Youre welcome to leave a comment here with other issues in case I didnt touch on what you believe about him. Shunning can be the act of social rejection, or emotional distance. In our World of Worship series, we're exploring different ways people practice faith and religion around the globe. One thing I got to point out to add on your own argumentation concerning the first topic is that it was actually the Islamic clergy who determined that the Baha'i Faith is not a sect. Bubba was the most enlightened among all. The faiths fundamental truths simply dont resonate with those who have basic critical thinking skills. Bahaullah came to unite the religions: Christ was the Prophet of the Christians, Moses of the Jewswhy should not the followers of each prophet recognize and honor the other prophets also? This is utterly ridiculous, but this way the national Bahai center can count that as 2 communities or localities where Bahais reside, rather than just one. Importantly, the Baha'i Faith first emerged in a Muslim culture in what is now Iran, so Islam could be said to be its parent Faith - in the same way that Judaism was the parent Faith of Christianity. What I propose to examine here are the possible reasons for that. Opposition to the current head of the faith, the Universal House of Justice, is considered to be a spiritual illness, that could possibly be contagious, so the news that someone is reading their material and openly discussing it will almost certainly bring an ABM into the community who will investigate, warn, and threaten with shunning, a person who fails to abandon such contacts. Baha'u'llah encouraged Baha'is to cooperate with their governments and engage with the followers of all religions in a spirit of fellowship. None of these contain a shred of truthin fact, theyre completely false. The last claim is partially rooted in the presence of the Bah World Centre in northern Israel. Bahais who are married before conversion dont have to face this, but for those who marry afterwards will not be recognized as being married unless they do so in a Bahai ceremony. Thats a great story, Rodney, and important for us to remember. He has been teaching and pastoring for over 33 years at colleges . The vast majority of Bahai communities are too small to offer much in the way of services. , So while Bahais have no clergy at all, an elected, God has created in man the power of reason, whereby man is enabled to investigate reality. I came here because I had a question that I couldn't really find an answer to. No wonder got kicked out by their parent religion, Iranian Islam. Note Investigation of the truth doesn't stop when one accepts the Bahai faith. This page will be expanded with explanations added as I continue to research the Bahai religion. There are more people on this planet who have heard of those who believe in the flying spaghetti monster than they have of the Bahais. This is only one of many aspects of "information control" - a well-known sign of cult mind control, per many websites and books that expose cult methodology. The government released Baha'u'llah in 1853, and exiled him to Baghdad, then part of the Ottoman Empire. 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. I thought it would be helpful to give my plotted history of House Price Forums through the ages, as my account differs somewhat from geener's views. Baha'is make a big deal about some aspects of human rights, like racism and sexism. 23 Comments. Im not sure if any of them knew that then, and I wonder if that played a role in how they treat me now. That fact also can come as a shock to a new convert, and perhaps cause them to leave. I was briefly involved with my local Bahai community. r. The Archives building is a replica of the Parthenon, a temple to a mythological goddess Although many children of Bahais grow up to accept the Faith for themselves, the children of Bahais do not automatically do so. Although the prophet and founder of the Faith, Baha'u'llah, was born into a Muslim family, he went on to establish a completely independent religion. The Spirit of truth is infinitely greater than any one man and his ideas. Didnt moses bring the law of god to obay him. Although the prophet and founder of the Faith, Christ was the Prophet of the Christians, Moses of the Jewswhy should not the followers of each prophet recognize and honor the other prophets also? January 12, 2013 He said God was unknowable and denied any relationship to God (first section of Gleanings) One example is that the public is told that Bahais do not proselytize; they merely teach the Faith as long as a person is interested. Instead, he joined a new religious movement, started by a young Iranian, known as the Bab. 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]. There are abundant stories on the Internet that tell of Bahais leaving after an encounter with a Counselor or Auxiliary Board Member (ABM). [27] Soon after his resignation, Cole created an email list and website called H-Bahai, which became a repository of both primary source material and critical analysis on the religion. The Baha'i Teachings and Homosexuality Overview Human beings think differently. I soon came to realize that most Bahai meetings primarily focused on gaining new members and establishing new LSAs. a. o. Therefore, Baha'u'llahs teachings specifically advocate for racial unity, gender equality, universal education, and harmony of science and religion. Cults are controlling. Thanks Sissy. The word they use, and this has even been emphasized in Bahaullah's writing is "Allah". By understanding how things happen, people become more knowledgeable and this goes to show the importance of the harmony between science and religion. I also realized that this sort of religious thinking is the Most Great Divisiveness and is unworthy of a religion which supposedly has as its pivot the teaching of the oneness of humanity. But thing is to discover on our own reasoning is existing of god with what we see seeing us. c. Exclusion methods are cultish Leave a comment. Why the Baha'i Faith is attractive The central tenets of Baha'i faith include the equality man and women and all races before the one true God, the creator of heaven and earth. As soon as Gods messenger is gone, people start to make change and twist the religion. [1] Western academics have criticized the requirement for Bahs to seek pre-publication review when publishing on the religion[3] and the exclusion of women from serving on the Universal House of Justice. Bah World News Service Bah' International Community, has confiscated properties from Baha'i families. Abortion and the Faith 7 September 2009 Jonah 32 Comments The Baha'i Writings say that human life begins at conception. One hours reflection is preferable to seventy years pious worship Bahaullah. The host was taken off guard when I mentioned the Bahai prohibition on proselytization, especially after the fine Doulabor folks agreed that a clear attempt to convert them had been made. He completed his study of Arabic grammar and language, logic and bayan from Meer Bahauddin Jandaqi Mulla Abdul Karim Misgar and Mulla Akber Nadushi. Rob Dalrymple is married to his wife Toni and is the father of four fabulous children, and two grandchildren. 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. The Orthodox Bah' Faith upholds the original writings of Bah'u'llh, the Founder, and 'Abdu'l-Bah, the Exemplar and appointed interpreter of the Bah' Faith. The religion's governing institution is the elected Universal House of Justice, whose membership is male-only. The primary target of these officials are people who are showing an interest in one of the small Bahai sects, known to mainstream Bahais as covenant-breakers. For many, the Baha'i faith is one of the most universal religions. c. Caused feelings of inadequacy He was kept in an underground prison in Tehran, which Baha'u'llah describes in his writings as filthy, dark and foul beyond comparison.. Horrifying to see at this date and age.They really think by stealing others ideals and slogans they could create some utopia. Browne wrote that while he found them admirable, in his view they are inferior to the simplicity and beauty of the teachings of Christ. Sad Baha'is see Islam as the parent religion of their Faith, in the same way Judaism gave birth to Christianity. j. This is not love. They should strive to be shining examples for all mankind, and act as true reminders of the virtues of God amidst men. Baha'is, for example, embrace interracial marriage and education for girls. May 13, 2018 The religion began with considerable controversy. By clicking "Submit", 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. John Ankerberg) have attacked its history and founders, institutions, teachings, and use of prophecy. Not everything they say is realistic, good, or in line even with the statements of their founders. I was surprised therefore after giving a fireside one evening when a male guest asked, "Do all Baha'i men have to wear beards?" In a very small community, sometimes just getting together for any activity at all can be difficult. These words are from all prophets of god . Dear Ryan,This is a very important issue and rather than provide a simplistic yes or no answer, I would refer you to the following article that re-frames your question in an interesting way. Christian and Islamic authors (e.g. I made friends with a number of Bahais awhile back. , Baha'i World Center in Haifa, Israel, which is at bahai.us, under the topic of bahai-teachings-homosexuality, Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversi, Since Bahais dont take part in partisan poli, When calamity striketh, be ye patient and composed, When I first learned about the Bahai Faith year, Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all, Accustom your children to hardship the B, Bahaullahs revelatory experience in the B, 6 Common Misconceptions about the Bahai Faith, Eco-Caskets: The Spiritual How - and Why - of Green Burials, Dr. Anthony Lee and the Excavation of Buried Racial Narratives. This list shows where Im going with this site. Bahai is not considered a sub sect of Islam, but as a new religion itself. Race and genders. Shoghi did not nominate any successor after him because of which many divisions occurred in Bahai faith. Unlike other religions, Bahai children are encouraged to study all the spiritual traditions, and, after the age of 15, make a thoughtful and informed choice for themselves. In a religious context, shunning is a formal decision by a denomination or a congregation to cease interaction with an individual or a group, and follows a particular set of rules. Bahai Faith- BAHA'IS AND BIBLICAL PROPHECY. Mental Health. Messiah Baha'i beliefs - Baha'is do not believe in the afterlife, Paradise or Hellfire. [22] Bah scholar Udo Schaefer stated that the legitimization of the death penalty in cases of murder and arson is usually met with disapproval and suspicion in Europe. [17], Bahu'llh's teachings on the equality of men and women, and that slavery should be banned, were controversial ideas in the nineteenth century Middle East that contributed to attempts to destroy his movement.[16]. No love It would be an embarrassment to reveal to another educated person that they belong to a faith that espouses gender equality, but ahem.. actually women are prohibited from the faiths highest governing body. Throughout his life, Bah'u'llah penned over 100 volumes in Arabic and Persian. Lets unit in that one absolute truth not divide the truth. My personal experience of deprogramming from the Bahai World Faith taught me more about myself, and humanity than Id learned in my 45 years of being a Bahai. Unfortunately for them, the internet was invented and knowledge of their imperfection has spread. Well, the year 2000 rolled around without any sign of mass conversions, and I finally realized that the people of the world werent likely to ever convert to Bahai en masse because it is a repressive, guilt-tripping religion with many laws most people are not interested in signing up to follow. Also, Bahais are quick to be your friend upon learning of your interest in the faith, but will quickly withdraw that friendship should you decide its not for you. h. Isolation In fact, the Bahai Faith is a distinct religion unto itself, recognized as such by the vast majority of the worlds nations and scholars. Therefore, if the essential and fundamental ordinances of the religions be observed, peace and unity will dawn, and all the differences of sects and denominations will disappear. The followers of such splinter groups are shunned and not considered Bahs by the majority. The first is that they equate Krishna to many other prophets, as if somehow Krishna in either case is the main god or spokesperson or prophet of Hinduism as a monolithic religion. There is no calamity awaiting mankind in which troops will come to recognize the genius of the Bahai faith. Why? The only truth that is Expressed through all prophets is, "[13], William McElwee Miller (18921993) was a Presbyterian missionary in Iran who published a polemic titled The Baha'i Faith (1974), in which he attacked the religion by promoting the views of individuals opposing Bah leadership. For your information, in the Bahai Faith the proper salutation is "Allah-u Abha". Thats it for now, from my point of view. Christian apologist Francis J. Beckwith wrote of the Bah teachings: The fact that the various alleged manifestations of God represented God in contradictory ways implies either that manifestations of God can contradict one another or that God's own nature is contradictory. Also, the Internet is rife with ex-Bahai stories, and I think the Bahai community can learn something from what these people are saying. [27][31], Denis MacEoin, a scholar who was formerly a Bah, has criticized what he sees as a threat to the impartiality of the academic field of Bb and Bah studies due to the dominance of practising Bahs in the field. Your email address will not be published. Message and data rates may apply. And to articulate to that Science and Religion should be compatible.. yet insist that homosexuality is wrong, when all of Science is demonstrating that it is a biological state, not a moral failing. [35] By contrast, MacEoin has generally praised the work in Bah studies of Bah historian Peter Smith and non-Bah sociologist Margit Warburg. Best wishes, Matthew. f. World government is a bad idea Unfortunately for them, the internet was invented and knowledge of their imperfection has spread. He has endowed him with mind, or the faculty of reasoning, by the exercise of which he is to investigate and discover the truth, and that which he finds real and true he must accept. I do agree though that the Bahai Faith, in all its various incarnations, is a cult. Check your email for the latest from BahaiTeachings.org. I left that meeting without saying goodbye and the Faith was never the same for me after that Bahai cult experience. I think the Baha'i Faith is a good religion, and that the Baha'i writings are a good collection of writings to base one's worldview on. Building a multitude of LSAs scattered geographically all over the country has taken priority over building solid communities. How can they best reach you? The Baha'i Faith is a world religion whose purpose is to unite all the races and peoples of the world. So what are we arguing about. l. Excessive paranoia about protection of the Faith [24] The religion has seen a few attempts at splintering, but they have remained extremely small and declined over time. There are a few things commonly told to converts that can hardly be seen as anything other than deceptions. This can drive some of the more talented members away from the Faith. More than one person has said "Baha'is aren't involved in social action." Nothing could be further from the truth. As human we are tribal and have always been. The Babi movement called for revolutionary social changes and championed womens rights. Though originating from Islam, there are a considerable amount of differences between the two religions. Bahais believe that intermediaries such as pastors, priests, mullahs or rabbis are no longer necessary for learning about and communing with God. instead of deepening and developing their understanding of reality and relationship with God are likely to leave the Faith. s. No tolerance for dissenting opinions One independent poll on American religions estimated that there are only 28,000 people in this country who consider themselves Bahais. The Baha'i Faith does not support the view that one particular tradition alone teaches the truth and constitutes the way to salvation for an indefinite period of time. Universal Compulsory Education 9. This is regrettable. The Bah' Faith . It asks us to consider if the present society is influencing us to examine the notion of human sexuality in a way that instead just leads us down a philosophical blind alley. Bahai activities, Bahai friendship forwhat? "The Bahai Faith was founded by Bahaullah in 19th-century Persia. Although I dislike religion and what my friends did over the past year, I was never traumatised or severely upset by anything that happened and I cant say I dislike any of these friends even if I disagree with them now. On the bright side, however, there has been some recognition of this problem on the part of the Bahai institutions, and in some areas, greater efforts towards community development have been made. And there is nothing fresh about Bahai writings. So,greatest injustice to one another is to crush each others Faith based on doctrine and focus on the work No more tribalism but unity in god and faith, unity in nations. Bahais were encouraged to avoid reading anything they wrote and instructed to entirely shun them. Looks like you were interested in a Bahai woman who introduced you to the community, but that was not her intention to date you. After Islamic fundamentalists came to power in Iran in 1979, the 300,000 Bahs there were persecuted by the government. why baha'i faith is wrong. I attended many Bahai programmes inside and outside Egypt. One of the least understood aspects of the Bahai Faith by the general public is the central place administration holds in Bahai community life. The Bible says: Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Also every person who rose against Abdul Baha and the UHJ and Shoghi was removed from the Faith. Didnt Mohammed say there is the teaching of the past and now submit (islam) yourselves to one god. Among the intelligent thinking Bahais trapped within its clutches, regular mental acrobatics have to be performed to justify their beliefs. Indeed Baha'u'llah claimed to be the manifestation of God that the Bab had foretold and gained a large following. [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. voir une cigogne signification / why baha'i faith is wrong. While the 28,000 figure is probably low, the Bahai assumption that there are thousands of people who consider themselves Bahais but have no contact with the community is not realistic. The reason is that the leadership of the Baha'i Faith, from its founder, Baha'u'llah, to the Universal House of Justice today, claims to be infallible because it is guided by God. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. Tagged with Why I Left Bahai Faith, May 5, 2012 I had to speak out. I saw a lot of those fanatics latched on other spiritual platforms on internet and tried to lure ppl in discussion. God, the Creator of the universe, is all-knowing, all-loving and all-merciful. How Bahais are trying to capture the MiddleEast.. Its life long.. Due the ignorance many are given misconceptions. why baha'i faith is wrong. Her response made me think. The year was AD543. Love bombing is their pretty important tool in doing so. Seriously, it been around for a century at least.. However, with the advent of the Internet, protection duties will also include the monitoring of email traffic for anything that seems heterodox. The Bahi Faith underwent a rapid expansion beginning in the 1960s, and by the early 21st century it had more than 180 national spiritual assemblies (national governing bodies) and several thousand local spiritual assemblies. He focused on his own problems calling himself wounded one over 170 times In retrospect, that seems strange. The teachings of the Bahai Faith the unity of religion, the individuals right to investigate truth, racial harmony , and the agreement of reason and religion have a wide appeal. Great subject matter. I talk about your Firesides in part two! A holy shrine of the Baha'i faith is seen in the northern Israeli city of Haifa in November 2006 picture. To answer those questions, I thought it might be instructive to outline the relationship of the Baha'i Faith to Islam, by offering a short history and then comparing and contrasting the . Baha'i Principles 1. You describe God as a selfish dictator that is all about it, not us. However, the new believer soon discovers that community life is centered around the need to gain new converts, and finds himself pressured into teaching plans and projects. If manifestations are allowed to contradict one another, then there is no way to separate false manifestations from true ones or to discover if any of them really speak for the true and living God. Baha'i Faith: The "Ruhi Institute" is specially meant to brainwash the newly converted. Do not give incorrect information please. Like Islam, it prohibits alcohol. The exclusion of same-sex marriage among Bahs has garnered considerable criticism in the Western world, where the Bah teachings on sexuality may appear to be unreasonable, dogmatic, and difficult to apply in Western society. One of the great mysteries and powers of Christianity is that Christ did not found Christianity. That is quite interesting to learn, Matthew. Hypocrisy & members in denial about that In 1850, the Bab was charged by Shi'i religious officials with heresy and was put to death by firing squad. Filed under Why I Left Bahai Faith One thing I love about bahullahs teaching is to investigate for the truth to discover god and to know , love and serve god by serving one and other . You can literally have Bahai friends from any place and people who know people will connect you. I'm just wondering because I really do think that this is an interesting faith. Marketing strategies I would not have the resources to research something like this, even if I had the training. What are the things he took from Islam!!?? The Baha'i Faith does not accept faith without good deeds. The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens, Events Coordinator - Melbourne Law School, Monash Business School - Senior Academic appointment opportunities, Lecturer (Level B) / Senior Lecturer (Level C) in Social Work Field Education. In the year 1320, at the age of 33 he was introduced to a Bahai book. The Bah' Faith doesn't single out homosexual behavior like other faiths do, but they do focus on sexual behavior being restricted to the bonds of marriage. i. Loneliness They had shared lovely singing the Bahais has shared nothing but a shallow attempt to convert. The most common reason for a Baha'i to be sanctioned is failure to have a Baha'i marriage ceremony, which requires the consent of all living parents. Because when I was a Bahai I was right, my religion was right, there was no need for me to question anything. The Bah Faith is a relatively new religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. The most common reason for a Bahai to be sanctioned is failure to have a Bahai marriage ceremony, which requires the consent of all living parents. 5 Comments. He was the grandchild of Sheikh Mohammad who was famous as Aaqa Bururg Tafti Yazdi. Ive come to see that the actual pivot of the Bahai World Faith is not an inclusive and true oneness of humanity but an exclusive oneness of Bahainess, a false oneness based on the belief that all of humanity needs to believe as we Bahais believe. Christ came to set us free from legalism so why should we go back to it? For example, they have the principle of the equality of men and women but have different inheritance laws for each and dont allow women on the House of Justice (governing body) and they say they have a principle of the unity of religions but that doesnt mean that they respect people of all religions so much as it means that people of all religions can join Bahai, give up their own religion, and then be united as a Bahai community. Quoted in, Political accusations against the Baha'i Faith, "The Economist explains: The Bahai faith", "Possible Criticisms of the Baha'i Faith from a Feminist Perspective", "The Baha'i Faith in America as Panopticon, 1963-1997", "Fundamentalism in the Contemporary U.S. Baha'i Community", "Bah' Youth and Sexuality A Personal/Professional View", "Missionary as Historian: William Miller and the Bah' Faith", "Marginality and Apostasy in the Baha'i Community", "An Introduction to Bah' Law: Doctrinal Foundations, Principles and Structures", "A Short Introduction to the Bah' Faith", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Criticism_of_the_Bah_Faith&oldid=1133465095, This page was last edited on 13 January 2023, at 23:09. "[25] Excommunication among Bahs is rare and reserved for those actively promoting schism. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your observations are dead on. The Baha'i faith has distinguished itself as a unique world religion because of its size (5 million members), its global scale (236 countries), its practical autonomy from its parent religion of Islam (there is little blurriness between the two), and for its doctrinal uniqueness, being monotheistic yet inclusive. Often guys show interest to know more about my religion or veganism only because they want to be with me, and I always refer them to a website. These are all doctrine which has divided mankind for centuries and has caused war and destruction through o out history. I disagree with you on several counts: He has endowed him with mind, or the faculty of reasoning, by the exercise of which he is to investigate and discover the truth, and that which he finds real and true he must accept. g. Spy tactics Baha'is were encouraged to avoid reading anything they wrote and instructed to entirely shun them. He must not be an imitator or blind follower of any soul. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Sign up for our newsletter and get all our latest content. By clicking "Continue" "Submit" , 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. The answer is "No," but this is how strong perceptions are especially on new people we meet, and how clear we Baha'is must be about our dress, and demeanor, to portray the best human qualities we can and to not get attached to outward trappings. Subsequent public protests and mob violence claimed the lives of thousands of his followers. My hope is that in writing about these issues, others who are recovering from years of being in the Bahai religion will be aided in their abilities to look objectively at Bahaullah, his life, his teachings, and how we were affected by being Bahais. Once a community has the nine adults necessary to form an Assembly it can be left virtually on its own. But such Assemblies are counted in the impressive statistics given to the public. Even in Persian language, in which the word for God is not "Allah", the Bahais use the word "Allah". Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Is he God? Bicentenary Celeberation reveals some shocking info, Some notes on the early relationship of the Bahais with the Zionists, Yemini Bahai accused of spying for Israel. People are not stupid. The most notorious incident of this was theTalisman crackdownin 1996, where professors and intellectuals were threatened with shunning for statements made on an email forum. With social media and many alternate media sources, the truth will always reign supreme. Beware! Independent, Unfettered Investigation of the Truth 3. pros * -Instant community- people are genuinely welcoming and unified in most places of the world. Didnt bahaullah say these are the teaching that has been done that they were internal in the past and the future and now is time to unite all faith and nations for the couse of God.

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