Logos and Civilization: Spirit, History, and Order in the Writings of Baha'u'Llah

by Nader Saiedi

The book is a scholarly analysis of the writings of the Baha'u'llah, the most holy works of the Baha'i Faith. His writings cover various stages in his life. The first begins with Baha'u'llah's imprisonment as a Babi and his revelation in the Siyah-Chal, and includes most of his exile to Baghdad and his solitary retreat to the mountains of Sulay-maniyyih. The second stage opens shortly before his public declaration to his companions in the Garden of Ridvan on the eve of his departure from Baghdad and includes the Istanbul and Edirne periods. The third stage, beginning in Edirne with Baha'u'llah's letters to the rulers of the world, comprises his final exile to Palestine and his remaining years in the prison of `Akka and environs until his passing in 1892. TABLE OF Dynamics of Spiritual Journey 1.Mysticism and Methodology 2.The Ontological Circle 3. Spiritual Journey in the Four Valleys and the Seven Valleys II.The Critique of Spiritual and Historical Reason 4. The Context and Order 5.The Theology Revolutionized 6. The Kitab-i-Badi`: The Promise Fulfilled III.The New World Order 7.The Date and Constitutive Principles 8. From the Order of the Book to the New Order 9.Philosophical Premises of the New World Order 10.Spirit, History, and Order

404 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2002

About the author

Nader Saiedi, Ph.D., has taught at the University of Wisconsin, UCLA, University of Virginia, and Vanderbilt. He currently teaches courses in classical and contemporary social theory, social stratification, sociology of religion, and the Middle East at Carleton College in MN.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for how incredible this work of sociological, philosophical, political and linguistic scholarship is…

Bravo Dr Saiedi! Your theses will surely stick with me throughout my spiritual, religious and scientific journey! Onto the reread 🫡!

[W.t. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly awesome text. Must be read more than once, or at least very carefully. So grateful to see such an intelligent and widely informed (Kant, Kierkegaard, Marx, Jung...) treatise on religious thought in the modern age.

[Vadi Terafi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveling the Depths of Bahá'u'lláh's Teachings in "Logos and Civilization"

To understand any one aspect of the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, it is key to understand the context of all his writings, as failing to do so can easily lead to misinterpretations. Additionally, not all of the current writings of Bahá'u'lláh have been translated into English or released to a wider audience. This book is a gem for anyone trying to understand Bahá'u'lláh's writings on a deeper level as Dr. Saiedi painstakingly goes through most of the major writings and helps provide background knowledge to allow a wider audience to understand them.

"Logos and Civilization: Spirit, History, and Order in the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh" by Nader Saiedi is an essential resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Bahá'í Faith. Saiedi meticulously examines Bahá'u'lláh’s extensive body of work, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting his teachings. By situating Bahá'u'lláh’s writings within their broader spiritual, historical, and social frameworks, Saiedi illuminates the profound interconnectedness of Bahá'u'lláh’s vision.

This book stands out for its scholarly rigor and its accessibility. Saiedi’s detailed analysis and clear explanations make complex ideas approachable, enabling readers to grasp the depth and breadth of Bahá'u'lláh’s teachings. "Logos and Civilization" is invaluable for both scholars and practitioners, offering insights that enrich the understanding of Bahá'u'lláh’s vision for a unified and just global civilization.

Overall, Dr. Saiedi’s work in "Logos and Civilization" is a testament to his dedication and expertise, making this book a vital addition to any Bahá'í library and a significant contribution to the academic study of the Bahá'í Faith.

[Vafa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant and original analysis of the major Writings of Bahá’u’lláh the Founder of the Baha’i Faith , an opportunity to get familiar with some important writings not yet translated from Arabic and Persian.

[Angie Reisetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best commentary on the Baha'i writings I've ever had the pleasure to read. Really excellent. As with any academic book, it gets a little dry here and there, and he engages other scholars in argument/debate, and I know nothing of these other scholars, so it's more academic than some I've seen for a wider audience. It's not something that everyone will enjoy. But I loved it, and it made me go back and read the books he talked about and ponder new meanings of the words.

[Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! It was a bit too academic and "too far into the weeds" for me a times, but all and all a very enjoyable book. I have marked sections to one day read again.