Bahá'í Faith - Revision history

SysopJ at 16:12, 3 February 2026

2026-02-03T16:12:00Z

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			[[File:Bahai star.svg\|250px\|right\|thumb\|Nine-pointed star, Bahá'í symbol]]
	==Origins and Founders==		==Origins and Founders==

SysopJ: /* Origins and Founders */

2025-09-22T20:02:54Z

Origins and Founders

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	==Origins and Founders==		==Origins and Founders==

	Similar to the way Christianity emerged from Judaism, the ~~Bahá’í~~ Faith resulted from theological disagreements within Islam.<ref>William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin: The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. New York: Harper & Row, 1985, p. 1</ref> The immediate precursor of the Bahá’í faith was the '''Babi movement'''; at least one scholar has called the Babis and Bahá’ís the “Gnostics of Islam.”<ref>Marie Godefroy: The Babis and Baha’is: Gnostics Of Islam. The Theosophist 40(4):363–372, January 1919.</ref> In December 1844, a young man who became known as '''“the Bab”''' (meaning “the Gate”) declared that he was the Hidden Imam the faithful had been awaiting for nearly a thousand years. He also stated that he was merely the predecessor of a greater messenger from God. Although not highly educated, this young man’s dealings in the family business had earned him a reputation for both integrity and ability.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 9</ref> <ref> https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 25</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 8</ref>		Similar to the way Christianity emerged from Judaism, the Bahá'í Faith resulted from theological disagreements within Islam.<ref>William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin: The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. New York: Harper & Row, 1985, p. 1</ref> The immediate precursor of the Bahá’í faith was the '''Babi movement'''; at least one scholar has called the Babis and Bahá’ís the “Gnostics of Islam.”<ref>Marie Godefroy: The Babis and Baha’is: Gnostics Of Islam. The Theosophist 40(4):363–372, January 1919.</ref> In December 1844, a young man who became known as '''“the Bab”''' (meaning “the Gate”) declared that he was the Hidden Imam the faithful had been awaiting for nearly a thousand years. He also stated that he was merely the predecessor of a greater messenger from God. Although not highly educated, this young man’s dealings in the family business had earned him a reputation for both integrity and ability.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 9</ref> <ref> https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 25</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 8</ref>
	Despite the lack of a formal education, the Bab was noted for his “extensive theological commentaries” as well as a social prescription that had in mind a complete overhaul of Shia customs and laws. Among the Bab’s teachings, considered radical by many, was the idea of women’s equality.<ref> Hatcher & Martin, pp. 22–25</ref> Having greatly angered the political and religious authorities, he was martyred in 1850;<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 18–19</ref> <ref>Godefroy, p. 365</ref> many thousands of his followers had been martyred by then as well.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>		Despite the lack of a formal education, the Bab was noted for his “extensive theological commentaries” as well as a social prescription that had in mind a complete overhaul of Shia customs and laws. Among the Bab’s teachings, considered radical by many, was the idea of women’s equality.<ref> Hatcher & Martin, pp. 22–25</ref> Having greatly angered the political and religious authorities, he was martyred in 1850;<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 18–19</ref> <ref>Godefroy, p. 365</ref> many thousands of his followers had been martyred by then as well.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>

SysopJ: /* Books, pamphlets, and articles */

2023-11-25T21:01:56Z

Books, pamphlets, and articles

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 25 November 2023
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	* [https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/books/10-great-introductory-books-on-the-bahai-faith/ 10 Great introductory Books on the Bahai Faith] - brief reviews with links to purchase.		* [https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/books/10-great-introductory-books-on-the-bahai-faith/ 10 Great introductory Books on the Bahai Faith] - brief reviews with links to purchase.
	* [https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/ Authoritative Texts] - downloadable texts from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, Abdu’l-Bahá, and more.		* [https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/ Authoritative Texts] - downloadable texts from Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, Abdu’l-Bahá, and more.
	* [https://www.theosophy.world/encyclopedia/bahai-faith "Bahai Faith"] in Theosophy World.		* [https://www.theosophy.world/encyclopedia/bahai-faith Bahai Faith] in Theosophy World.
	* [http://bahai-library.com/hare_bahai_cause "The Baha'i Cause"] by William Loftus Hare. ''The Open Court'' 38:12 (December, 1924), 713, 735-737.		* [http://bahai-library.com/hare_bahai_cause "The Baha'i Cause"] by William Loftus Hare. ''The Open Court'' 38:12 (December, 1924), 713, 735-737.

Linda Dorr at 17:08, 20 April 2023

2023-04-20T17:08:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:08, 20 April 2023
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	The Bahá’í Faith sees the various religions as stepping stones, as it were, toward the goal of unity. All the major religions are respected as appropriate to their time and place, and all their founders/prophets are seen as Manifestations of God. The Bahá’í Faith is seen as the current expression of the one religion, which is by no means complete — the “progressive revelation” is still unfolding.<ref> https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/</ref>		The Bahá’í Faith sees the various religions as stepping stones, as it were, toward the goal of unity. All the major religions are respected as appropriate to their time and place, and all their founders/prophets are seen as Manifestations of God. The Bahá’í Faith is seen as the current expression of the one religion, which is by no means complete — the “progressive revelation” is still unfolding.<ref> https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/</ref>

			== Theosophy and the Bahá’í Faith ==

			The Theosophical tradition also stresses unity, including the essential teaching that there is one basis for all religions<ref>Helena P. Blavatsky, Isis Unveiled, vol. 2, chapter 3, pp. 123-124: https://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/isis/iu2-03.htm</ref> and the belief that humanity is indeed one family. The First Object of the Society is “To form a nucleus of the Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour.”<ref> https://theosophy.wiki/en/Objects_of_the_Theosophical_Society</ref> The evolution of consciousness is emphasized as well; like the Bahá’í Faith, Theosophy perceives humanity to be continually advancing toward the ability to love our neighbors as ourselves and to learn to coexist peacefully. To be sure, this tendency is growing quite slowly and must address any number of adverse circumstances — but it is progressing nonetheless, whether we as individuals see it or not. This is the “destiny” of the human race; our individual free will allows us to decide whether we will cooperate in this great venture or spend our lives working only for our own ends. The Bahá’í Faith encourages its members to serve this universal purpose.

	[[File:Bahai temple, Haifa.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|Bahá’í Temple in Haifa]]		[[File:Bahai temple, Haifa.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|Bahá’í Temple in Haifa]]

SysopJ at 16:36, 17 March 2023

2023-03-17T16:36:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 17 March 2023
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	==Origins and Founders==		==Origins and Founders==

Linda Dorr at 22:02, 2 February 2023

2023-02-02T22:02:51Z

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	<br>		<br>
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	==Origins and Founders==		==Origins and Founders==

	Similar to the way Christianity emerged from Judaism, the Bahá’í Faith resulted from theological disagreements within Islam.<ref>William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin: The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. New York: Harper & Row, 1985, p. 1</ref> The immediate precursor of the Bahá’í faith was the '''Babi movement'''; at least one scholar has called the Babis and Bahá’ís the “Gnostics of Islam.”<ref>Marie Godefroy: The Babis and Baha’is: Gnostics Of Islam. The Theosophist 40(4):363–372, January 1919.</ref> In December 1844, a young man who became known as '''“the Bab”''' (meaning “the Gate”) declared that he was the Hidden Imam the faithful had been awaiting for nearly a thousand years. He also stated that he was merely the predecessor of a greater messenger from God. Although not highly educated, this young man’s dealings in the family business had earned him a reputation for both integrity and ability.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 9</ref> <ref> https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 25</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 8</ref>		Similar to the way Christianity emerged from Judaism, the Bahá’í Faith resulted from theological disagreements within Islam.<ref>William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin: The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. New York: Harper & Row, 1985, p. 1</ref> The immediate precursor of the Bahá’í faith was the '''Babi movement'''; at least one scholar has called the Babis and Bahá’ís the “Gnostics of Islam.”<ref>Marie Godefroy: The Babis and Baha’is: Gnostics Of Islam. The Theosophist 40(4):363–372, January 1919.</ref> In December 1844, a young man who became known as '''“the Bab”''' (meaning “the Gate”) declared that he was the Hidden Imam the faithful had been awaiting for nearly a thousand years. He also stated that he was merely the predecessor of a greater messenger from God. Although not highly educated, this young man’s dealings in the family business had earned him a reputation for both integrity and ability.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 9</ref> <ref> https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 25</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 8</ref>
	Despite the lack of a formal education, the Bab was noted for his “extensive theological commentaries” as well as a social prescription that had in mind a complete overhaul of Shia customs and laws. Among the Bab’s teachings, considered radical by many, was the idea of women’s equality.<ref> Hatcher & Martin, pp. 22–25</ref> Having greatly angered the political and religious authorities, he was martyred in 1850;<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 18–19</ref> <ref>Godefroy, p. 365</ref> many thousands of his followers had been martyred by then as well.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>		Despite the lack of a formal education, the Bab was noted for his “extensive theological commentaries” as well as a social prescription that had in mind a complete overhaul of Shia customs and laws. Among the Bab’s teachings, considered radical by many, was the idea of women’s equality.<ref> Hatcher & Martin, pp. 22–25</ref> Having greatly angered the political and religious authorities, he was martyred in 1850;<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 18–19</ref> <ref>Godefroy, p. 365</ref> many thousands of his followers had been martyred by then as well.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>

	The greater messenger declared by the Bab was a man named Mírzá Husayn ‘Alí, better known as '''~~Baha-ullah~~''' (1817–1892) and recognized as the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Like the Bab, he had a reputation for being highly ethical and competent as well as humble. His efforts on behalf of the Babi movement, needless to say, were not met with appreciation by the authorities. For some years his family’s social position shielded him from the persecution being meted out to the Babis, but eventually he was also imprisoned and tortured.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 28–31</ref> He survived without being martyred due to his family’s social position and to the personal intervention by the Russian ambassador, Prince Dolgorukov (who was, coincidentally, a distant cousin of Helena Blavatsky --- her maternal grandmother was a Dolgorukov).		The greater messenger declared by the Bab was a man named Mírzá Husayn ‘Alí, better known as '''Bahá’u’lláh''' (1817–1892) and recognized as the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Like the Bab, he had a reputation for being highly ethical and competent as well as humble. His efforts on behalf of the Babi movement, needless to say, were not met with appreciation by the authorities. For some years his family’s social position shielded him from the persecution being meted out to the Babis, but eventually he was also imprisoned and tortured.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 28–31</ref> He survived without being martyred due to his family’s social position and to the personal intervention by the Russian ambassador, Prince Dolgorukov (who was, coincidentally, a distant cousin of Helena Blavatsky --- her maternal grandmother was a Dolgorukov).

	The authorities did not want to release ~~Baha-ullah~~ because of his ties to the Babis. However, his social status prevented them from executing him without a trial, and, given the testimony of Babis who had been prosecuted, a trial would have forced the authorities to release him because he was innocent of illegal acts. Hence, a prime minister who was a relative of ~~Baha-ullah’s~~ was finally able to convince the royal family to simply banish him. This was done, but not before every bit of his property was seized and his country home leveled. This did not weigh on him, because while imprisoned he had experienced the vision that convinced him he was indeed the messenger the Bab had proclaimed.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 32–33</ref>		The authorities did not want to release Bahá’u’lláh because of his ties to the Babis. However, his social status prevented them from executing him without a trial, and, given the testimony of Babis who had been prosecuted, a trial would have forced the authorities to release him because he was innocent of illegal acts. Hence, a prime minister who was a relative of Bahá’u’lláh’s was finally able to convince the royal family to simply banish him. This was done, but not before every bit of his property was seized and his country home leveled. This did not weigh on him, because while imprisoned he had experienced the vision that convinced him he was indeed the messenger the Bab had proclaimed.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 32–33</ref>

	The Babi movement was revolutionary in many ways but was, according to Godefroy, still recognizable as Shi’ite Islam.<ref>Godefroy, p. 366</ref> Under ~~Baha-ullah~~, the movement evolved into the '''Bahá’í Faith''', an entirely separate religion whose fundamental teaching is Unity.		The Babi movement was revolutionary in many ways but was, according to Godefroy, still recognizable as Shi’ite Islam.<ref>Godefroy, p. 366</ref> Under Bahá’u’lláh, the movement evolved into the '''Bahá’í Faith''', an entirely separate religion whose fundamental teaching is Unity.

	==Exile and Succession==		==Exile and Succession==

	In 1852, accompanied by several members of his family, ~~Baha-ullah~~ was exiled to Baghdad, where he would remain for the first 10 years of a 40-year exile. By 1868, he and 70 or so family and followers arrived at the penal colony of Acre in Israel, sentenced to perpetual confinement. While the order of confinement was never lifted, his character and reputation eventually allowed him to move outside the walls of the prison. During his exile he wrote extensively, completing teachings that are estimated to fill 100 volumes.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>		In 1852, accompanied by several members of his family, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled to Baghdad, where he would remain for the first 10 years of a 40-year exile. By 1868, he and 70 or so family and followers arrived at the penal colony of Acre in Israel, sentenced to perpetual confinement. While the order of confinement was never lifted, his character and reputation eventually allowed him to move outside the walls of the prison. During his exile he wrote extensively, completing teachings that are estimated to fill 100 volumes.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>

	~~Baha-ullah’s~~ eldest son and successor, Abbas Effendi (1844–1921), is known as '''Abdul Baha''' (“servant of Baha”). The writings of these two men, which are considered by the Baha’i community to have been revealed, comprise thousands of treatises on the nature of God, humanity’s purpose, and religious laws whose purpose is to bring humankind together.<ref>ibid.</ref>		Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son and successor, Abbas Effendi (1844–1921), is known as '''Abdul Baha''' (“servant of Baha”). The writings of these two men, which are considered by the Baha’i community to have been revealed, comprise thousands of treatises on the nature of God, humanity’s purpose, and religious laws whose purpose is to bring humankind together.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	Upon Abdul Baha’s death in 1921, his grandson '''Shoghi Effendi''' was given the title of Guardian of the Baha’i Faith. He would be last in the line of hereditary leaders. A few years after his death in 1957, the Baha’i community elected the '''Universal House of Justice''' to guide the affairs of the Faith. This nine-member board is elected every 5 years by administrative bodies around the world.<ref>ibid.</ref>		Upon Abdul Baha’s death in 1921, his grandson '''Shoghi Effendi''' was given the title of Guardian of the Baha’i Faith. He would be last in the line of hereditary leaders. A few years after his death in 1957, the Baha’i community elected the '''Universal House of Justice''' to guide the affairs of the Faith. This nine-member board is elected every 5 years by administrative bodies around the world.<ref>ibid.</ref>
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	==Scriptures==		==Scriptures==

	Among the thousands of documents comprising the ~~Baha’i~~ writings, the '''''Kitáb-i-Aqdas''''' or Book of Laws is described as “the Most Holy Book.”<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/</ref> This text includes nearly 200 behavioral commandments as well as: prayers; more than 100 questions and answers; an outline and summary of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; and more than 190 “Notes” on numerous topics. '''''The Hidden Word''''' is (arguably) another of the most important Baha’i writings.<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/hidden-words.pdf?f765a304</ref> A number of the spiritual principles described in this collection of 82 short verses are familiar to many, whatever their religion. One translation of verse 27, for example, begins “Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.” Verse 59 in its entirety states, “Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it		Among the thousands of documents comprising the Bahá’í writings, the '''''Kitáb-i-Aqdas''''' or Book of Laws is described as “the Most Holy Book.”<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/</ref> This text includes nearly 200 behavioral commandments as well as: prayers; more than 100 questions and answers; an outline and summary of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; and more than 190 “Notes” on numerous topics. '''''The Hidden Word''''' is (arguably) another of the most important Baha’i writings.<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/hidden-words.pdf?f765a304</ref> A number of the spiritual principles described in this collection of 82 short verses are familiar to many, whatever their religion. One translation of verse 27, for example, begins “Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.” Verse 59 in its entirety states, “Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation.”<ref>ibid.</ref>
	for My manifestation.”<ref>ibid.</ref>

	The '''''Covenant''''' of ~~Baha’u’llah~~ is also, of course, essential to the Faith. The Covenant does not appear to be a single document; rather, it encompasses countless Baha’i writings. The Universal House of Justice noted that “A Covenant in the religious sense is a binding agreement between God and man …”<ref>https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/bahai-life/the-bahai-covenant-a-brief-overview/</ref> The “Greater Covenant” is the promise that God always has provided -- and will continue to provide -- divine guidance for humankind, in the form of the various messengers and prophets who have appeared throughout human history.<ref>ibid.</ref> (The Baha’i Faith recognizes all religions and all prophets as valid for their time, and considers Baha-ullah as God’s messenger for our times.) The “Lesser Covenant” is specific to members of the Baha’i Faith: it is “an agreement to accept the chain of succession which has taken place since the time of ~~Baha’u’llah~~, beginning with Him” and continuing to the Universal House of Justice.<ref>ibid.</ref>		The '''''Covenant''''' of Bahá’u’lláh is also, of course, essential to the Faith. The Covenant does not appear to be a single document; rather, it encompasses countless Baha’i writings. The Universal House of Justice noted that “A Covenant in the religious sense is a binding agreement between God and man …”<ref>https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/bahai-life/the-bahai-covenant-a-brief-overview/</ref> The “Greater Covenant” is the promise that God always has provided -- and will continue to provide -- divine guidance for humankind, in the form of the various messengers and prophets who have appeared throughout human history.<ref>ibid.</ref> (The Baha’i Faith recognizes all religions and all prophets as valid for their time, and considers Baha-ullah as God’s messenger for our times.) The “Lesser Covenant” is specific to members of the Baha’i Faith: it is “an agreement to accept the chain of succession which has taken place since the time of Bahá’u’lláh, beginning with Him” and continuing to the Universal House of Justice.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	==Teachings==		==Teachings==
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	::"Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the sexes, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavours, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity."<ref>ibid.</ref>		::"Bahá’í beliefs address such essential themes as the oneness of God and religion, the oneness of humanity and freedom from prejudice, the inherent nobility of the human being, the progressive revelation of religious truth, the development of spiritual qualities, the integration of worship and service, the fundamental equality of the sexes, the harmony between religion and science, the centrality of justice to all human endeavours, the importance of education, and the dynamics of the relationships that are to bind together individuals, communities, and institutions as humanity advances towards its collective maturity."<ref>ibid.</ref>

	Obviously, the essential teaching of the ~~Baha’i~~ Faith is unity – the oneness of God, the oneness of humankind, and the basic unity of all religions. While God is beyond human understanding, being both “too great and too subtle” for our finite minds, the “oneness of God” refers to the belief that the universe and everything in it was created by this “superhuman and supernatural Being.” Whatever a religion calls this Supreme Being, and whatever the differences may be in our understanding of Him, “we are speaking about the same unique Being.”<ref>Hatcher and Martin, p. 74</ref>		Obviously, the essential teaching of the Bahá’í Faith is unity – the oneness of God, the oneness of humankind, and the basic unity of all religions. While God is beyond human understanding, being both “too great and too subtle” for our finite minds, the “oneness of God” refers to the belief that the universe and everything in it was created by this “superhuman and supernatural Being.” Whatever a religion calls this Supreme Being, and whatever the differences may be in our understanding of Him, “we are speaking about the same unique Being.”<ref>Hatcher and Martin, p. 74</ref>

	Similarly, humanity as a whole is seen as an “organic unit”<ref>ibid., p. 76</ref> that is evolving spiritually. As a species, we are finally beginning to acknowledge that physical characteristics such as skin color are shallow differences that have nothing to do with our inner selves. It is up to each one of us to try and see the divine in everyone and to treat all of our fellow humans with compassion and grace.		Similarly, humanity as a whole is seen as an “organic unit”<ref>ibid., p. 76</ref> that is evolving spiritually. As a species, we are finally beginning to acknowledge that physical characteristics such as skin color are shallow differences that have nothing to do with our inner selves. It is up to each one of us to try and see the divine in everyone and to treat all of our fellow humans with compassion and grace.

SysopJ at 18:51, 27 January 2023

2023-01-27T18:51:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:51, 27 January 2023
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	The Bahá’í Faith sees the various religions as stepping stones, as it were, toward the goal of unity. All the major religions are respected as appropriate to their time and place, and all their founders/prophets are seen as Manifestations of God. The Bahá’í Faith is seen as the current expression of the one religion, which is by no means complete — the “progressive revelation” is still unfolding.<ref> https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/</ref>		The Bahá’í Faith sees the various religions as stepping stones, as it were, toward the goal of unity. All the major religions are respected as appropriate to their time and place, and all their founders/prophets are seen as Manifestations of God. The Bahá’í Faith is seen as the current expression of the one religion, which is by no means complete — the “progressive revelation” is still unfolding.<ref> https://www.bahai.us/beliefs/</ref>




	~~<br>~~
	[[File:Bahai temple, Haifa.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|Bahá’í Temple in Haifa]]		[[File:Bahai temple, Haifa.jpg\|right\|220px\|thumb\|Bahá’í Temple in Haifa]]

	== Connections with Theosophists ==		== Connections with Theosophists ==
	[[Miranda de Souza Canavarro]], a Portuguese Theosophist in Hawai'i, is known to have explored [[Bahá'í Faith]], although she was a confirmed Buddhist. She traveled to the Middle East to meet with 'Abdu'l-Baha.<ref>Edgar A. Weir Jr. ''The Whiter Lotus: Asian Religions and Reform Movements in America, 1836-1933''. (2011),212. UNLV Theses/Dissertations/Professional Papers/Capstones. Paper 932.</ref>		[[Miranda de Souza Canavarro]], a Portuguese Theosophist in Hawai'i, is known to have explored [[Bahá'í Faith]], although she was a confirmed Buddhist. She traveled to the Middle East to meet with 'Abdu'l-Baha.<ref>Edgar A. Weir Jr. ''The Whiter Lotus: Asian Religions and Reform Movements in America, 1836-1933''. (2011),212. UNLV Theses/Dissertations/Professional Papers/Capstones. Paper 932.</ref>

SysopJ: /* Scriptures */

2023-01-27T18:46:38Z

Scriptures

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:46, 27 January 2023
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	==Scriptures==		==Scriptures==

	Among the thousands of documents comprising the Baha’i writings, the ''Kitáb-i-Aqdas'' or Book of Laws is described as “the Most Holy Book.”<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/</ref> This text includes nearly 200 behavioral commandments as well as: prayers; more than 100 questions and answers; an outline and summary of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; and more than 190 “Notes” on numerous topics. ''The Hidden Word'' is (arguably) another of the most important Baha’i writings.<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/hidden-words.pdf?f765a304</ref> A number of the spiritual principles described in this collection of 82 short verses are familiar to many, whatever their religion. One translation of verse 27, for example, begins “Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.” Verse 59 in its entirety states, “Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it		Among the thousands of documents comprising the Baha’i writings, the '''''Kitáb-i-Aqdas''''' or Book of Laws is described as “the Most Holy Book.”<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/</ref> This text includes nearly 200 behavioral commandments as well as: prayers; more than 100 questions and answers; an outline and summary of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas; and more than 190 “Notes” on numerous topics. '''''The Hidden Word''''' is (arguably) another of the most important Baha’i writings.<ref>https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/hidden-words.pdf?f765a304</ref> A number of the spiritual principles described in this collection of 82 short verses are familiar to many, whatever their religion. One translation of verse 27, for example, begins “Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner.” Verse 59 in its entirety states, “Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it
	for My manifestation.”<ref>ibid.</ref>		for My manifestation.”<ref>ibid.</ref>

	The ''Covenant'' of Baha’u’llah is also, of course, essential to the Faith. The Covenant does not appear to be a single document; rather, it encompasses countless Baha’i writings. The Universal House of Justice noted that “A Covenant in the religious sense is a binding agreement between God and man …”<ref>https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/bahai-life/the-bahai-covenant-a-brief-overview/</ref> The “Greater Covenant” is the promise that God always has provided -- and will continue to provide -- divine guidance for humankind, in the form of the various messengers and prophets who have appeared throughout human history.<ref>ibid.</ref> (The Baha’i Faith recognizes all religions and all prophets as valid for their time, and considers Baha-ullah as God’s messenger for our times.) The “Lesser Covenant” is specific to members of the Baha’i Faith: it is “an agreement to accept the chain of succession which has taken place since the time of Baha’u’llah, beginning with Him” and continuing to the Universal House of Justice.<ref>ibid.</ref>		The '''''Covenant''''' of Baha’u’llah is also, of course, essential to the Faith. The Covenant does not appear to be a single document; rather, it encompasses countless Baha’i writings. The Universal House of Justice noted that “A Covenant in the religious sense is a binding agreement between God and man …”<ref>https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/bahai-life/the-bahai-covenant-a-brief-overview/</ref> The “Greater Covenant” is the promise that God always has provided -- and will continue to provide -- divine guidance for humankind, in the form of the various messengers and prophets who have appeared throughout human history.<ref>ibid.</ref> (The Baha’i Faith recognizes all religions and all prophets as valid for their time, and considers Baha-ullah as God’s messenger for our times.) The “Lesser Covenant” is specific to members of the Baha’i Faith: it is “an agreement to accept the chain of succession which has taken place since the time of Baha’u’llah, beginning with Him” and continuing to the Universal House of Justice.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	==Teachings==		==Teachings==

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Exile and Succession

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	In 1852, accompanied by several members of his family, Baha-ullah was exiled to Baghdad, where he would remain for the first 10 years of a 40-year exile. By 1868, he and 70 or so family and followers arrived at the penal colony of Acre in Israel, sentenced to perpetual confinement. While the order of confinement was never lifted, his character and reputation eventually allowed him to move outside the walls of the prison. During his exile he wrote extensively, completing teachings that are estimated to fill 100 volumes.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>		In 1852, accompanied by several members of his family, Baha-ullah was exiled to Baghdad, where he would remain for the first 10 years of a 40-year exile. By 1868, he and 70 or so family and followers arrived at the penal colony of Acre in Israel, sentenced to perpetual confinement. While the order of confinement was never lifted, his character and reputation eventually allowed him to move outside the walls of the prison. During his exile he wrote extensively, completing teachings that are estimated to fill 100 volumes.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>

	Baha-ullah’s eldest son and successor, Abbas Effendi (1844–1921), is known as Abdul Baha (“servant of Baha”). The writings of these two men, which are considered by the Baha’i community to have been revealed, comprise thousands of treatises on the nature of God, humanity’s purpose, and religious laws whose purpose is to bring humankind together.<ref>ibid.</ref>		Baha-ullah’s eldest son and successor, Abbas Effendi (1844–1921), is known as '''Abdul Baha''' (“servant of Baha”). The writings of these two men, which are considered by the Baha’i community to have been revealed, comprise thousands of treatises on the nature of God, humanity’s purpose, and religious laws whose purpose is to bring humankind together.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	Upon Abdul Baha’s death in 1921, his grandson Shoghi Effendi was given the title of Guardian of the Baha’i Faith. He would be last in the line of hereditary leaders. A few years after his death in 1957, the Baha’i community elected the Universal House of Justice to guide the affairs of the Faith. This nine-member board is elected every 5 years by administrative bodies around the world.<ref>ibid.</ref>		Upon Abdul Baha’s death in 1921, his grandson '''Shoghi Effendi''' was given the title of Guardian of the Baha’i Faith. He would be last in the line of hereditary leaders. A few years after his death in 1957, the Baha’i community elected the '''Universal House of Justice''' to guide the affairs of the Faith. This nine-member board is elected every 5 years by administrative bodies around the world.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	==Scriptures==		==Scriptures==

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Origins and Founders

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	==Origins and Founders==		==Origins and Founders==

	Similar to the way Christianity emerged from Judaism, the Bahá’í Faith resulted from theological disagreements within Islam.<ref>William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin: The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. New York: Harper & Row, 1985, p. 1</ref> The immediate precursor of the Bahá’í faith was the Babi movement; at least one scholar has called the Babis and Bahá’ís the “Gnostics of Islam.”<ref>Marie Godefroy: The Babis and Baha’is: Gnostics Of Islam. The Theosophist 40(4):363–372, January 1919.</ref> In December 1844, a young man who became known as “the Bab” (meaning “the Gate”) declared that he was the Hidden Imam the faithful had been awaiting for nearly a thousand years. He also stated that he was merely the predecessor of a greater messenger from God. Although not highly educated, this young man’s dealings in the family business had earned him a reputation for both integrity and ability.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 9</ref> <ref> https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 25</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 8</ref>		Similar to the way Christianity emerged from Judaism, the Bahá’í Faith resulted from theological disagreements within Islam.<ref>William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin: The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion. New York: Harper & Row, 1985, p. 1</ref> The immediate precursor of the Bahá’í faith was the '''Babi movement'''; at least one scholar has called the Babis and Bahá’ís the “Gnostics of Islam.”<ref>Marie Godefroy: The Babis and Baha’is: Gnostics Of Islam. The Theosophist 40(4):363–372, January 1919.</ref> In December 1844, a young man who became known as '''“the Bab”''' (meaning “the Gate”) declared that he was the Hidden Imam the faithful had been awaiting for nearly a thousand years. He also stated that he was merely the predecessor of a greater messenger from God. Although not highly educated, this young man’s dealings in the family business had earned him a reputation for both integrity and ability.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 9</ref> <ref> https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 25</ref> <ref>Hatcher & Martin, p. 8</ref>
	Despite the lack of a formal education, the Bab was noted for his “extensive theological commentaries” as well as a social prescription that had in mind a complete overhaul of Shia customs and laws. Among the Bab’s teachings, considered radical by many, was the idea of women’s equality.<ref> Hatcher & Martin, pp. 22–25</ref> Having greatly angered the political and religious authorities, he was martyred in 1850;<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 18–19</ref> <ref>Godefroy, p. 365</ref> many thousands of his followers had been martyred by then as well.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>		Despite the lack of a formal education, the Bab was noted for his “extensive theological commentaries” as well as a social prescription that had in mind a complete overhaul of Shia customs and laws. Among the Bab’s teachings, considered radical by many, was the idea of women’s equality.<ref> Hatcher & Martin, pp. 22–25</ref> Having greatly angered the political and religious authorities, he was martyred in 1850;<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 18–19</ref> <ref>Godefroy, p. 365</ref> many thousands of his followers had been martyred by then as well.<ref>https://news.bahai.org/media-information/brief-history/</ref>

	The greater messenger declared by the Bab was a man named Mírzá Husayn ‘Alí, better known as Baha-ullah (1817–1892) and recognized as the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Like the Bab, he had a reputation for being highly ethical and competent as well as humble. His efforts on behalf of the Babi movement, needless to say, were not met with appreciation by the authorities. For some years his family’s social position shielded him from the persecution being meted out to the Babis, but eventually he was also imprisoned and tortured.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 28–31</ref> He survived without being martyred due to his family’s social position and to the personal intervention by the Russian ambassador, Prince Dolgorukov (who was, coincidentally, a distant cousin of Helena Blavatsky --- her maternal grandmother was a Dolgorukov).		The greater messenger declared by the Bab was a man named Mírzá Husayn ‘Alí, better known as '''Baha-ullah''' (1817–1892) and recognized as the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Like the Bab, he had a reputation for being highly ethical and competent as well as humble. His efforts on behalf of the Babi movement, needless to say, were not met with appreciation by the authorities. For some years his family’s social position shielded him from the persecution being meted out to the Babis, but eventually he was also imprisoned and tortured.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 28–31</ref> He survived without being martyred due to his family’s social position and to the personal intervention by the Russian ambassador, Prince Dolgorukov (who was, coincidentally, a distant cousin of Helena Blavatsky --- her maternal grandmother was a Dolgorukov).

	The authorities did not want to release Baha-ullah because of his ties to the Babis. However, his social status prevented them from executing him without a trial, and, given the testimony of Babis who had been prosecuted, a trial would have forced the authorities to release him because he was innocent of illegal acts. Hence, a prime minister who was a relative of Baha-ullah’s was finally able to convince the royal family to simply banish him. This was done, but not before every bit of his property was seized and his country home leveled. This did not weigh on him, because while imprisoned he had experienced the vision that convinced him he was indeed the messenger the Bab had proclaimed.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 32–33</ref>		The authorities did not want to release Baha-ullah because of his ties to the Babis. However, his social status prevented them from executing him without a trial, and, given the testimony of Babis who had been prosecuted, a trial would have forced the authorities to release him because he was innocent of illegal acts. Hence, a prime minister who was a relative of Baha-ullah’s was finally able to convince the royal family to simply banish him. This was done, but not before every bit of his property was seized and his country home leveled. This did not weigh on him, because while imprisoned he had experienced the vision that convinced him he was indeed the messenger the Bab had proclaimed.<ref>Hatcher & Martin, pp. 32–33</ref>

	The Babi movement was revolutionary in many ways but was, according to Godefroy, still recognizable as Shi’ite Islam.<ref>Godefroy, p. 366</ref> Under Baha-ullah, the movement evolved into the Bahá’í Faith, an entirely separate religion whose fundamental teaching is Unity.		The Babi movement was revolutionary in many ways but was, according to Godefroy, still recognizable as Shi’ite Islam.<ref>Godefroy, p. 366</ref> Under Baha-ullah, the movement evolved into the '''Bahá’í Faith''', an entirely separate religion whose fundamental teaching is Unity.

	==Exile and Succession==		==Exile and Succession==