The Baha’i Faith

The Baha’i Faith is a worldwide religion based primarily upon the teachings of Mizra Husayn-Ali, known by his followers as Baha’u’llah (1817-1892).  He taught that the time had come for the all the people of the world to lay aside religious differences and to unite with one another based on his teachings.  Baha’u’llah was born in Tehran, Persia on 12 November 1817.  He died on 29 May 1892.  He claimed to have received his first revelation from God in 1852 while imprisoned in Persia.  However, he did not make that revelation public until 1863.  The Baha’i Faith was founded on 3 May 1863.

The History of the Baha’i

In 1844, Sayyid Ali’ Muhammad, a Shi’ite Muslim, reckoned himself as the “Bab” (Arabic for “door”).  In Shi’ite Islam the title Bab meant that he had unique contact with the twelfth or “hidden” Imam.  The Bab was arrested and imprisoned for claiming that he was a prophet greater than Muhammad.1

The followers of Bab were called Babis.  They had great conflicts with the Persian government since the Persians did not agree with the teaching of Bab that he was the promised Qa’im who “would start a new era in religious history.”2  His claims led to the formation of a new religion.  There were many Shi’ite Muslims who did not believe Bab’s claim that he fulfilled their scriptures.  This disagreement led to great persecution of the Babis and those who later followed Baha’u’llah.  The Bab did not teach that he was the ultimate fulfillment of the scriptures.  Before his death he prophesied of the coming of someone who would be much greater than he was and would be known as “The Promised One of All Ages.”3  In an effort to stop the new religion, the Persian government executed the Bab in 1850.

It was in 1863 that Baha’u’llah (Arabic for “Glory of God”), known before as Mizra Husayn-Ali, made claims that he had received a revelation from God.  Following this alleged revelation, he proclaimed himself to be the “Promised One.”  It was Baha’u’llah that founded the Baha’i Faith.4 

Throughout his lifetime, Baha’u’llah was continually banished from one city after another.  Eventually, he was exiled from Istanbul to Edrine (now Adrianople).  It was in Edrine through a series of letters to world leaders that that he proclaimed himself as the “Promised One” prophesied by the Bab.  In 1868, the Turkish government banned Baha’u’llah to Akka (a port city in Syria).  After two years in Akka he was exiled to an old house along with several of his followers.  During this time, Baha’u’llah and his followers faced unceasing persecution for their radical beliefs that attempted to refine Islamic beliefs.5

Despite the constant persecution, Baha’u’llah were spread throughout the world and experienced constant growth. When Baha’u’llah died in 1892 his son, Abbas Effendi, who was known by his followers as Abdu’l-Baha, succeeded him.  He was the one that guarded his father’s teachings and was the primary reason for the growth of the Baha’i Faith after the death of Baha’u’llah.  When he died in 1957, his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, became the “Guardian of the Faith.”

The Beliefs of the Baha’i Faith

The Baha’i Faith proclaims “the Old and the New Testaments as the Word of God.”6  Baha’i accept the Bible as the “Word of God,” but not as the sole source of authority.  They embrace Christianity as a “true religion.”  Baha’i do not believe that the Christian Scriptures are the complete revelation of God to His creation.  It is taught that the Holy Spirit inspires Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith, so that his teachings are authoritative.  In response to the Christian faith he wrote: 

As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation, that is divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized….  The Founder of the Christian Faith is designated by Baha’u’llah as the “Spirit of God,” is proclaimed as the One Who “appeared out of the breath of the Holy Ghost,” and is even extolled as the “Essence of the Spirit.”  His mother is described as “that veiled and immortal, that most beauteous countenance,” and the station of her Son eulogized as the “station which hath been exalted above the imaginings of all that dwell on the earth.”7

Baha’u’llah identifies himself as the “Promised One” prophesied in the Scriptures.  Since he is the fulfillment of prophecy, it is claimed:

…the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized [as one of] the central, the solid, the incontrovertible principles of Baha’i belief which the Faith of Baha’u’llah is proud to acknowledge, which its teachers proclaim, which its literature disseminates, which its apologists defend…and which the rank and file of its followers attest by both word and deed.8

There are three major works of Baha’u’llah that are cited to test the truth of his claims.  The Hidden Words claims that the essence of true religion is found in purest form in the concise revelation of God.  The Kitab-i-Iqan (The Book of Certitude) refers to hidden knowledge that God revealed to Paul and Daniel.  It is that knowledge that explains why humanity has rejected God’s revelation, how all religions are one, and how every person can understand God’s light through their own eyes.  The Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) states that God has revealed the essential laws and institutions that will be required for man to establish the “new Jerusalem” which will be a fulfillment of the promise of Jesus to build His kingdom on earth.  The Kitab-I-Iqan and Some Answered Questions are authoritative texts on the claims of Baha’u’llah.  Secondary sources, such as Gary Matthews’ He Cometh with Clouds and William Sears’ Thief in the Night and The Half-Inch Prophecy are also referenced to substantiate the Baha’i Faith.

Baha’i believe that Baha’u’llah is the very manifestation of God for the current time.  Baha’u’llah is the “Everlasting Father” that has come in the flesh.  In this sense, he is greater than Jesus Christ.  ‘Abdu’l-Baha (the eldest son of Baha’u’llah and Exemplar of the Faith) taught that Jesus is “the very Savior of man.”9  Baha’i also accept Jesus as a Manifestation of God and the only Son of God that was born of a virgin.  However, according to Baha’i theology, He is not the only Son of God since even Adam is called “the Son of God” (Lk. 3:38).  Therefore, Jesus is not the only Son of God; rather He is unique as the only Begotten Son.

Baha’u’llah taught that there are three types of the manifestations of God.  He wrote that every Manifestation of God is of equal status in the Station of Essential Unity.

It is clear and evident to thee that all the Prophets are the Temples of the Cause of God, Who have appeared clothed in divers attire.  If thou wilt observe with discriminating eyes, thou wilt behold them all abiding in the same tabernacle, soaring in the same heaven, seated upon the same throne, uttering the same speech, and proclaiming the same Faith.  Such is the unity of those Essences of Being, those Luminaries of infinite and immeasurable splendour!  Wherefore, should one of these Manifestations of Holiness proclaim saying:  “I am the return of the Prophets,” He verily, speaketh the truth.  In like manner, in every subsequent Revelation, the return of the former Revelation is a fact, the truth of which is firmly established.10

Speaking of another Station, the Station of Distinction, Baha’u’llah writes:

The other station is the station of distinction, and pertaineth to the world of creation, and the limitations thereof.  In this respect, each Manifestation of God hath a distinct individuality, a definitely prescribed mission, a predestined revelation, and specially designated limitations.  Each of them is known by a different name, characterized with a particular Revelation.  Even as He saith:  “Some of the Apostles We have caused to excel the others.  To some God hath spoken, some He hath raised and exalted. And to Jesus, Son of Mary, We gave manifest signs, and We strengthened Him with the Holy Spirit.”  It is because of this difference in station and mission that the words and utterances flowing from these Wellsprings of Divine knowledge appears to diverge and differ.  Otherwise, in the eyes of them that are initiated into the mysteries of Divine Wisdom, all Their utterances are, in reality, but the expressions of one Truth.11

According to Baha’u’llah, every Manifestation of God is composed of The Station if Essential Unity and The Station of Distinction.  Every Manifestation of God is equal in status in the Station of Essential Unity.  In other words, every Manifestation is a perfect mirror that reflects the Attributes of God.  However, the Manifestations of God are not equal in status in the Station of Distinction.  For instance, the Manifestations of God are unequal, possess difference names, and have unique ministries in the Station of Distinction.

According to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, there are three ranks among the Manifestations of God:  Father, Son, and Messenger.

You have asked me two questions:  That if the same Spirit is manifest in all the Manifestations and Prophets, then what is the distinction or difference between Christ (or rather Jesus) and the other Prophets; also between Father and Son?  Know that the human spirit is one, but it manifests itself in various members of the body in a certain (measure or) form.  The human spirit is existent in the sight (eyes); it is also existent in the brain, which is the location of great functions and powers; it is also existent in the heart, which organ is largely connected with the brain of the center of the mind, and the heart, of that center which is connected with the brain, has a distinct and separate function, effect, and appearance.  In this connection, the hair and nails have no command (or direct feeling).  Figuratively speaking, the Father is the center of the brain and the Son is the center of the heart; the rest of the Prophets are members and parts.12

As evidenced by the above quote by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the three ranks of the Manifestations of God are as follows:  Father (brain), Son (heart), and other Prophets (other members and parts of the body).  The parable of the vine-growers in Mark 12:1-12 is often used as an illustration of the aforementioned ranks.  The Father is the owner of the vineyard, the Son is the beloved son who is killed by the vine-growers), and Slaves (the servants who are beaten and rejected by the vine-growers).  The Baha’i believe that in interpreting the parable that the “Father” is Baha’u’llah.  For this reason, the Baha’i World Centre was built on the slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa because the meaning of “Carmel” in Hebrew means “vineyard of God.”13

The Second Coming and the Baha’i Faith

Baha’i believe that there is only one Christ and that He is the only way to know God.  However, they also teach that Christ has appeared on earth at various times in history in the Manifestations of the founders of world religions.  Therefore, Christ has not just appeared once.  Baha’u’llah is not claimed to be a ”new Christ” rather he is the return of the preexistent Christ.  The Baha’i Faith are said to be Christians of the second coming.14

Baha’i believe that Christ has reappeared as Baha’u’llah in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of the coming of the Spirit of truth.  Baha’u’llah wrote, “Jesus, the Spirit of God…hath once more, in my person, been made manifest unto you.”15  He is the “return” of Christ in the exact manner as John the Baptist was said to be the return of Elijah by Jesus.  Though they have distinct bodies and souls, both Baha’u’llah and Jesus are the same divine presence (or “quickening spirit”).  Baha’u’llah is the fulfillment of all biblical prophecies that speak of the return of Christ.  Skeptics are encouraged to “consider clear evidence” of Baha’u’llah in order to “ascertain whether or not such a light hath appeared.”16

Christians are encouraged to go beyond Jesus Christ because “the cause of Baha’u'llah is the same as the cause of Christ.”17  ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote,

When Christians act according to the teachings of Christ, they are called Baha’is.  For the foundations of Christianity and the religion of Baha’u’llah are one.  The difference between them is one of terminology only.18  

Based on a faulty interpretation of Revelation 3:12, the Baha’i teach that Christ is said to have a “new name.”   Therefore, Christ’s disciples will receive a “new name” at His second coming (e.g. Baha’i).  Christians who will not receive Baha’u’llah as the Spirit of truth are said to have rejected Christ in the same manner as the Jews in the first century.  Those who state that Baha’u’llah is a “false Messiah” are doing the same thing as those who rejected Christ at His first coming.  Christians are repeatedly urged not to miss the return of Christ.

Salvation and the Baha’i Faith

Salvation in Baha’i theology is to attain “the indispensable forces of the divine existence.”  ‘Abu’l-Baha explains:

That world beyond is a world of sanctity and radiance; therefore, it is necessary that in this world [man] should acquire these divine attributes….  Unless [man] acquires these forces and attains to these requirements, he will surely be deprived of the life that is eternal.19

Man must possess the “knowledge of God” in order to receive eternal life.  Without “knowledge of God” and “fruits of faith” one will never receive salvation.  The only way to gain a “knowledge of God” is to have a relationship with the Spirit of truth which is the spirit manifest in all founders of the world religions that was “made flesh” in Jesus Christ and has returned in Baha’u’llah as the “glory of his Father” in fulfillment of Matthew 16:27.  Baha’u’llah claims, “through His power, born of almighty God, the eyes of the blind were opened, and the soul of the sinner sanctified.”20  One must submit to the divine presence of Baha’u’llah as the return of Christ in order to receive salvation.  Knowledge that Baha’u’llah is the culmination of the messengers of God will lead to salvation.  Those who do not will remain in darkness.

Conclusion

The Baha’i Faith claims to be the final culmination of the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Baha’u’llah claimed to come in the name of Jesus Christ declaring that he was the return of Christ.  There is no need of atonement among Baha’i since the knowledge of God is sufficient.  All founders of world religions are Manifestations of God so that there is no discrimination.  It is claimed that all religions are one.

1 Juan R. I. Cole, Modernity and the Millennium (New York:  Columbia, 1998), p. 26.

2 J. Gordon Melton, Biographical Dictionary of American Cult and Sect Leaders (New York:  Garland Publishing, 1986), p. 19.

3 Ibid.

4 J. Gordon Melton, Encyclopedia of American Religions (New York: Gale, 1996), p. 837.

5 Cole, Modernity, pp. 28-29.

6 ‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace (Wilmette:  Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 201.

7 Shoghi Effendi, The Promised Day Is Come (New York:  Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1967), pp. 109-110.

8 Ibid., p. 109.

9 ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation, pp. 62-63.

10 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings From the Writings of Baha’u’llah (Wilmette:  Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1969), pp. 51-52.

11 Ibid., p. 52.

12 ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Vol. 1 (Chicago:  Baha’i Publishing Society, 1916), pp.102-103.

13 J. E. Esslemont, Bahu’u’llah and the New Era (New York:  Baha’i Publishing Committee, 1940), pp. 58-59, 83.

14 Ibid., pp. 285-303.

15 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, p. 101.

16 Ibid., pp. 45, 103.

17 Baha’i World Faith (Wilmette:  Baha’i Publishing Trust, 1969), p. 400.

18 ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation, p. 247.

19 Ibid., p. 226.

20 Baha’u’llah, Gleanings, p. 86.