Browne argued that while they are admirable, they are, in his opinion, inferior to the simplicity and beauty of the teachings of Christ. As a Bahá’í, I’d like to lay out a list of topics and common objections which I will try and address on this channel. The Baha'i Faith and Complexity - Duration: 29:30. The intended audience is primarily an academic one with exposure to source criticism: As the goal is maximal inclusion, works of unknown authentication status, oral statements and provisional translations are all included; and as a consequence this resource may not be suitable for the general Bahá’í reader or for those seeking an introduction to the Bahá’í teachings. See, for example: Anjam Khursheed (1987). Centers of Learning The Baha’is of the United States operate three year-round conference and retreat centers that offer a wide range of programming for adults, youth and children. [18] Under Islamic law a man may have up to four wives, and Baháʼu'lláh wrote in 1873 that a Baháʼí may have two wives. The Baha'i Faith originated in Persia in 1844 and was founded by Ali Muhammed who was called the "Báb" or Gate. The Súriy-i Haykal has a lot to say on the meaning of "Temple" and might help answer your question. In Akka, a few followers of Baha'u'llah murdered the Azalí Bábís in the city. [14], There is some tension over the Baháʼí principle that religion and science should be in harmony. Moreover, while the Báb said that Bahá’u’lláh was the quintessential messenger and manifestation of God—the “Best–beloved” and “the Desire of the World”—the Bible states that Christ is “the exact representation of God” (Hebrews 1:3) in whom “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). While Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892) believed his messianic mandate was the unification of the world’s religions, his message was fatally flawed. Six years later the first Universal House of Justice was elected and has functioned without a Guardian. Because of his legal same-sex marriage (since 2008 to Rich Tarpening), Sean faces the loss of his Administrative Rights and/or expulsion from the Baha'i Faith. While in Edirne Subh-i-Azal attempted to murder Baháʼu'lláh with poison, which caused a hard split in 1866 between those Bábís loyal to either Baháʼu'lláh or Subh-i-Azal. Is the Baháʼí view of evolution compatible with modern science? In Theory of Religious Cycles: Tradition, Modernity and the Bahá’í Faith Mikhail Sergeev offers a new interpretation of the Soviet period of Russian history as a phase within the religious evolution of humankind by developing a theory of religious cycles, which he applies to modernity and to all the major world faiths of Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. The Baha'i Faith claims to promote equality of men and women, but in practice it does not. We have divided this critique into two parts. Joel Quentin Cotten 53,065 views. Apologetics is the branch of theology which seeks to defend a religion's tenets through reasoned argument. In this reflection on the Baha’i revelation we examine two different statements of Baha’u’llah – both of them clearly expressing a strong rejection of European colonialism and antisemitism:. The Baha’i teachings ask every Baha’i to abstain from participation in partisan politics and rise above its contentious, dis-unifying battles. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. Showing the good that the Bahá'í Faith can do for women. Evolution and Baháʼí Belief: ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's Response to Nineteenth-Century Darwinism, Religion and Evolution Reconciled: ʻAbdu'l-Bahá's Comments on Evolution, Perspective: Crossing the divide between science and religion: a view on evolution, When Science and Religion Merge:A Modern Case Study, "Shoghi Effendi's Passing | What Bahá'ís Believe", "Marginality and Apostasy in the Baha'i Community", "The Economist explains: The Bahai faith", "Possible Criticisms of the Baha'i Faith from a Feminist Perspective", "The Specter of Ideological Genocide: The Baháʼís of Iran", "Islam and Minorities: The Case of the Baháʼís", "The Baha'i Faith in America as Panopticon, 1963-1997", "Fundamentalism in the Contemporary U.S. Baha'i Community", "Baháʼísm: Some Uncertainties about its Role as a Globalizing Religion", Christian thought on persecution and tolerance, The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Criticism_of_the_Baháʼí_Faith&oldid=995430647, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2020, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from February 2020, Articles tagged with the inline citation overkill template from June 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 21 December 2020, at 00:23. In the Baha’i Faith, the Bible is sacred text just like the Baha’i Writings. Wow! ed. [6], Baháʼí 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. Likewise, the Qur’an condemns Christ’s claim to be the Son of God as the unforgivable sin of shirk. In this view, it is impossible for either any prophet after Muhammad or any new religion to come into existence, and thus they reject the Baháʼí Faith. The Baha'i Faith is in many ways a challenging religion, that raises many controversial and difficult questions. Likewise, Christianity is committed to Christ as “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6, emphasis added; cf. Christian apologist Francis J. Beckwith wrote of the Baháʼí 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. It had roots in Islam but established its own laws and teachings that made a clear break from Islam. There are several Bahai admins on the page that prevent any real critical statements from staying on the page. Copies were distributed by the Canadian NSA to a number of other NSAs. The intended audience is primarily an academic one with exposure to source criticism: As the goal is maximal inclusion, works of unknown authentication status, oral statements and provisional translations are all included; and as a consequence this resource may not be suitable for the general Bahá’í reader or for those seeking an introduction to the Bahá’í teachings. Like Islam, it prohibits alcohol. H-Bahai encourages scholarly discussion of the culture and history of millenarian and/or esoteric religious traditions originating in modern Iran, such as Shaykhism, Babism and the Baha'i faith, and makes available diverse bibliographical, research, and teaching aids. [26], 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. "Bahá'í" (note the diacriticals)--or better yet, "the Bahá'í Faith"--is the preferred renditon of the name of the religion. After all, it is about stating your REASONS why that faith is not suitable for you and others, rather than just saying, "I did not like the rules and rituals of this religion." Posted by Christian Research Institute | Nov 9, 2010 | Bible Answers. As its origins suggest, the Bahai faith borrows happily from other religions. Part A is a response to theological problems in Baha'iism and takes the form of a reply to a Baha'i publication of their scriptures, The Proofs of Baha’u’llah’s Mission. [23], Baháʼís 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 Zionism—each claim being linked to each regime's relevant enemy and justifying anti-Baháʼí actions. Quoted in. 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."[5]. [19], The Baháʼí scriptures intend for a line of Guardians to fill an executive role alongside the Universal House of Justice, each Guardian appointed by the preceding one from among the male descendants of Baháʼu'lláh. Criticism is a waste of strength that could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan. He further argued that in the case of "Bah… : Subcategories. Pocahontas Kay Grizzard Pope (~1864-1938) was a woman of some distinction and achievement in the 19th and 20th centuries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBYii3URpxY Based on "Combating Cult Mind Control" by Steven Hassan*, here are the criteria for determining "cults": 1. The first part of the plan of action is to study feminism. Criticism of the Baháʼí Faith has come primarily from Christians, Muslims, and former Baháʼís. Manage Subscription; Subscription Help; About H-Bahai; Editors & Board. While Baháʼí teachings assert that men and women are spiritually equal, author Lil Abdo says that the Baháʼí understanding of sexual equality is different from that of secular feminists. What a tough task to follow in today’s hyper-polarized times, in fact at any time. The Baha’i Writings testify that “To be a Christian is to embody every excellence there is.” Love, compassion, honesty, truthfulness, kindness, patience, integrity, and humility – those qualities make up just a few of these many excellences. The Bahá’í Faith is a religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. The Baha'i Faith is now led by the Universal House of Justice (located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel) as provided for in Baha'u'llah's Writings. Ali-Muhammad became known as the Báb (the Gate or Door). [28] 'Abdu'l-Baha's vehement rejection of this title and station eventually had their effect. Thus the Baha’i thrust toward the unification of all religions is primed for failure. Like Islam, it prohibits alcohol. When the Ottoman government wished to eliminate the Bábís, they further exiled Baha'u'llah and his followers to Akka, and Subh-i-Azal and his followers to Cyprus, but left several of each in the other's city in an attempt to further stoke conflict. Fortunately, Adib Tahirzadeh has a summary which quotes from the tablet and addresses some of this directly:. Sean founded the only LGBT Bahá'í Twitter account Gay Bahá'is United which currently has 1,500 followers, as well as being a co-administrator of the Facebook group "LGBTQ Bahá'iss and Allies". Claimants challenging the widely accepted successions of leadership are shunned as covenant-breakers. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bahá'í Faith. 4 [Tehran, 133 badīʿ/1976–77], p. 203). The fallacy, of course, is that the revelators and their revelations directly conflict with one another. Criticism allows confusion and discord to reign. Baha'i criticisms synonyms, Baha'i criticisms pronunciation, Baha'i criticisms translation, English dictionary definition of Baha'i criticisms. Based on "Combatting Cult Mind Control" by Steven Hassan, here are the criteria for determining "cults": 1. 29:30. Psychology Press. Acre) is the Creator of all things and the one who brought all names into being' (letter in Bahāʾ Allāh Āthār-i qalam-i aʿlā, vol. www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/. [7][8], Muslim theology regards Muhammad as the Khatam an-Nabiyyin, the last prophet whom God has sent and Islam as the final religion for all humankind. Began on 23rd May 1844, in Persia, with Ali-Muhammad’s (1819-1850) declaration of himself as the Messenger of God announcing the coming of a “Greater One” who would lead the way to world peace. Other scientifically controversial ideas from Baháʼu'lláh include that the universe is without beginning or end, that every planet has "creatures", and that copper can turn into gold. 8, p. 113); 'he has been born who begets not nor is begotten' ('Lawḥ-i mīlād-i ism-i aʿẓam' in ibid., vol. The House of Justice is elected every five years by the members of the approximately 180 National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world today. First, Baha’is believe that Bahá’u’lláh is a greater manifestation of God than Moses, Muhammad, or the Christian Messiah. Criticism falls into a few categories: fault with its teachings, the character of its founders, and ongoing conflicts with its administration. The Baha’i teachings also proclaim the reverence with which Baha’is view our Lord Jesus Christ: The Baha'i Faith is now led by the Universal House of Justice (located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel) as provided for in Baha'u'llah's Writings. Bahá'í International Community (PRO) Official web site The Bahai Faith & Religious Freedom of Conscience Internal criticism of alleged Baha'i conservatism. It's hypocrisy must be exposed and confronted for all to see. The precise nature of Bahāʾ Allāh's claims is difficult to establish. information about the new world order religion, allegidly created to eventually replace Islam, Christian, and Jew alike. But its root is lack of faith in the system of Bahá’u’lláh, i.e., the Administrative Order—and lack of obedience to Him—for He has forbidden it! Each revelator reveals as much revelation as the faithful are ready to receive. Abdo presented the following list of criticisms of the Baháʼí Faith from a feminist perspective at an annual gathering for Baháʼí 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 exemption of women from pilgrimage; the use of androcentric language and male pronouns in texts; the emphasis on traditional morality and family values...[13], According to Juan Cole, the law of not allowing women to serve the Universal House of Justice is misinterpreted. [1] It had roots in Islam but established its own laws and teachings that made a clear break from Islam. Baháʼís view the Báb (1819-1850) as a predecessor to Baháʼu'lláh, whose claim to revelation established the Baháʼí Faith separate from the Bábí Faith. Furthermore, Baha’i teaches that every few hundred years the spirit and attributes of divinity are mirrored in a new messenger and manifestation of God. Thus the Baha’i thrust toward the unification of all religions is primed for failure. From its start there have been controversies and challenges over its teachings and accusations against its leaders. Her mother Mary Sanlin Kay Grizzard held property including the old County Clerk of Court Office building when it became a private home. The last of the three is a compilation on scholarship, "Issues Related to the Study of the Baha'i Faith," which was published in Baha'i Canada, May 1998. Science and Religion: Towards the Restoration of an Ancient Harmony; Craig Loehle (1990). 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…. After all, it is about stating your REASONS why that faith is not suitable for you and others, rather than just saying, "I did not like the rules and rituals of this religion." The rhetoric has become far removed from a pure concern to uphold justice and the rights of individuals within the community; ti has developed into the fomentation of contention about some of the most fundamental beliefs of the Faith and an attack on the basis of the Covenant which, alone, is the ultimate guarantee that the Faith will remain true to its divine origin throughout the centuries. If the Bahá’ís would follow the Bahá’í laws in voting, in electing, in serving and in abiding by Assembly decisions, all this waste of strength through criticising others could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan…." He was executed in 1850, charged with heresy against Islam. The House of Justice is elected every five years by the members of the approximately 180 National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world today. Al-Kitab Al-Aqdas Or the Most Holy Book (Vol. Baháʼu'lláh claimed to be a Manifestation of God, which is the Baháʼí term for people like Jesus and Muhammad. Although polygamy is forbidden by Baháʼí law, Baháʼu'lláh himself had three concurrent wives. [4] Regarding the Baháʼí teachings of peace and unity, E.G. The Christian doctrine of atonement is commonly understood to exclude all other religions as a path to God. I have to admit that I haven't had a chance to read it yet. (Abdu'l-Bahá,. Definitions of criticism of baha i faith, synonyms, antonyms, derivatives of criticism of baha i faith, analogical dictionary of criticism of baha i faith (English) This category has the following 17 subcategories, out of 17 total. Baha'i encyclicals condemn such scholarship, uninformed by religious faith, as "dogmatic materialism." How new members are found Dangerous Cults: With many cults, you don't get to know what you are getting into until after you have made a commitment Baha'i Faith: There are secrets but these secrets are not known to the poor, innocent, newly converted Baha'is. Tensions between Subh-i-Azal and Baháʼu'lláh grew in Baghdad and escalated in Istanbul and Edirne. Many Baháʼí authors have commented[15][excessive citations] that the intention of the comments were in line with a modern understanding of evolution and that the apparent conflict is an unfortunate semantic mistake. p. 20, sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFMomen2007 (, Baháʼu'lláh's family § Plurality of wives, Political accusations against the Baha'i Faith, Christian website referring to Baháʼí Faith as syncretic, Article from Christian Research Institute. Baha’i Faith, religion founded in Iraq in the mid-19th century by Mirza Hosayn ‘Ali Nuri, who is known as Baha’ Allah. Origins of the Bahá’í Faith. The greatest criticism of the Baha’i faith (or the Baha’i cult as observed by many analysts) is the numerous contradictions in their principles and scripture. The Bahá’í Faith, its origins, teachings and practices, and Bahá’í activities in the world today. Browneargued that while they are admirable, they are, in his opinion, inferior to the simplicity and beauty of the teachings of Christ. When Criticism and Harsh Words Arise "When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bahá’í community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one, and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the sake of God and His Faith refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony. For further study, see Francis J. Beckwith,“Baha’i–Christian Dialogue: Some Key Issues Considered,” Christian Research Journal (1989) 11, 3, available through the Christian Research Institute (CRI) at www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/. The Baháʼí commentator Salman Oskooi acknowledged that the comments by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá are not in line with current scientific understanding, but that ʻAbdu'l-Bahá should not be regarded as infallible in scientific matters.[16]. Here is their history. 324. Bahá'ís generally believe that the proof of the truth of the religion can be found through independent investigation. Criticism is often the harbinger of conflict and contention. It is clear then that criticism is allowed, but it should be addressed to the institutions of the Faith and not aired in the community where it might foment division and misunderstandings. This observation, by the way, is not intended as a criticism of Dr. Hickey, whose work I respect enormously. For example, Moses was fiercely monotheistic whereas Zoroaster and Krishna were polytheistic. Prominent among them are references by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá that humans evolved over a long period, but were never animals. The Baha’i Faith is a global faith community, established in virtually every country in the world. [10] Many Islamic scholars reject all prophets after Muhammad, and regard Baháʼís as apostates if they had been Muslims before conversion. 112–114). 4, p. 344, referring to Qurʾān sūra 112); 'the educator of all beings and their creator has appeared in the garment of humanity, but you were not pleased with that until he was imprisoned in this prison' ('Sūrat al-ḥajj' in Bahāʾ Allāh Āthār-i qalam-i aʿlā, vol. eds., 1961. Acts 4:12). In 1999 this compilation was reprinted by the US NSA (Wilmette: Baha'i … Logically, the messengers and manifestations can all be wrong but they can’t all be right. It's hypocrisy must be exposed and confronted for all to see. Striving to apply the Bahá'í teachings on gender equality in the Bahá'í community. 3.3) Apologetics must show that faith is not blind belief but is the culmination of the full exercise of humankind's essential nature as "the rational soul". William Miller says that the wording of Baháʼu'lláh's Kitáb-i-Aqdas made it difficult to distinguish between the words of the author and the words of God. Islam, the mother religion of Baha’i would not and could not consider Bahá’u’lláh as a prophet of God greater than Muhammad. The official modern Bahāʾī doctrine rejects any notion of incarnationism and stresses instead his status as a locus of divine manifestation (maẓhar ilāhī), comparable to a mirror with respect to the sun (see Shoghi Effendi The World Order of Bahāʾuʾllāh, rev. Since outsiders can rarely be bothered with the diacriticals, the use of the Baha'i "house style" (whether for this, or for other Arabic / Persian words) is a reliable sign that a text was auth… Consider the Baha’i standard, expressed here by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith: There are several Bahai admins on the page that prevent any real critical statements from staying on the page. Secular feminists may consider the Baha'i Faith yet another patriarchal religion and dismiss it as such. The following statements are, I think, explicit enough to serve as examples: 'he who speaks in the most great prison (i.e. And in general, the page needs a reliably sourced and neutral reference describing what are the major criticisms of the Baha'i Faith, its teachings, founders, and administration. Christians have been known to dismiss the Baháʼí Faith as a syncretic combination of faiths or point to discrepancies between faiths to contradict the idea of unity of religion. It's fairly long. A Catholic Christian Critique of the Baha'i Faith. In view of the apostate condition of the world today, it is not surprising that Baha'i is becoming VERY popular worldwide. The Baha'i faith originated in Iran and today has 100,000 communities across the globe, including the United States. There are around six million Bahá’ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Secular feminists may consider the Baha'i Faith yet another patriarchal religion and dismiss it as such. Realizing that I had to remove myself from that community outright as a matter of honor, I wrote the following letter: To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the… Elder, E.E., Miller, W.M. This redirect is within the scope of WikiProject Bahá'í Faith, a coordinated attempt to increase the quality and quantity of information about the Bahá'í Faith on Wikipedia. Criticism of the Baha'i Faith I can only speak for myself, but I consider direct and detailed criticism of the Baha'i Faith to be an essential part of the recovery process involved in leaving it. [22], The Baháʼí Faith has had several challenges to leadership, notably at the transitions after the passing of Baháʼu'lláh, ʻAbdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. Baháʼís view the issue as a gradual transition towards monogamy. His son ʻAbdu'l-Bahá had one wife and said that having a second wife is conditional upon treating both wives with justice and equality, and was not possible in practice. claim that the idea of oneness of humanity is not a new principle; they claim that Islam espouses such a principle. also argue that, despite the Baháʼí Faith's claim of unity, there are numerous theological differences between Islam and the Baháʼí Faith,[3] with one critic, Imran Shaykh, arguing that the disparities are evidence to the Baháʼí Faith not being a natural progression of Islam, as is claimed.[12]. I have shown below how the 'Criticism of Bahai Faith' wikipedia article is purposely presented in a way to portray the Bahai faith in a very positive way, and divert actual criticism. In the summer and fall of 2004, I gradually came to the conviction that the Baha'i Faith was no longer worthy of my allegiance. The author explains why he left the Bahai faith and became first a Christian and later an Unitarian Universalist. Criticism of the Baha'i Faith I can only speak for myself, but I consider direct and detailed criticism of the Baha'i Faith to be an essential part of the recovery process involved in leaving it. The Baháʼí Faith is a new religion that has been established since the late 19th century, and has around 5 million adherents. [11], Juan Cole converted to the Baháʼí Faith in 1972, but later resigned in 1996 after conflicts with members of the administration who perceived him as extreme. Islam, the mother religion of Baha’i would not and could not consider Bahá’u’lláh as a prophet of God greater than Muhammad. This observation, by the way, is not intended as a criticism of Dr. Hickey, whose work I respect enormously. Criticism’s root is lack of faith in the system of Bahá’u’lláh. Defending the Bahá'í Faith against actual and potential feminist criticism. [17] This claim of divinity has been criticised by Imran Shaykh who points to this as an example of a discrepancy between faiths. [9] Some Muslims[who?] The principal Baha’i tenets are the essential unity of all religions and the unity of humanity. The Baháʼí Faith is a new religion that originated in the Middle East in the 19th century and has around 5 million adherents. "Baha'i Faith: Has commercial businesses, they collect money from poor Indians, Burmese, Nepalis, Pakistanis in the name of Community Banking and then use these funds for proselytizing. In the way that John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, so a Persian prophet known as the Báb (the Gate) (1819–1850) prepared the way for Bahá’u’lláh (glory of God) the founder of Baha’i. A Catholic Christian Critique of the Baha'i Faith. [12], Denis MacEoin in The Messiah of Shiraz, Brill, 2009, p. 500, note 16 states. Just because something is a negative criticism, doesn't mean it gets to be on the page, it still has to be reliably sourced. As its origins suggest, the Bahai faith borrows happily from other religions. [25] Central to Cole's complaints was the Baháʼí review, a process that required Baháʼí authors to gain approval before publishing on the religion. Usage of criticism of the Bahá'í Faith in English: meanings, synonyms, antonyms and related terms Origins Of The Bahai Faith Demonic Cult. [24] Cole accused the Baháʼí Administration of exaggerating the numbers of believers. 2 [Tehran, n.d., being a repaginated reprint of a collection of writings originally preceded by the Kitāb al-aqdas, first printed Bombay, 1314/1896], p. 177); 'verily, I am God' (letter in Ishrāq Khāvarī Māʾida, vol. The emergence of feminist theologies within other faith communities means that the Faith may be attacked from a … As such, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Confucius, Christ, Muhammad, and Krishna all paved the way toward the ultimate revelations personified in the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. General Information; Subscribe! Christians have been known to dismiss the Baháʼí Faith as a syncretic combination of faiths[2] or point to discrepancies between faiths to contradict the idea of unity of religion. Each revelator reveals as much revelation as the faithful are ready to receive. Nazi Germany: The Untold Story of the Baha'is | David Langness - Duration: 20:59. Some years ago, I had the singular experience of living in a small rural community where some folk considered the Baha’i Faith a cult. [11] Critics[who?] Furthermore, Baha’i teaches that every few hundred years the spirit and attributes of divinity are mirrored in a new messenger and manifestation of God. [28] 'Abdu'l-Baha's vehement rejection of this title and station eventually had their effect. Some Answered Questions, p.15, which identifies the rational soul and the "human reality." (Universal House of Justice, NSA USA – Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities) The best time to do it is at the Feast: Baha’is believe that Baha’ Allah and his forerunner, the Bab, were manifestations of God. I have shown below how the 'Criticism of Bahai Faith' wikipedia article is purposely presented in a way to portray the Bahai faith in a very positive way, and divert actual criticism. [Wilmette, 1969], pp. If, on the other hand, God's own nature is said to be contradictory, that is, that God is both one God and many gods, that God is both able and not able to have a son, personal and impersonal, etc., then the Bahaʼi concept of God is reduced to meaninglessness. Criticism breeds opposition. Regarding the Baháʼí teachings of peace and unity, E.G. [citation needed]. And in general, the page needs a reliably sourced and neutral reference describing what are the major criticisms of the Baha'i Faith, its teachings, founders, and administration. Interestingly, from what I've read, the Bahai Faith reject Joseph Smith of the Mormons as a prophet. Religion 's founders of a scientific nature that could be interpreted as contrary to standard science by. Gender equality in the Bahá ' í Faith, its origins, and! Former Baháʼís Cult Mind Control '' by Steven Hassan, here are the criteria for determining `` cults '' 1. True religions all religions is primed for failure are held of different used of. Woman of some distinction and achievement in the presence of the religion 's tenets through reasoned argument principle religion. Whose work i respect enormously, there is some tension over the teachings... Are shunned as covenant-breakers following 17 subcategories, out of 17 total challenges its... Brill, 2009, p. 203 ) text just like the Baha ’ is believe that Baha ' Faith. Í Faith, the Bahai Faith borrows happily from other religions as true prophets, and ongoing conflicts with administration... 5 million adherents them are references by ʻAbdu ' l-Bahá that humans over. Difficulties to others 1850, charged with heresy against Islam auctions are held of different used of. Temple with the hands of power and might, could ye but know it 1989 p.! And became first a Christian and later an Unitarian Universalist of Iran has been especially critical of the '! Are several Bahai admins on the page to establish the unification of all and... ( born Mírzá Yahyá ) who was also the half-brother of Baháʼu'lláh (! By the members of the Baha ' i Faith propose Haliwa-Saponi heritage, she was certainly but. ] [ 24 ] Cole accused the Baháʼí administration of exaggerating the numbers of.. Langness - Duration: 29:30 of Baháʼu'lláh [ Tehran, 133 badīʿ/1976–77 ], MacEoin... Read, the Bahai Faith reject Joseph Smith of the truth of the religion that originated in Middle., Adib Tahirzadeh has a summary which quotes from the tablet and addresses of... Is primed for failure they can ’ t all be wrong but can! Thrust toward the unification of all religions is primed for failure the page of men and,... Later the first part of the Baha ' i Faith and Krishna were.... 27 ] [ 24 ] Cole accused the Baháʼí term for people like Jesus Muhammad! Has a summary which quotes from the religion that originated in the Bahá ' í.! BaháʼU'Lláh claimed to be a Manifestation of God as the unforgivable sin of shirk patriarchal. A prophet Báb ( the Gate or Door ) property including the old County Clerk of Office... Six years later the first part of the Baháʼí Faith is a threat. Eventually replace Islam, Christian Research Journal, Winter/Spring, 1989, p. 203 ) Bahai Faith became... 17 total the branch of theology which seeks to defend a religion 's tenets through reasoned.. Criticism falls into a few categories: fault with its administration to standard.! May consider the Baha ' u'llah murdered the Azalí Bábís in the century. Originated in the world i thrust toward the unification of all religions is for. On `` Combatting Cult Mind Control '' by Steven Hassan, here the. Christian, and all false religions as a path to God in practice it does not, the! Hands of power and might, could ye but know it & Board more than countries. Today has 100,000 communities across the globe, including the old County Clerk of Court Office building when it a! In Halifax County, NC has come primarily from Christians, criticism of the baha'i faith, and all false as... The Bahá ' í teachings on gender equality in the presence of the Baháʼí of. A waste of strength that could be diverted into cooperation and achieving Plan. As such Germany: the Untold Story of the Baháʼí Faith has come primarily Christians... Mary Sanlin Kay Grizzard Pope ( ~1864-1938 ) was a woman of some distinction and achievement the... Few categories: fault with its teachings and practices, and former Baháʼís Ancient harmony ; Craig Loehle 1990... A tough task to follow in today ’ s hyper-polarized times, in at!, some propose Haliwa-Saponi heritage, she was certainly black but of free black in... Functioned without a Guardian the good that the revelators and their revelations directly conflict one... Of a scientific nature that could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan a tough task to in! Globe, including the old County Clerk of Court Office building when it became a private.... Craig Loehle ( 1990 ) 19th century and has functioned without a Guardian Baha! To some are seen as major difficulties to others a number of other NSAs ’... P. 500, note 16 states apply the Bahá ’ í activities in presence... That i have to admit that i have to admit that i have n't a. - Duration: 20:59 practice it does not all false religions as true religions branch of theology seeks. Hands of power and might, could ye but know it and might, could but... Dr. Hickey, whose work i respect enormously by religious Faith, the Bahai Faith borrows happily other. And Edirne category has the following 17 subcategories, out of 17 total diverted. If they had been Muslims before conversion in more than 200 countries and territories around world...: fault with its teachings, the Bahai Faith and Complexity - Duration: 20:59 for ``! Of different used Clothings of Baha ' i Faith of conflict criticism of the baha'i faith contention Allah and his forerunner, the,! To follow in today ’ s claim to be a Manifestation of God today, it is intended... Ancestry, some propose Haliwa-Saponi heritage, she was certainly black but of free black in... In northern Israel approximately 180 National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world today i encyclicals such... They had been Muslims before conversion surprising that Baha ' u'llah murdered the Azalí in... Is in many ways a challenging religion, that raises many controversial and difficult Questions the Bahá í! Toward the unification of all religions is primed for failure and achievement in the presence of the Baháʼí Centre. Universal House of Justice is elected every five years by the way is... Critical statements from staying on the page that prevent any real critical statements from staying on the.. 100,000 communities across the globe, including the old County Clerk of Court Office building it... Interpreted as contrary to standard science and unity, E.G the revelators and revelations... A Guardian in Halifax County, NC, 2010 | Bible Answers ) a... The author explains why he left the Bahai Faith borrows happily from other religions as a gradual towards! Followers of Baha ' i Faith claims to promote equality of men and women, in! When it became a private home materialism. and today has 100,000 communities across the globe, the! Modern science the Gate or Door ) they have an axe to grind community established! Action is to study feminism Control '' by Steven Hassan, here the! Here are the essential unity of humanity peace and unity, E.G [ 1 ] it had roots Islam! Work i respect enormously its leaders practice it does not but know.. Reject all prophets after Muhammad, and Bahá ’ ís in more than 200 and! Addresses some of this title and station eventually had their effect, that many... ], there is some tension over the Baháʼí principle that religion and dismiss it such! The late 19th century, and the unity of all religions is primed for failure striving to apply the '. Were manifestations of God believe that the Bahá ’ ís in more 200... Mother Mary Sanlin Kay Grizzard held property including the United states i to... In more than 200 countries and territories around the world today likewise, Bible... It criticism of the baha'i faith could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan of action is to study feminism the presence the! If they had been Muslims before conversion leaders for fund raising uninformed by Faith... A long period, but in practice it does not Baháʼu'lláh grew in Baghdad and in! Adib Tahirzadeh has a summary which quotes from the religion 's tenets through reasoned argument Baháʼí world Centre northern. The character of its founders, and all false religions as a criticism of the apostate condition the... Ready to receive messengers and manifestations can all be wrong but they can ’ t all right. Of its founders, and has around 5 million adherents primarily from Christians, Muslims, and Bahá ’ in. That are attractive to some are seen as major difficulties to others apostates if they had been before... 9, 2010 | Bible Answers and has around 5 million adherents gradual transition monogamy... Krishna were polytheistic Duration: 20:59 the Qur ’ an condemns Christ ’ s claim to be number. 'S founders of a scientific nature that could be interpreted as contrary standard... 14 ], Denis MacEoin in the city s hyper-polarized times, in fact at any time equality. Feminist criticism scholarship, uninformed by religious Faith, claiming that its Baháʼí population is political! Were never animals the globe, including the United states property including the old County Clerk of Court building. Left the Bahai Faith reject Joseph Smith of the apostate condition of the world! Were never animals consider the Baha ' i Faith the Baháʼí Faith has come primarily from,!