I'm a huge history buff, so UA-cam suggested your page. I was very pleasantly surprised to see a Documentary on The Baha'i Faith. As someone who has been a skeptic all my life, I appreciate your unbiased analysis of The Faith. It's very evident that you did your homework and even educated me on some aspects of Baha'i history, I didn't know. I look forward to watching more videos from your channel.
I'm a Bahá'í and just watched both part 1 and then part 2 of your videos on the Bahá'í Faith. I was extremely impressed by how well this was put together and how accurate it all is from a Bahá'í viewpoint. I even appreciated your skepticism and the few things that you pointed out as "negatives" because, even though I of course disagreed with them, it shows how independent your investigation was-which is actually another central teaching of the Bahá'í Faith! In fact, this video is a much better presentation than most of those produced by the Bahá'ís! The biggest exceptions being the most recent "Light to the World" (about the life of Bahá'u'lláh and how His teachings are transforming society-and which is Lord of the Rings beautiful); and "Dawn of the Light" (about the life of the Báb and how the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith address deeply personal issues-especially among the youth). BOTH films are available on UA-cam and I'd highly recommend them to both you, and any interested viewers. Lastly, I'm going to help share your two videos on the Bahá'í Faith with the worldwide Bahá'í community; and, because of the truly impressive job you did with these two videos on the Bahá'í Faith, I've subscribed to your channel and plan on watching every video you post. I'm sure I will be just one of MANY Bahá'í's to do so. Congratulations on such a fine job and keep up the good work!
As a Baha'i myself, I appreciated his unbiased Analysis. I'll always be a skeptic, so I appreciate the independent outside perspective. That's one of the things I love about being a Baha'i, we are encouraged to have these critical thinking Analysis on all topics.
*Some questions for the followers of the Baha'i faith:* 1. Two alternative Baha'i organizations have been sued by the Baha'i Faith organization for using the word "Baha'i" to describe their beliefs. That's like the Catholic Church suing Protestants for calling themselves "Christians". Do you agree that this makes your faith look ridiculous and petty? 2. You believe that eventually all people and nations should come under the theocratic rule of the infallibly inspired Baha'i Universal House of Justice. How is this any different than the Caliphate? 3. Baha'u'llah was a polygamist who allowed men to have up to 2 wives, so why is polygamy forbidden by Baha'i law? 4. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) Baha'u'llah commands that a thief should have a visible mark put on his forehead after the third offense. Why do you consider this man to be the greatest Manifestation of God? 5. Abdu'l Baha and Shoghi Effendi are both infallible, so why can't they decide if Confucius was or was not a Manifestation? 6. You believe all the greatest faiths founded by Manifestations differ only in non-essential aspects of their doctrines. Even a cursory glance at the doctrines of the major world religions will tell you this is false. So why do you believe this? 7. In "Baha'u'llah and the New Era" (official Baha'i text) Abdu'l Baha ("Slave of Baha", the infallible guide and eldest son of Baha'u'llah) stated that the Kingdom of God would be established on earth by 1957. Where is it, and why has this statement been removed from the 1970 republication? 8. The Bab declared Mirza Yahya (Baha'u'llah's half-brother) as his successor and presented Baha'u'llah as an inferior. Why do Baha'is suppress this fact? 9. If Baha'is are so peaceful, why was the faith founded on violence and assassinations between supporters of Mirza Yahya and Baha'u'llah? 10. You believe Christianity was perverted during the first century (as per Shoghi Effendi's claim). Isn't this hypocritical coming from a faith that suppresses source materials and revises the writings of deceased authors in futile attempts to make your beliefs match historical reality? 11. Abdu'l Baha "excommunicated" practically all his closest relatives and deprived them of their income from Baha'u'llah's estate after his father's death. Do you agree that your infallible guide was a cruel and heartless individual? 12. Based on the example set by the infallible Abdu'l Baha, Covenant-breakers (heretics and apostates) are often treated unkindly and ostracized by other Baha'is. So what makes your faith any better than mainstream Christianity or Islam? 13. Huquq'ullah is the right of the guardian, it is clearly stated in your holy writings. Then why Haifan UHJ is accepting it in the absence of a guardian? 14. Why you state that Baha'is are united when there are two UHJs and 3-4 guardians and so many sects/splinter groups? 15. When the membership of the UHJ is going to be opened for women? 16. When the teaching of the Baha'i faith will be permitted in the Holy Land (Israel)? 17. Shoghi Effendi spent Baha'i money on his long vacations to Switzerland, he ex-communicated his own parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts for petty reasons. He violated the Baha'i law by not leaving a will. Why do you accept such a person as your guardian? 18. Why was Diya'u'llah's (Baha'u'llah's son) grave desecrated and the action of removal of his remains termed as "purification from past contamination"? 19. Why do Baha'is lie about their population? 20. Why the Baha'i elections are called as "democratic elections" when the UHJ members are only elected from the male members of the ITC? 21. Why many Baha'i scholars resigned from the Baha'i faith after Talisman episode? 22. Do you believe that Baha'u'llah is the sender of all the prophets and reveler of all divine books?
Just wanted to share my enthusiasm and overall appreciation of your channel. You have a noteworthy diligence for speaking about each Religion in a respectful and unbiased manner.
You explained the Bahai faith better than i could, and i was raised as one! I normally tell my friends that progressive revelation is a "god's software update"
@@VenturesAdventure ??? where in my comment did i say i don't experience faith? i'm a baha'i, you claiming otherwise doesn't make it so. i'm guessing you're a baha'i too, but if not we're both still world citizens, there's no need to get passive aggressive with me
@@nasifnazmulanik6634 I'm not concerned with what you see as a contradiction. The existence of your faith is not an existential threat to mine. Being a Baha'i does not mean being theologically consistent with the teachings of all other prophets. In the same vein, we believe that Jesus Christ was a prophet, but that doesn't require us to be baptized or to accept the sacrament.
@@seifazghandi1228 then in your terms what exactly is the age of fulfillment and how does it connect to the prophecies or prophecy making going on earlier scripture specifically Islam but also other Abrahamic faiths?
Wow! I was able to download a book from their profit called Gleanings, I am about 30 pages into it, this material seems out of this world, thank you for your work, I am learning a lot about religion 🙏
I am pleased to hear this! I have been a Baha'i for 50 years, since I was 18. I could not deny the truth in Baha'u'llah's teachings. They empower and inspire us!
@@NaserEmtesali Lol yeah because this comment and account is fake and he is a follower of this religion trying to let people know about the book and influence people into downloading the shitty useless book.
@@sufimuslimlion4114 Don't call other people's holy book a "shitty useless book." I would never do that to your holy book. I'm not Bahai, or religious for that matter, but it's still disappointing to see such hatred. Anyway, why not choose love and respect over hatred? Cheers.
Thank you for your great research on various religions. I enjoyed watching this video as a Bahai. A lot of work was done by you to present your videos as objectively as possible. I like your academic integrity!
So the purpose of every austerity and spiritual practice, according to The Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga-Sutras, is to effect a God-knowing state called "samadhi." What is the Baha'i version of this? And if the Baha'i Faith is utterly lacking in such knowledge, how can it properly replace Hinduism?
@@DivineFellowship Every religion is different and everyone's beliefs are different. If hinduism has the "samadhi" thing, it doesn't mean that other religions will also have that or a similar concept. Hinduism is not the only religion to exist, many other religions also exists in the world with their own traditions, rituals, and beliefs. Your comparison doesn't even make any sense.
One of the principles of the Bahai faith is the inderpentant investigation of the truth and in this, I believe you did a great job thank you for doing a good job and promoting your viewers to think for themselves.
Then I'm sure the Baha'is will be fine with everybody going to read "Bahaism And Its Claims" by a guy who was THERE way back then. www.gutenberg.org/files/36585/36585-h/36585-h.htm It's a hoot for real truth-seekers.
Very well put together presentation and lots of care taken to unravel such a large subject area. Just my little FYI on the notion of Baha'is and those sharing their personal views - the general idea is that no Baha'i has the right to exalt their individual interpretation as better than someone else's. In order to preserve unity and stop a cycle of manmade clergy of course Baha'is do share their individual views in different settings. So you are always encouraged to search for truth - the distinction in this context is that if you happen to freely declare your faith in Bahaullah in this day and age as the current manifestation of God you would then turn to The Universal House of Justice (based on Bahaullah's guidance in his most holy book which alludes to this institution) for the supreme source of guidance on gleaning meaning from Baha'i scripture. Which is only something expected of Baha'is, who ultimately follow this as an article of faith and to preserve unity in the progress/mission of it's teachings which ultimately are building the very early foundations of a framework that will attempt to unite mankind in a universal cause.
@T S There is a lot - A LOT - not right with Bahaism. Cut through the marketing and fake smiles, and you will see it immediately as sure as the noon day sun.
Just curious, if no Baha'i has the right to exalt their individual interpretation as better than someone else's, what are the people at the Universal House of Justice doing?
@@Pushing_Pixels The Baha'is believe that the individuals of the Universal House of Justice are not unlike any other Baha'i, but the institution itself stands apart. If talking with a member, or even a couple members, of the UHJ, their personal views and interpretations are theirs alone and are not to be exalted above anyone else's. However, if the members of the UHJ as a whole gather and consult on a topic, as an institution, and convey it through that body, then it is seen as ultimate guidance/understanding that the Baha'is then orient themselves towards.
Thanks for the explanation of the religion. It is definitely an interesting religion, as of any religion for that matter. It tries to bring all faiths together, which is admirable.
Couple things: the actor from Jane the Virgin is Bahai too. We can share Bahai things but it simply will say this doesn't necessarily reflect the thoughts of the official Bahai.
Found it respectful and objective, thanks for that. Few of the facts you mention are inaccurate, but I appreciate the content included. Been a bahai for 30 years, best decision I ever made! "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens". Thank you again!! Will watch your other videos to learn more about other religions.
in my opinion their numbers are higher than what you mentioned in the previous video. for example, in Egypt, they are registered as muslims and they practice their religion in complete secrecy. i know that coz in university one of my friends was actually Bahai and he introdcuced me to his fam. but no much details were shared. then in the early 2000s in Egypt some Bahais, ( or that what was said) wanted to remove the religion section from the national ID. and they were attacked badly but verbally by some media people.
Thanks for an unbiased view of the Baha'i Faith. You deserve a lot a credit for explaining the Faith, its history, administrative order and persecutions. Also thanks for not showing the photos of the Manifestations of God. Baha'i's will enjoy viewing your video and you have shown the great wisdom, this tells me you have some basic knowledge about the religion.
I was a little surprised that although actor Rainn Wilson was named as a promoter of the Faith, no mention was made of musicians Jim Seals and Dash Crofts. I'm just getting old, I guess. Performing as Seals & Crofts, these two Bah'ais were very popular during the 1970s. Several of their songs still get airplay. Their music is riddled with references to the Faith, the most well-known being "Hummingbird." After finishing their concerts, they would invite interested audience members to stay on for a short talk on the Faith and hand out literature. It was at one such concert that I first learned of it.
@@crazierthan-u7571 Perhaps it's because it's now a long time ago that they were popular. I've met both of them and went to every concert they had in our area back in the day. Rainn Wilson is more current. Also, Penn Badgley, of _You_ fame (I never heard of him until recently) is a dedicated Bahá'í, a total opposite of the character he's playing these days. LOL
@@DivineFellowship No, why would he lie about something like that? Bahá'u'lláh was poisoned by Mirza Yahyá, perhaps because of jealousy or a wish to be as respected and loved as his half-brother. Bahá'u'lláh's handwriting had a permanent shake after that because of that poisoning. It never left Him for the rest of His life, and we can see it in the facsimiles of His writings, and if you go on pilgrimage, you can see originals of His writings. It's very obvious. Yahyá never wrote anything that made any sense and his efforts to form a separate movement died out years ago.
Thank you for your fair and well-informed episodes on the Baha'i faith. I would like to point out one correction: Bahai's do not "convert" to the faith, as that suggests a rejection of whatever faith they may have held previously, and that is prohibited, so Bahai's 'declare' their following of the faith. An interesting (and I think, positive) aspect of this is that, say, a Hindu who declares as a Baha'i simultaneously accepts as true the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, et al., faiths before it. To a Baha'i rejecting Islam, or Zoroastrianism or Judaism, or any of the major faiths before it, is to reject God Himself.
As a follower of this Faith for over 50 years I like other Bahais hope to find ways of spreading our Faith as we are forbidden to proselytize. You have provided a very clear and succinct explanation. God bless.
On page 174 [of Hatcher and Martin's book], the authors state that 'Despite the strong emphasis on teaching... proselytism is explicitly forbidden'. Whatever distinction may be made between the English terms 'teaching' and 'proselytism', original Baha'i texts generally use a single term that covers both concepts; tabligh. Baha'is engaged in the preaching of their faith are termed muballighun, while those who leave their homes as missionaries are muhajirun (a term with important Islamic connotations). To engage in tabligh is, literally, to convey information about one's faith by whatever means, with the aim of winning converts whenever and whereever possible. Even in English, the term 'convert' is used by Shoghi Effendi, and in practice the activities of Baha'i 'mass teaching' teams, which sometimes enrol hundreds of individuals in single 'mass conversions' (a term frequently used in modern Baha'i literature) is entirely consistent with anything implied by the English term 'proselytism'. If the authors are embarrassed by the proselytizing activities of their missionaries, surely it would have been better for them to have said so directly rather than trying to invent a prohibition which does not exist, except in the broad sense as a ban on the use of compulsion. (Denis MacEoin (1987) Article, British Society for Middle Eastern Studies. Bulletin, 13:2, 193-208, DOI: 10.1080/13530198708705441)
@@PresidentJeanAuguste I am here because I am hurt. The Baha'i cult took a toll of many years of my life. And I have sacrificed a lot of money when I was a Baha'i.
@@NaserEmtesali Your last comment and claim confuses me. As a Baha'i I know that all donations towards the Faith are on a voluntary basis. Also the Baha'i faith emphasizes that the amount of a donation is irrelevant for God. Donating is an spiritual act to practice detachment from materialism. But it's explained in the faith only to donate a part of your wealth that you subjectively considered as not necessary. I never experienced a forced incentive to donate by a Baha'i community.
@@aramwiencke6882 Here you go, "While Bahá’u’lláh promises us many blessings when we are honest in our duty to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh, He also warns us not to neglect our duty or to be dishonest in calculating it. No one can force us to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh, but, if we are eligible but do not pay, or we are not trustworthy and honest in calculating it, God will punish us. In the first quote He warns us not to act “treacherously” towards Ḥuqúqu’lláh and in the second quote, He tells us what the punishment would be if we do so. If we act treacherously, God in justice will expose us and we will also not receive the bounties of God." "Refusing to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh or spending it on other concerns, no matter how charitable they may be, would be seen as misusing the funds that belong to God, and an act of dishonesty. Any contributions to charities or even other Funds of the Faith should be made after we have paid our Ḥuqúqu’lláh." Source : Huqúqu'lláh - The Right of God, Study Guide by Firaydoun Javaheri 2015, p 19
And if Baha'is REALLY want to independently investigate truth they should read "Bahaism and Its Claims." The author was there. www.gutenberg.org/files/36585/36585-h/36585-h.htm
Another excellent episode. Thank you for laying out the Baha'i beliefs and history in such a rational way. I now feel like I have an understanding of the basics, at least.
I have just began my journey and i am thankful you did this video and for the previous coments saying how correct the info is. I have been talking to someone thru email, they sent me out a book that i can now wait to start reading. As i was discussing my personal beliefs in email, the other person was telling me how my beliefs fit the religion very well. Its finally like a whole weight shifted off my shoulders ( mind and heart) and i found my place to belong within a religion.
Thank you sincerely for respecting Baha'is beliefs on the sacredness of the pictures of Baha'u'llah... Other investigators have not and it is such a sign of respect in my eyes. Much love 💓
Baha'is want to suppress the photo because the character shown can't possibly be a divine personage, and they know the photo will damage the growth of the Baha'i Faith.
Does it include the fact that Baha'u'llah was a dwarf? And so were some of his sons? Probably not, because Baha'is hide all kinds of things about their religion.
Great vid! I love these academically acurate, non-biased videos. Seriously, almost all video's about religion are made by very biased people. Also thanks for noting the sources in the description, I'm for sure picking up some literature on bahai!
Complete objectivity is basically impossible to reach when talking about these subjects, but I think that being transparent about it is the most important part.
@@omidf5678 Not bad. He told me relied on MacEoin who was quite antagonistic in the 1980s and 1990s. (Both MacEoin and Cole who were both aggrieved and not reliable sources.. They both wrote things that were questionable and then made a lot of false accusations, but academics tend to respect academics unfortunately and they had prominent academic positions even though both had their reputations decline when they became more political and adversarial in some circles in the past 20 years.
_"The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. _*_Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed._*_ It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration."_ (Baha'u'llah, Kitab-i Aqdas, verse 1)
Very interesting presentation on the Faith. I've come across your channel because of a Ibadi video and was fascinated by your well informed approach. So I had to grasp if there was a video about the Baha'i Faith, since I am a follower of said religion. And so it was! I think this video is a fair portrait of the Faith. Even your criticism is spot on. Of course there is always an explanation of why something is A or B, just like in any Faith. Just like many religions, there has been some infighting during moments of succession which culminated in some kind of separation. Though nothing as extreme like Orthodox/Catholic/Protestant or Sunni/Shia. That's why usually it is not said that there are sects, etc. The main point of gatekeeping is very well presented. Baha'is usually add something in the lines of " doesn't represent the views of the Faith". In fact, individuals may have different interpretation of one passage of scripture and keep them as personal understanding. However, they can't start a sect on it. One thing that is quite curious is the structure of the religion. Although it is not an old one and still minor next to Christianity and Islam, it has a very spread out structure. And I'd say, very western structure too. Even if the Baha'i Faith was born in Iran, it is many connections to the West, specially the USA. It is almost like a third part on Baha'u'llah's son in the West could be interesting! Alas, i know it is not your main topic right now, but... One can only hope 😅 Congrats again, thumbs up and subscribed.
Hi Love your excellent videos. By the way, Barbara Hale, who played Della Street on the original Perry Mason TV show was Baha’i. The pop/folk duo Seals and Crofts are also Baha’i.
There were and are quite a few Bahá'í celebrities. I've gotten to meet many of them over the years, like the late Lloyd Haynes, the late Alex Rocco, the late Jimmy Seals, Dash Crofts, the late Dan Seals, the late Dizzy Gillespie, the late Kevin Locke, Tierney Sutton, Rainn Wilson, and some others. Dang, a lot of these great people have gone on...
Yes, excellent overview of the Bahai Faith and principles put forth by Baha'u'llah. There is a ton of writings put forth by Baha'u'llah, his son 'Abdu'l-Baha, and the appointed Guardian of the Bahai Faith, Shoghi Effendi that soundly confirm all of the three major principles listed: the oneness of God, the oneness of Religion, and the oneness of Mankind... As a high school student I was introduced to the Bahai teachings by my science teacher... through my own dilemma or quandary and inguiry about science and religion...My life was favorably impacted. I don't want to imagine what it would be like otherwise.
Great video. As a Baha'i I really appreciate the effort you went to in being both unbiased and respectful while providing lots of great information. As was already mentioned by another comment alcohol is not seen as okay for Baha'is in the US it's just the idea is to be encouraging both to others and ourselves when there is difficulty following the laws. Thanks for not sharing images of the central figures. I know this is likely to get negative replies. If that happens I don't intend to engage with them but the Universal House of Justice allows non believers to publish whatever they want and it's not unreasonable to ask members of a group to not say things publicly and in a professional context in conflict with said group. In the same way not accepting the head of a group's authority whether it be religious or not would likely get you kicked out. It would be like joining the club for promotion of panda welfare and writing articles about the joys of eating pandas while at the same time refusing to acknowledge the club president. People can and do leave the faith on good terms all the time.
Thank you so much for not showing the photo of Bahaullah! It is not a kindness many people care to show us!! Very much appreciated and shows your kindness.
@@hshx1n He does not looks good. He and his followers have killed many Azalis, thus they were banished from one country to other. The names of a number of Azalis murdered by the Baha'is are given by Edward Browne in the Persian Introduction to Nuqtat ul Kaf, p. 42, and also in New History, pp. XXIII, XXIV, and J.R.A.S. July 1889, p. 517
So I'm an Atheist* today, but was very much surrounded by the Bahai faith growing up, and even though I was constantly "taught" "our" values, until today I never learned so much about it, especially from such a neutral and academic, historic perspective! It's very eye opening, and I thank you for this! *There are a certain things that bothered me, or rather gave cognitive dissonance. For example having an intense sense of justice instilled in your heart since the time you can speak, and then hear pretty vulgar homophobic sentiments towards people who did nothing wrong, or at the very least get "this will not be discussed" answers. Or being taught that men and women are 100% equal only to later learn that women cannot serve in the Universal House of Justice - the highest authoritative body in the religion. And when such discrepancies are questioned you get answers like "we don't know but there is some reason beyond us". Then regarding science and religion, while true many followers are very well educated and open minded (makes sense considering most converted to the religion), the more conservative texts and views will tell you about alchemy, cosmological views that go against modern science, creationism etc. basically completely irrational and not just unscientific, but firmly anti-science. Overall the Bahais I have met have honestly been some of the best people ever. Very very different from what I learned about the religion later on, and I almost feel sorry for some of the views they have to defend, although they are very open minded and do not force anything on you. I have always felt welcomed and at home with them. They honestly make a huge effort to be the best humans they can and you will always feel that. Also incredibly international (which I love)... Yeah... great people. Sadly the more I learned, the darker and more "primitive" the religion seemed - lots of internal fights, quite aggressive, egoistic, backwards minded - but of course all of that is whitewashed when you learn about it internally... Guess another "update" might be needed, but seeing how conservative some are I doubt it.... don't want to say bad things about the religion, but some leaders (including it's founders) seems to have a "narcissistic" grandiose ego, and I feel that the most honest and hard working members get exploited the most.... but then again what the hell do I know... but then again even many of it's followers, at least the Western liberal kind, don't know much about it's details either and are shocked when you bring up some of the stuff in their books (and it's difficult for them to defend such backwards views - for example child marriage - , because that's never even discussed in their circle.)... The types of "liberal" Bahai's I've met are not so conservative about the details and just want a way to connect with God, and also have a supportive circle around them - their community is literally a lifesaver sometimes... But yeah pretty interesting overall. But try to understand it from a neutral academic perspective. As for the actual religion itself I just wish it were more secular and progressive, and decentralized, and I kind of feel that would suit a lot of the educated non-conservative followers which are a huge part... (like you almost get the feeling that even some of those in the Universal House of Justice would like to update things). It's weird cause they're so well educated but at the same time so religious... I've never seen this... (except maybe European Jews and perhaps Jains and Parsis in Indian).
I am not here to enlighten you, but when you write this paragraph on how certain things bothered you, i think that you should do some more research! As the video mentioned, we must search after the truth ourselves. These homophopic sentiments are not something i have ever come accross and you can even find in our book "Lights of Guidance" many paragraphs regardring homophilia. We accept homophilia but it is not something that is encouraged. And remember to judge the people and not the whole faith for these sadly conservative thoughts and ideas you have stumbled upon. We celebrate a persons transition from child to grown up when they hit the age of 15. Thats because we believe the person can now freely choose their beliefs because of their biological development. Any marrige before that age wouldn't be allowed. The reason for why women cant serve in the house of justice is as you mentioned, not fully understood yet, but we know that throught the scripts, men and women are equal, but with different roles and responsibilites. This does not mean any sex is inferior or superior. The "conservative" holy texts are holy, and it is filled with hidden meaning that still will make sense in the future. These views doesn't go against modern sciene, it will fullfill eachother come time. Our modern science is the one that is changing constantly, so how do you know what is true regarding conersvative ideas like creationism etc? It is good to hear you have met some nice bahai believers, but im just saying you should take their own personal views as the principles of the whole faith. People do make mistakes and regret later, only divine words lasts. I want to know what aggressive internal fights you are referrring to and do my own research on the topic as we encourge the truth. And can you tell me how our leaders, which are elected cronologically from local, to natinonal and continental, then finally elected to the universal house of justice where 9 men shall agree on the administrative and world news and come with a message to the members of the faith from time to time. You mention you wish the faith to be more secular, but how secular do you want it? What it the problem with the faith? Do you mean more secular when it comes to prohibitons and rules? Please do explain more. You are telling me that you feel the members of the universal house of justice want to "update" the faith? Tell me how. This is not something i relate to at all as liberal 2 generation european immigrant. I thought alot like you and was critical to many things when i was around 15, and i still am not that active of a memeber, but i just felt i had to reply to your comment because i can see that you judge the people of the religion, not the religion itself. The members culture and era of which they were raised plays a huge role in their interpretiations, - as do mine, but i just wanted to mention you should do some more research on these topics.
@@888shayan with respect, the old adage judge the religion not by the actions of the followers, goes against the central tenant of the Faith which is to exemplify through example. Therefore if there is hypocrisy it will certainly damage the faith as in truth I don’t believe you can completely separate the actions of followers and the faith itself, just how the conduct of Christian clergy have damaged the reputation of Christianity. Most people I think would agree actions of the clergy are at odds with the Christian Faith yet still are detrimental to the Faith in particular the way it’s perceived by non believers.
It's not Bahaism, it's the Bahá'í Faith.@@MultiSciGeek It's also not Islam Light. It's the fulfillment of prophecies of all the religions, Islam included. I suppose you could call Christianity Judaism Light, too. Right? No. It's an independent religion, as is the Bahá'í Faith from Islam.
@@NaserEmtesali in your VERY humble opinion. A lot of people leave their faiths, so what? That doesn't make them wrong or bad. And some of them return, too. What do you have against promoting the oneness of mankind anyway, Naser? After my 60 years in the Faith, that has never stopped being our main emphasis. Do you have a problem with that? Just curious.
@@wendyscott8425 Hi Wendy, your 60 successful years in a "faith" are not sufficient to prove that the so called "faith" is not a cult. The names of some very prominent personalities (some scholars of high repute) who left the "faith" and wrote against it are as follows: 1) Denis MacEoin 2) Juan Cole 3) Frederick Glaysher 4) William Garlington 5) Karen Bacquet 6) Jenifer Tidwell 7) Eric Stetson 8) Dr. Phyllis Bernard 9) Steven Scholl 10) John Ford Coley 11) Francesco Ficicchia 12) Phoebe Hearst 13) Hermann Roemer 14) Dann May 15) K. Paul Johnson 16) Dermod Ryder 17) Dale Husband 18) Inge Barthel 19) Kai Borrman 20) Darrick Evenson 21) August J. Stenstrand 22) Harrison Gray Dyar Baha'i faith is NOT about unity. If that was so, then we would have found some Baha'is among the descendants of Baha'u'llah. None of Baha'u'llah's descendants follow the Baha'i faith today. All were excommunicated for one or the other reasons. By excommunicated people, how the Baha'i faith will establish unity?
People would prefer a real tribe. The ancient Hindu and Buddhist quest to conquer the constantly-moving mind, source of unsatisfactory duality and transitoriness -- is not at all present in the Baha'i Faith. It is a materialistic religion totally focused on the outer world.
I was raised Baha'i in the US. I think overall you presented the Baha'i faith very accurately according to how I was raised, and I also appreciate that you aknoweledged the bias in the having primarily Baha'i sources. You did, however, miss one major aspect, which also happens to answer the question of "what's the appeal." In the Baha'i faith the equality of the genders is promoted, as a result, there are more female Baha'is than male. However, women cannot serve on the Universal house of justice, and we are supposed to trust that the universal house of justice has some wisdom to know why this is amd when this police should change. You nailed it on the head with people leaving the religion due to the Universal house of justice being gate keepers. It's one of the main reasons I left. If you're curios to understand more, I suggest analyzing the period of time when Abdu'l Baha took leadership and excommunicated his family, amd the current changes brought on by the Ruhi Institute.
@@IRGhost0 I’m not so sure about that. Even in very liberal western democracies you’ll be hard pressed to many countries where the majority of parliamentarians or religious leaders, or leaders in most fields, are women. The fact that many Baha’i institutions have close of equal or majority representation by women is actually quite remarkable.
@@IRGhost0 Actually, that's a common incorrect assumption, there are actually slightly more men on this planet than women. While women may live longer naturally if in good health, female infanticide or selective abortion of females has shifted the balance. Women are more likely to be victims of murder, which makes up for the soldiers who die in battle. Also, the general lower economic status of women does make them vulnerable to a premature death. Even without those factors, slightly more boys are born than girls for natural reasons (not just infanticide). I was quite surprised to learn this myself.
As an exbaha’i, this is probably the best collection of videos I’ve seen on the internet in regards to the faith. It gives a detailed history of the Faith’s ups and downs and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the criticisms the faith has collected over the decades. Thank you for touching on the cult like aspects of the faith. Most content creators either ignore this or go way to far in the conspiratorial direction.
I’ve been a Baha’i for over 20 years coming from Sunni Muslim family. There is absolutely nothing cultish about the faith so now I even question that you were ever a Baha’i.
I find many tenets of this faith as acceptable. But there is a cultist nature beneath the surface. They on one hand lift up the leaders of historical religious movements but in the end they promote the concept that their faith will be the faith of the world. I also find it interesting that they say on one hand they have no set leaders while permitting this house of justice to be the deciding factor. Makes no sense.
@@Natalie-fj7fs serious question: how will you know when it is time to leave the Bahai faith for a new Prophet? Like , how will the followers of bahai know when to leave? In Islam , there is no leaving and no further prophet's. How will you KNOW for certain that one that claims to be a manifestation is a manifestation and not a false prophet?
@@Natalie-fj7fs Alláhu Abhá! I too am a Bahá’í of Sunni Muslim background (plus I was an atheist for 2 years before embracing the Bahá’í Faith). Next year on 29 October, it'll be exactly 25 years since I became a Bahá’í. Let's connect as I'd love to hear your journey to the Bahá’í Faith. YÁ BAHÁ’U’L-ABHÁ! 🙏🏻
I have just discovered your channel and am very impressed by your scholarly and fair presentation of both the history and teachings of Babism and the Baha'i Faith. I have been a Bahai for over 40 years and I actually learned (or at least re-remembered) many interesting details about the history of the Faith from this! The first video of yours I watched was on Akhenaten. I have been fascinated by this unique historical figure and have often asked myself - "Was Akhenaten also an (unrecognized in his own time) Manifestation of God?"
An excellent and fair presentation - with one exception: the part about the review process for articles/books by Baha'is about the Faith. As an author of numerous published articles (about the philosophical aspects of the Baha'i Writings) I have been reviewed and have done numerous reviews. Reviewers have 3 guidelines: (1) the article must present the teachings accurately; (2) it must present the teachings with appropriate decorum but (3) the article is free to interpret the teachings in divergent ways. The reviewers has no right to reject an interpretation simply because they disagree with it. This is not fundamentally different from academic peer review. Moreover, there is plenty of debate among Baha'i scholars about various historical aspects of the Faith.
Thanks. I've only just discovered your channel, and have greatly enjoyed the videos I've watched. Keep up the good work ! Re the Baha'is, I would add the importance of gender equality as a key modern teaching (although the elected Universal House of Justice only allows male members). Also as a small quibble, it's not that the Baha'is in Europe and North America generally allow new believers to carry on drinking alcohol, but that a lot of Baha'i laws are left up to the individual conscience.
@@NaserEmtesali From the notes to the English translation of the Aqdas: "77. GOD HATH IMPOSED A FINE ON EVERY ADULTERER AND ADULTERESS, TO BE PAID TO THE HOUSE OF JUSTICE # 49
Although the term translated here as adultery refers, in its broadest sense, to unlawful sexual intercourse between either married or unmarried individuals (see note 36 for a definition of the term), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has specified that the punishment here prescribed is for sexual intercourse between persons who are unmarried. He indicates that it remains for the Universal House of Justice to determine the penalty for adultery committed by a married individual. (See also Q and A 49.)
In one of His Tablets, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers to some of the spiritual and social implications of the violation of the laws of morality and, concerning the penalty here described, He indicates that the aim of this law is to make clear to all that such an action is shameful in the eyes of God and that, in the event that the offence can be established and the fine imposed, the principal purpose is the exposure of the offenders-that they are shamed and disgraced in the eyes of society. He affirms that such exposure is in itself the greatest punishment.
I am not aware of any specifications regarding the punishment for rape. Baha'i shari'a remains in process. As no Baha'i state has ever existed, Baha'i societal law remains underdeveloped.
@@petersmith1343 Thank you for that copy-paste. Other than that, I liked these two sentences: _I am not aware of any specifications regarding the punishment for rape._ and _Baha'i shari'a remains in process._ Another question : *Should any of the members (of the UHJ) commit a sin, injurious to the common weal, the guardian of the Cause of God hath at his own discretion the right to expel him,..* In the absence of a Guardian who has the right to expel a member of the UHJ who commits a sin....?
@@NaserEmtesali If an individual commits a sin, as has been mentioned above, it is a personal matter between that believer and God. However, if the sin is flagrant and brings confusion or dishonor to the Baha'i Faith publicly, that person is no longer allowed to serve on administrative institutions. Thus, a member of the Universal House of Justice who flouts one or more of the Baha'is Laws would be relieved of his duties. The UHJ is elected every five years, so that way a member might not be reelected, even if his sin wasn't flagrant.
@@judyrussell1980 But only Guardian has the right to do so! In the absence of the Guardian, who enjoys this right? Support your answer with a quote from the Baha'i writings.
I really Love all your videos and agree with the majority here that you have done a great service to investigate the faith. 1 small but significant point: As far as I am aware, Baha’u’llah wrote to the leaders of the world not to invite them to become Bahai’s but to stop pursuing power at the expense of social justice. If you read the Suri’-Haykal, which is translated in The Summons of the Lord or Hosts, this should become quite clear, although this is only my current understanding and is for all to investigate!
As a Muslim I love seeing this type of content about learning of various heresies and apostate movements that sprouted from Islam. Please also cover Ahmadiyya (Qadyani) religion amongst such heretical movenments. By the I love your content bro along with Religion for Breakfast and Esoterica. It helps me so much of gaining unbiased scholarly approach to different traditions both contemporary and historically while also helping me in my world building.
The figure of 7 millions baha'is seems ludicrous. I wouldn't be surprized if the real number was about half a million, or even less. It's a tiny world.
Baha'is are dishonest about their membership numbers. Most of the people are their rolls are disaffected and inactive. They just have not bothered to formally withdraw.
Honestly most people dont follow Bahai religion that strictly anymore.People want to marry outside of bahai faith and end up converting to Islam or Christianity depending on what country they are living.Religions which have no strong base and is progressive doesnt stick around much.For Example Christianity is rapidly losing followers because people are trying to morph it into modern systems.
Remember, as should be expected, there are also Baha'i sects that do not affiliate with the so-called mainline/mainstream/majoritarian/orthodox/dominant faction covered in this video.
@@mustafaqadiri1849 It exists but they are considered as "covenant breakers" by Baha'i Faith.And surprisingly one of them is called "Orthodox Baha'i Faith"
@@mustafaqadiri1849 I have been told the same thing about Islam. And even some Christians insist there is only one Christianity (all other branches or denominations being "false" of course), though they are almost all glad to recognize all Christians as Christian when counting numbers for "world's largest religion". Religions drift and change with history and society and interpretation, like languages or evolution. Islam recognizes that, Baha'i Faith makes use of it. Most "primitive" religions recognized it. Most modern religions try to stop it with no more success than language purists attempting to freeze their language. It happens.
@@hshx1n Orthodox Baha'is and Unitarian Baha'is are the biggest ones. I believe they both have their own websites. PS: Nice to see a fellow sardar here. ;)
Baha'u'llah's instruction regarding thieves: _"For the third offence put a sign on his forehead. Thus he will be known, so that the cities and the provinces of God do not receive him. Beware lest pity take hold on you in (following) the religion of God."_ The mark was supposed to be a mar, something permanent. The modern institution dissimulates nothwithstanding "Beware lest pity..." This is from the Baha'i "Book Of Laws" or "Kitab-i-Aqdas" which is the central scripture of the Baha'i Faith. It's the more honest Elder-Miller translation. You can read it here: freebahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Kitab-i-Aqdas-The-Most-Holy-Book-Elder-Miller-Translation.pdf
Thank you for this program and as a Baha'i I enjoyed watching it. The Universal House of Justice, rather than being forceful and strict, wisely and patiently nudges the Baha'i world towards a particular guidance as a parent to child would with a lot of discretion, understanding and loving patience, to learn from mistakes and to improve through experience. We are in a stage of infancy still and the full potential of the Faith have not yet been manifested. It is for this reason that if you wish to publish a book and add that book to the library of the Baha'i literature, it is vetted for accuracy, otherwise you can publish whatever you want, but it will be strictly your words and not included as part of the approved Baha'i Literature. This is necessary so that people can not say outrageous things and claim that as being a Baha'i doctrine or practice. For example in Iran they used to say all kinds of scare stories to frighten people and put the Baha'is in bad light and make enemies of them. Once the doctrine of the Baha'i Faith becomes known to humanity, like Islam and Christianity is today, this will not be an issue. People will not be fooled for example if someone tells them Baha'is believe in incest or we have secret ceremonies when we sacrifice someone and drink their blood, you will not believe such things because it will be an accepted notion that Baha'is are just normal people believing in love just as other religions do! I'm sorry for being facetious in this example but you see the point I'm trying to make. This is a young religion and it needs to be protected from misinformation and disinformation, until it becomes well known to the generality of mankind.
Former Baha'i, *Professor Juan Cole states :* _"UHJ member Hushmand Fatheazam once told me that a future Baha'i world government would put covenant breakers in jail!"_ _"We all know where I would be if that sort of person controlled the US government."_ fglaysher.com/bahaicensorship/archives/trb010602-121102.txt
@@josenicolasuribe7541 Of course I am. It has affected every Iranian Baha'i in one form or another as it has my family in serious ways. I also feel proud of the Baha'i community in Iran for despite the horrible persecution, they remain committed to the spirit of service towards their countrymen and of unity amongst all.
@@NaserEmtesali Dear friend, hearsay is a dangerous thing. Also please remember that individual members of the UHJ do not hold any authority. Authority is only invested in the institution collectively. If he had said something resembling what you say, what was the context? Those who were against the Faith committed serious atrocities against the Bahai's including plots to kill, poison, murder, steal, and spread lies with the authorities so that Baha'is would be arrested for suspicion of plotting against the government. Their actions were illegal and cruel and harmed an entire community. Thousands of innocent people, mothers and children, men and boys were brutally killed. It is important to remain fair in our judgement.
@@josenicolasuribe7541 I am sure that most Baha'is live a very good life in Iran. Only those Baha'is in Iran are "PERSECUTED" who don't follow the laws of Iran. Baha'i faith in Iran is a cult and any activity that promotes it, is a crime. Respect the laws of Iran and stay safe. I don't consider the Prosecution and Persecution. And I don't believe what western (or Baha'i) media says about Iran.
I don't know where you got the notion that there is a light touch on the prohibition on alcohol in places like the USA for cultural reasons. It is simply not true. What is true is that Baha'i "enforcement" of its laws is non-punitive, so perhaps to people looking in from the outside it appears to be culturally contextual lenience. There are instances of light touch and even non-applicability of some Baha'i laws in certain cultural contexts, but the alcohol prohibition is not one of them.
I have a bunch of Baha'i friends, and I sometimes attend their study sessions and devotionals. but being Muslim, I am approaching it with an open mind, while almost feeling guilty for what Islam had done to the faith. yeah. I'm Sunni so it doesn't have much of a relationship with Baha'ism (compared to Shias), but still.
According to me BAHA ULLAH SAHIB tried to synthesise the religious thought according to changed modern times and tried to weave spirituality in the modern sociology. If studied deeply he seems that he remained successful as well in his mission. if peaceful co existance is ultimate goal of UN then Bhaism presents a lot...without any biases.
Bahá’u’lláh stated in His written Will, that after His passing, all Bahá’is should turn to His son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921), Who was named the sole Interpreter of His Words.
In watching this video, I’m struck by the similarities & parallels in foundational development and theology (and persecution / rejection by the parent religion) between Bahá’i and 19th-20th century American Unitarianism.
Episcopalian, too. I was born and raised Baha’i, but my best friend and brother from another mother was raised episcopal and in his words the Baha’i Faith is a logical extension of that denomination
It is interesting that some of these theological ideals developed around the same time. There were Christian religious leaders who estimated that 1844 was actually going to be the year of the Rapture. I have read that the Sears catalogue of the day sold 'Rapture' robes for the event. There is a saying in the faith that I can only paraphrase that says a rising Sun illumines the entire Earth...
Listen.. Quran is a detailed Book and KITAB E AQDAS contains only 190 verses. Islam allowes 4 wifes Bhaism allows 2 wifes. Islam asks for 5 prayers Bhaism only for one prayer. Islam does not recognize Idol worshiping Bhaism recognizes this as a religion etc etc. (mostly learnt from this video) Watch this video again. plz
@@azlanameer4912 nonsense. Bahai only allows one wife. The Kitab I Agdas may be smaller than the Quran but the total writings of Baha'u'llah are far greater than the volume of the Quran or even the Bible. The Bahai prayers differ from really short to quite long. Is this a competition?
True...that feels strange to me. But at the same time theres something very interesting about the history of this religion. Im catholic but id like to read some of their writings. They have some good principles. Definitively their religion is more evolved and compassive than what they branched out of...
As His Holiness, Jesus said, " By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." There is a way to tell false from true.
@@etcwhatever that statement is extremely ignorant. Do you genuinely know for certain that the bahai are more compassionate than Islam? What do you KNOW about Islam other than what the media has fed you?
Read “The Dawnbreakers”, also called ‘Nabil’s Narrative’. This first hand account of the Revelation of The Bab and Baha’u’llah explains much of the mystery behind who the Founders were and of the Divine source of their knowledge and it’s revelation.
Just one thing I’d like to correct is that his family are not branded covenant breakers for not believing in Him but for going against the faith vehemently. They’ve been given many chances to mend their way too🤷🏽♂️
I had a similar experience for while as well. But what I realized wasn’t that the religion itself was more of the same, it was that some of the practice of some individuals/communities in trying to understand something new and radical fell back onto old ideas on what they knew of religion from previous religion. If that makes sense? It’s taken an active effort to shift the culture of the Baha’i community to be one of active learners who are actively learning about what radical new ideas mean in practice, rather than just falling back onto old interpretations or understandings. It’s like how we always keep falling back to old ideas (like communism, nationalist, socialism, capitalism etc…) when we’re trying to improve the world, but really those ideas have all limitations and what’s needed is the type to thinking that can create something completely new… atleast that’s what made it make sense for in the end. I just had to ride the wave until the culture of the community shifted.
@@parvizdeamer that sounds intriguing what you mentioned there at the end about the culture shift. How has that manifested specifically? Thank you for your response, as you can tell I remain very curious on this matter… and I agree with you in the way you compare religion to ideology by the way, it’s really hard not to become dogmatic in either thing, to the point where religion is ideology and ideology is religion sometimes? Thanks again
As an active Baha'i for 50 years I can verify that this video is accurate, although a few statements made in the last couple minutes need explanation. One is if someone asserts authority over the interpretation of Baha'i writings, or promotes opposition to the administrative authority that Baha'u'llah established which now is the Universal House of Justice - then they may be excluded from membership in the Baha'i Faith. The purpose is to maintain unity among all the Baha'is of the world. After all, Baha'u'llah teaches that mankind is one family. Individual Baha'is have no authority over others. A number of people have attempted this, including Sub-i-Azale, Baha'u'llah's half-brother. None have persisted and gained followers.
@@josenicolasuribe7541 I am sure that most Baha'is live a very good life in Iran. Only those Baha'is in Iran are "PERSECUTED" who don't follow the laws of Iran. Baha'i faith in Iran is a cult and any activity that promotes it, is a crime. Respect the laws of Iran and stay safe. I don't consider the Prosecution and Persecution. And I don't believe what western (or Baha'i) media says about Iran.
@@NaserEmtesali hey! My friend!! You are here commenting on another Baha’i video!! You just have the term Baha’i bookmarked in UA-cam search! Love that you love it so much you always take time to leave a comment! Bless you! And in response to your question (comment? Statement?) it’s only those that try to force a particular interpretation that actively undermines the unity if the community. Diverse ideas are all over the Baha’i community which is great and allows for amazing exploration of complex and profound concepts and ideas. But it’s only when you take action to actively foster division that you maybe asked to step away. And it’s very few and very much a last resort.
@@parvizdeamer Hi Parviz, have you seen these questions? 1. Two alternative Baha'i organizations have been sued by the Baha'i Faith organization for using the word "Baha'i" to describe their beliefs. That's like the Catholic Church suing Protestants for calling themselves "Christians". Do you agree that this makes your faith look ridiculous and petty? 2. You believe that eventually all people and nations should come under the theocratic rule of the infallibly inspired Baha'i Universal House of Justice. How is this any different than the Caliphate? 3. Baha'u'llah was a polygamist who allowed men to have up to 2 wives, so why is polygamy forbidden by Baha'i law? 4. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) Baha'u'llah commands that a thief should have a visible mark put on his forehead after the third offense. Why do you consider this man to be the greatest Manifestation of God? 5. Abdu'l Baha and Shoghi Effendi are both infallible, so why can't they decide if Confucius was or was not a Manifestation? 6. You believe all the greatest faiths founded by Manifestations differ only in non-essential aspects of their doctrines. Even a cursory glance at the doctrines of the major world religions will tell you this is false. So why do you believe this? 7. In "Baha'u'llah and the New Era" (official Baha'i text) Abdu'l Baha ("Slave of Baha", the infallible guide and eldest son of Baha'u'llah) stated that the Kingdom of God would be established on earth by 1957. Where is it, and why has this statement been removed from the 1970 republication? 8. The Bab declared Mirza Yahya (Baha'u'llah's half-brother) as his successor and presented Baha'u'llah as an inferior. Why do Baha'is suppress this fact? 9. If Baha'is are so peaceful, why was the faith founded on violence and assassinations between supporters of Mirza Yahya and Baha'u'llah? 10. You believe Christianity was perverted during the first century (as per Shoghi Effendi's claim). Isn't this hypocritical coming from a faith that suppresses source materials and revises the writings of deceased authors in futile attempts to make your beliefs match historical reality? 11. Abdu'l Baha "excommunicated" practically all his closest relatives and deprived them of their income from Baha'u'llah's estate after his father's death. Do you agree that your infallible guide was a cruel and heartless individual? 12. Based on the example set by the infallible Abdu'l Baha, Covenant-breakers (heretics and apostates) are often treated unkindly and ostracized by other Baha'is. So what makes your faith any better than mainstream Christianity or Islam? 13. Huquq'ullah is the right of the guardian, it is clearly stated in your holy writings. Then why Haifan UHJ is accepting it in the absence of a guardian? 14. Why you state that Baha'is are united when there are two UHJs and 3-4 guardians and so many sects/splinter groups? 15. When the membership of the UHJ is going to be opened for women? 16. When the teaching of the Baha'i faith will be permitted in the Holy Land (Israel)? 17. Shoghi Effendi spent Baha'i money on his long vacations to Switzerland, he ex-communicated his own parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts for petty reasons. He violated the Baha'i law by not leaving a will. Why do you accept such a person as your guardian? 18. Why was Diya'u'llah's (Baha'u'llah's son) grave desecrated and the action of removal of his remains termed as "purification from past contamination"? 19. Why do Baha'is lie about their population? 20. Why the Baha'i elections are called as "democratic elections" when the UHJ members are only elected from the male members of the ITC? 21. Why many Baha'i scholars resigned from the Baha'i faith after Talisman episode? 22. Do you believe that Baha'u'llah is the sender of all the prophets and reveler of all divine books?
Dear UA-camr, I just wanted to first say thank you for the amazing two-part videos you produced on the Báb and Bahá'u'llah. You were accurate and your depiction was interesting and comprehensive - I enjoyed it greatly. I just want to make a single point about the fact that we 'reject' some of the Baha'is. I would just like to ask you to think about the horrendous religious wars that have existed within religions of the past. You only have to remember the Inquisition or the current splitting of each religion into multiple sects and denominations to understand why the Covenant of Baha'u'llah was revealed and why Bahá'is remain steadfast to it. We don't 'reject' other Bahais, we simply recognise that what they are doing is hitting at the fabric of the unity of mankind by taking on an 'interpretive' role that is NOT given to them and creating schism. How will we have unity if everyone has a version of the truth and starts their own sect? Look at other religions to see what havoc that has wrecked to date. Also, the Universal House of Justice is restrictive in interpretations so that we don't fall down the same rabbit hole other Faiths have - again with multiple interpretations and arguments.
It requires at least 250 years of age length to understand all religions are alive today without a decisive conclusion. So common sense is the best religion.
The idea was a latecomer to the Baha'i scene, brought by 'Abdu'l-Baha after he encounter wealthy suffragettes (women activists) in the eastern USA. The idea does not appear in the 3 founding scriptures, or "central scriptures," of the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i "Book Of Laws" gives one set of laws for women, another for men. Including the teaching that Baha'i men are discouraged from having more than two wives. (Baha'u'llah had four by his death.) I was an active Baha'i for 13 years.
Oh yes I second this! Same time period, similar ideas about the Mahdi coming, but different faith. I'm sure the comments section in that video will be equally disgusting. Full of Sunnis bashing the Ahmadi Muslims like they are doing to the Bahais in this thread.
At 16.38 some words are attributed to Baha'u'llah - so far as I know he did not write this, but there are similar words attributed to Abdu'l-Baha in one of his talks in Paris. "Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism. " (Paris Talks, London, Bahá'í Publishing Trust, London 1995, p 143) Shoghi Effendi also wrote frequently about crass, pervasive, pernicious (etc.) materialism. But not Baha'u'llah I think.
In actual practice Baha'is take that teaching to mean "Religion should never get in the way of science; science can do whatever it wants." The Bab was anti-technology. Baha'u'llah spoke of the automobile as an "infernal engine" which would "destroy the cities." In reality, the original teaching meant science should be moderated and guided by religion.
@@DivineFellowship : fact check: "The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the ninth leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil. Consider the civilization of the West, how it hath agitated and alarmed the peoples of the world. An infernal engine hath been devised, and hath proved so cruel a weapon of destruction that its like none hath ever witnessed or heard. The purging of such deeply-rooted and overwhelming corruptions cannot be effected unless the peoples of the world unite in pursuit of one common aim and embrace one universal faith. Incline your ears unto the Call of this Wronged One and adhere firmly to the Lesser Peace. (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 69) Given the time, the infernal engine is likely to be breech-loaded artillery, which Baha'u'llah would have know of in the form of the Krupp gun (from 1856), which Abdu'l-Baha mentions, although Baha'u'llah did not, sfaik. The automobile was not a big thing in Baha'u'llah's day. The Benz motorwagen only hit the market in 1886. The "leaves of Paradise" was written quite late in Baha'u'llah's time, perhaps before 1886.
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I'm a huge history buff, so UA-cam suggested your page. I was very pleasantly surprised to see a Documentary on The Baha'i Faith. As someone who has been a skeptic all my life, I appreciate your unbiased analysis of The Faith. It's very evident that you did your homework and even educated me on some aspects of Baha'i history, I didn't know. I look forward to watching more videos from your channel.
I'm a Bahá'í and just watched both part 1 and then part 2 of your videos on the Bahá'í Faith. I was extremely impressed by how well this was put together and how accurate it all is from a Bahá'í viewpoint. I even appreciated your skepticism and the few things that you pointed out as "negatives" because, even though I of course disagreed with them, it shows how independent your investigation was-which is actually another central teaching of the Bahá'í Faith!
In fact, this video is a much better presentation than most of those produced by the Bahá'ís! The biggest exceptions being the most recent "Light to the World" (about the life of Bahá'u'lláh and how His teachings are transforming society-and which is Lord of the Rings beautiful); and "Dawn of the Light" (about the life of the Báb and how the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith address deeply personal issues-especially among the youth). BOTH films are available on UA-cam and I'd highly recommend them to both you, and any interested viewers.
Lastly, I'm going to help share your two videos on the Bahá'í Faith with the worldwide Bahá'í community; and, because of the truly impressive job you did with these two videos on the Bahá'í Faith, I've subscribed to your channel and plan on watching every video you post. I'm sure I will be just one of MANY Bahá'í's to do so. Congratulations on such a fine job and keep up the good work!
As a Baha'i myself, I appreciated his unbiased Analysis. I'll always be a skeptic, so I appreciate the independent outside perspective. That's one of the things I love about being a Baha'i, we are encouraged to have these critical thinking Analysis on all topics.
Just shows the power of indoctrination
@@leisaamore7951 allah'u'abha sister
*Some questions for the followers of the Baha'i faith:*
1. Two alternative Baha'i organizations have been sued by the Baha'i Faith organization for using the word "Baha'i" to describe their beliefs. That's like the Catholic Church suing Protestants for calling themselves "Christians". Do you agree that this makes your faith look ridiculous and petty?
2. You believe that eventually all people and nations should come under the theocratic rule of the infallibly inspired Baha'i Universal House of Justice. How is this any different than the Caliphate?
3. Baha'u'llah was a polygamist who allowed men to have up to 2 wives, so why is polygamy forbidden by Baha'i law?
4. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) Baha'u'llah commands that a thief should have a visible mark put on his forehead after the third offense. Why do you consider this man to be the greatest Manifestation of God?
5. Abdu'l Baha and Shoghi Effendi are both infallible, so why can't they decide if Confucius was or was not a Manifestation?
6. You believe all the greatest faiths founded by Manifestations differ only in non-essential aspects of their doctrines. Even a cursory glance at the doctrines of the major world religions will tell you this is false. So why do you believe this?
7. In "Baha'u'llah and the New Era" (official Baha'i text) Abdu'l Baha ("Slave of Baha", the infallible guide and eldest son of Baha'u'llah) stated that the Kingdom of God would be established on earth by 1957. Where is it, and why has this statement been removed from the 1970 republication?
8. The Bab declared Mirza Yahya (Baha'u'llah's half-brother) as his successor and presented Baha'u'llah as an inferior. Why do Baha'is suppress this fact?
9. If Baha'is are so peaceful, why was the faith founded on violence and assassinations between supporters of Mirza Yahya and Baha'u'llah?
10. You believe Christianity was perverted during the first century (as per Shoghi Effendi's claim). Isn't this hypocritical coming from a faith that suppresses source materials and revises the writings of deceased authors in futile attempts to make your beliefs match historical reality?
11. Abdu'l Baha "excommunicated" practically all his closest relatives and deprived them of their income from Baha'u'llah's estate after his father's death. Do you agree that your infallible guide was a cruel and heartless individual?
12. Based on the example set by the infallible Abdu'l Baha, Covenant-breakers (heretics and apostates) are often treated unkindly and ostracized by other Baha'is. So what makes your faith any better than mainstream Christianity or Islam?
13. Huquq'ullah is the right of the guardian, it is clearly stated in your holy writings. Then why Haifan UHJ is accepting it in the absence of a guardian?
14. Why you state that Baha'is are united when there are two UHJs and 3-4 guardians and so many sects/splinter groups?
15. When the membership of the UHJ is going to be opened for women?
16. When the teaching of the Baha'i faith will be permitted in the Holy Land (Israel)?
17. Shoghi Effendi spent Baha'i money on his long vacations to Switzerland, he ex-communicated his own parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts for petty reasons. He violated the Baha'i law by not leaving a will. Why do you accept such a person as your guardian?
18. Why was Diya'u'llah's (Baha'u'llah's son) grave desecrated and the action of removal of his remains termed as "purification from past contamination"?
19. Why do Baha'is lie about their population?
20. Why the Baha'i elections are called as "democratic elections" when the UHJ members are only elected from the male members of the ITC?
21. Why many Baha'i scholars resigned from the Baha'i faith after Talisman episode?
22. Do you believe that Baha'u'llah is the sender of all the prophets and reveler of all divine books?
@@NaserEmtesali Interesting ! ...🤔
Just wanted to share my enthusiasm and overall appreciation of your channel. You have a noteworthy diligence for speaking about each Religion in a respectful and unbiased manner.
a man of culture
@@alborzilani3272 it certainly takes one to know one these days.
@@pauliedibbs9028 thats for sure bro 😊🙌
You explained the Bahai faith better than i could, and i was raised as one! I normally tell my friends that progressive revelation is a "god's software update"
Well, *he did not.*
It only appeals to you because he is speaking about your faith which you rarely experience.
@@VenturesAdventure ??? where in my comment did i say i don't experience faith? i'm a baha'i, you claiming otherwise doesn't make it so. i'm guessing you're a baha'i too, but if not we're both still world citizens, there's no need to get passive aggressive with me
@@nasifnazmulanik6634 I'm not concerned with what you see as a contradiction. The existence of your faith is not an existential threat to mine. Being a Baha'i does not mean being theologically consistent with the teachings of all other prophets. In the same vein, we believe that Jesus Christ was a prophet, but that doesn't require us to be baptized or to accept the sacrament.
@@seifazghandi1228 ok I actually got it
@@seifazghandi1228 then in your terms what exactly is the age of fulfillment and how does it connect to the prophecies or prophecy making going on earlier scripture specifically Islam but also other Abrahamic faiths?
Wow! I was able to download a book from their profit called Gleanings, I am about 30 pages into it, this material seems out of this world, thank you for your work, I am learning a lot about religion 🙏
I am pleased to hear this! I have been a Baha'i for 50 years, since I was 18. I could not deny the truth in Baha'u'llah's teachings. They empower and inspire us!
You created this account on 4th December to write this comment!?
@@NaserEmtesali Lol yeah because this comment and account is fake and he is a follower of this religion trying to let people know about the book and influence people into downloading the shitty useless book.
@@sufimuslimlion4114 Yeah, it could also be that Naser Emtasali created the account just to make it look that way lol. Go figure
@@sufimuslimlion4114 Don't call other people's holy book a "shitty useless book." I would never do that to your holy book. I'm not Bahai, or religious for that matter, but it's still disappointing to see such hatred. Anyway, why not choose love and respect over hatred? Cheers.
Thank you for your great research on various religions. I enjoyed watching this video as a Bahai. A lot of work was done by you to present your videos as objectively as possible. I like your academic integrity!
As has been observed over and over again, your presentations are at once well-researched, respectful, and unbiased. Keep up the great work!
I've visited the Lotus Temple in Delhi a few times. It is as peaceful as it is beautiful.. 🙏
Same
That's true its very nice
All religions have temples
So the purpose of every austerity and spiritual practice, according to The Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga-Sutras, is to effect a God-knowing state called "samadhi." What is the Baha'i version of this? And if the Baha'i Faith is utterly lacking in such knowledge, how can it properly replace Hinduism?
@@DivineFellowship Every religion is different and everyone's beliefs are different. If hinduism has the "samadhi" thing, it doesn't mean that other religions will also have that or a similar concept. Hinduism is not the only religion to exist, many other religions also exists in the world with their own traditions, rituals, and beliefs. Your comparison doesn't even make any sense.
One of the principles of the Bahai faith is the inderpentant investigation of the truth and in this, I believe you did a great job thank you for doing a good job and promoting your viewers to think for themselves.
Then I'm sure the Baha'is will be fine with everybody going to read "Bahaism And Its Claims" by a guy who was THERE way back then. www.gutenberg.org/files/36585/36585-h/36585-h.htm It's a hoot for real truth-seekers.
Jesus is God
Very well put together presentation and lots of care taken to unravel such a large subject area. Just my little FYI on the notion of Baha'is and those sharing their personal views - the general idea is that no Baha'i has the right to exalt their individual interpretation as better than someone else's. In order to preserve unity and stop a cycle of manmade clergy of course Baha'is do share their individual views in different settings.
So you are always encouraged to search for truth - the distinction in this context is that if you happen to freely declare your faith in Bahaullah in this day and age as the current manifestation of God you would then turn to The Universal House of Justice (based on Bahaullah's guidance in his most holy book which alludes to this institution) for the supreme source of guidance on gleaning meaning from Baha'i scripture.
Which is only something expected of Baha'is, who ultimately follow this as an article of faith and to preserve unity in the progress/mission of it's teachings which ultimately are building the very early foundations of a framework that will attempt to unite mankind in a universal cause.
@T S There is a lot - A LOT - not right with Bahaism. Cut through the marketing and fake smiles, and you will see it immediately as sure as the noon day sun.
@@wahidazal same with Islam, tbh
@@wahidazal can you be more specific?
Just curious, if no Baha'i has the right to exalt their individual interpretation as better than someone else's, what are the people at the Universal House of Justice doing?
@@Pushing_Pixels The Baha'is believe that the individuals of the Universal House of Justice are not unlike any other Baha'i, but the institution itself stands apart. If talking with a member, or even a couple members, of the UHJ, their personal views and interpretations are theirs alone and are not to be exalted above anyone else's. However, if the members of the UHJ as a whole gather and consult on a topic, as an institution, and convey it through that body, then it is seen as ultimate guidance/understanding that the Baha'is then orient themselves towards.
Thanks for the explanation of the religion. It is definitely an interesting religion, as of any religion for that matter. It tries to bring all faiths together, which is admirable.
Couple things: the actor from Jane the Virgin is Bahai too. We can share Bahai things but it simply will say this doesn't necessarily reflect the thoughts of the official Bahai.
I accidentally came across this video. Your summary of the Baha'i Faith is most impressive and interesting. thank you
Found it respectful and objective, thanks for that. Few of the facts you mention are inaccurate, but I appreciate the content included. Been a bahai for 30 years, best decision I ever made! "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens". Thank you again!! Will watch your other videos to learn more about other religions.
Do you believe in the second coming jesus as?
I'd rather have real, authentic countries thanks. The word "country" actually does mean something.
in my opinion their numbers are higher than what you mentioned in the previous video. for example, in Egypt, they are registered as muslims and they practice their religion in complete secrecy. i know that coz in university one of my friends was actually Bahai and he introdcuced me to his fam. but no much details were shared. then in the early 2000s in Egypt some Bahais, ( or that what was said) wanted to remove the religion section from the national ID. and they were attacked badly but verbally by some media people.
I would imagine there is a lot of Baha’i suppression in the Middle East, since quite a bit of the teachings of the faith might be considered heresy.
Even Bahá'u'lláh was in Egypt at one point.
Thanks for an unbiased view of the Baha'i Faith. You deserve a lot a credit for explaining the Faith, its history, administrative order and persecutions. Also thanks for not showing the photos of the Manifestations of God. Baha'i's will enjoy viewing your video and you have shown the great wisdom, this tells me you have some basic knowledge about the religion.
Baha’i here. Him taking the time to blur out the faces of our religious figures shows a tremendous respect for our Faith. I’m very grateful for it
I was a little surprised that although actor Rainn Wilson was named as a promoter of the Faith, no mention was made of musicians Jim Seals and Dash Crofts. I'm just getting old, I guess.
Performing as Seals & Crofts, these two Bah'ais were very popular during the 1970s. Several of their songs still get airplay. Their music is riddled with references to the Faith, the most well-known being "Hummingbird." After finishing their concerts, they would invite interested audience members to stay on for a short talk on the Faith and hand out literature. It was at one such concert that I first learned of it.
@@crazierthan-u7571 Perhaps it's because it's now a long time ago that they were popular. I've met both of them and went to every concert they had in our area back in the day. Rainn Wilson is more current. Also, Penn Badgley, of _You_ fame (I never heard of him until recently) is a dedicated Bahá'í, a total opposite of the character he's playing these days. LOL
Did he explain that Baha'u'llah was actually the one who tried to poison Mirza-Yahya, his competitor, and not the other way around?
@@DivineFellowship No, why would he lie about something like that? Bahá'u'lláh was poisoned by Mirza Yahyá, perhaps because of jealousy or a wish to be as respected and loved as his half-brother. Bahá'u'lláh's handwriting had a permanent shake after that because of that poisoning. It never left Him for the rest of His life, and we can see it in the facsimiles of His writings, and if you go on pilgrimage, you can see originals of His writings. It's very obvious. Yahyá never wrote anything that made any sense and his efforts to form a separate movement died out years ago.
Thank you for your fair and well-informed episodes on the Baha'i faith.
I would like to point out one correction: Bahai's do not "convert" to the faith, as that suggests a rejection of whatever faith they may have held previously, and that is prohibited, so Bahai's 'declare' their following of the faith.
An interesting (and I think, positive) aspect of this is that, say, a Hindu who declares as a Baha'i simultaneously accepts as true the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, et al., faiths before it. To a Baha'i rejecting Islam, or Zoroastrianism or Judaism, or any of the major faiths before it, is to reject God Himself.
True, and the Bahá'í Faith is the fulfillment of past religions. They all speak of a time of peace on earth. Now we have the means to achieve it.
As a follower of this Faith for over 50 years I like other Bahais hope to find ways of spreading our Faith as we are forbidden to proselytize. You have provided a very clear and succinct explanation. God bless.
On page 174 [of Hatcher and Martin's book], the authors state that 'Despite the strong emphasis on teaching... proselytism is explicitly forbidden'. Whatever distinction may be made between the English terms 'teaching' and 'proselytism', original Baha'i texts generally use a single term that covers both concepts; tabligh. Baha'is engaged in the preaching of their faith are termed muballighun, while those who leave their homes as missionaries are muhajirun (a term with important Islamic connotations). To engage in tabligh is, literally, to convey information about one's faith by whatever means, with the aim of winning converts whenever and whereever possible. Even in English, the term 'convert' is used by Shoghi Effendi, and in practice the activities of Baha'i 'mass teaching' teams, which sometimes enrol hundreds of individuals in single 'mass conversions' (a term frequently used in modern Baha'i literature) is entirely consistent with anything implied by the English term 'proselytism'. If the authors are embarrassed by the proselytizing activities of their missionaries, surely it would have been better for them to have said so directly rather than trying to invent a prohibition which does not exist, except in the broad sense as a ban on the use of compulsion.
(Denis MacEoin (1987) Article, British Society for Middle Eastern Studies. Bulletin, 13:2, 193-208, DOI: 10.1080/13530198708705441)
@@NaserEmtesali May I know why are you in every Baha'i related videos? It concerns me
@@PresidentJeanAuguste I am here because I am hurt. The Baha'i cult took a toll of many years of my life. And I have sacrificed a lot of money when I was a Baha'i.
@@NaserEmtesali Your last comment and claim confuses me. As a Baha'i I know that all donations towards the Faith are on a voluntary basis. Also the Baha'i faith emphasizes that the amount of a donation is irrelevant for God.
Donating is an spiritual act to practice detachment from materialism. But it's explained in the faith only to donate a part of your wealth that you subjectively considered as not necessary.
I never experienced a forced incentive to donate by a Baha'i community.
@@aramwiencke6882 Here you go,
"While Bahá’u’lláh promises us many blessings when we are honest in our duty to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh, He also warns us not to neglect our duty or to be dishonest in calculating it. No one can force us to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh, but, if we are eligible but do not pay, or we are not trustworthy and honest in calculating it, God will punish us. In the first quote He warns us not to act “treacherously” towards Ḥuqúqu’lláh and in the second quote, He tells us what the punishment would be if we do so. If we act treacherously, God in justice will expose us and we will also not receive the bounties of God."
"Refusing to pay Ḥuqúqu’lláh or spending it on other concerns, no matter how charitable they may be, would be seen as misusing the funds that belong to God, and an act of dishonesty. Any contributions to charities or even other Funds of the Faith should be made after we have paid our Ḥuqúqu’lláh."
Source : Huqúqu'lláh - The Right of God, Study Guide by Firaydoun Javaheri 2015, p 19
Thank you for these two videos - I am curious about the Baha'i faith, and this was very helpful.
Jesus is God Lord
Excellent series on the Bahais! Thank you!
Thanks for always being a resource for independent investigation of truth 🙏🏼
And if Baha'is REALLY want to independently investigate truth they should read "Bahaism and Its Claims." The author was there. www.gutenberg.org/files/36585/36585-h/36585-h.htm
Another excellent episode. Thank you for laying out the Baha'i beliefs and history in such a rational way. I now feel like I have an understanding of the basics, at least.
If so-called "progressive revelation" were a thing, Hinduism and Buddhism would not both be far more sophisticated than the Baha'i Faith.
I have just began my journey and i am thankful you did this video and for the previous coments saying how correct the info is. I have been talking to someone thru email, they sent me out a book that i can now wait to start reading. As i was discussing my personal beliefs in email, the other person was telling me how my beliefs fit the religion very well. Its finally like a whole weight shifted off my shoulders ( mind and heart) and i found my place to belong within a religion.
Thank you sincerely for respecting Baha'is beliefs on the sacredness of the pictures of Baha'u'llah... Other investigators have not and it is such a sign of respect in my eyes. Much love 💓
Baha'is want to suppress the photo because the character shown can't possibly be a divine personage, and they know the photo will damage the growth of the Baha'i Faith.
VERY DESCRIPTIVE INFORMATION ! This video has answered many of my questions. Thank you
Does it include the fact that Baha'u'llah was a dwarf? And so were some of his sons? Probably not, because Baha'is hide all kinds of things about their religion.
I enjoyed watching your video.Thank you for the information offering to your audiences.
Great vid! I love these academically acurate, non-biased videos. Seriously, almost all video's about religion are made by very biased people. Also thanks for noting the sources in the description, I'm for sure picking up some literature on bahai!
Complete objectivity is basically impossible to reach when talking about these subjects, but I think that being transparent about it is the most important part.
It is biased towards the anti-Baha'is, specially the end part.
@@omidf5678 Not bad. He told me relied on MacEoin who was quite antagonistic in the 1980s and 1990s. (Both MacEoin and Cole who were both aggrieved and not reliable sources.. They both wrote things that were questionable and then made a lot of false accusations, but academics tend to respect academics unfortunately and they had prominent academic positions even though both had their reputations decline when they became more political and adversarial in some circles in the past 20 years.
_"The first duty prescribed by God for His servants is the recognition of Him Who is the Dayspring of His Revelation and the Fountain of His laws, Who representeth the Godhead in both the Kingdom of His Cause and the world of creation. _*_Whoso achieveth this duty hath attained unto all good; and whoso is deprived thereof hath gone astray, though he be the author of every righteous deed._*_ It behoveth every one who reacheth this most sublime station, this summit of transcendent glory, to observe every ordinance of Him Who is the Desire of the world. These twin duties are inseparable. Neither is acceptable without the other. Thus hath it been decreed by Him Who is the Source of Divine inspiration."_
(Baha'u'llah, Kitab-i Aqdas, verse 1)
@@LetsTalkReligion This was better then the previous one. Thank you for being transparent.
Very interesting set of videos. I learned quite a bit from them. Thanks!
I really enjoy your educational videos.
Peace and long life to you.
Blessings to all
Julian Wilkins
Excellent video. Thanks for putting this out
Very interesting presentation on the Faith. I've come across your channel because of a Ibadi video and was fascinated by your well informed approach. So I had to grasp if there was a video about the Baha'i Faith, since I am a follower of said religion. And so it was!
I think this video is a fair portrait of the Faith. Even your criticism is spot on. Of course there is always an explanation of why something is A or B, just like in any Faith.
Just like many religions, there has been some infighting during moments of succession which culminated in some kind of separation. Though nothing as extreme like Orthodox/Catholic/Protestant or Sunni/Shia. That's why usually it is not said that there are sects, etc.
The main point of gatekeeping is very well presented. Baha'is usually add something in the lines of " doesn't represent the views of the Faith".
In fact, individuals may have different interpretation of one passage of scripture and keep them as personal understanding. However, they can't start a sect on it.
One thing that is quite curious is the structure of the religion. Although it is not an old one and still minor next to Christianity and Islam, it has a very spread out structure. And I'd say, very western structure too.
Even if the Baha'i Faith was born in Iran, it is many connections to the West, specially the USA.
It is almost like a third part on Baha'u'llah's son in the West could be interesting! Alas, i know it is not your main topic right now, but... One can only hope 😅
Congrats again, thumbs up and subscribed.
Great teaching Brother Holm. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Hi Love your excellent videos. By the way, Barbara Hale, who played Della Street on the original Perry Mason TV show was Baha’i. The pop/folk duo
Seals and Crofts are also Baha’i.
Croft became a Christian.
@@loveandmercy9664 I think you're thinking of John Coley from the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. Pretty sure Dash Crofts is still a Baha'i.
Dizzy Gillespie was a Baha’i as well.
There were and are quite a few Bahá'í celebrities. I've gotten to meet many of them over the years, like the late Lloyd Haynes, the late Alex Rocco, the late Jimmy Seals, Dash Crofts, the late Dan Seals, the late Dizzy Gillespie, the late Kevin Locke, Tierney Sutton, Rainn Wilson, and some others. Dang, a lot of these great people have gone on...
Wonderful, scholarly synopsis of the Baha'i faith. I learned a lot from this video.
Thank you so much for your thoroughness and objectivity in covering the Babi and Baha’i Faiths. Yours is one of the best in Utube🙏
One Day We will ask Hell, "Art thou filled to the full?" It will say, "Are there any more (to come)?"
Very good narrative. Thank you for all of your work. I'm a bahai and always love hearing about the faith.
Yes, excellent overview of the Bahai Faith and principles put forth by Baha'u'llah. There is a ton of writings put forth by Baha'u'llah, his son 'Abdu'l-Baha, and the appointed Guardian of the Bahai Faith, Shoghi Effendi that soundly confirm all of the three major principles listed: the oneness of God, the oneness of Religion, and the oneness of Mankind... As a high school student I was introduced to the Bahai teachings by my science teacher... through my own dilemma or quandary and inguiry about science and religion...My life was favorably impacted. I don't want to imagine what it would be like otherwise.
Great video. As a Baha'i I really appreciate the effort you went to in being both unbiased and respectful while providing lots of great information. As was already mentioned by another comment alcohol is not seen as okay for Baha'is in the US it's just the idea is to be encouraging both to others and ourselves when there is difficulty following the laws. Thanks for not sharing images of the central figures.
I know this is likely to get negative replies. If that happens I don't intend to engage with them but the Universal House of Justice allows non believers to publish whatever they want and it's not unreasonable to ask members of a group to not say things publicly and in a professional context in conflict with said group. In the same way not accepting the head of a group's authority whether it be religious or not would likely get you kicked out. It would be like joining the club for promotion of panda welfare and writing articles about the joys of eating pandas while at the same time refusing to acknowledge the club president. People can and do leave the faith on good terms all the time.
Thank you so much for not showing the photo of Bahaullah! It is not a kindness many people care to show us!! Very much appreciated and shows your kindness.
May I ask why?
@@hshx1n He does not looks good. He and his followers have killed many Azalis, thus they were banished from one country to other.
The names of a number of Azalis murdered by the Baha'is are given by Edward Browne in the Persian Introduction to Nuqtat ul Kaf, p. 42, and also in New History, pp. XXIII, XXIV, and J.R.A.S. July 1889, p. 517
@@NaserEmtesali I had never heard this. Where can I learn more about Azalis and followers of the Bab?
Yea, because if too many people see the scowling and Beauteous Midget it will hurt the growth of the Faith.
So I'm an Atheist* today, but was very much surrounded by the Bahai faith growing up, and even though I was constantly "taught" "our" values, until today I never learned so much about it, especially from such a neutral and academic, historic perspective! It's very eye opening, and I thank you for this!
*There are a certain things that bothered me, or rather gave cognitive dissonance. For example having an intense sense of justice instilled in your heart since the time you can speak, and then hear pretty vulgar homophobic sentiments towards people who did nothing wrong, or at the very least get "this will not be discussed" answers. Or being taught that men and women are 100% equal only to later learn that women cannot serve in the Universal House of Justice - the highest authoritative body in the religion. And when such discrepancies are questioned you get answers like "we don't know but there is some reason beyond us". Then regarding science and religion, while true many followers are very well educated and open minded (makes sense considering most converted to the religion), the more conservative texts and views will tell you about alchemy, cosmological views that go against modern science, creationism etc. basically completely irrational and not just unscientific, but firmly anti-science.
Overall the Bahais I have met have honestly been some of the best people ever. Very very different from what I learned about the religion later on, and I almost feel sorry for some of the views they have to defend, although they are very open minded and do not force anything on you. I have always felt welcomed and at home with them. They honestly make a huge effort to be the best humans they can and you will always feel that. Also incredibly international (which I love)... Yeah... great people.
Sadly the more I learned, the darker and more "primitive" the religion seemed - lots of internal fights, quite aggressive, egoistic, backwards minded - but of course all of that is whitewashed when you learn about it internally... Guess another "update" might be needed, but seeing how conservative some are I doubt it.... don't want to say bad things about the religion, but some leaders (including it's founders) seems to have a "narcissistic" grandiose ego, and I feel that the most honest and hard working members get exploited the most.... but then again what the hell do I know... but then again even many of it's followers, at least the Western liberal kind, don't know much about it's details either and are shocked when you bring up some of the stuff in their books (and it's difficult for them to defend such backwards views - for example child marriage - , because that's never even discussed in their circle.)... The types of "liberal" Bahai's I've met are not so conservative about the details and just want a way to connect with God, and also have a supportive circle around them - their community is literally a lifesaver sometimes... But yeah pretty interesting overall. But try to understand it from a neutral academic perspective. As for the actual religion itself I just wish it were more secular and progressive, and decentralized, and I kind of feel that would suit a lot of the educated non-conservative followers which are a huge part... (like you almost get the feeling that even some of those in the Universal House of Justice would like to update things). It's weird cause they're so well educated but at the same time so religious... I've never seen this... (except maybe European Jews and perhaps Jains and Parsis in Indian).
I am not here to enlighten you, but when you write this paragraph on how certain things bothered you, i think that you should do some more research! As the video mentioned, we must search after the truth ourselves. These homophopic sentiments are not something i have ever come accross and you can even find in our book "Lights of Guidance" many paragraphs regardring homophilia. We accept homophilia but it is not something that is encouraged. And remember to judge the people and not the whole faith for these sadly conservative thoughts and ideas you have stumbled upon.
We celebrate a persons transition from child to grown up when they hit the age of 15. Thats because we believe the person can now freely choose their beliefs because of their biological development. Any marrige before that age wouldn't be allowed.
The reason for why women cant serve in the house of justice is as you mentioned, not fully understood yet, but we know that throught the scripts, men and women are equal, but with different roles and responsibilites. This does not mean any sex is inferior or superior.
The "conservative" holy texts are holy, and it is filled with hidden meaning that still will make sense in the future. These views doesn't go against modern sciene, it will fullfill eachother come time. Our modern science is the one that is changing constantly, so how do you know what is true regarding conersvative ideas like creationism etc?
It is good to hear you have met some nice bahai believers, but im just saying you should take their own personal views as the principles of the whole faith. People do make mistakes and regret later, only divine words lasts. I want to know what aggressive internal fights you are referrring to and do my own research on the topic as we encourge the truth. And can you tell me how our leaders, which are elected cronologically from local, to natinonal and continental, then finally elected to the universal house of justice where 9 men shall agree on the administrative and world news and come with a message to the members of the faith from time to time.
You mention you wish the faith to be more secular, but how secular do you want it? What it the problem with the faith? Do you mean more secular when it comes to prohibitons and rules? Please do explain more. You are telling me that you feel the members of the universal house of justice want to "update" the faith? Tell me how. This is not something i relate to at all as liberal 2 generation european immigrant. I thought alot like you and was critical to many things when i was around 15, and i still am not that active of a memeber, but i just felt i had to reply to your comment because i can see that you judge the people of the religion, not the religion itself. The members culture and era of which they were raised plays a huge role in their interpretiations, - as do mine, but i just wanted to mention you should do some more research on these topics.
I don't think you can get more progressive than the Baha'i Faith....
@@afruze14 Oh far from it. Bahaism is anything but progressive. It's basically Islam Light™
@@888shayan with respect, the old adage judge the religion not by the actions of the followers, goes against the central tenant of the Faith which is to exemplify through example. Therefore if there is hypocrisy it will certainly damage the faith as in truth I don’t believe you can completely separate the actions of followers and the faith itself, just how the conduct of Christian clergy have damaged the reputation of Christianity. Most people I think would agree actions of the clergy are at odds with the Christian Faith yet still are detrimental to the Faith in particular the way it’s perceived by non believers.
It's not Bahaism, it's the Bahá'í Faith.@@MultiSciGeek It's also not Islam Light. It's the fulfillment of prophecies of all the religions, Islam included. I suppose you could call Christianity Judaism Light, too. Right? No. It's an independent religion, as is the Bahá'í Faith from Islam.
Excellent work, way to go!
This was the best and most balanced video on the Bahai faith I have ever seen. You are a gifted scholar
There are many prominent Baha'i scholars who have left the Baha'i faith. Something about them would have made this video more balanced.
@@NaserEmtesali in your VERY humble opinion. A lot of people leave their faiths, so what? That doesn't make them wrong or bad. And some of them return, too.
What do you have against promoting the oneness of mankind anyway, Naser? After my 60 years in the Faith, that has never stopped being our main emphasis. Do you have a problem with that? Just curious.
@@wendyscott8425 Hi Wendy, your 60 successful years in a "faith" are not sufficient to prove that the so called "faith" is not a cult. The names of some very prominent personalities (some scholars of high repute) who left the "faith" and wrote against it are as follows:
1) Denis MacEoin
2) Juan Cole
3) Frederick Glaysher
4) William Garlington
5) Karen Bacquet
6) Jenifer Tidwell
7) Eric Stetson
8) Dr. Phyllis Bernard
9) Steven Scholl
10) John Ford Coley
11) Francesco Ficicchia
12) Phoebe Hearst
13) Hermann Roemer
14) Dann May
15) K. Paul Johnson
16) Dermod Ryder
17) Dale Husband
18) Inge Barthel
19) Kai Borrman
20) Darrick Evenson
21) August J. Stenstrand
22) Harrison Gray Dyar
Baha'i faith is NOT about unity. If that was so, then we would have found some Baha'is among the descendants of Baha'u'llah. None of Baha'u'llah's descendants follow the Baha'i faith today. All were excommunicated for one or the other reasons. By excommunicated people, how the Baha'i faith will establish unity?
Progresive revelations, One Tribe and the harmony of science and religion, are great ideas, so intresting.
People would prefer a real tribe. The ancient Hindu and Buddhist quest to conquer the constantly-moving mind, source of unsatisfactory duality and transitoriness -- is not at all present in the Baha'i Faith. It is a materialistic religion totally focused on the outer world.
According to me, your 2 videos about bahaïsm are the best ones even if all your videos are (very) good
Extremely interesting.Thanks. I met some members of this faith about 4 years ago.
Cool story bro.
Thank you very much for the amazing video. Very informing.
Very nice and honest presentation... Kudos!
I was raised Baha'i in the US. I think overall you presented the Baha'i faith very accurately according to how I was raised, and I also appreciate that you aknoweledged the bias in the having primarily Baha'i sources.
You did, however, miss one major aspect, which also happens to answer the question of "what's the appeal." In the Baha'i faith the equality of the genders is promoted, as a result, there are more female Baha'is than male. However, women cannot serve on the Universal house of justice, and we are supposed to trust that the universal house of justice has some wisdom to know why this is amd when this police should change. You nailed it on the head with people leaving the religion due to the Universal house of justice being gate keepers. It's one of the main reasons I left.
If you're curios to understand more, I suggest analyzing the period of time when Abdu'l Baha took leadership and excommunicated his family, amd the current changes brought on by the Ruhi Institute.
there are more females in most societies... generally it's because of reasons like war and women living a bit longer than men.
@@IRGhost0 I’m not so sure about that. Even in very liberal western democracies you’ll be hard pressed to many countries where the majority of parliamentarians or religious leaders, or leaders in most fields, are women. The fact that many Baha’i institutions have close of equal or majority representation by women is actually quite remarkable.
@@IRGhost0 Actually, that's a common incorrect assumption, there are actually slightly more men on this planet than women. While women may live longer naturally if in good health, female infanticide or selective abortion of females has shifted the balance. Women are more likely to be victims of murder, which makes up for the soldiers who die in battle. Also, the general lower economic status of women does make them vulnerable to a premature death. Even without those factors, slightly more boys are born than girls for natural reasons (not just infanticide). I was quite surprised to learn this myself.
it is sad that you left! It is a magnificent Faith.
@@andeyak7279 Hmmmm... not really. I'm much happier now.
As an exbaha’i, this is probably the best collection of videos I’ve seen on the internet in regards to the faith. It gives a detailed history of the Faith’s ups and downs and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the criticisms the faith has collected over the decades. Thank you for touching on the cult like aspects of the faith. Most content creators either ignore this or go way to far in the conspiratorial direction.
What made you leave?
I’ve been a Baha’i for over 20 years coming from Sunni Muslim family. There is absolutely nothing cultish about the faith so now I even question that you were ever a Baha’i.
I find many tenets of this faith as acceptable. But there is a cultist nature beneath the surface. They on one hand lift up the leaders of historical religious movements but in the end they promote the concept that their faith will be the faith of the world. I also find it interesting that they say on one hand they have no set leaders while permitting this house of justice to be the deciding factor. Makes no sense.
@@Natalie-fj7fs serious question: how will you know when it is time to leave the Bahai faith for a new Prophet? Like , how will the followers of bahai know when to leave? In Islam , there is no leaving and no further prophet's. How will you KNOW for certain that one that claims to be a manifestation is a manifestation and not a false prophet?
@@Natalie-fj7fs Alláhu Abhá! I too am a Bahá’í of Sunni Muslim background (plus I was an atheist for 2 years before embracing the Bahá’í Faith). Next year on 29 October, it'll be exactly 25 years since I became a Bahá’í. Let's connect as I'd love to hear your journey to the Bahá’í Faith. YÁ BAHÁ’U’L-ABHÁ! 🙏🏻
Wow, that was excellent! I always had a lot of respect for the rep going. Thank you so much.
You did an amazing job and I appreciate your caution when it comes to bias in the sources.
You are amazing bro. Mashaa Allah
I have just discovered your channel and am very impressed by your scholarly and fair presentation of both the history and teachings of Babism and the Baha'i Faith. I have been a Bahai for over 40 years and I actually learned (or at least re-remembered) many interesting details about the history of the Faith from this! The first video of yours I watched was on Akhenaten. I have been fascinated by this unique historical figure and have often asked myself - "Was Akhenaten also an (unrecognized in his own time) Manifestation of God?"
@Willy Davidson Really? Why? Please enlighten me ...
Did he cover the Baha'is killing Babis and the Babis killing Bahais? (Why the governments were always moving them around.) Doubtful.
An excellent and fair presentation - with one exception: the part about the review process for articles/books by Baha'is about the Faith. As an author of numerous published articles (about the philosophical aspects of the Baha'i Writings) I have been reviewed and have done numerous reviews. Reviewers have 3 guidelines: (1) the article must present the teachings accurately; (2) it must present the teachings with appropriate decorum but (3) the article is free to interpret the teachings in divergent ways. The reviewers has no right to reject an interpretation simply because they disagree with it. This is not fundamentally different from academic peer review. Moreover, there is plenty of debate among Baha'i scholars about various historical aspects of the Faith.
Thanks. I've only just discovered your channel, and have greatly enjoyed the videos I've watched. Keep up the good work ! Re the Baha'is, I would add the importance of gender equality as a key modern teaching (although the elected Universal House of Justice only allows male members). Also as a small quibble, it's not that the Baha'is in Europe and North America generally allow new believers to carry on drinking alcohol, but that a lot of Baha'i laws are left up to the individual conscience.
What are the punishments for Rape and Adultery in the Baha'i shariah?
@@NaserEmtesali From the notes to the English translation of the Aqdas: "77. GOD HATH IMPOSED A FINE ON EVERY ADULTERER AND ADULTERESS, TO BE PAID TO THE HOUSE OF JUSTICE # 49
Although the term translated here as adultery refers, in its broadest sense, to unlawful sexual intercourse between either married or unmarried individuals (see note 36 for a definition of the term), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has specified that the punishment here prescribed is for sexual intercourse between persons who are unmarried. He indicates that it remains for the Universal House of Justice to determine the penalty for adultery committed by a married individual. (See also Q and A 49.)
In one of His Tablets, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá refers to some of the spiritual and social implications of the violation of the laws of morality and, concerning the penalty here described, He indicates that the aim of this law is to make clear to all that such an action is shameful in the eyes of God and that, in the event that the offence can be established and the fine imposed, the principal purpose is the exposure of the offenders-that they are shamed and disgraced in the eyes of society. He affirms that such exposure is in itself the greatest punishment.
I am not aware of any specifications regarding the punishment for rape. Baha'i shari'a remains in process. As no Baha'i state has ever existed, Baha'i societal law remains underdeveloped.
@@petersmith1343 Thank you for that copy-paste. Other than that, I liked these two sentences:
_I am not aware of any specifications regarding the punishment for rape._
and
_Baha'i shari'a remains in process._
Another question :
*Should any of the members (of the UHJ) commit a sin, injurious to the common weal, the guardian of the Cause of God hath at his own discretion the right to expel him,..*
In the absence of a Guardian who has the right to expel a member of the UHJ who commits a sin....?
@@NaserEmtesali If an individual commits a sin, as has been mentioned above, it is a personal matter between that believer and God. However, if the sin is flagrant and brings confusion or dishonor to the Baha'i Faith publicly, that person is no longer allowed to serve on administrative institutions. Thus, a member of the Universal House of Justice who flouts one or more of the Baha'is Laws would be relieved of his duties. The UHJ is elected every five years, so that way a member might not be reelected, even if his sin wasn't flagrant.
@@judyrussell1980 But only Guardian has the right to do so! In the absence of the Guardian, who enjoys this right? Support your answer with a quote from the Baha'i writings.
Uploading this coincidentally aligned with my current interests in the Baha'i faith ❤️
Awesome!
Excellent job very informative concise and comprehensive
Thank you for this fascinating presentation.
I really Love all your videos and agree with the majority here that you have done a great service to investigate the faith.
1 small but significant point:
As far as I am aware, Baha’u’llah wrote to the leaders of the world not to invite them to become Bahai’s but to stop pursuing power at the expense of social justice. If you read the Suri’-Haykal, which is translated in The Summons of the Lord or Hosts, this should become quite clear, although this is only my current understanding and is for all to investigate!
The history of what became of all those rulers is quite astonishing!
Dude’s seriously reading about religions. Hats off to you, brother. I’ll be more amazed if you’re not a Baha’i with this much knowledge of it.
Thank you for this video, you explained the faith a lot better than I could and I'm a Bahai myself
Excellent video!
I’m off to have lunch with some dear Baha’i friends, watching this has been a wonderful introduction
Fair and balanced video. Thanks 🙏
Well research.
Learned much of theirs faith through your presentation.
As a Muslim I love seeing this type of content about learning of various heresies and apostate movements that sprouted from Islam. Please also cover Ahmadiyya (Qadyani) religion amongst such heretical movenments. By the I love your content bro along with Religion for Breakfast and Esoterica. It helps me so much of gaining unbiased scholarly approach to different traditions both contemporary and historically while also helping me in my world building.
The figure of 7 millions baha'is seems ludicrous. I wouldn't be surprized if the real number was about half a million, or even less. It's a tiny world.
The Indian government Census reveals their population to be 4572 in 2011 but the Baha'is claimed between 1.8 to 2.2 million!!!
Baha'is are dishonest about their membership numbers. Most of the people are their rolls are disaffected and inactive. They just have not bothered to formally withdraw.
Honestly most people dont follow Bahai religion that strictly anymore.People want to marry outside of bahai faith and end up converting to Islam or Christianity depending on what country they are living.Religions which have no strong base and is progressive doesnt stick around much.For Example Christianity is rapidly losing followers because people are trying to morph it into modern systems.
Remember, as should be expected, there are also Baha'i sects that do not affiliate with the so-called mainline/mainstream/majoritarian/orthodox/dominant faction covered in this video.
There is no sects in Baha'i faith
@@mustafaqadiri1849 It exists but they are considered as "covenant breakers" by Baha'i Faith.And surprisingly one of them is called "Orthodox Baha'i Faith"
@@mustafaqadiri1849 I have been told the same thing about Islam. And even some Christians insist there is only one Christianity (all other branches or denominations being "false" of course), though they are almost all glad to recognize all Christians as Christian when counting numbers for "world's largest religion".
Religions drift and change with history and society and interpretation, like languages or evolution. Islam recognizes that, Baha'i Faith makes use of it. Most "primitive" religions recognized it. Most modern religions try to stop it with no more success than language purists attempting to freeze their language. It happens.
I’m interested. Are you one? Where do we find more information?
@@hshx1n Orthodox Baha'is and Unitarian Baha'is are the biggest ones. I believe they both have their own websites.
PS: Nice to see a fellow sardar here. ;)
Thank you for sharing this most peaceful religion, you did a excellent job
Baha'u'llah's instruction regarding thieves: _"For the third offence put a sign on his forehead. Thus he will be known, so that the cities and the provinces of God do not receive him. Beware lest pity take hold on you in (following) the religion of God."_ The mark was supposed to be a mar, something permanent. The modern institution dissimulates nothwithstanding "Beware lest pity..."
This is from the Baha'i "Book Of Laws" or "Kitab-i-Aqdas" which is the central scripture of the Baha'i Faith. It's the more honest Elder-Miller translation. You can read it here: freebahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Kitab-i-Aqdas-The-Most-Holy-Book-Elder-Miller-Translation.pdf
Great work Dear Sir! keep introducing religions of the world in such un biased manner. stay blessed!!!
You are excellent in explaining what the Baha'i is, I wish I could be like you..
Most informative channel in UA-cam
Thank you for this program and as a Baha'i I enjoyed watching it. The Universal House of Justice, rather than being forceful and strict, wisely and patiently nudges the Baha'i world towards a particular guidance as a parent to child would with a lot of discretion, understanding and loving patience, to learn from mistakes and to improve through experience.
We are in a stage of infancy still and the full potential of the Faith have not yet been manifested. It is for this reason that if you wish to publish a book and add that book to the library of the Baha'i literature, it is vetted for accuracy, otherwise you can publish whatever you want, but it will be strictly your words and not included as part of the approved Baha'i Literature. This is necessary so that people can not say outrageous things and claim that as being a Baha'i doctrine or practice. For example in Iran they used to say all kinds of scare stories to frighten people and put the Baha'is in bad light and make enemies of them. Once the doctrine of the Baha'i Faith becomes known to humanity, like Islam and Christianity is today, this will not be an issue. People will not be fooled for example if someone tells them Baha'is believe in incest or we have secret ceremonies when we sacrifice someone and drink their blood, you will not believe such things because it will be an accepted notion that Baha'is are just normal people believing in love just as other religions do! I'm sorry for being facetious in this example but you see the point I'm trying to make. This is a young religion and it needs to be protected from misinformation and disinformation, until it becomes well known to the generality of mankind.
Former Baha'i, *Professor Juan Cole states :*
_"UHJ member Hushmand Fatheazam once told me that a future Baha'i world government would put covenant breakers in jail!"_
_"We all know where I would be if that sort of person controlled the US government."_
fglaysher.com/bahaicensorship/archives/trb010602-121102.txt
@@NaserEmtesali are you horrified by the government condoned atrocities committed against bahais in Iran?
@@josenicolasuribe7541 Of course I am. It has affected every Iranian Baha'i in one form or another as it has my family in serious ways. I also feel proud of the Baha'i community in Iran for despite the horrible persecution, they remain committed to the spirit of service towards their countrymen and of unity amongst all.
@@NaserEmtesali Dear friend, hearsay is a dangerous thing. Also please remember that individual members of the UHJ do not hold any authority. Authority is only invested in the institution collectively.
If he had said something resembling what you say, what was the context? Those who were against the Faith committed serious atrocities against the Bahai's including plots to kill, poison, murder, steal, and spread lies with the authorities so that Baha'is would be arrested for suspicion of plotting against the government. Their actions were illegal and cruel and harmed an entire community. Thousands of innocent people, mothers and children, men and boys were brutally killed.
It is important to remain fair in our judgement.
@@josenicolasuribe7541 I am sure that most Baha'is live a very good life in Iran. Only those Baha'is in Iran are "PERSECUTED" who don't follow the laws of Iran. Baha'i faith in Iran is a cult and any activity that promotes it, is a crime. Respect the laws of Iran and stay safe. I don't consider the Prosecution and Persecution. And I don't believe what western (or Baha'i) media says about Iran.
I don't know where you got the notion that there is a light touch on the prohibition on alcohol in places like the USA for cultural reasons. It is simply not true. What is true is that Baha'i "enforcement" of its laws is non-punitive, so perhaps to people looking in from the outside it appears to be culturally contextual lenience. There are instances of light touch and even non-applicability of some Baha'i laws in certain cultural contexts, but the alcohol prohibition is not one of them.
Love to be a Baha'i I'm really attracted to the writings of Baha u llah 👃👃👃💕💕💕💕💖😎 Yaa Baa Haa ❤
I have a bunch of Baha'i friends, and I sometimes attend their study sessions and devotionals. but being Muslim, I am approaching it with an open mind, while almost feeling guilty for what Islam had done to the faith. yeah. I'm Sunni so it doesn't have much of a relationship with Baha'ism (compared to Shias), but still.
According to me BAHA ULLAH SAHIB tried to synthesise the religious thought according to changed modern times and tried to weave spirituality in the modern sociology. If studied deeply he seems that he remained successful as well in his mission. if peaceful co existance is ultimate goal of UN then Bhaism presents a lot...without any biases.
And, Bahá'u'lláh was born over 205 years ago. His advanced teachings did not come from His culture. To me, they came from God.
Bahá’u’lláh stated in His written Will, that after His passing, all Bahá’is should turn to His son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921), Who was named the sole Interpreter of His Words.
Thanks!
In watching this video, I’m struck by the similarities & parallels in foundational development and theology (and persecution / rejection by the parent religion) between Bahá’i and 19th-20th century American Unitarianism.
Episcopalian, too. I was born and raised Baha’i, but my best friend and brother from another mother was raised episcopal and in his words the Baha’i Faith is a logical extension of that denomination
It is interesting that some of these theological ideals developed around the same time. There were Christian religious leaders who estimated that 1844 was actually going to be the year of the Rapture. I have read that the Sears catalogue of the day sold 'Rapture' robes for the event.
There is a saying in the faith that I can only paraphrase that says a rising Sun illumines the entire Earth...
Thanks for sharing so much information
Bro you should do a video on differences between Islam and Bahá'í.
Part one of this goes into greater detail in regards to the relationship between the Bahá'í Faith and Islam.
Listen.. Quran is a detailed Book and KITAB E AQDAS contains only 190 verses. Islam allowes 4 wifes Bhaism allows 2 wifes. Islam asks for 5 prayers Bhaism only for one prayer. Islam does not recognize Idol worshiping Bhaism recognizes this as a religion etc etc. (mostly learnt from this video) Watch this video again. plz
@@azlanameer4912 nonsense. Bahai only allows one wife. The Kitab I Agdas may be smaller than the Quran but the total writings of Baha'u'llah are far greater than the volume of the Quran or even the Bible. The Bahai prayers differ from really short to quite long. Is this a competition?
@@stylicho Thanks for reply bro... I have about 5 books along with کتاب اقدس۔
Ocassionaly i read and enlighten.
@@azlanameer4912 you think islam is true
I see a theme developing here:
"Yeah, you know that super cool prophet y'all were waiting for? Well, turns out it was me all along!"
True...that feels strange to me. But at the same time theres something very interesting about the history of this religion. Im catholic but id like to read some of their writings. They have some good principles. Definitively their religion is more evolved and compassive than what they branched out of...
As His Holiness, Jesus said, " By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."
There is a way to tell false from true.
@@orcasea59 Jesus was exactly the same as Bahá'u'lláh, just ~2000 yrs ago and for jews instead of muslims.
@@etcwhatever that statement is extremely ignorant. Do you genuinely know for certain that the bahai are more compassionate than Islam? What do you KNOW about Islam other than what the media has fed you?
Read “The Dawnbreakers”, also called ‘Nabil’s Narrative’. This first hand account of the Revelation of The Bab and Baha’u’llah explains much of the mystery behind who the Founders were and of the Divine source of their knowledge and it’s revelation.
Just one thing I’d like to correct is that his family are not branded covenant breakers for not believing in Him but for going against the faith vehemently. They’ve been given many chances to mend their way too🤷🏽♂️
That's the Baha'i view.
@ well when we’re speaking of covenant breakers since it’s a term coined by Bahai’s, who would it be according to?
Excellent video. Thanks.
Masterful. In my early twenties I became obsessed with this religion but suddenly was disenamored by how it does resemble others in the end.
I had similar experiences. When I became older i saw how that what seemed to be fresh and new when i was younger, actually was just more of the same .
I had a similar experience for while as well. But what I realized wasn’t that the religion itself was more of the same, it was that some of the practice of some individuals/communities in trying to understand something new and radical fell back onto old ideas on what they knew of religion from previous religion. If that makes sense? It’s taken an active effort to shift the culture of the Baha’i community to be one of active learners who are actively learning about what radical new ideas mean in practice, rather than just falling back onto old interpretations or understandings. It’s like how we always keep falling back to old ideas (like communism, nationalist, socialism, capitalism etc…) when we’re trying to improve the world, but really those ideas have all limitations and what’s needed is the type to thinking that can create something completely new… atleast that’s what made it make sense for in the end. I just had to ride the wave until the culture of the community shifted.
@@parvizdeamer that sounds intriguing what you mentioned there at the end about the culture shift. How has that manifested specifically? Thank you for your response, as you can tell I remain very curious on this matter… and I agree with you in the way you compare religion to ideology by the way, it’s really hard not to become dogmatic in either thing, to the point where religion is ideology and ideology is religion sometimes? Thanks again
I suspect that the narrator is committed to the Baha’i faith, because it seems very attractive to secular minds.
As an active Baha'i for 50 years I can verify that this video is accurate, although a few statements made in the last couple minutes need explanation. One is if someone asserts authority over the interpretation of Baha'i writings, or promotes opposition to the administrative authority that Baha'u'llah established which now is the Universal House of Justice - then they may be excluded from membership in the Baha'i Faith. The purpose is to maintain unity among all the Baha'is of the world. After all, Baha'u'llah teaches that mankind is one family. Individual Baha'is have no authority over others. A number of people have attempted this, including Sub-i-Azale, Baha'u'llah's half-brother. None have persisted and gained followers.
To maintain unity you have to sanction, shun and ex-communicate people! What a novel concept!?
@@NaserEmtesali so you condemn the Iranian regime’s persecution of Baha’is?
@@josenicolasuribe7541 I am sure that most Baha'is live a very good life in Iran. Only those Baha'is in Iran are "PERSECUTED" who don't follow the laws of Iran. Baha'i faith in Iran is a cult and any activity that promotes it, is a crime. Respect the laws of Iran and stay safe. I don't consider the Prosecution and Persecution. And I don't believe what western (or Baha'i) media says about Iran.
@@NaserEmtesali hey! My friend!! You are here commenting on another Baha’i video!! You just have the term Baha’i bookmarked in UA-cam search! Love that you love it so much you always take time to leave a comment! Bless you!
And in response to your question (comment? Statement?) it’s only those that try to force a particular interpretation that actively undermines the unity if the community. Diverse ideas are all over the Baha’i community which is great and allows for amazing exploration of complex and profound concepts and ideas. But it’s only when you take action to actively foster division that you maybe asked to step away. And it’s very few and very much a last resort.
@@parvizdeamer Hi Parviz, have you seen these questions?
1. Two alternative Baha'i organizations have been sued by the Baha'i Faith organization for using the word "Baha'i" to describe their beliefs. That's like the Catholic Church suing Protestants for calling themselves "Christians". Do you agree that this makes your faith look ridiculous and petty?
2. You believe that eventually all people and nations should come under the theocratic rule of the infallibly inspired Baha'i Universal House of Justice. How is this any different than the Caliphate?
3. Baha'u'llah was a polygamist who allowed men to have up to 2 wives, so why is polygamy forbidden by Baha'i law?
4. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) Baha'u'llah commands that a thief should have a visible mark put on his forehead after the third offense. Why do you consider this man to be the greatest Manifestation of God?
5. Abdu'l Baha and Shoghi Effendi are both infallible, so why can't they decide if Confucius was or was not a Manifestation?
6. You believe all the greatest faiths founded by Manifestations differ only in non-essential aspects of their doctrines. Even a cursory glance at the doctrines of the major world religions will tell you this is false. So why do you believe this?
7. In "Baha'u'llah and the New Era" (official Baha'i text) Abdu'l Baha ("Slave of Baha", the infallible guide and eldest son of Baha'u'llah) stated that the Kingdom of God would be established on earth by 1957. Where is it, and why has this statement been removed from the 1970 republication?
8. The Bab declared Mirza Yahya (Baha'u'llah's half-brother) as his successor and presented Baha'u'llah as an inferior. Why do Baha'is suppress this fact?
9. If Baha'is are so peaceful, why was the faith founded on violence and assassinations between supporters of Mirza Yahya and Baha'u'llah?
10. You believe Christianity was perverted during the first century (as per Shoghi Effendi's claim). Isn't this hypocritical coming from a faith that suppresses source materials and revises the writings of deceased authors in futile attempts to make your beliefs match historical reality?
11. Abdu'l Baha "excommunicated" practically all his closest relatives and deprived them of their income from Baha'u'llah's estate after his father's death. Do you agree that your infallible guide was a cruel and heartless individual?
12. Based on the example set by the infallible Abdu'l Baha, Covenant-breakers (heretics and apostates) are often treated unkindly and ostracized by other Baha'is. So what makes your faith any better than mainstream Christianity or Islam?
13. Huquq'ullah is the right of the guardian, it is clearly stated in your holy writings. Then why Haifan UHJ is accepting it in the absence of a guardian?
14. Why you state that Baha'is are united when there are two UHJs and 3-4 guardians and so many sects/splinter groups?
15. When the membership of the UHJ is going to be opened for women?
16. When the teaching of the Baha'i faith will be permitted in the Holy Land (Israel)?
17. Shoghi Effendi spent Baha'i money on his long vacations to Switzerland, he ex-communicated his own parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts for petty reasons. He violated the Baha'i law by not leaving a will. Why do you accept such a person as your guardian?
18. Why was Diya'u'llah's (Baha'u'llah's son) grave desecrated and the action of removal of his remains termed as "purification from past contamination"?
19. Why do Baha'is lie about their population?
20. Why the Baha'i elections are called as "democratic elections" when the UHJ members are only elected from the male members of the ITC?
21. Why many Baha'i scholars resigned from the Baha'i faith after Talisman episode?
22. Do you believe that Baha'u'llah is the sender of all the prophets and reveler of all divine books?
Dear UA-camr, I just wanted to first say thank you for the amazing two-part videos you produced on the Báb and Bahá'u'llah. You were accurate and your depiction was interesting and comprehensive - I enjoyed it greatly. I just want to make a single point about the fact that we 'reject' some of the Baha'is. I would just like to ask you to think about the horrendous religious wars that have existed within religions of the past. You only have to remember the Inquisition or the current splitting of each religion into multiple sects and denominations to understand why the Covenant of Baha'u'llah was revealed and why Bahá'is remain steadfast to it. We don't 'reject' other Bahais, we simply recognise that what they are doing is hitting at the fabric of the unity of mankind by taking on an 'interpretive' role that is NOT given to them and creating schism. How will we have unity if everyone has a version of the truth and starts their own sect? Look at other religions to see what havoc that has wrecked to date. Also, the Universal House of Justice is restrictive in interpretations so that we don't fall down the same rabbit hole other Faiths have - again with multiple interpretations and arguments.
Wonderful job very informative pls do more .tqvm brother..
¡MUY BIEN INVESTIGADO!¡ FELICITACIONES! Y SIN PREJUICIOS INÚTILES. SALUDOS
We can’t fail to mention that “Azal” was only a 19 year old very young man and immensely under influence of the enemies of the faith.
It requires at least 250 years of age length to understand all religions are alive today without a decisive conclusion. So common sense is the best religion.
ان الدین عندالله السلام
ua-cam.com/video/hspRPMfRH8k/v-deo.html -what makes Christianity unique.
@@knowingthetruth8851
Jesus christ moses Mahamad All muslim
That was great, thank you! But you completely forgot to mention the equality of men and women in the Baha’i faith.
The idea was a latecomer to the Baha'i scene, brought by 'Abdu'l-Baha after he encounter wealthy suffragettes (women activists) in the eastern USA. The idea does not appear in the 3 founding scriptures, or "central scriptures," of the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i "Book Of Laws" gives one set of laws for women, another for men. Including the teaching that Baha'i men are discouraged from having more than two wives. (Baha'u'llah had four by his death.) I was an active Baha'i for 13 years.
Request: please make a video on Ahmedis. Thanks!
both same thinking amd belive
Oh yes I second this! Same time period, similar ideas about the Mahdi coming, but different faith. I'm sure the comments section in that video will be equally disgusting. Full of Sunnis bashing the Ahmadi Muslims like they are doing to the Bahais in this thread.
Great video as always
After bahaullahs son as leader of the faith was his great-grandson then the hands of the cause then the Universal House of justice
At 16.38 some words are attributed to Baha'u'llah - so far as I know he did not write this, but there are similar words attributed to Abdu'l-Baha in one of his talks in Paris.
"Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism.
"
(Paris Talks, London, Bahá'í Publishing Trust, London 1995, p 143)
Shoghi Effendi also wrote frequently about crass, pervasive, pernicious (etc.) materialism. But not Baha'u'llah I think.
Baha'u'llah enjoyed his life in Mansions. One of his Mansion had 30 rooms. He had 3 wives and 14 children.
@@NaserEmtesali would you join the UN in condemning the Iranian government’s persecution of bahais?
In actual practice Baha'is take that teaching to mean "Religion should never get in the way of science; science can do whatever it wants." The Bab was anti-technology. Baha'u'llah spoke of the automobile as an "infernal engine" which would "destroy the cities." In reality, the original teaching meant science should be moderated and guided by religion.
@@DivineFellowship : fact check:
"The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the ninth leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil. Consider the civilization of the West, how it hath agitated and alarmed the peoples of the world. An infernal engine hath been devised, and hath proved so cruel a weapon of destruction that its like none hath ever witnessed or heard. The purging of such deeply-rooted and overwhelming corruptions cannot be effected unless the peoples of the world unite in pursuit of one common aim and embrace one universal faith. Incline your ears unto the Call of this Wronged One and adhere firmly to the Lesser Peace.
(Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 69)
Given the time, the infernal engine is likely to be breech-loaded artillery, which Baha'u'llah would have know of in the form of the Krupp gun (from 1856), which Abdu'l-Baha mentions, although Baha'u'llah did not, sfaik.
The automobile was not a big thing in Baha'u'llah's day. The Benz motorwagen only hit the market in 1886. The "leaves of Paradise" was written quite late in Baha'u'llah's time, perhaps before 1886.
I highly reccomend turning closed captions on for this video. I really thought Google's voice recognition was getting better lmao
The seven valleys where the soul goes to reach God or the divine was also a Sufi teaching by Abdul qadir Jilani on his book the secret of secrets
The Baha'i Faith is really Sufism trying to go "McDonalds" and take over the world.