Beliefs of the Baha’i Faith

QUESTION: What are the basic beliefs of the Baha’i faith?

ANSWER:

The beliefs of the Baha’i faith are a mixture of many religions. Baha’i was founded by Baha’u’llah (this is the religious title of Mírzá Husayn-‘Alí Núrí) the prophet-founder. The name Baha’u’llah generally means the “Splendor” or “Glory of God.” The Baha’i faith, which traces its beginnings to the mid nineteenth century, does not consider itself a new religion. Instead Baha’is believe their faith is the culmination of all religions. The Baha’is hold that religious truth is not absolute, but relative, and that these truths and dogmas continue to evolve towards an ultimate consummation of perfection. The belief is that this age will culminate in a final unity of all peoples and religions of the earth.

The basic teaching of the Baha’is is moralistic and benevolent. They espouse and embrace world peace with ultimately one world government and one auxiliary world language. The Baha’is denounce all forms of prejudice, favor the abolition of all forms of slavery, and disdain extremes of either wealth or poverty. The Baha’i faith supports and encourages equality of the sexes and monogamy. Missionary work and community work is promoted while education is key. They believe that true religion and science should harmonize.

Beliefs of the Baha’i faith – Origins, healing, and sin
The Baha’i hold a dual view of creation. On the one hand, they believe the universe is eternal, that it has always existed. On the other hand, they believe that the individual elements of the earth came into being at a specific moment in time and ultimately, these elements will cease to exist at some point in time.

The Baha’is’ belief concerning health and healing is also somewhat dualistic. The Baha’i believe medical personnel praise God with their service to the sick. Thus, they applaud medicine. However, there is room for belief in “divine” healing through formalized healing prayers. They believe there is a direct correlation between emotional and spiritual condition and physical health. The Baha’i promote following a good diet and eating in moderation.

The Baha’is do not believe in the Christian concept of original sin. Sin is simply defined as disobedience to God and His laws, and is the result of the soul’s attachment to material and worldly things. The Baha’is do not believe in revenge, but their teachings support the existence and maintenance of penal institutions and laws for the good of society. Violence is frowned upon.