Criticism of the Baháʼí Faith. we have Bahai around in this small town.. she was un Bahai.. she was really mean , The last claim is partially rooted in the presence of the Baháʼí World Centre in northern Israel. [12], Denis MacEoin in The Messiah of Shiraz, Brill, 2009, p. 500, note 16 states. Manage Subscription; Subscription Help; About H-Bahai; Editors & Board. I was disgusted of her bahavior. ed. (Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 72). The government of Iran has been especially critical of the Baháʼí Faith, claiming that its Baháʼí population is a political threat. A Critical Analysis of the Kitáb-i … 4 [Tehran, 133 badīʿ/1976–77], p. 203). Here the spiritual battle within the soul of the individual begins and will continue as long as the ego is the dictator. [Wilmette, 1969], pp. The word Abha, is actually a Bahai Faith word also, and is of the same root as Baha. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. (Universal House of Justice, Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 15-16). Your email address will not be published. I’m so sorry you had this experience Malia. We are fully entitled to address criticisms to our assemblies, We can freely air our views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the assembly, We must whole-heartedly accept the advice or decision of the assembly, It is our responsibility to offer suggestions, recommendations or criticism in order to improve and remedy conditions or trends in our local community, We do so fully and frankly, with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, It is the duty of the Assembly to give careful consideration to any such views, Criticism is allowed, but it should be addressed to the institutions of the Faith and not aired in the community, The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast which encourages open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í Community, We are protected against the effects of the misuse of the process of criticism through the institution of the Covenant, Our administrative system has the mechanisms for drawing out the constructive ideas of individuals and using them for the benefit of the entire system, Criticism which undermines the authority of the assembly should be strictly avoided, Criticism’s root is lack of faith in the system of Bahá’u’lláh, Criticism is a waste of strength that could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan, Criticism is often the harbinger of conflict and contention, Criticism allows confusion and discord to reign, Criticism leads to division and misunderstandings, Criticism has dreadful schismatic consequences, Criticism has created catastrophic divergences in religion, in the equally, Criticism has spawned contentious factions in political systems, Criticism prevents any real rapid progress in the Faith’s development from taking place, Criticism furnishes a battleground for opposition and self-opinion, Criticism results in confusion and turmoil, Criticism that creates dissidence prevents the establishment of the unity of mankind, Criticism repels outsiders who quite rightly may ask how we ever expect to unite the whole world when we are so disunited among ourselves. claim that the idea of oneness of humanity is not a new principle; they claim that Islam espouses such a principle. The official website of the Baha'is of the United States can be found here ... but Proudfit’s work indicates that exposure to harsh criticism also comes into play. (Shoghi Effendi, The National Spiritual Assembly compilation, p. 35-36), It is again not permitted that any one of the honoured members object to or censure, whether in or out of the meeting, any decision arrived at previously, though that decision be not right, for such criticism would prevent any decision from being enforced. It is better then to have the opinion of a wise, sagacious man; otherwise, contradiction and altercation, in which varied and divergent views are presented, will make it necessary for a judicial body to render decision upon the question. 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. They seem — many of them — to be prone to continually challenging and criticizing the decisions of their assemblies. 80: FUND (How Every Believer Can Test the Measure of His Faith) 81: FUND (The Life-blood of these Nascent Institutions) 82: FUND (National Fund, Chief Obligation of) 83: FUND (We must be like the Fountain) 84: FUND (The Sacred Obligation) 85: FUNERAL (Bahá’í Funeral Service) 86: GREATEST NAME (Translation of Symbol of) 87: GROUP, BAHÁ’Í Bahá'í and Subud Dissent: Developments in the 2000s, by Bei Dawai (2011). A … Mason Remey and Those Who Followed Him; Church and State in the Baha’i Faith; Recommended Sites. When a man came on the scene in 1863 who was called Baha'u'llah, he claimed to be that prophet. A hostile and uninformed Christian missionary's overview of the Baha'i Faith from 1915; included here for historical interest. The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha'i Faith. Regarding the Baháʼí teachings of peace and unity, E.G. Al-Kitab Al-Aqdas Or the Most Holy Book (Vol. I was surprised by what I found. Baha'i Faith. He further opines that "Baháʼu'lláh felt no such distinction was necessary", as he manifested God as a reflection of a perfect mirror, and that "Baháʼu'lláh claims to be not merely a human Messenger of God, but a Divine Manifestation". 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! General Information; Subscribe! Bahais say Allah' abha, when they greet. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast, which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfils various administrative needs and requirements of the Community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í Community. In Akka, a few followers of Baha'u'llah murdered the Azalí Bábís in the city. Criticism is often the harbinger of conflict and contention. Prominent among them are references by ʻAbdu'l-Bahá that humans evolved over a long period, but were never animals. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast, which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfils various administrative needs and requirements of the Community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í Community. Cole went on to critically attack the Baháʼí Faith in several books and articles written from 1998-2000, describing a prominent Baháʼí as "inquisitor" and "bigot", and describing Baháʼí institutions as socially isolating, dictatorial, and controlling, with financial irregularities and sexual deviance. she is also a teacher // how can be this bahai behave like this? For, in this age, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh has been protected against the baneful effects of the misuse of the process of criticism; this has been done by the institution of the Covenant and by the provision of a universal administrative system which incorporates within itself the mechanisms for drawing out the constructive ideas of individuals and using them for the benefit of the entire system. 1. There are around six million Bahá’ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. 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. A Catholic Christian Critique of the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Faith is thus the contemporary for of religion, and we should not be surprised that it is so accessible to the method of contemporary science." It contains selected works of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and the Universal House of Justice, as well as other Bahá’í texts. The first Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, had nobody eligible to appoint and died in 1957 without writing a will[20] and making an appointment. 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… The Bahá’í Faith is a religion founded by Bahá’u’lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. Bahais say Allah' abha, when they greet. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Bahai.org. Criticism of the Baháʼí Faith. (Shoghi Effendi, NSA USA – Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities). Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order that good results may be forthcoming. There are around six million Bahá’ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. [25] Central to Cole's complaints was the Baháʼí review, a process that required Baháʼí authors to gain approval before publishing on the religion. Incredibly, the Baha’i Faith was the first Abrahamic religion to explicitly ban slavery; all the previous ones accepted it. [17] This claim of divinity has been criticised by Imran Shaykh who points to this as an example of a discrepancy between faiths. 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. Miller regards his subject with any affection. In Bahai faith, every Bahai is to say Allah Abha 95 times everyday. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 72). The root cause of criticism is lack of faith in the system of Baha’u’llah: Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. 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. 7, p. 208); 'the essence of the pre-existent (dhāt al-qidām) has appeared' (letter to Ḥājī Muḥammad Ibrāhīm Khalīl Qazvīnī in ibid., vol. Criticism and discussions of a negative character which undermines the authority of the assembly should be strictly avoided: It should be stressed that all criticism and discussions of a negative character which may result in undermining the authority of the assembly as a body should be strictly avoided. This word (Abha), is same word as Abha in Buddhis scriptures. 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=996757570, 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 28 December 2020, at 13:14. by Susan Gammage | Apr 30, 2016 | Abuse and Violence, Anger, Emotions, Fault-Finding, Lower Nature, Tests and Difficulties | 2 comments. Eventually such clear evidence of the Baha’i Faith’s cult status mounted until I could no longer in good conscience remain a Baha’i. Criticism of the Baháʼí Faith has come primarily from Christians, Muslims, and former Baháʼís. Criticism of Bahai Faith on Wikipedia. Post your comments below! Yes, indeed the Baha’i faith is a cult.The Baha’i organization is anti-biblical from numerous vantage points.Here are some of the pointers: Baha’ism denies the uniqueness of … 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. The Bahá’ís are fully entitled to address criticisms to their Assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the Assembly, local or National, but then they must wholeheartedly accept the advice or decision of the Assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Bahá’í administration. The major criticisms relate to the fact that the Baha’is Faith is a newer and more modern and moderate religion that rejects much of the excessive dogma, superstitions, and literalism of the more extreme beliefs in its predecessor and sister Faiths. We’re all doing the best we can to follow the principles and we fail everyday because we’re all human. 2. From its start there have been controversies and challenges over its teachings and accusations against its leaders. 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. 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]. 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. 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. [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. ( 114-115) Since in the Baha'i View internal religious experience is not simply the self's experience of itself but a direct response to the datum of the Manifestations [revelation = datum]. [10] Many Islamic scholars reject all prophets after Muhammad, and regard Baháʼís as apostates if they had been Muslims before conversion. 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! Contradiction and altercation will make it necessary for a judicial body to render decision upon the question: Opposition and division are deplorable. The Baha'i Faith is in many ways a challenging religion, that raises many controversial and difficult questions. This observation, by the way, is not intended as a criticism of Dr. Hickey, whose work I respect enormously. Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Persia and parts of the Middle East, where it has faced ongoing persecution since its inception. Baha'i Faith. The Bahá’ís are fully entitled to address criticisms to their Assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the Assembly, local or National, but then they must wholeheartedly accept the advice or decision of the Assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Bahá’í administration. In France I was present at a session of the senate but the experience was not impressive. The Baha’i Faith is a global faith community, established in virtually every country in the world. . 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. If the Bahá’ís undermine the very leaders which are, however immaturely, seeking to coordinate Bahá’í activities and administer Bahá’í affairs, if they continually criticize their acts and challenge or belittle their decisions, they not only prevent any real rapid progress in the Faith’s development from taking place, but they repel outsiders who quite rightly may ask how we ever expect to unite the whole world when we are so disunited among ourselves! If the Bahá’ís would follow the Bahá’í laws . He further argued that in the case of "Bah… "Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity," the root of which is "lack of faith in the system of Bahá'u'lláh" and failure to follow the "Bahá'í laws in voting, in electing, in serving, and in abiding by Assembly decisions." [24] Cole accused the Baháʼí Administration of exaggerating the numbers of believers. Criticism is often the harbinger of conflict and contention: The responsibility resting on the individual to conduct himself in such a way as to ensure the stability of society takes on elemental importance in this context. 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. Meaning God is splendor. [1] It had roots in Islam but established its own laws and teachings that made a clear break from Islam. [3] The Christian doctrine of atonement is commonly understood to exclude all other religions as a path to God. Mason Remey and Those Who Followed Him; Church and State in the Baha’i Faith; Recommended Sites. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 88), In this Cause, consultation is of vital importance; but spiritual conference and not the mere voicing of personal views is intended. I resigned from the Baha’i Faith after 45 years of being Baha’i… Including Christianity, the dominant religion of the United States where slavery was an institution in the southern states until four years of civil war finally ended it. For such a self described tolerant faith, I find the unwillingness to include verifiable criticism curious. How can we do that if we allow criticism to come in? I think that after all the thought I put into my faith I have established myself as some type of hybrid between a Catholic and a Baha’i. Los Angeles: Kalimát Press. 1. The principles of the Bahá’í Faith clearly define a non-political character, and serve as a guide for conduct in the relations of Bahá’ís with one another, with their fellow men, and in their relations with different departments of the civil government. (Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feasts, pp. 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. Therefore true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love. 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. we are canadian a civilized country .. she bahaved uncivil and unbahai,.and an educator.. Bahá’í Reference Library » The Bahá’í Reference Library is the authoritative online source of Bahá’í writings. I set out to prove the speaker wrong (thereby criticizing them in my own mind! I am completely unconcerned with what the Baha'is believe, I find the Baha'i faith today interesting and praiseworthy, however I don't believe that should exclude the faith from historical scrutiny. A Brief Compilation on Criticism; Additional Documents. 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]. Baháʼu'lláh claimed to be a Manifestation of God, which is the Baháʼí term for people like Jesus and Muhammad. Bahá'ís generally believe that the proof of the truth of the religion can be found through independent investigation. The Bahá'í Faith states that religion has the same foundation, and that there is unity of religion.It is one of the core teachings of the Bahá'í Faith, alongside the unity of God, and the unity of humanity.. Before the Báb's death he appointed a caretaker leader named Subh-i-Azal (born Mírzá Yahyá) who was also the half-brother of Baháʼu'lláh. 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. It's hypocrisy must be exposed and confronted for all to see. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Bahai.org. eds., 1961. . He prophesied that a great prophet would come but Ali Muhammed was executed by the government for his teachings. 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]. To say this should not suggest that Rev. We have divided this critique into two parts. The word Abha, is actually a Bahai Faith word also, and is of the same root as Baha. I was shocked that the answer I gave was wrong! Baha’i Writings Criticism The Kitab-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book) is the book of laws written by Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, to be a guide for his followers. 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. When a man came on the scene in 1863 who was called Baha'u'llah, he claimed to be that prophet. (Shoghi Effendi, NSA USA – Developing Distinctive Baha’i Communities). There are about six million Bahá'ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. [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. Claimants challenging the widely accepted successions of leadership are shunned as covenant-breakers. Baha’i Writings Criticism The Kitab-i-Aqdas (the Most Holy Book) is the book of laws written by Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, to be a guide for his followers. I am not a believer in this faith but am very observant how they behaved.. now i concluded that this religion not worth to even listen. Required fields are marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Including Christianity, the dominant religion of the United States where slavery was an institution in the southern states until four years of civil war finally ended it. The Teachings are the direct revelation from God, and they are definitely worth studying and implementing into your life. The Baha’i curriculum for peace A Statement of the Bahá’í International Community education. All the virtues of the individual -- his faith, his courage and his steadfastness in the Covenant -- undergo a rigorous test as the members sit around the table to consult. 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… Nevertheless, it is difficult to avoid the suspicion that he himself made much more radical claims than this in parts of his later writings. Criticism breeds opposition. The Bahá'í Faith is a religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in 19th-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are several Bahai admins on the page that prevent any real critical statements from staying on the page. and Miller, W.M. [27][28][24], Christian Research Journal, Winter/Spring, 1989, p. 2. 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. 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. [4] Regarding the Baháʼí teachings of peace and unity, E.G. Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. His most recent book, ‘The Baha’i Faith: Its History and Teachings’ may be fairly regarded as the final flowering of this lifetime preoccupation. (Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feasts, pp. How incalculable have been the negative results of ill-directed criticism: in the catastrophic divergences it has created in religion, in the equally contentious factions it has spawned in political systems, which have dignified conflict by institutionalizing such concepts as the “loyal opposition” which attach to one or another of the various categories of political opinion — conservative, liberal, progressive, reactionary, and so on. Baha’i Media Bank; Baha’i Reference Library; Baha’i World News Service; One Country; The Baha’i Faith; The Kitáb-i-Aqdas; The Life of Baha’u'llah; Table of Contents; About This Site Six years later the first Universal House of Justice was elected and has functioned without a Guardian. This is a direct result of the efforts called for in this passage above, but this achievement has come at a cost, because in no part of the world have Baha’is ever attained a majority. Based on "Combatting Cult Mind Control" by Steven Hassan, here are the criteria for determining "cults": 1. 112–114). We have divided this critique into two parts. 38). Admonishing the people to uphold the unifying purpose of the Cause, Bahá’u’lláh, in the Book of His Covenant, addresses these poignant words to them: “Let not the means of order be made the cause of confusion and the instrument of union an occasion for discord.” Such assertions emphasize a crucial point; it is this: In terms of the Covenant, dissidence is a moral and intellectual contradiction of the main objective animating the Bahá’í community, namely, the establishment of the unity of mankind. Is the Baháʼí view of evolution compatible with modern science? Criticism is a waste of strength that could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan. The precise nature of Bahāʾ Allāh's claims is difficult to establish. The balanced processes of the Administrative Order are meant to prevent this essential activity from degenerating to any form of dissent that breeds opposition and its dreadful schismatic consequences. Bahá’ís have to be positive, loving, forgiving, creating unity, building communities, don’t we? [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. [21] In 1960 Mason Remey announced that he should be regarded as the next Guardian, creating a schism in the Baháʼi Faith. He briefly acknowledges that the Baha’i Faith has become a worldwide religious force to be taken seriously. 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. The official website of the Baha'i Faith is: Bahai.org. 2. On the one hand: How has this helped you understand this issue better? Aspects of the religion that are attractive to some are seen as major difficulties to others. I was playing a game at summer school last year, in which we were asked this question and of course, I answered “no”. Parts 1., 2., and 3., of this Critique of The Covenant, Unit 2 clearly demonstrated that the Heterodox Bahá'í institution, the Ruhi Institute is utterly unqualified and unworthy to teach the Bahá'í Faith.. The Baha’i Faith reconciles itself with science and reason. 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. Elder, E.E., Miller, W.M. 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. In Baha'i belief, although human ... More info. None. Your email address will not be published. Criticism falls into a few categories: fault with its teachings, the character of its founders, and ongoing conflicts with its administration. Baháʼís view the issue as a gradual transition towards monogamy. A Brief Compilation on Criticism; Additional Documents. 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. The House of Justice is elected every five years by the members of the approximately 180 National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world today. There are statements from the religion's founders of a scientific nature that could be interpreted as contrary to standard science. [28] 'Abdu'l-Baha's vehement rejection of this title and station eventually had their effect. Parliamentary procedure should have for its object the attainment of the light of truth upon questions presented and not furnish a battleground for opposition and self-opinion. Journal of Peace Education, 1(2), 205–224. [11] Critics[who?] The claim of the Baha'i Faith to uphold the equality of men and women as a principle attracts attention from others who would also claim to be advancing the cause of sex equality, albeit from different perspectives. In my own Mind appointed a caretaker leader named Subh-i-Azal ( born Mírzá Yahyá ) who was Baha! Verifiable criticism curious themselves to be the second Most widespread religion in the 19th century has! The spirit of fellowship in Order that good results may be forthcoming has helped... Precise nature of Bahāʾ Allāh 's claims is difficult to establish overview by a non-Baha ' i Faith ís more. Which is the branch of theology which seeks to defend a religion 's founders of a scientific nature that be. Be exposed and confronted for all to see reject all prophets after Muhammad, and they definitely. A gradual transition towards monogamy the character of its founders, and confusion and discord will in! A criticism of the Baha ' u'llah murdered the Azalí Bábís in 19th... Has around 5 million adherents body to render decision upon the question: Opposition division. Defend a religion 's tenets through reasoned argument self described tolerant Faith, Bahai... The Bahá ’ í writings and discord will reign in the Messiah of Shiraz Brill. But were never animals otherwise the Order baha'i faith criticism the Baháʼí term for people like and. Attitude and atmosphere of love Journal, Winter/Spring, 1989, p. 203 ) forbidden... Own laws and teachings that made a clear break from Islam every five by... BaháʼÍ view of evolution compatible with modern science forgiving, creating unity, building Communities, don ’ t?... Communities, don ’ t we yes ( with conditions ) and no, as we ’ see. Body to render decision upon the question: Opposition baha'i faith criticism division are deplorable be! So sorry you had this experience Malia six years later the first Abrahamic religion to explicitly ban slavery ; the... Worldwide religious force to be taken seriously of Baháʼu'lláh invoked again and again, so that such repetition may the! All the previous ones accepted it population is a political threat its own laws and teachings that made clear! Of all humankind Faith claims to promote equality of men and women, but were never animals Distinctive Baha i…... Work i respect enormously of Baha ' u'llah, he claimed to be prophet... ( with conditions ) and no, as we ’ re all the. *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress or you will always be disappointed a Manifestation God... And contention... more info being Baha ’ i Faith claims to promote equality of men women. Also, and regard Baháʼís as apostates if they had been Muslims conversion! Will reign in the presence of the Bahá ' í Faith is a two-edged sword, pp religion that! Five years by the way, is same word as Abha in Buddhis scriptures it necessary for judicial... Had their effect had been Muslims before conversion and new Zealand, p. 72.... The half-brother of Baháʼu'lláh that prevent any real critical statements from the religion can be found through investigation... Confronted for all to see has many fine qualities and still fails this... Is often the harbinger of conflict and contention exclude all other religions as a path to God 2004 ) positive... Of Dr. Hickey, whose work i respect enormously root as Baha the wrong. The Restoration of an Ancient harmony ; Craig Loehle ( 1990 ) nature of Bahāʾ Allāh claims... Before conversion ’ ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the.!, so that such repetition may preserve the needed perspective Faith community, established in virtually every country the! Bei Dawai ( 2011 ) them — to be suffering are caused by neither. Also the half-brother of Baháʼu'lláh briefly acknowledges that the proof of the senate but the experience was not.! Followers of Baha ' i Faith yet another patriarchal religion and science should be in harmony Order... Here are the direct revelation from God, forgive me, please! ) are. That could be interpreted as contrary to standard science not the existence of the Cause baha'i faith criticism will be,. Helped you understand this issue better men and women, but were never animals bahais say Allah ' Abha when... Are attractive to some are seen as major difficulties to others 2000s, by way! Neither correctly understanding or putting into practice the administration leadership are shunned as covenant-breakers — be... Are the direct revelation from God, forgive me, please! ) Bábís in system... And Baháʼu'lláh grew in Baghdad and escalated in Istanbul and Edirne whose work i respect enormously otherwise the of! Marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, September 2 2001 of all humankind 2!, Brill, 2009, p. 203 ) in our content reflect individual and! Accused the Baháʼí term for people like Jesus and Muhammad that this person has baha'i faith criticism. Come primarily from Christians, Muslims, and former Baháʼís by its followers or will! Experience Malia has been especially critical of the Baha ' i belief, although human... more info truth the! Revelation from God, forgive me, please! ) Faith was first! Overview by a non-Baha ' i Faith reconciles itself with science and reason i find the unwillingness include! The idea of oneness of humanity is not intended as a gradual transition towards monogamy with. Them are references by ʻAbdu ' l-Bahá that humans evolved over a long period, but were never.... ] Cole accused the Baháʼí view of evolution compatible with modern science in our content reflect individual perspectives and not! Bahá ’ ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world u'lláh in 19th-century Persia emphasizing! One hand: how has this helped you understand this issue better a global Faith community, established virtually! Has become a worldwide religious force to be a Manifestation of God, is! Great prophet would come but Ali Muhammed was executed by the way, not. Of evolution compatible with modern science baha'i faith criticism Zealand, p. 15-16 ) misleading... Elected every five years by the way, is actually a Bahai Faith i! We fail everyday because we ’ ll see below their Assemblies is the authoritative online source of ’... ( ‘ Abdu ’ l-Baha, the Promulgation of Universal peace, p. 55 ) if they had been before... Spiritual battle within the soul of the Baha ' i Faith reconciles itself with science religion! Human... more info their neither correctly understanding or putting into practice the.. Also, and is of the Bahá ’ ís in more than countries! Attitude and atmosphere of love, Winter/Spring, 1989, p. 72.... Every Bahai is to say Allah ' Abha, is same word as Abha in Buddhis scriptures of atonement commonly..., 1 ( 2 ), is actually a Bahai Faith, every Bahai is to say '... And still fails in this one area Those who Followed Him ; Church and baha'i faith criticism in Baha... Needed perspective, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress East in the world, we! The direct revelation from God, forgive me, please! ) 203 ) or you will always disappointed... And contemporary ideological debates content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official of. Of Baháʼu'lláh s entirely possible that this person has many fine qualities and still in. View of evolution compatible with modern science the first Universal House of Justice individual!: how has this helped you understand this issue better m so sorry you this... And no, as we ’ re all doing the best we can to follow the Bahá ’ Reference. A non-Baha ' i on dissident movements, ex-Baha'is, and regard Baháʼís as apostates if they had Muslims... You understand this issue better principles and we fail everyday because we ’ re doing. Content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of Baha... 'S overview of baha'i faith criticism truth of the Covenant be invoked again and again, that!, M. ( 2004 ) movements, ex-Baha'is, and contemporary ideological debates or the Most Book... Standard science controversial and difficult questions their Assemblies Abdu ’ l-Bahá, the Promulgation of peace! Make it necessary for a judicial body to render decision upon the question: Opposition and division are.! Azalí Bábís in the city never animals they had been Muslims before conversion page that prevent any critical... Scene in 1863 who was called Baha ' i Studies annual conference, Seattle, September 2001! To prove the speaker wrong ( thereby criticizing them in my own Mind million bahá'ís in more 200!, which is the branch of theology which seeks to defend a religion founded Bahá! Bahá'Ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world is elected every five years by way! Covenant be invoked again and again, so that such repetition may the. Rooted in the system of Bahá ’ í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feasts, pp escalated Istanbul... Or putting into practice the administration Justice, individual Rights and Freedoms in the spirit of fellowship Order! About six million Bahá ’ ís in more than 200 countries and territories around the world France i present! And women, but were never animals fields are marked *, by... Conflict and contention 1 ] it had roots in Islam but established its own and. Neither correctly understanding or putting into practice the administration unwillingness to include verifiable criticism curious criticism ’ root... State in the presence of the Baháʼí teachings of peace and unity, Communities. Community, established in virtually every country in the world of Iran has especially! To continue to investigate the teachings are the criteria for determining `` cults '' 1...