 1970; Erica and I have 3 grown-up children and four delightful grandchildren. The picture shows Maya, who is the youngest.

I started blogging because I was fascinated by the idea of being able to write and publish as I pleased online. I have been writing Barnabas Quotidianus for a couple of years now. The blog reflects what I wish to reveal of my life, my beliefs, my thoughts and my feelings.

I’ve been a Baha’i since I was 18 years old, back in 1966. My faith and my membership of the Baha’i community has shaped my entire adult life, the way I think, feel and – I hope – the way I behave. What I write in Barnabas Quotidianus comes from my perspective as a Baha’i. Being a Baha’i is not just a matter of assenting to some wonderful teachings; it is a lived experience that brings great joy into my life. Of course, as with any spiritual path or faith, to accept the spiritual discipline of striving to live according to the teachings of Baha’u'llah inevitably tests one’s weaknesses.

The striving and the overcoming – supported by prayer, by studying the sacred texts, by meditation, by fasting, by daily remembrance of God – are quite counter-cultural in the context of a materialistic society. They bring an inner peace and certitude that surpass any momentary pleasure that the acquisition of material goods could give.

I hope that Barnabas Quotidianus reflects some of the struggles and some of the joys of my life. I hope, too, that those who sacrifice some of their precious time to read my blog will find it in some measure pleasurable and perhaps even on occasion helpful.

You are welcome to leave comments on my posts. I am most happy with positive and constructive comments, but can live with critical comments as well. I shall not put up with gratuitously offensive (whether to me or to other people) comments – I will remove any such from the blog. This will not infringe your freedom of speech, since you are free to start your own blog at any time.

{ 11 comments }

1 Carol Rutstein 17 September 2007 at 18:56: Hi Barney,

I was happy to see the article about my son Dale’s father-in-law, Earl Cameron. He is indeed, an elegant gentleman and congratulations are due.

Thanks for the article and picture.

Carol Rutstein
2 Barney 17 September 2007 at 19:39: You’re welcome, Carol.
3 Perry Ram 19 September 2007 at 15:03: Dear Barney,

Great work with all these blogs.

We started a social networking site for Baha’is only. Hope to see you participate out there. If you send me an email, I will send an invitation.

Best Regards,

Perry Ram
4 Shameem 25 September 2007 at 09:42: very nice work Barney
5 Barney 25 September 2007 at 09:43: Thanks, Shameem.
6 Esther Bradley-DeTally 29 September 2007 at 21:52: Hi Barney, I liked your poetry; i like your blog; and the whole idea. I became a Baha’i in 1966; thus, your name familiar. My husband Bill and I live in Pasadena, CA; i’ve written one book, Without A Net, a Sojourn in Russia. Your blog came to me because of the blog on women! Thanks; our voices count. Have yet to really spend time on your blog; wonderful baby!!!!
7 Barney 30 September 2007 at 07:15: Hi, Esther, many thanks for your very kind comments. It’s great to hear from some of those who read my blog.
8 Thurai 16 November 2007 at 02:37: Thank you, Allah’u'Abha. Please continue writing.
Lots of love,Thurai
9 Barney 16 November 2007 at 18:45: I shall continue writing, Thurai. Thanks for your comment.
10 Parimal Desai 12 December 2007 at 11:15: Hello

Could you please link to the site I have created – http://pancreaticcancer.ning.com/

I have created a social network for people with pancreatic cancer. A social network is a means for people who share something in common to interact via the web. Well known examples include Myspace, Facebook and Bebo.

The purpose of creating this network, called Pancreatic Cancer Network, is to provide a space to discuss the illness or just share a thought or a joke. This network is open not just to those with pancreatic cancer, but also to the husband/wife/partner, family and friends of those who have this illness.

There is no charge for joining or using any of the network services. It is not meant to replace any existing provision for people with pancreatic cancer, rather it is about adding to and connecting with, what is already out there.

Why have I set up the network? In mid-May this year I was informed that I have cancer of the pancreas. I’ve been very lucky in the support I’ve had from my girlfriend, family and friends. One of the reasons for setting the network up is that I suspect that not everyone with the illness gets that level of support. I am providing a space where people can share with others in a similar situation.

If you link with me, I will obviously link back. You can see the site via the link below.

http://pancreaticcancer.ning.com/

Parimal Desai
11 Barney 12 December 2007 at 11:55: Parimal, sorry to hear that you have pancreatic cancer. I will put a link on my blog to your online network. I’m sure the network will help provide support for others diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.