The majority of Baha'is, however, live in the global south. p. 192) Bahullh says in the Hidden Words: 'Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art a sinner. A "Unitarian Baha'i" comes across as an idiot, again! "The question of dealing with those who call themselves Bahs but who act in ways which we believe to be detrimental to the interests of the Cause is a very difficult one. A Statement About Mental Disorders and Domestic Abuse. Helen Hornby, "Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner. Assistant Professor of History and Middle East Studies, Idaho State University. I declared back in 2008 when I was a naive open eyed idealist about the principles without knowing about all the contradictions and stuff. The Babi movement called for revolutionary social changes and championed womens rights. Bah Faith, religion founded in Iraq in the mid-19th century by Mrz osayn Al Nr, who is known as Bah Allh (also spelled Bahullh), which in Arabic means Glory of God. The cornerstone of Bah belief is the conviction that Bah Allh and his forerunner, who was known as the Bb (Persian: Gateway), were manifestations of God, who in his essence is unknowable. The Baha'i Faith is a dynamic world religion with several million adherents from a variety of different religious and cultural backgrounds. [11], Bah authors have written in response that the contradictory teachings are either social laws that change from age to age, as part of a progressive revelation, or human error introduced to the more ancient faiths over time. The Orthodox Bah Faith is an extremely small Bah sect that was formed in 1960 by Mason Remey, and subsequently was the name used by one of his disputed successors, Joel Marangella.The sect is defined by a belief that the Guardianship of Shoghi Effendi (1921-1957) continued with further appointees, whereas the mainstream Bahs follow a line of leadership that transitioned to . Judaism and Christianity are predecessors of Islam but criticism aimed directly at either of the two doesn't seem to directly affect Islam because of a belief in the Bible and Torah being corrupted or outdated versions of God's message. "This is the attribute of the children of the Kingdom. [32][33] He specifically criticized the work of individual Bah scholars he saw as defending Bah orthodoxy at the expense of historical rigour, including William S. Hatcher,[32] Muhammad Afnan,[32] Juan Cole[33] (although Cole subsequently left the religion), Nader Saiedi,[34] and Moojan Momen. The global Baha'i community is not just a group of well-meaning people. gss t ws mr lk prf tht yr prblms l lss n pltcs nd rlgn nd mre n mntal hlth sss? Do this whenever you are tried through the words or deeds of others. ", "One must see in every human being only that which is worthy of praise. 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? More than one person has said Bahais arent involved in social action. Nothing could be further from the truth. Please select which sections you would like to print: Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. This page was last edited on 31 December 2020, at 01:55. "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. "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. ", "As regards backbiting, i.e., discussing the faults of others in their absence, the teachings are very emphatic. Bah World News Service Bah' International Community, has confiscated properties from Baha'i families. I hope that all the believers will attain to this lofty station. He must be a seeker of the truth, no matter from what source it come. I am currently a skeptic who is looking at both UU and Bahai as a new place to find a community that thinks like I do. His most well-known book is The Hidden Words, which is composed of short poetic statements that get to the heart of his spiritual and ethical teachings. But there are always some who enter and, becoming intoxicated with the splendor of what they behold, remain for life to tend the garden.. My life has changed in ways that I had hoped the Bahai Faith would help me do, but in 35 years has not. As a member of Irans nobility, Baha'u'llah was offered a government position. I cant remember if it was one year or two years, but it was probably closer to one year. She has published in anthologies, textbooks, peer-reviewed academic journals, radio and magazines; presented papers at numerous By clicking "Sign up", I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and consent to receive communications (email, telephone call, or text message) from Bahaiteachings.org about news, events and offers, including via automated technology and/or prerecorded calls or messages to the number and email provided above, even if my number is a mobile number or is currently listed on any state, federal or corporate Do Not Call list. Does it really matter? Pingback: Why peace activists (and critics of religion) sometimes fail Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [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. Baha'is, for example, embrace interracial marriage and education for girls. It is one of the functions of the older and the more mature Bahs to help the weaker ones to iron out their difficulties and learn to really function and live like true believers!". ", "It is obvious that if we listen to those who complain to us about the faults of others we are guilty of complicity in their backbiting. Baha'is were nonetheless subjected to persecution, as some Muslim clerics perceived their faith to be a heresy. We were married the following year. The Universal House of Justice suggests that you call to mind the admonitions found in our Writings on the need to overlook the shortcomings of others, to forgive and conceal their misdeeds, not to expose their bad qualities, but to search for and affirm their praiseworthy ones, and endeavour to be always forbearing, patient, and merciful. 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 The Bahai House of Worship in North America is in the town where two generations of my family lived before me Wilmette, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. How white they are!' I am totally convinced that the Bahai 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. A Unitarian Bahai comes across as an idiot, again! Backbiting, Criticism, Faultfinding, Gossip, Lies, Slander Etc. ", "When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bah community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one, and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the sake of God and His Faith refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony. In the love of God you must become distinguished from all else. Baha'u'llahs writings form the foundation of the Baha'i faith. According to Bahai law, I would have needed the consent of both her mother (her father was already deceased), and my BIRTH (not adoptive) parents to be married to her. Message and data rates may apply. In the early 21st century there were nine Bah houses of worship: in Australia, Cambodia, Chile, Germany, India, Panama, Samoa, the United States, and Uganda. We need not fear the enemies on the outside for such can be easily dealt with. For you I desire spiritual distinction; that is, you must become eminent and distinguished in morals. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. Such passages as the following extract from one of the letters written on behalf of the beloved Guardian by his secretary will also be helpful: " 'Each of us is responsible for one life only, and that is our own. Later, my mother, who was always hostile to the Bahai Faith because of her Baptist convictions, took those items and discarded them all without my consent. You don't need to belong to a religion to be of service to others and do good in the world. 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. The Nineteen Day Feast, originally instituted by the Bb, brings together the Bahs of a given locality for prayer, the reading of scriptures, the discussion of community activities, and the enjoyment of one anothers company. One of them said: 'How putrid has this animal become!' Mrz Al Moammad first proclaimed his beliefs in 1844 and assumed the title of the Bb. While Bahais dont have traditional churches or mosques, local Bahai communities may decide to rent or buy a meeting place, usually called a Bahai Center, depending on the size of the Bahai community and their circumstances. Omissions? Being involved in interfaith work, Im constantly asked Whos your local spiritual leader, or priest, or pastor? The fact is, there isnt one. The Bb was arrested and, after several years of incarceration, was executed in 1850. I decided that if she wanted to marry me, she would have to leave that church, because I would never join it and she still wanted us to worship together on Sundays. About a dozen of these have been translated into English and other languages. 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. People who leave the religion, transgress community standards, or attack it externally are not considered Covenant-breakers. The external article completely drops any pretenses of neutrality, blaming certain events (like the attempted assassination of Iranian officials) as done by . This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bahai-Faith, The British Library - An introduction to the Bahai Faith, World Religious and Spirituality Project - Bahai Faith, Bahai Faith - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Bahai faith - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). [25] Jason Boyett wrote in 12 Major World Religions that, "The [Bah] condemnation of covenant-breakers is immediate, absolute, andin a religion promoting love and acceptanceprofoundly disconcerting. Try making a comment like an adult and I will then treat you like one. Regretfully, Dale Husband I composed that letter on my computer and mailed it in January of 2005. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. Dale's Declarations. Summed up in Baha'u'llahs words: The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.. It will endeavor to present criteria for the labels "world religion" and "new religious movement," as well as explore to what extent the Bah' Faith fulfils these criteria. How cadaverous looking!' (3) Anachronistic Baha'i scriptures. Updates? Soon the Bbs teachings spread throughout Iran, provoking strong opposition from both the Shii Muslim clergy and the government. Bahais have no clergy, and in every location where they reside, Bahais live according to this administrative order, following the guidance given to them by the Universal House of Justice, the first truly democratic global system of governance. He must be a lover of the rose, no matter in what soil it may be growing. It is not an ordinary distinction I desire: not scientific, commercial, industrial distinction. Religion, transgress community standards, or pastor understand that i can withdraw consent..., however, live in the love of God you must become eminent and distinguished in.. 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