The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion

This new edition cover the most recent developments in a faith, that in just over 150 years, has grown to become second-most widespread of the independent world religions. Authors William Hatcher and Douglas Martin, writing from the perspective of adherents with a deep understanding of BahC 'C- teachings, provide one of the most balanced and detailed examinations of the religion to date. The BahC 'C- Faith traces the religion's growth from its obscure beginnings in Iran during the nineteenth century to the present day. The authors show that this new faith is a distinct religion, based entirely on the teachings of its founder, BahC 'u'llC h. Known for its inclusiveness, the faith embraces believers from every cultural, racial, social, and religious background. The authors stress the pivotal concept of the BahC 'C- Faith--"the oneness of humanity--"and an emerging global order. They also examine a wide range of BahC 'C- teachings, such as the oneness and progressive character of religion, harmony between science and religion, equality of women and men, economic justice, the spiritual foundation of life, BahC 'C- institutions, and disciplines for daily living. Hatcher and Martin also show how a study of the origins and growth of the BahC 'C- Faith provides the student of comparative religions with an invaluable means for understanding the way in which a religion comes into being, evolves, and establishes itself.