Bahá'í Faith

Definition

The Bahá'í Faith is a relatively new religious movement founded in the 19th century by Bahá'u'lláh, emphasizing the unity of all people and religions. It teaches that humanity is one and advocates for global peace, justice, and equality, positioning itself as a response to the spiritual and social challenges of the modern world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bahá'í Faith began in Persia (modern-day Iran) in 1863 when Bahá'u'lláh publicly declared his mission.
2. Bahá'ís believe in progressive revelation, which means that religious truths are revealed progressively over time through different messengers or prophets.
3. The faith has no clergy; instead, it operates through a system of elected councils at local, national, and international levels to ensure democratic governance.
4. The Bahá'í teachings advocate for the elimination of prejudice, gender equality, and universal education as essential components of social progress.
5. The Bahá'í community has grown to millions of adherents worldwide, making it one of the most widespread new religious movements.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of progressive revelation influence the beliefs and practices within the Bahá'í Faith?
  • Progressive revelation is central to Bahá'í beliefs, teaching that God sends a series of messengers throughout history, each providing guidance suited to their time. This concept allows Bahá'ís to view past religions as part of a larger divine plan rather than isolated systems. As such, they respect all religions while believing that their faith fulfills the promises made by earlier prophets for the unity of humanity and the establishment of peace.
• Discuss the significance of the Administrative Order in maintaining unity among diverse Bahá'í communities around the world.
  • The Administrative Order is crucial for maintaining unity within the global Bahá'í community. It provides a structured yet democratic system for decision-making that allows members from various cultural backgrounds to participate actively. This governance structure helps prevent divisions and conflicts that could arise from differing interpretations of beliefs or practices, reinforcing the core principle of unity emphasized in Bahá'í teachings.
• Evaluate how the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith address contemporary social issues such as gender equality and racial prejudice.
  • The teachings of the Bahá'í Faith directly confront contemporary social issues by promoting principles such as gender equality and the elimination of racial prejudice. The faith asserts that all humans are equal regardless of gender or ethnicity, advocating for women's empowerment and equal rights as fundamental for societal progress. Additionally, it calls for an end to discrimination in all forms, positioning itself as a relevant voice in global discussions on social justice and human rights.

Related terms

Bahá'u'lláh: The founder of the Bahá'í Faith, recognized by followers as a manifestation of God and the latest in a line of prophets that includes Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.

Unity of Humanity: A central principle of the Bahá'í Faith that emphasizes the oneness of all people, transcending racial, ethnic, and national divisions.

Administrative Order: The unique governance system of the Bahá'í Faith that includes elected bodies and councils to promote unity and collaboration among its followers worldwide.