Also, the lack of actual places of worship was another big shock. That Baha'u'llah was the Manifestation of God for this day and be obedient to the covenant. Rather, Bahais look to the spiritual teachings of the Bab and Bahaullah, as interpreted and elucidated by Abdul-Baha, for inspiration and guidance. (4) The Miller analysis of the Baha'i Faith. Located there long before Israel became a nation, it happened because Bahaullah had been exiled to the prison city of Akka in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire, about 85 years before the state of Israel was founded. Thanks! Shouldst thou transgress this command ACCURSED ART THOU.' RELATED: What is the Best Way to Worship? For the first few months of our marriage, Cheri and I shared a home with my parents, until we had enough money to move out on our own. Here are the misconceptions I addressed: People often ask where Bahais worship, which perhaps indicates anassumption more than a misconception. In the West, liberals have criticized the Bah Faith for some of its conservative social practices, notably the prohibition on premarital or homosexual intimacy for Bahs. Ottoman officials later moved Baha'u'llah to the prison city of Akka in Palestine. I should update this by noting that I separated from Cheri in December of 2011 and filed for divorce from her on May 7, 2012, finally getting the divorce granted on August 15, 2012. Only the last category could fall into the category of reliable sources (although not independent or disinterested sources ). As part of its crackdown on the followers of the Bab, the Iranian government incarcerated Baha'u'llah. About 5 million people worldwide adhere to the Baha'i faith, according to Patheos.com, but other sources say there are as many as 7 million around the world.. Large-scale persecutions of his adherents, the Bbs, followed. Christian and Islamic authors (e.g. Some discover a hornets nest in the garden and fearing being STUNG TO DEATH, run out of the garden in horror. Bah Allhs peculiar function was to overcome the disunity of religions and establish a universal faith. Every attempted Bah schism has failed to attract more than a few hundred individuals and declined over time. (5) Moral concerns. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); After years of investigation and soul-searching, I have finally come to the sad understanding that I can no longer bring myself to believe in Bahaullah or any of the institutions established in His name, including the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice. A comparative analysis of the Baha'i and Christian views of heaven and hell. It is free information and it is offered without any coercion on your free will about what to do with it. 2 - Belief in the transmigration of souls, and that reward and punishment happen to the soul only. He appointed his eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi Rabbn (18971957), his successor. The other exclaimed: 'How it is deformed!' A "Unitarian Baha'i" comes across as an idiot, again! We were married the following year. In the end (undefined in conventional thinking) all knees will bow before the King of all Kings, Jesus Christ. The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they have not learned to draw fully on these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith. Its interesting how much confusion this lack of a fixed building in many Bahai communities can create for members of other Faiths who feel connected to their places of worship. ", "He feels that you should do your utmost to call the attention of the friends to these large things, and real triumphs, and away from their personal differences and petty pre-occupations. In the West, liberals have criticized the Bah Faith for some of its conservative social practices, notably the prohibition on premarital or homosexual intimacy for Bahs. How can they best reach you? Your details have now been sent. [23], The Bah teachings emphasize the need for unity, and have an official line of succession of leadership to prevent schism. To put you in touch with a Bahai in your area who can answer your questions, we would like to kindly ask for a few details about yourself. His writings, which promote peace and unity, are at the heart of the . 3 - Belief that all religions are valid, and that the Torah and Gospel have . Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). "I hope that the believers of God will shun completely backbiting, each one praising the other cordially and believe that backbiting is the cause of Divine wrath, to such an extent that if a person backbites to the extent of one word, he may become dishonored among all the people, because the most hateful characteristic of man is fault-finding. The first is that they equate Krishna to many other prophets, as if somehow Krishna in either case is the main god or spokesperson or prophet of Hinduism as a monolithic religion. I am totally convinced that the Baha'i Faith is doomed to fail in its mission to bring peace, unity, and a Golden Age to humanity and I therefore resign from my past membership in the Faith. The seat of the Universal House of Justice is in Haifa, Israel, in the immediate vicinity of the shrines of the Bb and Abd al-Bah and near the Shrine of Bah Allh at Bahj, near Akko. Cheri came to love the freedom of thought in that church, despite still being a strong Christian, while I came to love the powerful community the church provided, despite my agnosticism. At the same time, the Baha'i faith has spread around the globe. Out of the frying pan and into the fire, so to speak. Dale's Declarations. ThenI cut completely all personal ties to the Bahais in the Fort Worth area. Ratings: +1,422. [6], The religion's rise in the Middle East and subsequent movement into the West has given rise to a body of anti-Bah polemic. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. Targeting the faith's followers is a longstanding feature of the Islamic Republic but has been escalating of late. We need not fear the enemies on the outside for such can be easily dealt with. (3) Anachronistic Baha'i scriptures. [19] "Abdul-Bah does not permit adverse criticism of individuals by name in discussion among the friends, even if the one criticizing believes that he is doing so to protect the interests of the Cause. Baha'u'llahs father was a minister in Irans government, which supported Shi'i Islam as the state religion. ", " Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. He must be a seeker of the truth, no matter from what source it come. Bah Allh was arrested in 1852 and jailed in Tehrn, where he became aware that he was the prophet and messenger of God whose coming had been predicted by the Bb. Updates? [1] '", "What the believers need is not only, as you state, to really study the teachings, but also to have more peace-makers circulating among them. (Quoted in Star of West, Vol. [27] Central to Cole's complaints is the Bah review process, which requires Bah authors to gain approval before publishing on the religion. Backbiting, Criticism, Faultfinding, Gossip, Lies, Slander Etc. For you I desire spiritual distinction; that is, you must become eminent and distinguished in morals. The Bah religion originally grew out of the Bb faith, or sect, which was founded in 1844 by Mrz Al Moammad of Shrz in Iran. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The continental counselors are appointed by the Universal House of Justice. This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 01:55. The year begins on the first day of spring, March 21, which is one of several holy days in the Bah calendar. Ive never officially withdrawn or resigned, but stopped being a Bahai either one or two years after declaration. Syncretic means that a religion contains nothing original, but instead is a collection of teachings culled from other religions in an attempt to fuse them. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Sign up for our newsletter and get all our latest content, 2023 BahaiTeachings.org All Rights Reserved. opinion. Therefore, Baha'u'llahs teachings specifically advocate for racial unity, gender equality, universal education, and harmony of science and religion. I encourage you to look him up and see if it resonates with you. The Bah' Faith is a world religion based on the teachings of Bah'u'llh. The exclusion of same-sex marriage among Bahs has garnered considerable criticism in the Western world, where the Bah teachings on sexuality may appear to be unreasonable, dogmatic, and difficult to apply in Western society. The governance of the Bah community begins on the local level with the election of a local spiritual assembly. The followers of such sects are labeled Covenant-breakers, shunned, and viewed as enemies of the faith. Baha'u'llah's writings form the foundation of the Baha'i faith. Eventually, what started as a compromise between us grew into a case of full blown allegiance to the UU church for both of us. We are like ploughmen each of whom has his team to manage and his plough to direct, and in order to keep his furrow straight he must keep his eye on his goal and concentrate on his own task. Importantly, the Bahai Faith first emerged in a Muslim culture in what is now Iran, so Islam could be said to be its parent Faith in the same way that Judaism was the parent Faith of Christianity. Normally, it is possible to describe the situation surrounding a problem and seek help and advice in resolving it, without necessarily mentioning names. Pingback: Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. Theimplication is that Bahai is Jewish, which may also be mistakenly inferred by some because the world headquarters of the Bahai Faith is in Haifa, Israel. Yet Baha'is in Iran, who are the largest non-Muslim religious community, continue to face persecution. It really doesnt matter what one calls oneself, it only matters what ones relationship is to God in reality. I am closer to God than I have ever been, and less confused than I have ever been. My family, like many Wilmette residents, witnessed its decades-long construction. [3][9], Christian author and missiologist Ed Stetzer rejects the Bah Faith as a syncretic combination of faiths,[10] while Christian author John Ankerberg points to discrepancies between faiths to contradict the idea of unity of religion.[8]. There is, of course the right of appeal from the Local to the National Assembly, and from that to Shoghi Effendi,* but the matter ought to be dealt with, in the first instance, by the Local Spiritual Assembly. If you dont recognize Bahaullah as a manifestation of God then you arent really a Bahai whether or not you happen to be part of the Bahai Administrative Order. He taught there is one God and one human family, and that the great religions of the world represent successive stages in the spiritual evolution of human society. The principles of the Bah' Faith were established by Bah'u'llh, the Founder of the Faith, in the latter half of the nineteenth century and promulgated by His Son and appointed successor, 'Abdu'l-Bah during a tireless twenty -nine year ministry.While on an historic teaching trip in 1912 throughout the United States and Canada, 'Abdu'l-Bah explained Bah'u'llh's Teachings to . Velma A Good Reason to NEVER Subscribe to HBO Max! While its true that a Bahai House of Worship exists on each continent, and several local Houses of Worship are also being built, theyre all meant as places where anyone can come to pray and meditate. You should urge your fellow-Bahs to take this point of view, and to support you in a strong effort to suppress every critical thought and every harsh word, in order to let the spirit of Bahullh flow into the entire community, and unite it in His love and in His service. In 1863, shortly before being moved by the Ottoman government to Constantinople (now Istanbul), Bah Allh declared to his fellow Bbs that he was the messenger of God foretold by the Bb. It was during this exile that he publicly announced the establishment of the Baha'i faith. On the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, the question remains: What is the reason for their persecution? The individual believer should seek to do this, whether he is consulting a friend, Bah or non-Bah, or whether the friend is consulting him. They and other UUs are destined to do the work of peace, unity, and freedom that Bahais cannot and will never do! When this is done, one can be a friend to the whole human race. Your message was successfully sent to BahaiTeachings.org. I read where it clearly said in the Bahai Writings you have to explicitly deny belief in Bahaullah to be removed from National Bahai membership rolls. Bahs believe that all the founders of the world's great religions have been manifestations of God and agents of a progressive divine plan for the education of the human race. Abdo presented the following list of criticisms of the Bah Faith from a feminist perspective at an annual gathering for Bah studies in 1995: the ineligibility of women to serve on the Universal House of Justice--this is of particular interest to supporters of women priests within the Christian tradition; the intestacy laws in the Kitab-i-Aqdas; the dowry laws with particular reference to the virginity refund clause; the exemption of menstruating women from obligatory prayers and the implication of menstrual taboo; the use of androcentric language and male pronouns in texts; the emphasis on traditional morality and family values[18]. [27] Soon after his resignation, Cole created an email list and website called H-Bahai, which became a repository of both primary source material and critical analysis on the religion. More recently I found that the Dalai Lama said something similar in just two paragraphs of his 10-chapter book, he says hes not an advocate of religious syncretism such as you find in Bahaism.. RELATED: What Happens When You Become a Bahai? The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens, Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. The friends must overlook their shortcomings and faults and speak only of their virtues and not their defects. "As to backbiting, the House of Justice points out that learning not to concern oneself with the faults of others seems to be one of the most difficult lessons for people to master, and that failing in this is a fertile cause of disputes among Bahs as it is among men and women in general. In our group, the discourse enabled all participants to deal upfront with common misconceptions about their religions, and allowed panelists and audience members to be exposed to religions unfamiliar to them. [27] Cole went on to criticize the Bah Faith in three articles written from 19982002,[28][29][30] describing a prominent Bah as "inquisitor" and "bigot", and describing Bah institutions as socially isolating, dictatorial, and controlling, with financial irregularities and sexual deviance. Reading and Reacting to The Gadfly Molehill. Paradise and Paradigm - Christopher Buck 1999-01-01 Comparing paradise imagery in two Persian religions, early Syriac Christianity and the Baha'i Faith, this work contributes to religious studies methodology by introducing "symbolic paradigm analysis." The Baha'i Faith in Africa - Anthony Lee 2011-10-28 Now is certainly not the time for any man to think of himself, or busy himself with the weaknesses of his brother; but, rather each and every Bah must concentrate on the tasks ahead and be reborn in the service of Bahullh. When Bahaullahs son and successor Abdul-Baha visited North America in 1912, he modeled an example of social action when he told Bahais to racially integrate even in cities which were segregated at that time; and to also apply the Bahai principle of the equality of the sexes to their lives. (Bnai Brith means children of the covenant.). ". In this two-part article we will briefly examine: (1) the Baha'i approach to other religions; (2) the absence of the personal requirements Baha'i demands for the Manifestations; (3) anachronistic Baha'i scriptures; (4) the Miller analysis of the Baha'i faith; (5) moral concerns; (6) some Baha'i errors; and (7) failed prophecy and Baha'i misuse of (2) The absence of personal requirements (Baha'i demands) for the Manifestations. Historical context. All national spiritual assemblies of the world periodically constitute themselves an international convention and elect a supreme governing body known as the Universal House of Justice. AJs concepts are not a religion or a cult. Vangelis was a Living Legend.and he Remains a Legend Forever! Baha'is, for example, embrace interracial marriage and education for girls. Soon after, early American converts began embracing the new religion. In Iran and other parts of the Middle East, Bahs continue to be criticized for breaking with Islam and accused of conspiring with western powers, resulting in intense persecution and the loss of civil rights. If he looks to this side and that to see how Tom and Harry are getting on and to criticise their ploughing, then his own furrow will assuredly become crooked. In a letter written to an individual believer on behalf of the Guardian it is stated: 'If we are better, if we show love, patience, and understanding of the weakness of others, if we seek to never criticize but rather encourage, others will do likewise, and we can really help the Cause through our example and spiritual strength. Bah's recognize the coming of Bah'u'llh as the latest expression of God's guidance . He teaches that God is a loving Parent who never uses threats or fear or guilt or shame in relating to Her/His children. Baha'is were nonetheless subjected to persecution, as some Muslim clerics perceived their faith to be a heresy. [26], Bahs have been accused, particularly by successive Iranian governments, of being agents or spies of Russia, Britain, the Shah, the United States, and as agents of Zionismeach claim being linked to each regime's relevant enemy and justifying anti-Bah actions. The belief in fulfilled prophecies is presented by Bah' authors to demonstrate the validity of Bah'u'llh 's claim to divinity. [12], Regarding the Bah teachings of peace and unity, E.G. Instead, I asked her to join with me in First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church, which I had belonged to before. But if that fails or if we feel that it is hopeless to try and deal with the matter in that way, while at the same time the case is so serious that the interests of the Cause require that it should be firmly dealt with, then the proper course is to bring the matter before the Spiritual Assembly and have it frankly and fully discussed, calling such evidence as is necessary for the elucidation of the matter. In such cases, of course, the name of the person or persons involved will have to be mentioned. In a Tablet to an American friend the Master wrote: 'The worst human quality and the most great sin is backbiting, more especially when it emanates from the tongues of the believers of God. John Ankerberg) have attacked its history and founders, institutions, teachings, and use of prophecy. My future wife was a member of First Baptist Church of Dallas, a stronghold of fundamentalism. Whenever you recognize the fault of another, think of yourself! Gods wisdom cannot always be seen by human eyes. The condemnation of backbiting could hardly be couched in stronger language than in these passages, and it is obviously one of the foremost obligations for Bahs to set their faces against this practice. [20] Particularly in the United States, Bahs have attempted to reconcile the immutable conservative teachings on sexuality with the otherwise socially progressive teachings of the religion, but it continues to be a source of controversy. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. The Babi movement called for revolutionary social changes and championed womens rights. The Quran puts forth the same idea, because along with Muhammad it includes the Old Testament prophets and also Christ. Message and data rates may apply. According to Bah' belief, there have been individuals throughout history who were Manifestations of God, who founded major world religions and had certain supernatural powers, such as the ability to prophesy. "The only way jealousy or petty attitudes can be overcome is by the love and tact of the teacher; these are not things that can be solved by a 'ruling'.". In 1850, the Bab was charged by Shi'i religious officials with heresy and was put to death by firing squad. The principal Bah tenets are the essential unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. Soon after this, I began my relationship with Cheri, the woman that would later become my wife. These are worded in a way to seem like crazy conspiracies. For many, the Baha'i faith is one of the most universal religions. I desire this distinction for you. ", " If any soul speak ill of an absent one, the only result will clearly be this: he will dampen the zeal of the friends and tend to make them indifferent. Shoghi Effendi (Guardian of the Baha'i Faith) wrote about this. In brief, you must become distinguished in all the virtues of the human world; for faithfulness and steadfastness; for philanthropic deeds and service to the human world; for love toward every human being; for unity and accord with all people; for removing prejudices and promoting international peace. Still others encircle this garden inhaling the fragrance of the flowers, having enjoyed its full beauty, pass out again by the same gate. Its six years since I declared and four or five since I became an ex Bahai. Goodbye. The followers of such splinter groups are shunned and not considered Bahs by the majority. A primary theme of Baha'u'llahs teachings is achieving world peace through the establishment of unity, justice and equality. The stupidity of that idea should be obvious. Its like Scientology in trying to manage apostasy in this way. No, never! Today, Baha'u'llahs shrine, now in Israel, is an important pilgrimage site. Of course, because the Bahai teachings emphasize the oneness of all religion, Bahais believe in the Jewish prophets and revere their Faith. Perhaps youll be inspired to organize a similar discussion where you live. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. If the situation is of such gravity as to endanger the interests of the Faith, the complaint, as your National Spiritual Assembly has indicated, should be submitted to the Local Spiritual Assembly, or as you state to a representative of the institution of the Counsellors, for consideration and action. The Bah's are fully entitled to address criticisms to their assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the assembly, local or national, but then they must whole-heartedly accept the advice or decision of the assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Its just spiritual, not practical, was one incorrect comment Ive heard about the Bahai Faith not once, but many times. [21], In the Kitb-i-Aqdas, Bahu'llh prescribed the death penalty both for intentional arson and murder. Bahs believe in the oneness of humanity and devote themselves to the abolition of racial, class, and religious prejudices. Since then, the Bahai International Community, as a non-governmental organization with a permanent seat at the United Nations, has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Author Lil Abdo says that the Bah understanding of sexual equality is different from that of secular feminists. by Jeremy Butler | Mar 25, 2010 | Baha'i, World Religions. ", "an unwise act or statement by a Bah in one country could result in a grave set-back for the Faith there or elsewhereand even loss of the lives of fellow believers. If, on the other hand, God's own nature is said to be contradictory, that is, that God is both one God and many gods, that God is both able and not able to have a son, personal and impersonal, etc., then the Bahai concept of God is reduced to meaninglessness. read more. For most Muslims, the prophet Muhammad was the last and final prophet. Christian apologist Francis J. Beckwith wrote of the Bah teachings: The fact that the various alleged manifestations of God represented God in contradictory ways implies either that manifestations of God can contradict one another or that God's own nature is contradictory. The religion began with considerable controversy. Parental consent should only be an issue if the married partners are still minors. How white they are!' The global Baha'i community is not just a group of well-meaning people. Goodbye. ", "Indeed the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other's love for strength and consolation in time of need. Thanks for the post. In the love of God you must become distinguished from all else. Occasionally Ive heard the uninformed opinion that the Bahai Faith is a sect of Islam not true! ", "When we see the condition the world is in today, we must surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances, and rush, unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. I can withdraw my consent at any time officials later moved Baha ' i faith with... Shame in relating to Her/His children Bahai either one or two years declaration! Of Baha ' i faith is a loving Parent who never uses threats or or... 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