Some Answered Questions

by Abdu'l-Bahá

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

Genres: Baha I, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Scripture, Middle East

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith.

Reviews

[Avrel Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the three books I would take to a desert island. The short chapters are transcripts of extemporaneous "table talks" given by Abdu'l-Baha, one of the three Central Figures of the Baha'i Faith, while he was still imprisoned in Akka, (then Syria, now Israel). His explanations on theological and historical topics are sweeping and complete, even as they are also brief and to the point. Name a topic, it's probably in this book.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enlightening and thought provoking book that unlocks mysteries and dispels misinterpretation that have plagued clerics, believers, atheists and scientists for thousands of years.

Essential for a well rounded understanding of the Baha'i Faith.

Compiled and recorded by famous U.S. Baha'i, artist and socialite in the early 1900s, Laura Clifford Barney from talks by the eldest son of Baha'u'llah (Founder of the Baha'i Faith); Abdu'l-Baha, who holds a special place as the authorised interpreter of Baha'u'llah's Writings as well as serves as the perfect exempler for Baha'is to lead their life by.

For Baha'is, this represents pure, undoubted spiritual truth and explains common controversial topics from a unique Baha'i perspective such as Theory of Evolution, the Holy Trinity, the existence of God, Virgin Mary, Pre-determination/Fate and many other topics.

[John White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Everything that comes from the pen of Abdu'l-Baha is beautiful.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

PROS: Fans of philosophy and those interested in the Baha'i Faith will like this book. It is a relatively quick read.

CONS: Some parts of the book I had trouble understanding and had to re-read.

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to revisit this work under a new translation.

[Alex Rohani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few sections were a little tricky to follow but overall greatly enjoyed the amount of insight gained.

"Now, one can perform an action which appears to be righteous but which is in reality prompted by self-interest. For example, a butcher raises a sheep and guards its safety, but this good deed of the butcher is motivated by hope of profit, and the end result of all this care will be the slaughter of the poor sheep."

[Ajay Mallya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how multi-faceted this Baha'i text is. There were questions about a variety of topics, and the majority of answers were both simply put and thoroughly explained. The format also encourages re-reading of the work, and I certainly will do so when I seek advice.

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The knowledge of God is beyond all knowledge. This is one of those books I need to revisit in the future.

[Duane Herrmann]

The 2014 re-translation is in many places more clear to understand. The original translation was made by self-trained translators, it was better than nothing. This one is so much better. This is not the first time I've read it, and I doubt it will be the last.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is, as far as I know, the only example of a work of religious apologetics written by the founder of that religion. Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith and its appointed leader after his father's death, gave these talks to pilgrims from the west, and they address a wide variety of topics. Some of the answers are quite interesting, and parallel the thoughts of famous philosophers and theologians -- there particularly appear to be some nods here to the Church Fathers and some of the neoplatonist mystics, e.g. Plotinus. Other answers seem bizarre or inscrutable, and the translation can be quite awkward in places (whatever word was being translated as "perfection," for instance, it hardly seems to fit properly anywhere it appears in the English translation).

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book contains a collection of talks by the son of the founding prophet of the Baha'i religion. I read it years ago, and was surprised to find that there is quite a lot of discussion of topics relating to Christianity, and even some commentary on specific passages of the Bible. The Bible passages are re-interpreted in an allegorical way in order to relate them to Baha'i theories of religion.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abdul-Baha, son of Baha-u-llah, the founder of the Bahai Faith, answers many deep and long-standing spiritual questions. The questions are deep; the answers are deeper and require re-reading and lots of thought.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Couldn't wait to read it during my devotionals in the morning. Abdu'l-Baha clearly explains so many subjects such as proofs and evidences of the existence of God, The need of an educator, some verses from the Bible, Soul, Spirit and Mind and so much more.

[Szymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book in which `Abdu'l-Bahá expounded and elucidated many concepts of Baha'i Faith. For example, accordance and yet oneness of the Bible, Torah, Qurʼān and some other philosophical theories. The part titled "Some Christian Subjects" was especially uplifting. He tackles all major problems of modern civilisation. Must read for any Bahai in my opinion. Highly recommended.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love those answered questions.

[Alexandre CABON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure wisdom

[Kolya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answers a ton of biblical questions as well as some others. Must read for all bible students and religious studies students!

[Floris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the idea of all religions being representations of the same and I liked the metaphor of seasons for the cycles of prophets.

[Jennifer Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some Answered Questions” is one of a very few Baha’i books that I have read more than a few times, straight through, cover to cover. In fact, I read it through about once a decade and use it extensively for reference quotes.
It was first published in 1908 and contains questions asked of `Abdu'l-Bahá, by Laura Clifford Barney, during her visits to Haifa between 1904 and 1906, and `Abdu'l-Bahá's answers to these questions. There is not a question about the Faith that this book does not answer in simple and easily understood language. The short sections are transcripts of impromptu "table talks" given by Abdu'l-Baha, while he was still imprisoned in Akka. The answers are brief and yet both concise and complete. Explanations are given for many historical theological questions from numerous faith traditions.
“Some Answered Questions” is an ideal beginner’s book for a fairly complete understanding of the Baha'i Faith. The text was edited and approved by Abdu’l-Bahá.
Explanations are given for many Christian subjects, including interpretations of chapters 11 and 12 of the Book of Revelation, chapter 11 of the Book of Isaiah and the story of Genesis.
Included topics are God, Prophets of God, Christian subjects, evolution, the soul, immortality, faith and science, fate, free will, healing, the non-existence of evil, reincarnation, extraterrestrials and the other material worlds of God.
Part One of Some Answered Questions covers topics such as the one universal law that governs nature, rational and spiritual proofs of the existence of God, A summary of the description and importance and proof of the divinity of the Divine Prophets and Manifestations, and the meaning of "True Wealth".
Part two consists of subjects and topics of Christian interest. Such as the significance of symbolism, the explanation of the Birth of Christ, The greatness of Christ, the necessity of baptism, an explanation of the symbolism of the bread and wine, a talk about miracles, the resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit, The second coming of Christ, An explanation of the Trinity, A thorough examination and breakdown of various verses from the Bible, Insight into the story of Adam and Eve, the meaning of Blasphemy, and Predestination.
Part three of Some Answered Questions speaks about topics such as the five aspects of the spirit, the stations of the Divine Manifestations, The Human Condition, The Spiritual Conditions, The Universal Cycles, The Power and Influence of the Divine Manifestations, The Two Classes of Prophets, and Explanations from the Kitab-i-aqdas
The Fourth part of Some Answered Questions goes into the commentary on the Theory of Evolution and the Modification of Species, The origin and the nature of the Universe, The difference between man and animal, the spiritual proofs of the origin of Man, the existence and origin of the spirit and mind of man, The reason why the spirit is in the body, The relationship between God and Man, The difference between the Soul, Mind, and Spirit, The physical and intellectual powers of man, The differences of Character in Men, The degree of Knowledge Man possess and the Knowledge the Manifestations possessed, Mans knowledge of God, The immortality of the Spirit, The limits of perfection, the state and progress of man after death, the immortality of children, Fate, Freewill, Visions and communication with spirits, and Spiritual and Physical Healing.
Part five goes into topics such as the nonexistence of evil, two kinds of torment, the Justice and Mercy of God, The right method of treating criminals, Reality, An Explanation of Reincarnation and Pantheism, The four methods of acquiring knowledge and the necessity of following the teachings of the Divine Manifestations.
Some Answered Questions explains common controversial topics from a uniquely Baha'i perspective.

[Joseph Urlacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapter on Traditional proofs which include the prophecies of Daniel are the best explanation I have ever come upon in my study of Religious texts. The edict of Artaxerxes in 457 BC was not explained but a thorough explanation of the date is given in a seventh day adventist book that I have. The coming of Christ is easily seen as Christ was crucified at the age of 33 so the 490 years was completed. The 2300 years from 457 BC leads to the coming of the Baha'i Faith starting in 1844 AD with the proclamation of the Bab in what was ancient Elam or Shiraz, Iran. Simple as Occam's razor principle of the most concise argument to expose Truth is preferred.