A Short Introduction to the Baha'I Faith

by Momen, Moojan

• ISBN13: 9781851681204
• ISBN10: 1851681205
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-06-01
• Publisher: Oneworld Pubns Ltd

Summary

Youngest of the world religions, the Baha'i Faith focuses on social and spiritual teachings very much in tune with the issues of todaysuch as the need for world peace and equality of men and women. This readable, informative introduction examines key aspects of Baha'i history and beliefsand offers clear explanations of Baha'i beliefs on personal spirituality, family and community life, laws and spiritual issues.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(4)
1. The Individual	5	(20)
How can we be happy?	5	(2)
The spiritual quest	7	(5)
What are we and what is our purpose?	12	(1)
What we must become	13	(7)
Can we reach these goals?	20	(1)
The pursuit of freedom	21	(2)
Physical and spiritual health	23	(2)
2. The Family	25	(9)
Marriage	25	(2)
Children and family life	27	(2)
Education	29	(5)
3. Society	34	(20)
Freedom from prejudice	34	(3)
The advancement of women	37	(3)
Science, technology and the environment	40	(2)
Liberty and human rights	42	(3)
Agriculture	45	(1)
Teachings on government and social policy	45	(3)
Teachings on economics	48	(5)
General principles and other teachings	53	(1)
4. Global Concerns	54	(13)
The unity of humankind	54	(5)
World order	59	(4)
Social and economic development	63	(4)
5. The Baha'i Community	67	(16)
Structures	67	(8)
Principles of Baha'i administration	75	(8)
6. Baha'i Laws	83	(8)
Prayer, reading of scripture and meditation	84	(3)
Fasting	87	(1)
Marriage and divorce	88	(1)
Death and burial	89	(1)
Cruelty to animals	90	(1)
Abolitions and prohibitions	90	(1)
7. Theological Teachings	91	(24)
The nature of the highest reality (God)	91	(4)
The divine educator, the Manifestation of God	95	(2)
True religion	97	(6)
The goal of human life (salvation)	103	(5)
The cause and purpose of suffering	108	(2)
Life after death	110	(5)
8. The History of the Baha'i Faith	115	(15)
The Bab	115	(4)
Baha'u'llah	119	(7)
`Abdu'l-Baha	126	(1)
Shoghi Effendi	127	(1)
The Universal House of Justice	128	(2)
9. The Baha'i World Today	130	(11)
The expansion of the Baha'i community	130	(4)
Co-operation with the United Nations and other international agencies	134	(1)
Social and economic development projects	135	(1)
The Baha'i community as a model	136	(5)
Notes	141	(3)
Bibliography	144	(1)
Further Reading	146	(2)
Further Information	148	(1)
Index	149