Peter Smith explores the history, beliefs and practices of the Baha'i faith.

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

Explore the history, teachings, structure and community life of the world-wide Baha'i community-what may well be the most diverse organized body of people on earth-through this revised and updated comprehensive introduction (2002). Named by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a book that has made "significant contributions to the knowledge and understanding" of religious thought, The Baha'i Faith covers the most recent developments in a faith that, in just over 150 years, has grown to become the second most wide-spread of the independent world religions.

God Speaks Again is a comprehensive introduction to the Baha'i Faith. Members of the Baha'i religion believe that periodically throughout history, God has revealed Himself to humanity through Divine Messengers-among them Abraham, Zoroaster, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad-each offering fresh spiritual teachings suited for the age in which they appear. Bowers quotes extensively from Baha'u'llah 's own writings, which Baha'is regard as the most recent Divine Revelation for humankind, providing a welcome glimpse into its power and majesty. In placing the life of Baha'u'llah at the center of the story, he reveals an authentically inspiring figure and the inseparable connection between a new religion and an extraordinary human being touched by His Creator.

Written by a well-known author in the field of Baha'i studies, this is a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia to the youngest of the world religions. Regarded as the second most widespread faith after Christianity, with adherents in almost every country around the globe, the Baha'i faith is nevertheless unfamiliar to many. here Dr Smith traces the origins and development of the religion from 19th century Iran to the modern day, introducing its central figures and major historical events. combining breadth with a readable yet concise style, he provides a balanced overview of Baha'i scriptures, doctrines and practices, social teachings and organization. This reference work presents a clear and knowledgeable view of a fascinating new religion.

Clear introduction to the Bahá'í vision and development of its community.

Baha'u'llah (1817-1892), the Inaugurator of the most recent of the independent world religions, the Baha'i Faith, has been described by the Guardian of that Faith as 'One Whom posterity will acclaim, and Whom innumerable followers already recognize, . . . as the Establisher of the Most Great Peace . . . and the Inspirer and Founder of a world civilization'. Few there are in the West who have known even one person who saw Him or experienced the majesty and power, the compassion, humility and humour which characterized His earthly life. Baha'is of the East are more fortunate, many having known those, often their relatives, who were in His presence as companions or pilgrims. Yet, as the editor of this book remarks, 'only a few recorded their observations for posterity'. It was in 1975 that 'the thought of collecting personal accounts' occurred to the Hand of the Cause 'Ali-Akbar Furutan. Through correspondence and the examination of numerous memoirs, published and in manuscript, he selected the stories in this enthralling collection. 'The day is approaching when God will have raised up a people who will call to remembrance Our days, ' wrote Baha'u'llah. The 144 stories in these pages make such remembrance both effortless and delightful. They come to mind whether one is far away or visiting the scenes in which they occurred. They describe Baha'u'llah in Iran, Baghdad, Constantinople, Adrianople, 'Akka and Bahji, and linger in memory to uplift and gladden both heart and mind.

In the mid 1800s, a Persian nobleman in exile claimed to be a new messenger of God. He called himself Baha'u'llah ("The Glory of God") and taught that all nations, races, and religions should come together to build a global civilization of peace and justice for all. Baha'u'llah's progressive teachings have inspired millions of people around the world. But his own family was torn apart by schism and authoritarian interpretations of the religion. Most of his descendants are remembered today as heretics or have been forgotten by Baha'is. This book tells the story of the Baha'i faith through the eyes of some of the children and grandchildren of its founder, and others who knew Baha'u'llah personally. Despite their sincere belief, they were excommunicated and shunned by their own relatives and fellow believers after the prophet's death. They called themselves Unitarian Baha'is and stood for a broad-minded faith based on reason and individual freedom of conscience. Shua Ullah Behai, the eldest grandson of Baha'u'llah, led a Unitarian Baha'i denomination in the United States and compiled an introduction to the Baha'i faith in the 1940s. This historically significant manuscript was preserved by the author's niece and is published for the first time in this annotated volume.

"An introduction to the Bahá'í faith that covers the basic teachings, principles, and history of the faith in an easy to use Q & A format." -- Back cover.