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HOW TO LIVE SIDEWAYS:A Children's Book

By Michael Fitzgerald, illustrated by John Burns

This whimsical compilation of the Baha'i Sacred Writings is certain to amuse and fascinate any child. Laugh with Michael Fitzgerald as he offers his delightful perscriptions for living the Baha'i life with a freshness and spirit that is both profound and childlike. ... Read more

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Mona, a member of the Bahâa®âi Faith, describes her religion's history, practices, and beliefs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good book!
I actually am a Baha'i, and was happy to see a copy of this small, square book in our public library.The information in the text is accurate.However, a few of the accompanying photographs are somewhat misleading.For example, a photograph of Muslims praying all together facing Mecca leads the reader to believe that Baha'is pray in a similar fashion, which they don't! Nevertheless, I like this book, and would recommend it overall. ... Read more

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"All should know…Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God." — Bahá’u’lláh

The equality of women and men is one of the basic tenets of the Bahá’í Faith, and much is said on the subject in the Bahá’í writings. Until now, however, no single volume created for a general audience has provided comprehensive coverage of the Bahá’í teachings on this topic and its many aspects. In this broad survey husband and wife team Janet and Peter Khan address eve those aspects of equality of the sexes that are usually ignored or glossed over in the existing literature.

Tactfully treating a subject that often provokes argumentation, contention, polarization of attitudes, and accusations, the authors elevate the discussion to a new level that challenges all while offending none. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
This book should be read by everyone.It is very well written.

This remarkable book covers women in Baha'i Faith.
The authors have written a bold, informative, and dramatic book that demonstrates the concept of the equality of women and men in the Baha'i Faith. This book is challenging, dynamic, well-written. It covers some ofhistory of women's contributions to the Baha'i Faith, descibes the vitalrole that they will make in the future, and explains the scripture basisfor this in the Baha'i Writings. While some knowledge of the Baha'i Faithis helpful reading this book, students of comparative religion will findthis book fascinating and useful for reference. This book covers Baha'icanonical law, social teachings, various aspects of contemporary history,and applications of the principle of gender equality in society at large. Ihighly recommend the book to all readers. ... Read more

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REASON AND REVELATION: New Directions in Bahá'í Thought

Studies in the Bábí and Bahá'í Religions, Volume 13 edited by Seena Fazel and John Danesh

Read the most exciting and thought-provoking new ideas now being discussed byBahá'ís around the world.  Bahá'í scholars and intellectuals discuss the most difficult issues currently facing the Bahá'í community from the perspective of faith and reason.  Their investigations demonstrate that a rigorous academic approach can provide fresh insights into faith.  

    Sen McGlinn explains the relationship between "church and state" in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh.  Udo Schaefer questions the meaning of the infallibility of the Universal House of Justice.  Moojan Momen discusses fundamentalism and liberalism in world religions and in a Bahá'í context.  Sholeh Quinn writes on the scholarly study of Bahá'í history.  

     And there is more . . . There are essays on Native American prophets, Bahá'í approach to economic problems, prayer and meditation, and the equality of men and women.

     The original thought and new ideas found here are guaranteed to startle and deepen the knowledge of every reader.  Don't miss it! ... Read more

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BAHÁ'ÍS IN THE WESTStudies in the Bábí and Bahá'í Religions, Volume 14

Edited by Peter Smith, Ph.D.This is a stunning collection of pioneering essays--filled with illustrations--on the beginnings of the Bahá'í Faith in many Western countries--including Australia and New Zealand, Denmark, Hungary, and the United States.

     Peter Smith provides a masterful summary of the development of the Bahá'í Faith in the Western world.  This is the most complete survey of Baha'i growth and development that has yet been attempted.  Moojan Momen shares his discovery of an unpublished manuscript by John Esslemont, who surveyed the Bahá'í world in 1919.  The contrast is stunning. 

     Gyorgy Lederer provides new information on 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to Budapest in 1913.  An essay by Jackson Armstrong-Ingram uncovers the odd events which transpired at the National Baha'i Convention in the United States in 1910.  Loni Bramson investigates the first organized Baha'i plans set up by the National Spiritual Assembly in the U.S.  

    Absolutely essential for any serious student of Bahá'í history!

Retail Price: $32.50, paperback only ... Read more

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Discover the Baha'i approach to prayer with this collection of beautiful, soul-stirring prayers and meditations from Baha'i scripture. Pamela Brode's introduction explains basic Baha'i teachings on the subject of prayer and spiritual sustenance and considers questions such as What is prayer? Why pray? Are our prayers answered? Does prayer benefit the world? The selections that follow include more than 120 prayers and extracts from Baha'i scripture on themese such as assistance from God, comfort, contentment, difficult times, death, faith, healing, marriage and family life, protection, strength, and many others. These powrerful selections are sure to sustain, freshen, and gladden your spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A nice gift
I got this as a gift for a friend, and she liked it. (I am a Baha'i, but my friend is not).The book has a little introduction where the author talks about prayer, and I think this can some helpful context for someone who is not used to the habit of regular prayer.The rest of the book contains prayers from the Baha'i Scriptures ([...]), organized under helpful headings.The title of the book comes from one of the prayers, which reads: "O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord."

I find the prayers beautiful, uplifting, and also, interestingly enough, educational in that they give insight into our spiritual nature as well as what as we can understand of God.

Wonderful book to pick up at anytime!
I received this book as a gift from a Bahai Mentor and it is probably my favorite thus far.I look at it constantly.It is a quick and wonderful reference for prayer and meditation and a fantastic guide to bring you right to the area you want to seek prayer for.Example: difficult times, children, being closer to God...etc.

This would be a great first book for those just beginning in the Bahai faith.

Excellent Collection of Baha'i Prayers
If you are looking for a comprehensive collection of prayers from the Baha'i Faith, this is it. They have prayers on every possible topic you can imagine--spiritual growth, families, illness, difficulties. There's also a nice introduction to the Baha'i view on prayer and spirituality. ... Read more

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Globalisation has become a buzzword that typically refers to the intensifying integration of the world economy, especially as midwifed by technological advances. It also implies a growing political and cultural sense that all humanity is globally interdependent. There have always been individuals of course who have advocated such awareness, one of them being the founder of the Baha'i faith, who formulated a spiritual equivalent as the religion's central doctrine in the late 19th century: "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch".

Its emphasis on global unification made Baha'i an obvious candidate for a case study on new religions and globalisation. The chapters in this volume fall into two sections, diachronic and synchronic. The first part is organised chronologically, beginning with the emergence of the globalist tendency in the messianic vision of Babism, the precursor to Baha'i, and concluding with an analytic history of its leaders' changing attitudes to international politics. The second part considers a variety of global themes in contemporary Baha'i practice, including global thought in Baha'i writings, the impact of the internet, and the triumphalist and secular strains in Baha'i identity.

Though five million members make it one of the world's most successful new religions, Baha'i has attracted little scholarly attention. Most of the academics concentrating on Baha'i have contributed to this volume, which will appeal not only to students of modern religious movements, but to anyone interested in the ways religions can adapt to - and embrace - the modern world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A much need approach to the environment
As Deputy Director of the Oceans and Coastal Areas Programme Activity Center of the United Nations Environment Program, Arthur Dahl had first hand experience of the environmental problems we face which may be summed up in these words: "Whether we like it or not we are collectively guilty of the crime of 'ecocide' - the murder of the environment. Whereas murder is usually deliberate and often premeditated, today our environment is being killed just as much by our thoughtlessness and outmoded ideas or unwillingness to take action, as it is by predatory commercial and political interests. Governments are only now waking up to the scale of our common plight, while others warn that the clock has already begun to strike midnight." There are two components of the solution: "The first is that we must all take responsibility for our own actions. This demands a new maturity in our values, attitudes and behavior in our relationships with each other, and especially with other species with whom we share our planet. The second factor is the recognition that our world functions as one single, amazingly complex yet interdependent system."

The environmental crisis first came to the world's attention with the great London Fog of 1952 that killed thousands of people. At that time environmental problems were still manageable and within a relatively short time the city had clean air and fish had returned to the river Thames. Since then, however, we have increased both the rate and scale of our impact on the environment. Humankind is like a man jumping from the 100th story enjoying the view and breeze but giving no thought for the future or the painful landing that awaits. It is hard to see what can stop the downward spiral in which we find ourselves but there are forces of transition breaking down the old structures of a fragmented world of sovereign nations to be replaced by new types of organization adapted to a united world. The real solution to our environmental problems does not lie in technological fixes but in the restructuring of world society and of the values by which people live. Unity of the human race must be the guiding principle and this in turn is based on the recognition of the value of unity in diversity to take advantage of the fantastic richness of human experience. Humankind's response to the environment is expressed in many different qualities, social structures, languages, sciences, technologies, arts and culture; these are our heritage of thousands of years of evolution. Too often the differences have been the cause of prejudice, fear, misunderstanding, war and genocide but they must be appreciated, preserved and enriched as contributions to a world civilization.

All through history, religion has been one of the most powerful forces in the advancement of human civilization by providing the moral values which support the structures of a social system. Religion is the greatest of means for establishing a new ecological ethic. The dichotomy between spiritualityand materialism is a key to understanding the plight of mankind today. Major threats to our environment are based on a sickness of the human spirit, a sickness marked by an overemphasis on material things and the self-centredness that inhibits our ability to work together as a global community. We need to revitalize the human spirit and break down the barriers that limit fruitful and harmonious cooperation between men and women whatever their national, racial or religious background; the earth is one country and that all mankind are its citizens. A new political order must be based on economic justice, equality between the races, equal rights for women and men, and universal education. Solutions will take many years but the long-term future is bright, assuming a general effort to build a new world civilization. The foundation of that civilization will be the agricultural and biological resources of the planet based on stable systems producing the food, energy, raw materials and energy required by society. Wastes will be absorbed and recycled in an efficient system much like that of the coral reef. If those who hold religious beliefs want to contribute to contemporary society, they must come to a new understanding with modern science to provide a balance between faith and reason and the harmonization of spiritual and material needs. Science and technology offer the means to eliminate poverty but the barriers to the solution of the extremes of wealth and poverty are social and political. While lip service may be paid to the intellectual and spiritual qualities that distinguish humankind, most people still follow the value system promoted by the mass media, advertising, conspicuous consumption and planned obsolescence. This preoccupation with material advancement has led to excesses which are at the root of many of our environmental problems.

Any fundamental change must start with the individual as we each share some responsibility for the state of our community and of the world and each of us is responsible for the example we set in our own lives. For those seeking guidance, there is no better place to start than studying this book. ... Read more

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The Baha'i Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions and the second most widespread after Christianity. Dating from its Iranian origins in 1844, it has rapidly spread to every country of the world and counts more than five million adherents. The central teaching of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, is that it is imperative for humanity to recognize that is a single race so that it can act in unity as one global community to meet the challenges of the present day. The Baha'i scriptures provide a wide-ranging social programme designed for people living today coupled with spiritual principles that echo those found in the great faith traditions of the past. Understanding the Baha'i Faith focuses on the impact that the religion has, looking at what it has to say about personal life, the home, the community, social issues, global concerns, as well as the spiritual life The book provides a factual and straightforward account of the history, organisation, development and sacred texts of the religion, as well as a time-line of important events and a glossary. It is suitable for general audiences, students of comparative religion and teachers. ... Read more

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Here is a brief, yet remarkably thorough, treatment of the Baha'i religion. Beckwith first presents a historical review, noting the most important events crucial in the formative years of this movement. Secondly, he examines the main doctrines of Baha'i in the light of Scripture, along with the Baha'is' use of the Bible in defense of their religion. In addition, he asks several important questions concerning the relationship between Christianity and Baha'ism:

Can the teachings of Jesus be placed into the Baha'i structure without damage to their original intent?

Is their use of the Bible legitimate, compelling or successful?

Apart from personal assurance, does the Baha'i religion have objective evidence upon which to rest its beliefs?

"This is a remarkably incisive work. Mr. Beckwith's research will force any honest member of the Baha'i movement to take a very serious 'second look' at what he has been taught."

John Warwick Montgomery

Customer Reviews (27)

New Thoughts
My old review has been the "spotlight" for a while here, and I have been thinking about this book recently, so I want to revisit this issue.

This book seems to have become a classic in Christian polemics against the Baha'i Faith; fair enough.The book argues that because Christianity is Christianity, and the Baha'i Religion is not Christianity, the Baha'i Faith is something which is not only ridiculous but a misguiding religion with probably connections to the Christian understanding of "satanism."This is the kind of work (so-called) "evangelical" Christians do.

But do not mistake this for a scholarly treatment of the Baha'i Faith--not even a scholarly treatment from a Christian perspective.As one reviewer seems to place weight, the book allegedley survived a thesis defense at a University.It is not the goal of Christian philosophy or theology, however, to devalue other living religious.To the contrary, the "encounter of world religions" (as Tillich put it) is to test one's own epistemological and metaphysical claims and hope for a mutual transformation--not an imperialist conversion.

I myself am in the midst of writing a replacement for Beckwith's book, as a Christian pastor who has dealt with the Baha'i faith in communities whom I have served.E-Mail me with you thoughts if you're interested.I don't see how Beckwith's book actaully serves the church outside of a pretentious waving of the Bible at the alien religion.The work that needs to be done is to (1) understand correctly what the Baha'i religion is, its debates and issues, its humanitarian views, (2) figure out appropriate ways to approach the religion in the local community, and (3) develop a sustained or sustaining theology of pluralism for Christian community which adequately addresses the complexities of this new religion in a way that is both explicitly Christian and ethical.

Christian writer on the attack
This small book is a presentation of the Baha'i faith (or some aspects of it) from the viewpoint of an evangelical writer - one of those who fortifies his faith and thinks he shows his love for Jesus by attacking the beliefs of others. Eevn the attacks are unoriginal. There is nothing here that hasn't been written elsewhere. More to the point, there is nothing here that hasn't been refuted elsewhere.

Bad choice - even for Christians
For those who pointed out that the Bahai reviewers did not site specific details, go to http://bci.org/prophecy-fulfilled/pterry.htm

It should be noted that Dr Beckwith has repeatedly quoted or paraphrased individual Bahai's with the intention of claiming this is what all Bahai's believe.

If you are looking for arguments to use against Bahai's, this is not a good book, since most Bahai's would question some of the assumptions made about Bahai beliefs, including the assumption made right on the title. Bahai's never use the word "Bahai'ism" Why should you? It would just make you look ignorant.

I'm sure you could investigate the Bahai beliefs on your own and come up with your own conclusions. Your arguments would have more weight, because they would be your arguments, not parroted half-truths.

If you are looking for information about what Bahai's believe, this is also not a good book, because the views presented by Dr Beckwith are not always accurate. If you want non-biased information, there are many sources written by non-Bahai's, and those sources are frequently much more accurate.

Read the websites opinion on the so-called "conspiracy" to edit out a prophesy... I think you'll se that this just illustrates my point.

Baha'i philosophical /historical view
The explanation section of the cover states that it is a "Christian response to Baha'ism,,,"In this response, Beckwith shows that the Baha'i religion is based on numerous self-contradictory elements.theseelements are well-footnoted and explained.In reading the other reviews itis interesting to note how the critics constantly mention "false' or"incorrect" statements, yet they fail to present even one of themfor review.The question is not whether or not this book places the Baha'ifaith in a bad light, or is a polemic against the faith.The question iswhether or not what Beckwith writes is true and/ or is substantiated--andnone of the reviewers here seem to offer any legitimate evidence.

truth
This book lists some basic inconsistencies that the Baha'i faith has with Biblical doctrines.It is clear that many of the reviews below are prejudiced.But, the truth stands for itself, and this book helps to pointinterested parties in the direction of the truth as it compares to theteachings of the Baha'i faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Unique Exploration of Baha'i Faith
John Walbridge's outstanding book gives a fascinating exploration of the Baha'i Faith, the most widespread of the world religions and the most recent of the world major religons. He gives it's complex history from its beginnings in 19th Century Iran, where it has been and continues to be persecuted. He explains its law, both comparing it to the laws of the other religions of the world, as well as explaining complicated aspects of it scripture. What is unique is that he details the small rites and sociological characteristics that effect individual believers with accuracy and respect. His scholarship is profound, explaining many deeper aspects to the Baha'i Faith in way that anyone could understand. He does this fully in the context of its scripture, its history and its contemporary issues. I strongly recommend this book for those individuals who want to understand the Baha'i Faith and its scripture with greater depth, more intense clarity, going beyond introductory books. This is a book for those who want to explore the Baha'i Faith from the perspective of a believer but also from the point of view of accurate detail and Baha'i scripture. This books covers Baha'i scripture in the orginal languages it was written, it's complex and turbulent history, it's theology and law, social structure, relationship with historical and contemporary Iran, local and international administration,etc. Few people can explain as much in so small a book. It is delightfully written and compherensive. I strongly recommend to any student of comparative religion or student of religious studies. ... Read more

Product Description
This book relates the story of the evolution of the Babi-Baha'i community, beginning with the birth of the Bab and then traced over the next century and a half in the city of his birth, Shiraz. This fascinating history - the first of its kind on the development of local Baha'i communities of Iran - is lucidly translated for the first time into English by Dr. Ahang Rabbani, and is carefully annotated and supplemented with many details and scholarly notes about key personalities and places of interest to students of Iranian history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

We need to change the ethical foundations of our lives
Over the last fifty years we have not made impressive progress in dealing with social problems such as world peace and disarmament, poverty reduction, racial injustice, human rights, equality of men and women and economic and social development generally. Is it that we have adopted the wrong approach? Might there be a better way? Anthony Lee believes so and by bringing together articles by ten authors he presents an alternative for us to consider. In the first paragraph of the introduction, the author makes his position clear "Anyone familiar with the Bahai teachings will recognize that they embody a progressive social program. Indeed, it might be said that, at least in comparison to other religions, the Bahai faith is primarily oriented toward social reform. It is certainly the only world religion that defines a consciousness of the unity of mankind as its central theme and dedicates itself almost single-mindedly to the achievement of that goal. Of course, the Bahai teachings also offer guidance to and demand change from the individual believer, who is called to the highest standards of personal morality and spiritual development. But it is clearly stated in the Sacred Writings of the Faith that no amount of individual saintliness, by itself, will achieve the result of overturning the unjust and oppressive social conditions throughout the world today."

Unity of mankind is not just a re-awakening of the spirit of brotherhood and goodwill among men but implies an organic change in the structure of society - a change such as the world has not yet experienced. This change will be based on twelve principles that he explains in the book. It is these twelve principles that constitute the foundation of a more enlightened and progressive social program.

The first chapter "A Worldwide Movement of Peace" by Brad Pokorny tells us that the successes of the peace movement over the past 100 years have been few and far between while the huge number of conflicts over the last couple of decades suggest a high degree of failure. Almost from the start, the Bahai Faith has been as much a movement for peace as a religion, expressed in educational efforts to promote a new kind of thinking necessary to establish a warless world, to forge a template for a new political order and to organize a network for peace. The author argues that the twelve principles each constitute an important element in building world peace. Our problems are so major that tinkering is no longer an option; we need to reinvent politics; we need to reinvent the world.

In somewhat similar vein, the other authors deal with the various social ills confronting us, usually coming to similar conclusions that we have tried the tinkering approach and have found it lacking. We need to change the ethical and moral foundations on which the world conducts business.

Einstein told us that we need a different way of thinking to get us out of the mess from the thinking that got us into the mess; we need a new paradigm, a new world view. These ideas constitute a new paradigm that should be put on the table alongside all the others. Then let us select some wise people to make the best choice and let us move ahead as quickly as possible along the chosen path so that we make better progress in the next fifty years than we did in the last fifty years. ... Read more

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Discover new insights into the significance of the Bahai principle of the equality of men and women. Ten authors discuss their ideas and experiences. ... Read more