Editor�s note: The following is edited from "Farrakhan: God�s Man on the Straight Path."

As we�ll see�if we go deep enough�the subject of Moses and the Wise Man involves that which is taught in churches the world over: God became a man so that men could become God. This is at the core of what both�the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and his teacher�have brought to the world. This involves values that are beyond value. We can�t earn or buy such wisdom. We can only receive it, do the right thing by it, by others with it and ourselves.

This subject also shows the primary problem or obstacle that stands in man�s way to God Himself. This is graphically seen in the narrative of Moses and the Wise Man.

How can we be sure that this path�blazed by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, which Minister Farrakhan is leading us on�is all that they represent it to be; of which I, among others, are witnesses? Can the truth of it be demonstrated scientifically? Can it be done quickly?

We�ve heard that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. That depends. For instance, suppose you wanted to go to the moon, or to Mars, or even to Rome, Jerusalem, or Mecca. Could you get there on a straight line? The quickest is not always what is called a straight line. In fact, a straight line from the U.S.A. won�t get us to any of those cities, nor to any of the planets. You must travel on a curve, or in a series of curves, or even in circles�even sometimes, in circles, in cycles of circles�to get straight to where you are going. Why? What in the universal order of Allah�s creation makes this so?

Establishing the straight truth of your case, in a court of law often includes indirect methods, or means that may even appear other than direct, or straight. Sometimes establishing the truth may appear as other than the truth. This does not mean that you or your methods are dishonest, or that you don�t have the truth of the matter on your side.

In a court of law, the other side must have the opportunity to present its case, if justice is to be served. This takes more time, and makes more problems, than would be the case if only you were making your presentation. Often the opposition inadvertently, or unintentionally, helps you to make your case. You may or may not see this in advance. If you see this in advance, you may determine to factor this into your efforts. You may have to stop or pause, as you advance your case; go backwards, or appear as if you have gone backwards, even as you continue going forward. In many instances, such opposition is essential to your ability to make your case.

I�m not trying to be complicated. But the greater the truth to be established, the more complicated matters may seem to be. Likewise, the greater the distance you are going (or traveling) the more involved the moves of the trip will be. This point applies even to our individual (personal) lives. However, this does not mean that it can�t be stated simply.

Remember, for example, the Holy Qur�an�s teachings�in the narrative of Joseph�on the differences in the unfolding of the dreams, visions and aspirations of different people. The greater the benefit to be gained by others, by the efforts of still others, the more complexities the latter must go through for that benefit to come.

Look at the complexities in the solution to the problem Joseph was guided to use to bring about the unity of his family.

This bears directly on the work of Minister Farrakhan and his teacher. The greatest truths and principles are being presented and worked out in this�the greatest drama of all: the resurrection of the dead. To bring us from the state of total mental death to total divinity is quite a distance to travel. Think of it: from death to divinity and almost instantly at that.

Look at the injustice of world-wide poverty, hunger and the evils done to defenseless women and children. How are these to be solved�permanently? Can the nations of the earth settle their differences peacefully; with dignity, mutual respect, and equity, without blowing each up into nothingness? How? The wisest thinkers of this world�s educational system admit that it�s a failure. This world�s social scientists can�t devise the solutions to the problems of human life. They are themselves overwhelmed and overcome by the burgeoning difficulties of life on earth, as their world crumbles.

Think over the ever-increasing difficulties of solving the problems brought on by envy, greed, impatience, narrow-mindedness, undue hatred and vindictiveness�the world over. Then look at the many paradoxical situations we often encounter in significant spheres of life, which require the highest kind of wisdom to resolve them. For these, and other such problems, their wisdom has no satisfactory answer.

So, why should we continue to trust this world�s thinkers and their non-solutions to life�s most perplexing problems, especially since this world�s thinkers produced and perpetuate the problems? Does the framework of their and our (Black folk�s) experiences provide these most needed and vital answers? No!

Again, consider the many "mysteries" of creation, in the plant and animal world. Reflect over the "mysteries" of the objects in space and in the life that exists on other planets. What do the so-called wise of this world know about how all of this really bears on the solutions of the problems of the world?

Here is the point: how much do we really know about anything? If we are really honest with self, and ask ourselves: how much wisdom, goodness and power do we have? And why can�t the so-called wiser ones solve these problems? If we are not self-deluded, we will conclude that we, of ourselves, have but little power and a very tiny bit at that; if we are not insane, that is. So, then, how dare we adopt the narrow-minded, arrogant, self-important attitude, or disposition of this "Moses" figure, who traveled with the Wise Man?

(Of course, there are many of the "wise" of this world who are deliberately working to take everyone on earth to the most massive death imaginable.)

However, if we are with God and He with us, in us, and backing us, we can work wonders! You want evidence�powerful, overwhelming evidence? Look at the work, and the effect of Minister Farrakhan, going against the will of the mighty! Note: Not going against the will of the Almighty. No. The Almighty enabled Minister Farrakhan to overcome the mighty, especially since 1977!!!

As stated earlier, many of the scholars, on the Holy Qur�an, believe that this passage (involving Moses and the Wise Man) is a vision of the historical Moses. Some believe he received this vision before he began his mission, and this was part of his preparation for his work. Others believe he received it during his mission. Meanwhile, a great many believe we are reading actual history; that is, he did meet this Wise Man, at the meeting-place of two real rivers, on this earth. Therefore, these scholars think that the conversations between Moses and his teacher, as well as the actions of the Wise Man, really took place.

All of the serious scholars, whether they believe the passage is historical or not, believe it has very deep spiritual significance. They believe that it was divinely intended to teach lessons beyond that which man could learn on his own. In other words, they believe that the lessons this Wise Man taught are lessons (or points to lessons) that can only be learned from God, due to their very extraordinary nature and scope.

We may recall that the Biblical Moses was learned in all of the wisdom of the Egyptians. Even so, he yet did not have the key to the solution of the problems of his people. He was unable to free his people and lead them to a much better condition of life on his own knowledge and power. It was only after he met God that he could do for his people that which he could not do with all of his learning from the slave makers of his people. Furthermore, without the continued backing and guidance of God he would not have succeeded in leading his people to the Promised Land.

An honest and full evaluation of all the relevant facts will testify to the fact that the key to the resolution of the problems of Black people�in every dimension of life and even of the nations of the earth�has come through the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who, like the historical Moses, declared that he met God, and was guided and backed by Him to be successful.

However, we, as a people, and far too many of those of us who are acknowledged Muslims, have acted by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Minister Farrakhan, just as the symbolic Moses acted by that un-named Wise Man, in Surah 18 of the Holy Qur�an. I�m not saying that we did this in every respect and all the time. However, we did, and do, act that way at important times, and in significant situations, in large enough numbers to justify this assertion.

How can we get out of this madness?

More next issue, Allah willing.