This page is under construction.
It will frequently asked questions and provide brief answers. The answers are meant to stimulate conversation rather than be exhaustive. If you are interested in discussion any of these topics, please contact us.
What is God?
The supreme being, creator and sustainer of all things. The essence of God is unknowable to us but we get to know Him (no gender implied) by observing and acquiring His attributes such as love, generosity, knowledge, wisdom, compassion, etc.
How can there be a God when everywhere there is injustice and pointless human suffering?
The short answer is that we humans have free will. We shouldn't blame God for humans acting in disobedience to His guidance. There are forces of nature that seem to act with great injustice with no regard for the innocent. We are assured that God's mercy will compensate for any injustice many times over. Seen in the eternal picture, God's bounty showers upon us. He is the most Merciful.
What is religion?
Religion is the teachings from God as given to us through one of the Manifestations of God. If you look at the evolving Wikipedia article on religion, it basically suggests that anything that people come up with is a religious belief. This is unhelpful and confusing to people. The sad fact is that the pure teachings of the Manifestations of God, like old clothing, eventually get worn out by humanity which injects its own ideas and eventually the original teachings are hard to find. In due time, the guidance is renewed, not by a human reformer, but by a new Manifestation of God. Baha'u'llah is the latest One and brings the timely guidance that the world needs today. He explains that there is One Cause of God, eternally in the past, eternal in the future. Religions, as we call them, are as chapters in one great book of God.
Why should I follow a religion when religion seems to cause so much war, hate or disunity
There is no question that followers of some Faiths have repurposed it for their own selfish ends. Consider however that religion is the chief civilizing force of humanity. Humanity has never been without the guidance of God. We see many examples of the transformation of civilization directly traced to a Manifestation of God's healing remedy. The Good comes from God. The disappointing actions are man's.
Do you seriously think people will achieve peace?
Yes. We are on the path towards it but it will take all of us. First we must establish justice universally and not just for the lucky few. The rest will follow. The real question is: will I, personally, spend my limited time on earth working for justice, equity, equality, unity and peace, or will I preoccupy myself with selfish undertakings?
Why I should I look at the Bahá’í Faith when I have already accepted Jesus Christ and he said no-one comes to the Father except through me?
A long conversation made short: because He said to be watchful for another. "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." John 16;12-13. Baha'u'llah is the Spirit of Truth and says to us those things that Jesus longed to share but had to hold back because we were not ready.
What can we do to overcome racism?
A very long conversation made short: we need to start by recognizing the oneness of humanity. All are created by God as equals no matter the color, physical characteristics, gender, place of birth, lineage, social status, wealth, etc. We must eliminate any prejudices within ourselves. We must keep the oneness of humanity in mind with every thing we do, every word we say, every decision we make. This is just a start, but a good one. Lots more beyond this.
How do we bring the full equality of women and men into reality?
Another very long conversation made short: we need first to recognize that women and men are, and always have been, equal in the sight of God. We must teach our children this at an early age. Within the family, the children should see this truth in action, that one parent is not domineering another, that all voices are heard fairly, that no-one is treated inferior. What we learn in the family setting carries over to other settings, eventually to the workplace and to world affairs. This is a start.
How can I become a Bahá’í?
Becoming a Bahá’í is a personal decision between you and God. When the intellect is satisfied and the heart is moved, becoming a Bahá’í is simple. There is no ritual. You can just say you want to be Bahá’í, that you understand at least somewhat Who is Baha'u'llah, that He has brought guidance and laws for how we should live coherent lives, etc. By becoming a Bahá’í you are joining a community of people working towards making the world a far better place and wish to work with all these conscientious souls. The efforts of one person is a like adding a drop. Millions of Bahá’ís working together in every part of the world adds these drops into streams, and rivers. These are amplified by Baha'u'llah to become much more than what we bring individually. We would all love to have you join us.
Here's some more questions organized thematically:
Core Beliefs & Concepts
What is the Baha'i Faith? A religion emphasizing the unity of God, religion, and humanity, teaching that all major faiths come from the same God.
Who is Baha'u'llah? The promised prophet for this age, a Manifestation of God, bringing guidance for humanity's current stage of development.
Is there one God? Yes, Baha'is believe in one unknowable God, revealed through Manifestations (like Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Baha'u'llah).
Purpose of Life: To know and worship God, develop spiritual qualities, and contribute to the betterment of the world.
Unity: A central principle, aiming for unity of all people, religions, and nations, achieved through reason and shared spiritual foundations.
Practices & Organization
No Clergy: The Faith is governed by democratically elected bodies (Local/National Spiritual Assemblies, Universal House of Justice) with no priests or pastors.
Worship: Individual prayer and meditation, communal gatherings (Devotional Gatherings, Study Circles, Children's Classes).
Houses of Worship: Nine-sided temples open to all people, symbolizing unity.
Holy Book: The Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book) and writings of Baha'u'llah, the Bab, and 'Abdu'l-Baha.
Social & Ethical Teachings
Science & Religion: Seen as two wings of one bird, complementary paths to truth, requiring harmony.
Equality of Women & Men: A core principle, though the Universal House of Justice has specific gender roles.
Environment: Stewardship of the Earth is a spiritual duty.
Homosexuality: Addressed through spiritual principles of love and guidance, often involving abstinence or commitment within marriage.
Common Questions & Doubts
Proof of God/Baha'u'llah: Addressed through rational inquiry, spiritual experience, and the transformative power of the teachings, not just physical proof.
Heaven & Hell: Viewed as spiritual states of closeness or distance from God, rather than physical places.