An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
$101.00
USDThe Baha'i faith has some five million adherents around the world. It preaches the oneness of God, the unity of all faiths, universal education and the harmony of all people, but has no priesthood and few formal rituals. In this book Peter Smith traces the development of the Baha'i faith from its roots in the Babi movement of mid-nineteenth century Iran to its contemporary emergence as an expanding worldwide religion.
• Explores the textual sources for Baha'i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions.
• Covers the concept of the spiritual path, Baha'i law and administration and aspects of community life.
• Examines the Baha'i's social teachings and activities in the wider world.
This introduction will be of particular interest to students of new religious movements, Middle East religions, and comparative religion and for those studying short courses on the Baha'i faith.
- The first comprehensive academic introduction to the Baha'i faith
- Written by the leading academic in this field of study
- Includes a chronology, select bibliography and list of recent Baha'i leaders
Product details
April 2008Hardback
9780521862516
256 pages
235 × 156 × 19 mm
0.46kg
5 b/w illus. 1 map
Available
Table of Contents
- Prologue
- Part I. History:
- 1. The Babi movement
- 2. Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i Faith
- 3. The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892–1921
- 4. The guardianship of Shoghi Efendi (1922–57)
- 5. The Universal House of Justice, 1963–
- 6. Expansion since 1921
- Part II. Beliefs:
- 7. Baha'i texts: sources of belief and practice
- 8. Divine knowledge and guidance
- 9. Being human
- 10. The Baha'i faith and other religions
- 11. Social teachings and the vision of a new world order
- Part III. Being a Baha'i: Aspects of Baha'i Life:
- 12. Community and membership and Baha'i law
- 13. Baha'i administration
- 14. Aspects of Baha'i community life
- 15. Baha'i activities and the wider world
- Some final comments
- Appendix: recent Baha'i leaders.
