Baha'i Idealism

by PRASHER, G. | Category: Focus | Jun 2002

Cradled in Persia about 150 years ago, the Baha'i movement has persisted, despite times of severe persecution, to attain widespread representation in today's world. Its beliefs and objectives are, for Christian believers, an instructive illustration of the kind of religious philosophy which will feature in promoting development of a universal world religion at the 'time of the end'.

The origins of the movement may be traced to a Shi'ite Muslim in Persia, Ali Muhammed. He became known as 'the Bab' meaning 'the Gate'. He set out to reinvigorate Islamic teaching and practice, declaring that a greater than himself would shortly emerge to liberate humanity from outworn customs and prejudices, and usher in a new era. Alarmed at the effects of his teachings and the rapid multiplication of his converts (called 'Babis'), the Persian authorities clamped down on the movement. 20,000 Babis were slaughtered, and their leader martyred (1850) only six years after the start of his mission.

However, a powerful exponent of his teachings, Mira Hurayou Ali, while chained in prison, became convinced that he was the promised liberator predicted by 'the Bab'. He assumed the name Baha Ullah (Arabic for 'the glory of God'). Though banished first to Constantinople and then to Acre, where he died in 1892, his claims were widely accepted among the 'Babis', and his followers became known as 'Baha'is'.

It was his eldest son Abbas, later known as Abdul Bah ('servant of Bah') who visited Europe and America to establish the Baha'i faith in the western hemisphere. He classified his father's teachings, presenting them as a basis for a new civilization. These idealistic concepts included such things as the oneness of the world of humanity; agreement between science and religion; the spiritual solution of economic problems; world union governed by representation of all peoples.

Regarding religious aspects, there were certain 'cornerstone beliefs', e.g.

- The original 'Bab', and 'Baha Ullah' whom he'd foretold, were 'manifestations of God, who is in his essence unknowable'.

- All the founders of the world's great religions have been manifestations of God and agents of a progressive divine plan for the education of the human race.

- Despite apparent differences, they all teach an identical truth.

- Baha'i's peculiar function is to overcome the disunity of religions and establish a universal faith.

These concepts have an appeal to the natural mind. They are readily endorsed by many well-meaning people who would wish to give credit for elements of 'goodness' in all religious faiths. Those elements are of course widely included - such things as honest dealings, care for the weak, self-discipline and self-denial. Yet the idea that the Christian faith, rightly understood, and other religions all teach 'an identical faith' is simply non-factual. The Christian revelation, firmly rooted in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures, is centred on God's purpose of salvation through the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This unique revelation distinguishes the Christian faith from all other religions. It need not surprise us that elements of moral goodness feature in many religious systems, 'for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.' (2 Cor.11:14,15) In Colossians 2:8 also the apostle Paul counsels us: 'Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.'

Baha'i believers are organized in local 'spiritual assemblies' which are grouped in relation to 'national assemblies'. Late last century there were claimed to be about 20,000 local and 150 national assemblies. There are no initiation ceremonies, no ritual and no clergy. Devotees are required to pray daily and fast on nineteen days each year; that is, on the first day of each of the nineteen months in their self-devised calendar. They refrain from alcohol, narcotics or other substances which affect the mind. They practice monogamy.

The world headquarters of the movement is on Mount Carmel, near Haifa in the State of Israel. An impressive shrine, located in beautiful surroundings, has become a major tourist attraction as well as a centre of Baha'i pilgrimage. Ironically, the utopian principles dreamed up by the founders of Baha'i are cruelly trampled underfoot in the present Middle East conflict. There lies the reality of a sin cursed world. To advocate universal peace and goodwill without addressing its root cause is idealistic indeed!

PRASHER, G. | Jun 2002
Focus