Product Description
Door of Hope is an indispensable guide to the history and sites of pilgrimage of the Baha'i Faith in the Holy Land.The author lived at the Baha'I World Centre for twenty-five years, and used the opportunity to make the subject of this book his special study.He has methodically examined the geography, archaeology and history of all that relates to the Baha'i Faith, as well as the results of Jewish, Christian and Baha'i scholarship.

The text is enriched by a unique collection of historical photographs and drawings which will prove both fascinating and of great value for Baha'i pilgrims and visitors, as well as those who have not had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A journey in progressive religious revelation
Historically the Holy Land has exercised an influence upon human affairs out of all proportion to its size, primarily because it is holy in the eyes of Jews, Christians, Muslims and, now most recently, Bahais. Pilgrims find themselves in a dense concentration of meaningful sites and a confusion of religious rivalry. It is meaningful to different religions because the Holy Land was promised by God to Abraham, sanctified by the Revelation of Moses, honored by the lives and labors of the Hebrew patriarchs, judges, kings and prophets and revered as the cradle of Christianity. The Holy Land was the place where Zoroaster held converse with some of the Prophets of Israel and is associated by Islam with the Apostle's night journey through the seven heavens to the throne of the Almighty. About 150 years ago Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Bahai Faith, was condemned to spend one third of his life in exile in "the nest of all the Prophets of God."

Ruhe tells us that a pilgrimage to Israel constitutes a journey in progressive Revelation - a concept that is a foundation stone of the Bahai Faith but usually disputed by the leaders of other religions. It is in the Holy Land that humankind meets its first big religious stumbling block. When a religion believes that it alone holds the truth then we have laid the foundations for religious rivalry and quite possibly war and bloodshed. When a religion believes in progressive revelation, all can accept that they have received a piece of God's greater truth appropriate to that people at that time. If we believe that humankind is rather more advanced today than at the time of Adam or Moses or Jesus and if we believe in a God of love who is doing His best to help humankind progress, then it is logical to believe that God will periodically send messengers or prophets to help society make the next step forward. In the comic books of our youth the convict was very clearly identified by his clothing and his appearance; not so God's messengers. Even though Jesus' arrival was clearly predicted in the Old Testament, he arrived as the child of a poor family rather than the leader of a powerful army and there was so much confusion that the established church crucified Him rather than welcomed Him. It is therefore quite understandable that there should be a great deal of confusion surrounding the world's most recent religion - the Bahai Faith.

This book has been written for those who are open to the concept of progressive revelation so that they have the information required to decide for themselves whether Baha'u'llah is in fact the most recent of God's messengers. The reader accompanies Baha'u'llah through his lifetime of persecution and is introduced to the major characters who believed in him. There are many photos that help to bring the journey to life. We are also given an insight into some of the people who met Baha'u'llah or collected information about him and who were convinced that he was indeed what he claimed to be.

If you doubt the truths handed to you by the leaders of your faith; if you do not understand why religions which all purport to come from a God of love and peace fail to practice what they preach; if you are confused as to how and why humankind has turned the Holy Land into the most unholy spot on earth; if you cannot understand why there should be such rivalry over the holy places visited by pilgrims, then this would be a good book to reflect on.

Fascinating history, ancient and modern
The town known in English as Acre (though to its inhabitants variously as Akka or Akko) in the northern part of Israel is an ancient settlement, known to have been inhabited since Canaanite times. Its position as one of the few usable harbours on that coast mean that it has had a turbulent history, having been besieged by various conquerors or would-be conquerors down the years, perhaps most notably by Richard the Lionheart and by Napoleon.
In the time of the Ottoman Empire it was virtually a penal colony, and this led to its developing religious significance when Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, was sent there and spent a number of years as a prisoner and under house arrest.
In this book we learn a good amount about the history of the town, but its target readership is basically members of the Baha'i Faith who want to learn more about these important years in the history of their faith. The scholarship is evident, and the detail impressive, despite which the book is readable, and the range of photographs a welcome bonus. This book is a "must read" for Baha'is and is worth a read by others interested in or going to that part of the world. ... Read more

Product Description
A study of the translation of the Arabic verses of the Hidden Words by Shoghi Effendi who was uniquely placed to render the words of his great-grandfather into English of outstanding beauty and charm. ... Read more

Product Description
A clear, readable, and informative introduction to all aspects of this 150-year-old tradition. From personal spirituality to social and theological teachings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a great introduction
This is an excellent introductory book on the Baha'i faith.It is concise and well organized.It presents the Baha'i faith in context and looks at it from the individual, the family, the society, and global perspective. In addition, it covers the history, the laws and the principles of the Faith accurately and in a language that is easy and accessible.The tables and graphs, assist in highlighting the key facts and concepts. Overall it a great short introduction to a wealth of knowledge!

Our Modern Remedy
The Baha'i Faith A Short Introduction is a helpful guide to begin understanding the religion of God, but not the best introductory book out there.The focus is on the teachings, with only a bit about the history.Not only that, but certain teachings are emphasized and others are given less attention or comprehension.For example, I thought Momen did a good job on the nature of God as described by all the previous Divine Revelations, but should have gone into more depth on uniting the other concepts of the world religions, and how to understand them as a Baha'i.But overall he still did pretty all right. I would in now way shape or form discourage you to read this book, unless you were to only read one book on the Faith, and that you should read others.Even I myself have not read many, but from what I have seen Esslemont's work is written very well, enough to be the one I recommend.But I reckon Moojan Momen still atleast gets one thumbs up!!! ;>)

The Baha'i Faith: A Short Introduction
This book is exactly that, a short introduction. It's great for those whowant to find out more about the Baha'i faith but do not know where to lookfirst. For those taking religion or comparative religion classes this is amust-read. Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down, and now I can'tseem to get it back from my friends! ... Read more

Product Description
Starting with a brief account of my own search for a more compassionate understanding of Salvation, My Bahá'í Faith explores the idea of the oneness of religion, progressive revelation and how it relates to the maturation of the human race, then goes on to explain social and spiritual teachings. I do not ignoreBahá'u'lláh , but I do wait until the reader understands the Trinity and the three-fold nature of the Prophets before going into an in-depth exploration of His life and station. The 28 pages devoted to history are enough to capture the excitement and drama of the Age of Revelation without getting the reader bogged down in details.

Every historical stage is related directly back to its equivalent in Christian history so that the Western reader is forced to recognize that in spite of the strange names and places, Bahá'u'lláh and Christ followed the same Divine Path. The book ends with a description of the Bahá'í Community, an acknowledgement of some of its challenges, and a celebration of its diversity and unity.

There is a short bibliography, information on how to find out more, and even a declaration form on the next-to-last page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

How My Faith can also be Our Faith
How can one religion be both personal and universal?Many people of all religions put their religion on a lofty plain separate from their personal lives.Such people, usually trapped in a concept of unity which says unified people all think alike, cannot conceive of how both unified action and individuality can coexist within the same organization, not even when they belong to such an organization.This concept of intertwined personal identity and unity among people who think, act, look, and believe differently about significant ideas is demonstrated honestly and lovingly throughout Justice St. Rain's "My Baha'i Faith."So also are difficult ideas such as how can the same faith espouse both individual salvation and regeneration of the entire human race, how can both science and religion actually be right, not only how can many religions come from one God, but also how can one distinguish truth from falsehood.The language in which he explores these concepts (and more) is simple and clear without talking down to the reader.This is an intelligent book written by an intelligent man who helps the reader see how to live a life in which mind and heart, body and soul function as a unified whole -- how to practice science without shutting down faith, how to practice religion without denying the truths science teaches, and how to be an individual in a faith which stresses unity.I highly recommend this book to people with any of these questions.

Not his Baha'i Faith
This is a nice story of one journey to spiritual fulfillment, but the Baha'i Faith belongs to no one. It is Baha'u'llah's Faith. No one can own it. Can one have a personal relationship with the prophet-founder? Yes,indeed! St Rain has a habit of using I, me and mine, which is the antithesis of the Baha'i attitude of "us and we"...true unity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful thoughts
This is an excellent guide to the thoughts of the founders of the Baha'i Faith, especially as it is entirely in their own words taken from many other works.As cliched as it may sound, this book changed my life.It is not a history or an analysis, but just the words of the masters collected together on the subjects people need to ask of any system of faith.I cannot recommend it highly enough.

This is a "User-Friendly" manual for living a spiritual life
Ask a question about prayer, about happiness, about how God is important in your life.This book is organized in such a way that you will find an answer.It's a guide to walking through life with practical feet and aspiritual mind and heart.An inspiration to anyone, but especially thosewho are familiar with the Baha'i Faith.

Insights on How to Truly Live a Spiritual Life
This book is not one to be read from cover-to-cover in one sitting. It isnot a novel, but rather a reference work with insightful, spiritualsolutions to everyday living. It is a work that one carries with himthroughout the day for quick perusals. The book provides glimpses ofspiritual insights which add the dimension of meaning and purpose in life.Divided into chapters where extracts of relevant subject matter arepresented, its main theme is God and virtues or spiritual qualities. Hereone can find answers to the meaning of prayer and meditation and why weshould pray; answers to what faith and certitude are and how they should bepractised; and answers to how one is to put into action such noble virtuesas detachment, sacrifice, humility, love, unity. It also answers suchquestions as, how can we learn to know and love God? But each subject goesbeyond merely showing us "how," it also tells us about the"what" and "why" of a subject. For example, What isfaith? What is eternal life and how do we achieve it? What are tests andafflictions and why do we have to have such calamities in our personallives? The Divine Art of Living is a book of inspiration and upliftment. Itis a gateway leading the reader to spiritual peace and understanding ... Read more

Product Description
Close Connections, a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year finalist, will appeal to anyone interested in spirituality and its link to everyday life. For more than twenty-five years, scholar and poet John Hatcher has studied the nature and purpose of physical reality by exploring the theological and philosophical implications of the authoritative Baha'i texts. His latest book explains how the gap between physical and spiritual reality is routinely crossed, and describes the profound implications that result from the interplay of both worlds. Close Connections is part of a John Hatcher trilogy that presently includes The Purpose of Physical Reality (Baha'i Publishing, 2005). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Close Connections
This book is so amazing, I'm reading it for a second time! It deals with all the questions I ever asked about life and death, God, creation, what it's all about. I can't recommend it too highly.

Fabulous Insight
John Hatcher, Phd., has the finest mind, keenest insight and the most articulate way of expressing the link between the physical and the spiritual in the English language. His latest books are "must reads" for the serious thinker, seeker...lover of the Light.

Bahai spirituality and the physical world
Hatcher, a professor of English and a long-time Bahai, explores the relationship between the spiritual world and the physical world through the lens of the Bahai faith. Based on the Bahai belief that there is no conflict between religon and science, Hatcher does an excellent job of developing the relationship between an individual's spirit and the physical world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Loved it
Great book it was more like an autobiography of John Hatcher but it did a good job of explaining the Bahai view of death.

A riveting read for those curious about the Baha'i faith and spirituality in general
You can delay it as long as possible, but it will catch up to you. "Understanding Death: The Most Important Event of Your Life" discusses the spiritual side of death from the perspective of followers of the Baha'i faith. With much spiritual reassurance, John S. Hatcher states that death is just a new beginning to embrace. A riveting read for those curious about the Baha'i faith and spirituality in general, "Understanding Death" is very much recommended.

Excellent service and product
This product fit the seller's description perfectly, and was shipped as quickly as possible. A great deal too! ... Read more

Product Description
One of a series of positive guides to personal development, this book emphasizes the opportunities and advantages open to those in mature uears. Blumethal, himself a septuagenarian,addresses the need for combating social prejudices against age. He explains the importance of developing our spiritual powers when physical energies are past their peak. Drawing on many years experience in counselling, Blumenthal also offers tips on such matters as interpreting our dreams, building inner confidence and maintaining harmonious relationships. ... Read more

Product Description
The Journey of the Soul begins and ends by answering the weightiest questions we can pose about our reality as human beings: What is the purpose of life? What is death? How do we achieve true happiness? What is the soul and how does it develop? What is the nature of the afterlife? Will we know and recognize our loved ones? Answers to these questions and more are found in this profound and comforting collection of readings, meditations, and prayers from the Baha'i writings. Those who are seeking a spiritual pathway are sure to find encouragement and direction in this thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Introduction by John S. Hatcher, author of Close Connections: The Bridge between Spiritual and Physical Reality (Baha'i Publishing, 2005), and many other books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Key to Spirituality
One far wiser than all of us, said to become spiritual, one must comtemplate the afterlife.This great book gives us profoundly uplifting lessons for a more meaningful life and guidance and confirmation about developing a joyous and healthy attitude about accepting the inevitable.This marvelous book presents unique preparation for the contemplation and anticipation of life after death.Be happy...enjoy this praiseworthy work that will serve as a timeless resource for the truly important things human beings should actively consider for acheiving an ever-increasing understanding and appreciation about the true nature of life on this earth and answers lending wonderful insight guiding us to realize that death really is true life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Closer Than Your Life Vein: An Insight into the Wonders of Spiritual Fulfillment
An excellent book on knowing more about your spiritual make up and using your inner vision.
It is a Baha'i book, the author uses quotations from various other Baha'i books. You may want to look at [...] for some background in the religion. HOWEVER you can generally understand the book without knowing about the religion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent explanation
This book provides an excellent explanation of the development and roots of Chinese religion and how it is not compartmentalized into strict categories as religions are in Western culture. It also compares Chinese religion with the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, one of youngest world religions, and finds a number of basic parallels. ... Read more

Product Description
A powerful story about the marriage of a black man and a white woman, MARRIAGE BEYOND BLACK & WHITE offers a poignant and sometimes painful look at what it was like to be an interracial couple in the United States from the early 1940s to the mid-1990s. Breakign one of the strongest taboos in American society at the time, Barbara Wilson Tinker and Carlyle Douglas met, fell in love, and began raising a family. At the time of their wedding, interracial marriage was outlawed in twenty-seven states and was regarded as an anathema in the rest.

Barbara began writing their story to record both the triumphs and hardships of interracial marriage. Her son David completed the family chronicle. The result will uplift and inspire any reader whose life is touched by injustice, offering an invaluable perspective on the roles of faith and spiritual transformation in combatting prejudice and racism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Miracle of Love
This story of love in the face of enormous social opposition is honestly told.It is a miracle of love because few couples ever have the commitment to their relationship to persevere in the face of such heavily stacked odds as are related in this autobiographic story.My own interracial marriage did not last primarily because my husband and I were totally devoted to different things, I to what I saw as bettering the world and he (I felt) to his alcoholism . . . .Perhaps we both lacked the sense of the importance of the RELATIONSHIP which is so strongly portrayed in this story.

I liked the way the son picked up his mother's story and made no attempt to guess her point of view -- just told his own story as a continuation of hers.I liked that while the pain was presented, no one wallowed in it as is the case in many such stories but rather everyone in some measure rose above it.And I liked that the individual members of the family were able to accept each other's varied ways of approach to life without judgmentalism and without trying to force the rest of the family to their chosen path.

This story is not only a tribute to a very strong couple and their strong children (yes, even the ones with yet-unsolved problems show a lot of strength) -- but it is also a cry to heal the social and spiritual maladies of our country (and the world) which are the cause of all the pain this family suffered.My own experience in a Black-White mixed marriage in the 1970's suggests that this process of healing has started a little bit but it still has a long way to go.While we were never thrown out of a neighborhood or refused hotel accommodations, we were treated to the staring commented on in this book, subjected to yelled epithets, and the ostracism -- and I often wonder what my biracial son would write about his life if he were to write -- in fact I raised him on the Navajo Reservation largely to get away from the black-white nightmare portrayed in this book -- on the Navajo Res we became simply part of the nonNavajo groups against whom many Navajos were prejudiced and not a single mixed family standing against both Black and White opposition. You might say I selected the type of prejudice I would subject my child to -- as the different family members in this book selected whether to accept the type of prejudice endured in a predominantly Black neighborhood or the type endured in a predominantly White neighborhood.I found among teachers on a reservation a larger percentage of people to whom race did not matter than probably would have been the case among teachers off-reservation.While we've "come a long way, baby" we still have far to go.

5 stars for mom's tale, 2 for the son's
Being part of an interracial couple, I made "Marriage beyond black and white" required reading.

Part of the book is written by Barbara Douglas, the (white) wife of (black) Carlyle Douglas who she was married to for over half a century. That part I thoroughly enjoyed. It eloquently and lovingly narrates the daily struggles, the defeats, the upsets, and the disappointments this interracial couple and their children had to deal with in postwar America. To this day, not so much has really changed. I very much identify with Barbara. Her prose is beautiful, elegant, and captivating, and her part of the book is a loving tribute to her late husband. Not for one single moment does she ever complain about the hardships she had to endure for the love of her life. What a strong, admirable woman.

Her voice is suddenly silenced when she passes away, and her son David takes over. He has the same gift of observation. He tells of his siblings' struggles from drugs to alcoholism to out-of-wedlock children. Yet, his writing is far less powerful than his mother's, and politically more dogmatic. But what really throws me off is that his part of the book reads largely like an advertising pamphlet for the Baha'i faith. Pages and pages and pages are dedicated to the Baha'i teachings, and while I respect and welcome the general philosophy, "we're all one family, all one race", I feel this information is forced on me when I intended to read a book on interracial marriage, not on the Baha'i religion (Baha'i also happens to be the publisher, by the way). And that makes me doubt the validity of the whole story... is it after all only a thin veil to cover the real agenda, to proselytize?

All in all, an engaging read nonetheless.

Wonderful
This book was an eye opener. . I thought this book described in a very personal way some of the ways racism effects the lives of African American families in this country today and in the recent past. The first section of the book is seen through the eyes of Barbara who grew up in Ann Arbor Michigan in a white middle class family. She described herself as growing up in a family that actively supported the rights of African Americans and as I understand this, as a child growing up accepted this as normal. This attitude she believed to be correct and therefore the way other white families believed. She was shocked and horrified to find out just how naïve she was concerning racism in this country when she became involved with an African American man. She recounts incident after incident of how racism affected her family starting as an interracial couple and then as a family with children. This included job and housing discrimination and even situations that literally put their lives into danger. She described her experience as one who had been raised as a first class citizen and then sudden found herself a second class citizen striped of all the privilege and protection she had taken for granted and had assumed were shared by all Americans.

Marriage beyond Black and White
Barbara Douglas, a great writer, one paragraph weaved to the next with long pulling sentences that keep the reader interested, sad, mad, and desparate to know what happened next. Barbara's wonderful story of her interracial marriage to Carlyle, the painful tradgedy of the sick racism they endured and their powerful love that kept them glued together - it is by itself an "unfinished symphony" and essay of the highest mark.

In part two, David in a distinctly different voice and style tells the story of his early years, education, and the details of interracial family life. His style is one of simply truth, exlaining his encounters and experiences with racism, as well as the solutions he found in his search for identity.

Indeed, David as a biracial child was at one-time, like a prisoner in a racially divided world.Thus he is able to give us a more balanced and unbiased perspective of this "disease" that lives on in virtually every human being. Yet the cure is attainable and David provides a thoughtful and comprehensive solution, while at the same time suggesting some tactical remedies derived in part from the Baha'i religion that may seem extreme to some but are well worth considering.It is a "must read" for anyone interested in the unity of the world.

eye opening read
Barbara Douglas gave us a gem of a book.The Chapters were riviting and eye opening.I saw myself in some of her words and the actions of those who judged her marriage.Though I would like to be completely free from prejidice, I now see some of the actions I have taken could be misconstrued as such.I felt for her, loved her, and cryed with her.I was sorry to see her part of the book end with her death.David tried hard to tell the story his mom could not finish.I applaud him for honoring his mother this way.I was taken back however by his sometimes preachy text and felt somewhat offended that he clumped America into a ball of racism. His bitterness shown thru and for that he hurt the reader that he was trying to make understand.I am from a white protestent background. I am not my parents or my grand parents.I'm a work in progress and hope that color will one day only be seen as something beautiful and whole not a line that is drawn in the sand. ... Read more

Product Description
A compilation of 139 talks and extemporaneous discourses given by 'Abdu'l-Baha on the fundamental principles of the revelation and teachings of Baha'u'llah - principles that form the basis of the the universal peace Baha'u'llah has promised shall come. Among the multitude of subjects discussed are the coming of age of the human race, the oneness and continuity of the Manifestations of God, and the oneness of religion as a social force for establishing world order and peace. These talks were given during 'Abdu'l-Baha's 1912 visit to the United States and Canada. They are a priceless resource for studying the language and the personal example of 'Abdu'l-Baha. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a wonderful book
I believe the "PUP" is a perfect primer to how Baha'is view the world and how each person can further the maturation of mankind, and indeed envision the concept of true world peace. I recommend Promulgation of Universal Peace to anyone who asks, "So, what do Baha'is BELIEVE?" No one person could answer that question more clearly for us than 'Abdul-Baha, the eldest Son of Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha'i Faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Unique Exploration of Baha'i Faith
John Walbridge's outstanding book gives a fascinating exploration of the Baha'i Faith, the most widespread of the world religions and the most recent of the world major religons. He gives it's complex history from its beginnings in 19th Century Iran, where it has been and continues to be persecuted. He explains its law, both comparing it to the laws of the other religions of the world, as well as explaining complicated aspects of it scripture. What is unique is that he details the small rites and sociological characteristics that effect individual believers with accuracy and respect. His scholarship is profound, explaining many deeper aspects to the Baha'i Faith in way that anyone could understand. He does this fully in the context of its scripture, its history and its contemporary issues. I strongly recommend this book for those individuals who want to understand the Baha'i Faith and its scripture with greater depth, more intense clarity, going beyond introductory books. This is a book for those who want to explore the Baha'i Faith from the perspective of a believer but also from the point of view of accurate detail and Baha'i scripture. This books covers Baha'i scripture in the orginal languages it was written, it's complex and turbulent history, it's theology and law, social structure, relationship with historical and contemporary Iran, local and international administration,etc. Few people can explain as much in so small a book. It is delightfully written and compherensive. I strongly recommend to any student of comparative religion or student of religious studies. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a study of the history, teachings, administrative structure and community life of the Baha'i faith, the youngest and fastest growing of the world's independent religions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Highly recommended to all scholars or non-specialist general interest readers
In just one hundred fifty years, the Baha'i faith has become the world's second largest independent religion. "The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion" is an all-purpose guide to the religion, covering its history, beliefs, and community. Named by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a book of understanding and knowledge, and it covers all of the recent developments of the Baha'i faith and everything one would need or want to know about them. "The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion" is highly recommended to all scholars or non-specialist general interest readers who seek a more complete understanding of the Baha'i faith and everything about it

This book as a research tool
This book, written by William S. Hatcher and J. Douglas Martin, offers an overview of the Baha'i faith and then focuses on it role as an emerging global religion.It has served as a core secondary source for a research paper I am writing and has been the most relevant to the thesis of my paper. It has been especially helpful because it spends several chapters talking about the world order of the Baha'i faith as well as the community it creates. This book has an extensive bibliography which provides sources on where the information for this book came from.William S. Hatcher and J. Douglas Martin are Baha'i believers who have published under the Baha'i Publishing Trust. The publishing institution lends credibility to the work and supports the strength of the authors' understanding as believers. Published in 2002, this book provides a recent perspective on the Baha'i faith that is aimed at intellectuals striving to understand the basics of the Baha'i faith. Although it is a scholarly work, it does provide a standard overview that can be understood by anyone trying to find out more about this faith.To better understand the book, you should know that it has ten chapters that span the historical background of the faith, the teachings and delve into an understanding of the Baha'i faith as a world order. A great addition to this book are the introduction, epilogue, and the index.The index is especially helpful during research! This book is a wonderful research tool and is also helpful to anyone trying to find out more about the Baha'i faith.

Great introduction for beginners
This is a great introductory book for beginners or people interested in faith. It covers all the areas of spiritual and social aspects in a brief understandable way. Any one interested in contemporary yet globally encompassing religion will find it an easy read for quick review.

The concept of progressive revelation
The Baha'i Faith is the newest religion on the block and like the others, has its own independant book and founder. The faith emerged out of Persian in the 19th century. Just as Jesus (Christ)was a Jew who founded Christianity, Siddartha (Buddha) a Hindu who founded Buddhism, Mirza Huysan Ali (Baha'u'llah) was a Muslin who found Baha'i. Whether you agree with the concept or not the Baha'i Faith has grown in just under 200 years into a worldwide community of 6 million believers beyond the borders of Persia. However, the faith is not without controvery since Baha'i still faith persecution in Iran.

I do believe that anyone who investigates the Baha'i Faith be very versed in the theology of their original faith whatever it is. Faith is complex and religion complicated. Theology is your spiritual foundation as is what is in your heart. In my life, once a Catholic always a Catholic, but a healthy respect for other religions is a positive thing when one considers the Christian virtues taught by Jesus. If you think the buck stops with Jesus it does not give you license to persecute those who follow other world soul teachers. It is between them and God.

Manufactured religion
I found this book to be a strange blending of all major religions into Bahai, while it deftly eliminates all the points of these religions that clash with each other. It shows that Bahai has a mission, to unite all nations into one world, and it seems that the Bahai faith is the 'tool' for that union.

It is well written, has the poetic language of many Middle-Eastern religious writings, does not attack anyone, and it will be able to attract people who are not really familiar with the doctrines of their own faith. It is -in my opinion-the ultimate in manufactured religion. ... Read more

Product Description
Western women have always been in the forefront of teaching the Bahá'í Faith. Here are short pen portraits of seven such women whose services to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh have spanned the twentieth century. Emogene Hoagg, Claudia Coles, Anna Kunz, Amelia Collins, Kate Dwyer, Ella Bailey, Ella Quant - some well known, others less so - all devoted their lives to the promotion and development of the Faith they loved. ... Read more

Product Description
Mona, a member of the Bahâa®âi Faith, describes her religion's history, practices, and beliefs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good book!
I actually am a Baha'i, and was happy to see a copy of this small, square book in our public library.The information in the text is accurate.However, a few of the accompanying photographs are somewhat misleading.For example, a photograph of Muslims praying all together facing Mecca leads the reader to believe that Baha'is pray in a similar fashion, which they don't! Nevertheless, I like this book, and would recommend it overall. ... Read more

Product Description
The Bahá'í Faith is a recognized independent world religion attracting increasing attention--and followers--in the U.S. and around the globe as people from all walks of life search for practical spiritual direction and meaning in these deeply troubled times. Founded nearly 160 years ago, the Bahá'í Faith is today among the fastest-growing of world religions. With more than six million followers in 236 countries and territories, it has already become the second-most widespread faith, surpassing every religion but Christianity in its geographic reach.

The history and teachings of the Bahá'í Faith center around the inspiring person of its Founder, Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892). The character traits He displayed throughout the course of a long and turbulent life, His voluminous and comprehensive body of written works, and impact He has already had in the world undeniably qualify Him as a major figure in world religious history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Very interesting read, hard to put down!
This book is great for everyone interested in not just religion but history as well.It's very easy to read and tells a great story of belief, faith and never giving up.It's not just for those of the Baha'i faith but for anyone who wants to learn more about religious history or different faiths as well as for those who need a motivational story.

Outstanding Intro to Bahai Faith
What an incredibly readable and informative introduction to the Bahai faith. I had very little knowledge of the faith before purchasing this book and feel that, after reading it, I have a comprehensive knowledge of the faith. Full of history and intricate details of the beginning and growth of the faith as well as of its progenitors, its text nevertheless catches one's attention and I found it hard to put down. I HIGHLY recommend this book to the inquisitive of any level.

Exciting News
A very good overview of the 165 year old Revelation from God, Universal Mind, Unknowable Essence, etc. known as the Baha'i Faith,Not as historically detailed as ""GOD PASSES BY" by Shoghi Effendi,this book includes many quotations from the Baha'i Writings and makes this modern day Message from God highly understandable.

Baha'i Faith
I searched for the truth. Found it in compassionate socialism and the Baha'i faith. I am fulfilled...

THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD HAS RETURNED FOR THIS DAY.....
What an incredible book and what a history , as a world religion built on the foundation of all the great religions, this new faith has ...... After reading this marvelous book , i looked and read further and have foundanswers to my questions about the questions we all have today and about every subject ....and reasons for the answers..... No cult here ....and it is truly what the kingdom of God on the face of the Earth will be ......You absolutely must read this book .....It is great !!!! ..... I am sure there are people who will make bad comments about this new faith, but there are no so blind as those who will not see ....... Read it before you make a judgement i would say....We all worship the same God. ... Read more