The Baha'I Faith: The Emerging Global Religion

by William S. Hatcher, Douglas Martin

Explore the history, teachings, structure and community life of the world-wide Baha'i community-what may well be the most diverse organized body of people on earth-through this revised and updated comprehensive introduction (2002). Named by the Encyclopedia Britannica as a book that has made "significant contributions to the knowledge and understanding" of religious thought, The Baha'i Faith covers the most recent developments in a faith that, in just over 150 years, has grown to become the second most wide-spread of the independent world religions.

Genres: Religion, Baha I, Nonfiction, History

253 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1990

Reviews

[Vanessa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slim volume could perhaps be considered a handbook for the Bahá’í religion, a newer world religion. Hatcher and Martin begin with the origins of the Bahá’í faith in Iran and give an overview of the early historical teachers of the principles within the faith. My copy is dated (1997) but Hatcher and Martin delve into the machinations of how the Bahá’í faith came to be a well regarded newer world religion.

I think what intrigued me most was that their houses of worship are non-denominational. There is no clergy; passages from sacred scriptures from many faiths are read and a cappella music is sung. The structures have 9 entrances to symbolize unity.

[McKenzie Ballo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I was curious to understand what the Baha’i faith is all about. It was a good introduction and covered pretty much all the basics to some extent but reading it felt a little stiff, almost like a textbook. Pretty solid content but not particularly poetic or inspiring in terms of spiritual books. However, it did satisfy my curiosity and I feel that it provided useful context for understanding this (relatively) new faith.

[D Kass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette,IL and was curious about the Baha'i Faith. This book was a nice intro to the history and precepts of that faith.

[Alejandro Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vale la pena que escriba una reseña aparte sobre éste libro. Todo lo que sugerí en mi ensayo “Anatomía del misticismo” y en la novela que escribí, sucedió en Irán entre 1850 y 1890 o algo así. Como epopeya es apasionante de leer, el nacimiento de una religión. A nivel personal me tiene increíblemente impresionado cómo se parece lo que escribí a lo que pasó. todo, desde la anécdota, los principios. He estado haciendo anotaciones casi en cada página, creo que voy a escribir algo al respecto. Sería muy chido escribir el guión para hacer película el surgimiento de la fe.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting introduction to this religion. From my reading, it appears to be an evolution from earlier monotheistic religions - attempting to bring them into the modern world and be compatible with the scientific method and constant questioning of today. The goals are noble, and (here's the real surprise) the people are actually taught to be really moral (i.e. no racism, sexism, classism, war, no judging others etc.). It's almost humanist, but with God at the center of it all.

[Elizabeth Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un buen libro para los que están interesados en conocer la Fe Bahá´í

[Ray Du]

A great introductory work to the Baha'i faith. Possibly a must-read for people who are curious about the religion.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book and gives any reader a great overview of the Baha'i Faith.

[Elyse]

during my experimental years....

[John Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read for my Interfaith seminary. I learned much about the Bahai tradition.