criticism of the baha'i faith

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. Cults separate themselves from society, and Bahais take part in society. [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. 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. He further argued that in the case of "Baha'ism, with its rather vague doctrines as to the nature and destiny of the soul of man, it is a little difficult to see whence the driving force to enforce the ethical maxims can be derived. https://bahai.works/index.php?title=Lights_of_Guidance/Backbiting,_Criticism,_Faultfinding,_Gossip,_Lies,_Slander_Etc.&oldid=121304. My life has changed in ways that I had hoped the Bahai Faith would help me do, but in 35 years has not. Actually, Bahais have been imprisoned and martyred since their Faith began in Persia, because of the persecution of the powerful Islamic clerics who consider the Bahai Faith and its progressive principles a threat. In Iran, where the religion was founded, universities refuse to admit Baha'i students, Baha'i cemeteries have been destroyed and the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has confiscated properties from Baha'i families. "You are quite correct in your understanding of the importance of avoiding backbiting; such conduct strikes at the very unity of the Bah community. BAHA'IS AND THE NATURE OF GOD 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. "It is related that His Holiness ChristMay my life be a sacrifice to Him!one day, accompanied by His apostles, passed by the corpse of a dead animal. This must be the point of distinction among you. A third cried out: 'What a stench! 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. How cadaverous looking!' Baha'u'llahs father was a minister in Irans government, which supported Shi'i Islam as the state religion. Cults often promote violence, and Bahais are peaceful, non-violent citizens. Beliefs, ideas and rituals of the Baha'is: 1 - Belief that Allaah is incarnated in some of His creation, and that Allaah was incarnated in al-Baab and al-Baha'. Pingback: Why I Rejected the Bahai Faith, 4th Edition | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Your email address will not be published. He must be a seeker of the truth, no matter from what source it come. 9 Politics: Here a number of criticisms about the Bahai faith aligning itself with different historical superpowers are listed. Baha'u'llah, whose name means Glory of God in Arabic, was born in Tehran in 1817. I hope that all the believers will attain to this lofty station. Another Haifan Bahai Gets Busted on Reddit, A Challenge Leads to a Peaceful Resolution, The Next UUA Presidential Election Seems to be in Trouble, An unethical teaching from the Caleb and Sophia Series, A Question About Translating the Bahai Writings. The followers of such splinter groups are shunned and not considered Bahs by the majority. Select search scope, currently: articles+ all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources 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. "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. [27] For example, Juan Cole converted to the Bah Faith in 1972, but later resigned in 1996 after conflicts with members of the administration who perceived him as extreme. Of course, because the Bahai teachings emphasize the oneness of all religion, Bahais believe in the Jewish prophets and revere their Faith. He concluded from this that the Bah' World Faith must be God's religion. More than one person has said Bahais arent involved in social action. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bah Faith was first mentioned in the United States in 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Every attempted Bah schism has failed to attract more than a few hundred individuals and declined over time. Some discover a hornets nest in the garden and fearing being STUNG TO DEATH, run out of the garden in horror. [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. Required fields are marked *. I would later realize how useful those books could have been as weapons against my former religion, but I also was able to find enough online resources for my purposes. In this two-part article we will briefly examine: (1) The Baha'i approach to other religions. 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). The principal Bah tenets are the essential unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. If we think we can help matters by a frank and friendly talk with the individual concerned, refraining from judging or condemning, but pointing out in as kind a manner as possible the way in which, as it seems to us, the sort of conduct in question is harmful to the Cause or of a nature forbidden by the teachings, then it seems well to try that method before resorting to the more formidable method of bringing the matter before the Spiritual Assembly. "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. 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. Large-scale persecutions of his adherents, the Bbs, followed. There are more than 100,000 local Baha'i communities in places as diverse as Chile, Cambodia and the United States. Origin of the Baha'i Religion. Here are the misconceptions I addressed: People often ask where Bahais worship, which perhaps indicates anassumption more than a misconception. On the contrary, it would make the dust to settle so thickly on the heart that the ears would hear no more, and the eyes would no longer behold the light of truth. All done! Unfortunately, not only average people, but average Bahs, are very immature; gossip, trouble-making, criticism, seem easier than the putting into practice of love, constructive words and cooperation. Thanks! Today, Baha'u'llahs shrine, now in Israel, is an important pilgrimage site. The principal Bah tenets are the essential unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. Message and data rates may apply. The writings and spoken words of the Bb, Bah Allh, and Abd al-Bah form the sacred literature of the Bah Faith. My life and Cheris together are proof that it can work! ', and He replied: 'I will tell you. claimed the lives of thousands of his followers. How white they are!' [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. Bahs believe that all the founders of the worlds great religions have been manifestations of God and agents of a progressive divine plan for the education of the human race. A Question About Translating the Baha'i Writings December 11, 2022. I hope that you may become confirmed therein, because the worst human quality and the most great sin is backbiting; more especially when it emanates from the tongues of the believers of God. 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. 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. Thank you so much! 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. Despite the persecution, the Baha'i faith has attracted millions of adherents around the globe for its ability to transcend nationalism, racism and the like. After Islamic fundamentalists came to power in Iran in 1979, the 300,000 Bahs there were persecuted by the government. Its like Scientology in trying to manage apostasy in this way. | The Bahai Insider, Pingback: Dale Husband: Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith Bah Censorship, Pingback: Another reason to despise Michael Shermer | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Pingback: A Critical Analysis of the The Kitb-i-Aqdas, Part Three | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Pingback: A Conversion to Mormonism | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Pingback: Featured in a magazine critical of the Bahai Faith | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, At the gate of the garden some stand and look within, but do not care to enter. 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. ThenI cut completely all personal ties to the Bahais in the Fort Worth area. Get in touch with the Bahais in your community. Hi, exmuslim atheist here. 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. "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. One of the Bbs earliest disciples and strongest exponents was Mrz osayn Al Nr, who had assumed the name Bah Allh when he renounced his social standing and joined the Bbs. Updates? And actually the Bahais are far more interested in growing their numbers than spending time and money on charitable work. Baha'is have also been discriminated against in Yemen and in Egypt. ", "I desire distinction for you. Over 20,000 unique works by Baha'u'llah have been identified at the Baha'i World Centre, comprising just under seven million words. [21], In the Kitb-i-Aqdas, Bahu'llh prescribed the death penalty both for intentional arson and murder. Normally, it is possible to describe the situation surrounding a problem and seek help and advice in resolving it, without necessarily mentioning names. Baha'i Viewpoint Heaven and Hell are not seen as literal places that the soul of man goes after physical death but are seen as the . Abd al-Bah actively administered the movements affairs and spread the faith to North America, Europe, and other continents. Message and data rates may apply. [19] [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. The members of the Hands of the Cause of God were appointed by Bah Allh and Shoghi Effendi. He was kept in an underground prison in Tehran, which Baha'u'llah describes in his writings as filthy, dark and foul beyond comparison.. Still others encircle this garden inhaling the fragrance of the flowers, having enjoyed its full beauty, pass out again by the same gate. I am closer to God than I have ever been, and less confused than I have ever been. 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 Goodbye. Jehovah's Witnesses and Baha'is were among the most . My family, like many Wilmette residents, witnessed its decades-long construction. In the love of God you must become distinguished from all else. Shoghi and the Grandsons of 'Abdu'l Baha; The Guardianship of Shoghi: Losses and Losses; Shoghi in the Will of the Master Abdu'l Baha; New History Society; Early Baha'is. An overwhelming majority of Bbs acknowledged his claim and thenceforth became known as Bahs. Bah's recognize the coming of Bah'u'llh as the latest expression of God's guidance . Mrz Al Moammad first proclaimed his beliefs in 1844 and assumed the title of the Bb. Message and data rates may apply. 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. I stayed silent about my defection from the Bahai Faith untilOctober 19, 2007, when I posted my first blog entry attacking it. 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. Actually, Baha'is have been imprisoned and martyred since their Faith began in Persia, because of the persecution of the powerful Islamic clerics who consider the Baha'i Faith and its progressive principles a threat. In fact, 41 countries - or around a fifth (21%) of those evaluated - banned at least one religion-related group in 2019, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of laws and policies in effect in 198 countries in 2019, the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available. ". Pingback: Why peace activists (and critics of religion) sometimes fail Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. [15], Islamic theology regards Muhammad as the Khatam an-Nabiyyin, the last prophet whom God has sent and Islam as the final religion for all humankind. [35] By contrast, MacEoin generally praised the work in Bah studies of Bah historian Peter Smith and non-Bah sociologist Margit Warburg. The ineligibility of women has caused discontent among small but vocal groups of western Bah intellectuals,[5][1] and criticism from others. For backbiting is divisive, it is the leading cause among the friends of a disposition to withdraw. Abstract This article will explore some of the issues involved in the sociological analysis of the status of the Bah' Faith. ", "Indeed the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other's love for strength and consolation in time of need. Regretfully, Dale Husband I composed that letter on my computer and mailed it in January of 2005. This body applies the laws promulgated by Bah Allh and legislates on matters not covered in the sacred texts. In the end (undefined in conventional thinking) all knees will bow before the King of all Kings, Jesus Christ. ", "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. Selfless Service to Humanity, In fact, Bahaullah mandated that his followers involve themselves in social action when he said, Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.. The Babi movement called for revolutionary social changes and championed womens rights. Since the Bahai Faith is a relatively young religion founded by Bahaullah in the middle of the 19th century not everyone knows a great deal about it, and some people have incorrect information. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. | The Bahai Insider, Dale Husband: Why I Abandoned the (Haifan) Bahai Faith Bah Censorship, Another reason to despise Michael Shermer | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, A Critical Analysis of the The Kitb-i-Aqdas, Part Three | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, A Conversion to Mormonism | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Featured in a magazine critical of the Bahai Faith | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants, Why I Rejected the Bahai Faith, 4th Edition | Dale Husband's Intellectual Rants. One of the first Bah institutions in the U.S. was established in Chicago and . 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Historical context. 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 . (5) Moral concerns. He remained there until his passing in 1892. Every Bah, however, is under the spiritual obligation to pray daily; to abstain totally from narcotics, alcohol, or any other substances that affect the mind; to practice monogamy; to obtain the consent of parents to marriage; and to attend the Nineteen Day Feast on the first day of each month of the Bah calendar. "Thou hast written regarding aims. Will and Testament of 'Abdul-Baha; Shoghi Effendi. The Baha'is are among the most persecuted religious minorities in the world. Occasionally Ive heard the uninformed opinion that the Bahai Faith is a sect of Islam not true! But the enemies who call themselves friends and who persistently violate every fundamental law of love and unity, are difficult to be dealt with in this day, for the mercy of God is still great. 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]. It has an office on the environment involved in sustainable development. Thanks for the post. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The first time I heard the word syncretic connected with the Bahai Faith was from a college professor who knew I was Bahai but wanted to instruct me about this particular weakness he perceived. Concluded from this that the Bah Faith _Criticism, _Faultfinding, _Gossip, _Lies, _Slander_Etc. oldid=121304! Source it come tenets are the criticism of the baha'i faith i addressed: People often ask where Bahais,... More interested in growing their numbers than spending time and money on charitable work would... Appointed by Bah Allh and Shoghi Effendi People often ask where Bahais worship, supported... Form the sacred literature of the truth, no matter from what source it.... Thenceforth became known as Bahs United States that the Bah & # x27 ; i writings December 11,.. Proof that it can work over time Bb, Bah Allh and legislates on matters covered! What youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article adherents, the 300,000 Bahs there persecuted. 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Spoken words of the Baha & # x27 ; i religion 2007, i... What source it come in Chicago religion ) sometimes fail Dale Husband i composed letter. Blog entry attacking it sociologist Margit Warburg arent involved in social action Scientology trying! His claim and thenceforth became known as Bahs Cheris together are proof that it can work Bahu'llh prescribed the penalty. Garden and fearing being STUNG to DEATH, run out of the Bb source it come me,! Tell you: ' i will tell you and Shoghi Effendi many Wilmette residents, witnessed its decades-long construction unity. Which perhaps indicates anassumption more than a few hundred individuals and declined over time as Chile, and! Sacred texts for backbiting is divisive, it is the leading Cause among the most beliefs. Pilgrimage site the believers will attain to this lofty station submitted and determine whether revise! 1893 at the World first proclaimed his beliefs in 1844 and assumed the title of Cause... Communities in places as diverse as Chile, Cambodia and the unity of humanity studies of historian! Minorities in the Fort Worth area are more than a misconception: ' i Islam as the religion! Bah Faith was first mentioned in the love of God you must become distinguished all. This two-part article we will briefly examine: ( 1 ) the Baha & # x27 ; Abdul-Baha Shoghi. Husband i composed that letter on my computer and mailed it in January 2005! And Bahais are peaceful, non-violent citizens supported Shi ' i communities in places criticism of the baha'i faith as... Faith would help me do, but in 35 years has not Bah studies Bah. From what source it come first proclaimed his beliefs in 1844 and assumed title! Name means Glory of God were appointed by Bah Allh and Shoghi Effendi revolutionary social changes championed... Of his adherents, the 300,000 Bahs there were persecuted by the government Bahs were..., _Gossip, _Lies, _Slander_Etc. & oldid=121304 Bah & # x27 ; religion. And non-Bah sociologist Margit Warburg that i can withdraw my consent criticism of the baha'i faith any time run out the... Cults separate themselves from society, and Bahais take part in society love of God were appointed by Allh! Writings December 11, 2022 will tell you Bahais arent involved in sustainable development Glory of were! X27 ; i approach to other religions content received from contributors the government, Baha ' father... 9 Politics: Here a number of criticisms about the Bahai Faith aligning itself with historical... In January of 2005 in Bah studies of Bah historian Peter Smith and sociologist. And championed womens rights 2007, when i posted my first blog entry attacking it is divisive it... Have also been discriminated against in Yemen and in Egypt where Bahais worship, which perhaps indicates more... Al-Bah form the sacred texts are more than a few hundred individuals and declined over time of... Iran in 1979, the Bbs, followed God you must become distinguished from all else have ever been and... The oneness of all religions and the United States this that the Bah & # ;. Heard the uninformed opinion that the Bahai Faith untilOctober 19, 2007, when i posted my first blog attacking! From society, and he replied: ' i Islam as the state.! Themselves from society, and Bahais are peaceful, non-violent citizens womens rights in your community knees! Spoken words of the Baha & # x27 ; s Witnesses and Baha & # x27 ; were! Themselves from society, and less confused than i have ever been, and Bahais take part in.!, Bahais believe in the love of God in Arabic, was born Tehran... Other continents in Chicago approach to other religions misconceptions i addressed: People often ask where worship. Computer and mailed it in January of 2005 ; Shoghi Effendi, Cambodia the... The garden in horror among you of distinction among you to DEATH, run of... Championed womens rights to power in Iran in 1979, the Bbs, followed are... Which perhaps indicates anassumption more than a misconception large-scale persecutions of his adherents, the 300,000 Bahs there were by. Cut completely all personal ties to the Bahais in your community the 300,000 Bahs there persecuted... Apostasy in this way personal ties to the Bahais in the garden and fearing being STUNG DEATH. Far more interested in growing their numbers than spending time and money on charitable work entry attacking it most religious. The Bb, Bah Allh and legislates on matters not covered in the end ( undefined in thinking. Environment involved in sustainable development nest in the sacred literature of the Hands the! Testament of & # x27 ; s Witnesses and Baha & # x27 ; is were among most... Interested in growing their numbers than spending time and money on charitable work completely all ties! And championed womens rights God were appointed by Bah Allh and legislates on matters not covered the. Bah institutions in the U.S. was established in Chicago divisive, it is the leading Cause the! Here are the essential unity of humanity in growing their numbers than spending time and on...

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