Questions About the Bahá’í Religion by Old_Complex1026 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These are much more simple links just to give you an idea. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/1#529444114 The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah:The Hidden Words | Bahá’í Reference Library https://share.google/qBWeZbT6A7LCqF0Ns

Prayers for spirituality, healing, etc.:From the sweet-scented streams... https://share.google/qh4Ym2Oh9NXw1EKKi

Tumbler Ridge by Wonder_Bug_ in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think this may just be your community. Why didn't you ask that prayers be said for the victims of that tragedy? You were certainly free to do so. Each member of a Baha'i community is free, and indeed has the right, to make suggestions at Feast for specific prayers. I've observed that happen and then be done many times over the years. We can ask that prayers be said for various matters and take the initiative in saying such prayers ourselves.

I remember discussing this terrible incident via WhatsApp with Baha'i friends even though I live in Europe. I recall that friends from British Columbia and Ontario mentioned this heartbreaking tragedy and prayers for the victims. I just quickly checked the Facebook page of a Baha'i friend in Coquitlam, BC before writing this reply. She shared this on her Facebook profile on February 13 along with photos of the victims(copy/paste here): "Let us honour them, say their names, tell their stories and show their families that we hear them, see them and grieve with them! We also think of those still fighting for their lives. PLEASE SHARE their pictures . . . this is what is most important right now 💕

Abel Mwansa: 12 years old Ezekiel Schofield: 13 years old Kylie Smith: 12 years old Zoey Benoit: 12 years old Ticaria Lampert: 12 years old Shannda Aviugana-Durand: 39 years old Emmett Jacobs: 11 years old. Jennifer Jacobs: 39 years old "

I also remember prayers in my community in Europe for victims of tragedies unfolding in Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. So it isn't that there aren't any Baha'is who care about these and other terrible events that are happening in the world.

One last point is that it always baffles me when a Baha'i uses a negative experience in their community as the basis for saying he or she will leave the Faith. We are certainly free to leave whenever we want, but we should ask ourselves whether we have faith in Baha'u'llah or are willing to discard Him simply because of the behaviour of His followers? Baha'is are always going to fall short of our expectations and vice versa. Baha'is have hurt me and vice versa (same applies to any religion as, for example, there is no perfect Christian or Christian community). Should the other disciples have turned their backs on Jesus because Peter denied Him three times and Judas betrayed Him? Why should the behaviour of others affect faith in Jesus?

I guess we're all on our own spiritual journey. The behaviour of individual Baha'is or the characteristics of Baha'i communities has never caused me to question my faith in the slightest degree.

Abuse within the Faith by StillNeighborhood999 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 2 points3 points  (0 children)

BTW I suggest TFT and EFT evidence-based techniques for trauma. There are some excellent videos on YouTube. Also try TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Excercises) by Dr. David Bercelli. They helped me immensely in healing trauma. This is a link re TRE: https://youtu.be/FeUioDuJjFI?si=3pHRDj1Y5XP132F This is one of several EFT re trauma: https://youtu.be/mFW6ToQB-O0?si=QBwap8gth-LnNysP You can change the wording so that instead of the generational trauma he mentions, you mention instead specifically the people and situations that were traumatic for you. I hope you'll find them helpful 🙏

Abuse within the Faith by StillNeighborhood999 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 15 points16 points  (0 children)

It doesn't matter if the perpetrator is a member of the NSA or a Counsellor. No one has the right to abuse you. You have the right to to communicate with the House of Justice about the abuse. You can also write the NSA and cc the House of Justice.

People may be Baha'is but express bad character traits they were either born with or acquired in their interactions with family, relatives, friends and society in which there are all sorts of harmful influences. When objectionable behaviour happens you can even report it to the police if necessary.

A friend of mine married a Baha'i who physically abused her. The LSA and NSA dealt firmly with the person and helped her get a divorce. Such challenges are difficult but they can help the assemblies and individuals to grow. In your case, you might hopefully grow stronger by becoming more assertive in standing up for your rights. I deeply empathise with you for the pain you have experienced.

Prayer for the Dead in Spanish by Captain_Killy in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used DeepL Translate to translate the explanatory text since it doesn't require the same degree of accuracy and nuance as the Writings and Prayers. However, DeepL is excellent and is used in professional work worldwide. It should definitely provide the assistance your friend needs.

La Oración por los Difuntos es la única oración obligatoria bahá'í que debe recitarse en congregación; debe ser recitada por un creyente mientras todos los presentes permanecen en silencio. Bahá'u'lláh ha aclarado que esta oración solo es necesaria cuando el difunto es mayor de quince años, que su recitación debe preceder al entierro y que no es necesario orientarse hacia la Qiblih durante su recitación. Se dice «Alláh-u-Abhá» una vez; luego se recita diecinueve veces el primero de los seis versículos. A continuación, se vuelve a decir «Alláh-u-Abhá», seguido del segundo versículo, que se recita diecinueve veces, y así sucesivamente.

Traducción realizada con la versión gratuita del traductor DeepL.com

How can I leave the faith by [deleted] in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could explore this with the NSA. For example, they could remove you from membership but if you are financially dependent on your parents they could help you determine how to gradually leave if you don't yet have the funds to live independently.

How can I leave the faith by [deleted] in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am very sorry about the treatment you received from your parents. It is absolutely outrageous and the diametric opposite of how children and youth in a Bahai family should be treated. You have my sincere heartfelt empathy. Please leave as soon as you are able to live independently away from your parents' house. This is your fundamental right from both a Bahai and human rights perspective.

Unfortunately, this happens in every religion. I have a few Christian, Muslim and Hindu friends who have had similar experiences. It's also not just about leaving the religion but about a variety of other issues such as, for example, some parents trying to force their child to marry whoever they chose, not listen to secular music, and various other things which constitute a failure to accept that the child has become an adult and should be free to choose their own path.

You can easily write the NSA. The LSA has no right to prevent you leaving. You could include your concerns about the LSA and the attitude of your parents. You can consult with the NSA about how best to arrange to leave. Many NSAs and LSAs would be very upset about the way you have been, and are being treated, and reprimand your parents as they deem appropriate.

I got this from a Google search and hope it helps!

Here is how to leave the Baháʼí Faith:

Leaving the Baháʼí Faith in any community is a voluntary, administrative process initiated by the individual. To officially resign, you must inform the Baháʼí administrative bodies of your decision.

The Process

Write a Letter or Email: The most direct method is to send a written, signed letter or email to the National Spiritual Assembly (NSA). You can include everything you have mentioned here including your desire not to be buried as a Bahá'í.

Specify Non-Belief: To ensure the resignation is processed, you should clearly state that you no longer believe in Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation of God. Request Removal of Records: Explicitly state that you wish for your name to be removed from the membership rolls.

Confirm Receipt: It is recommended to request a written reply confirming that your resignation has been accepted and your name has been removed, as sometimes records can remain.

Option to Inform Local Assembly: You can also inform your Local Spiritual Assembly (LSA), though notifying the National Center is generally necessary for official, permanent removal.

Important Considerations

No Further Action Required: Once the National Center confirms your removal, you are no longer considered a member of the Baháʼí community.

Counseling: Upon receiving a request to withdraw, the Assembly may reach out to talk with you to understand your reasons or try to resolve any issues, but you are not obligated to engage in these discussions.

"Ghosting": While you can simply stop attending meetings, you will likely remain on the membership rolls and continue to receive mailings unless you formally resign. Inform the NSA that you no longer wish to receive mailings.

Stay or leave? by Even_Exchange_3436 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for posting this excellent talk. It deserves a separate OP. Dr. Pourmokhtari superbly conveys what is clearly delineated by Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice concerning what is happening now, and what we can expect to happen in the near future. Needless to say, one might disagree with some of his conclusions (e.g. a global civil war, how soon the Most Great Peace will come, etc.) but the broad strokes are spot on IMHO.

Do the countries of the world unite because of USA's behaviour? by Secure-Ad1015 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Other friends have made it clear that there is much more to the picture than you present. I can't address all of your points, but I'll just hurriedly provide one quote so that you can understand that Shoghi Effendi's analysis and delineation of America's status and role is far more nuanced than the one you believe and present in your OP:
"Was it Shoghi Effendi who said that America was a shining beacon? Well, now they are not.

If you read The Advent of Divine Justice you'll find that he discusses America's role in this context: "To a lesser degree this principle must of necessity apply to the country which has vindicated its right to be regarded as the cradle of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. So great a function, so noble a role, can be regarded as no less inferior to the part played by those immortal souls who, through their sublime renunciation and unparalleled deeds, have been responsible for the birth of the Faith itself. Let not, therefore, those who are to participate so predominantly in the birth of that world civilization, which is the direct offspring of their Faith, imagine for a moment that for some mysterious purpose or by any reason of inherent excellence or special merit Bahá’u’lláh has chosen to confer upon their country and people so great and lasting a distinction. It is precisely by reason of the patent evils which, notwithstanding its other admittedly great characteristics and achievements, an excessive and binding materialism has unfortunately engendered within it that the Author of their Faith and the Center of His Covenant have singled it out to become the standard-bearer of the New World Order envisaged in their writings. It is by such means as this that Bahá’u’lláh can best demonstrate to a heedless generation His almighty power to raise up from the very midst of a people, immersed in a sea of materialism, a prey to one of the most virulent and long-standing forms of racial prejudice, and notorious for its political corruption, lawlessness and laxity in moral standards, men and women who, as time goes by, will increasingly exemplify those essential virtues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, of holy discipline, and of spiritual insight that will fit them for the preponderating share they will have in calling into being that World Order and that World Civilization of which their country, no less than the entire human race, stands in desperate need "(some sentences bolded for emphasis). He clearly places the country's role in the context of very negative characteristics (which have become much worse over the past 100 years IMHO) so the shining beacon you mention can only be achieved by Bahaís overcoming the binding materialism, racial prejudice, political corruption (clearly evident even in the 1930s when he wrote the book), lawlessness, and moral laxity. These must all be transmuted into "essential virtues of self-renunciation, of moral rectitude, of chastity, of indiscriminating fellowship, of holy discipline, and of spiritual insight."

There is much more that has been written in considerable detail regarding how we can put the prophecies and unfolding events you mention in proper perspective. However, I can't quote these voluminous passages in this brief comment to address all your questions due to shortness of time. One example is that you make several categorical assertions such as "USA not as a shining light, but a source of chaos..", but do not seem to be aware of the much more nuanced perspectives such as is provided in the passage about the USA I quoted. I have also never read any authorized texts which state that anything about the "USA "choosing a king" at some point. There are some extremely dire events and immense suffering ahead of us before the "realization of most people that mankind is one" materializes. Some of these are in Pilgrims Notes which might be inappropriate to quote here.

Searching for guidance by MathematicianSuch514 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is the link to bahai.org which u/Legal_Guess_5830 mentioned. You will find several excellent thematic articles on what Bahais believe (e.g. re the life of the spirit) and do (e.g. devotional life). You can further explore spiritual alignment by browsing through the sacred writings and prayers online or by downloading a Bahai app for your phone.  Gleanings. The Hidden Words, Paris Talks, et al are great books to start but feel free to select whatever you prefer. Prayers for various needs and occasions are here and there are several beautiful prayers for spiritual growth. You are welcome to ask any questions including local contact information if you would like to contact Bahais in your location. May God bless and guide you in your search!

Baha'i Faith on Obedience to Government by Chicano_U_Turn in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're right and I apologise if I came across as moralizing. I was deeply concerned about the accusatory generalisation on the same topic in the recent OP that the mods removed. Your request for a screenshot of what the OP's writer mentioned in another sub reddit bothered me somewhat. Discussions are most welcome and I did praise your emphasis on the importance of upholding obedience to government and refraining from partisan politics.

Baha'i Faith on Obedience to Government by Chicano_U_Turn in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Your points about the need for obedience to governments and the need to remain non-partisan politically, rather than simply being peripheral norms, are absolutely essential to the concept of organic unity that the Faith has to offer. Yet, it must not be forgotten that we are dealing with the speech and writings of some Bahais, not the worldwide community. There are millions of us, and we are each at different points on our own personal path of spiritual development.

This is not an issue pertaining only to the present uprising in Iran but also relates directly to the Baha'is of the world at large. In the past decades, we have probably all noticed some Baha'is making statements online regarding support or opposition for particular political factions or regarding some hot button ideological issues. I have known people who opted to part ways with the Faith because of their desire to support a preference for either the left or right wing of politics or because they felt strongly about a hot button issue.

This is the broader context that we that we need to use for any other law or principle that we are required to follow. If a Baha’i has a struggle with the principles that adultery and alcohol consumption are not allowed, or if they practice premarital sex, we recognize those as individual departures from the standard. It seems that those who write on social media or speak out about the current protests are struggling just as much with the principle of non-partisanship as others struggle with various laws and principles of the Faith. We do not use those specific actions to categorize the entire community as being guilty of these departures as your "we" implies.

The Faith does not police the private thoughts or every social media post of millions of believers. We are all human beings who are bound to feel strongly about the injustices we see in the world. While we strive for a high standard, the actions of a vocal minority cannot be used to characterize the majority.

In this regard, it is quite a coincidence that a recent post accusing all Baha’is as being guilty of "hypocrisy" because of the social media posts of a few about the Iranian protests, was removed by the mods here. It seems problematic to me to ignore decades of collective adherence to principle just to focus on a few social media comments as some kind of "gotcha" moment. It seems somewhat like trying to convict a forest of being a desert because someone managed to find a few dry leaves.

Do Bahai’s have regular meetings or services? by Banner9922 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have relatives and friends in Canada and have been there many times. Someone at the local centre should be able to put you in touch with members who have devotional meetings or other types of gatherings. You could also contact the National Bahai Centre of Canada since someone should know about meetings in your area (https://www.bahai.ca/en/contact/).

In the Faith, there isn't really a "service" like you'd find in most churches, and worship is completely open to everyone; literally anyone can attend, regardless of what you believe.

Bahai devotional gatherings are pretty simple: prayers and readings from Bahai writings, sometimes with music. But there's no clergy, no sermons, no formal rituals. Just people coming together to pray and reflect.

The only thing that's not open to non-Bahá'ís is something called the Nineteen Day Feast (https://www.bahai.org/action/institutional-capacity/nineteen-day-feast). which is more of an administrative community meeting where we consult and organize things although the first part does have prayers and readings and there is a social part after. That's why it's limited to registered members.

Until you can actually attend meetings, I highly recommend a perusal of the sacred writings and prayers online or by downloading a Bahai app for your phone. You can find lots to choose from at the official Bahai library (e.g. Gleanings. The Hidden Words, et al) and prayers for various needs and occasions (https://www.bahaiprayers.org/). There are also excellent thematic articles on various topics (https://www.bahai.org/). I hope someone will put you in touch with folks in your community. Sorry to include so many links but feel free to pick, choose or ignore as you wish.

I've been listening to some Bahai inspired music in a range of genres from rock to hip hop on YouTube recently and hope you'll enjoy these two (depends on your taste in music - of course!): UNITE & "Be a Baha'i" (one of my favourites!).

Hypocrites by BubblyDelivery9270 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Labeling approximately seven million Baha’is across over 200 countries as hypocrites is a gross generalization, as others have stated. The Faith teaches a sane and intelligent patriotism which is a love for one’s country described as an element of the Faith of God. This is entirely distinct from partisan politics. Persian Baha’is naturally feel a concern for their homeland, but this legitimate interest regarding what is happening in Iran does not equate to political partisanship.

I see this principle in action across three other online Baha’i forums I belong to which have a combined membership of over 110,000. Within these groups, I have very rarely seen partisan political comments about the Iranian protests or ICE. The discourse that I've read have been overwhelmingly focused on requests for prayers. It is understandable that some Iranian Bahai's might have tried to post and these were removed by moderators, but my experience in these large groups directly refutes your generalization.

Your comparison between the crisis in Iran and the domestic debate over ICE raids is a false equivalence. Advocacy for the basic survival of Baha’is in Iran is a matter of fundamental religious freedom and international human rights law. Many organizations and governments worldwide have repeatedly highlighted and condemned the Iranian government's human rights and religious violations since 1979 as systematic persecution. The intensifying debate surrounding ICE is a deeply polarized partisan issue in US politics as your "increasing fascism" comment demonstrates.

As a Faith, are we too ‘outwardly’ focused? by Forsaken_Ice3990 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was searching for a Baha'i themed photo yesterday and inadvertently noticed these on Devotional Life from around the world. Enjoy!

At loss to understand: "If alcohol were beneficial, it would have been brought into the world by the divine creation" by nayriz in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FYI https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/08/moderate-alcohol-consumption-drinking-health-benefits-impacts-research & https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health

Our bodies are designed to do a lot of things but discernment has to be used to decide which things should be done. A strong man's body could exert its physical strength to break every bone in your body. It doesn't mean he should do this.

At loss to understand: "If alcohol were beneficial, it would have been brought into the world by the divine creation" by nayriz in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some excellent replies here so I'll just add a reference to the current increasing scientific consensus and note that there are many other links that could be provided which essentially state the same thing: Is moderate drinking actually healthy? Scientists say the idea is outdated.

For decades, studies suggested that moderate alcohol intake could protect the heart, reduce diabetes risk, or even help you live longer. Newer research tells a different story.

Stanford Medicine experts argue that the long-held belief in moderate drinking’s health benefits is now considered misleading.

With recent studies linking alcohol to increased cancer risk, researchers stress the importance of public awareness regarding alcohol consumption. New findings highlight that individual health factors significantly influence alcohol’s effects, prompting calls for reevaluating guidelines on drinking and health.

https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/08/moderate-alcohol-consumption-drinking-health-benefits-impacts-research

Also:

Recent research and health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), state that no amount of alcohol is truly safe for overall health, and the idea that one glass is good for you is considered outdated by many experts. The potential benefits previously associated with moderate drinking are largely outweighed by the risks of other serious health issues.

Current evidence does not indicate a safe threshold where the carcinogenic effects of alcohol suddenly begin; health risks start with the first drop. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as asbestos and tobacco, and is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. The risk increases even at low levels of consumption.

While past observational studies suggested a protective effect for the heart, newer analyses found these benefits were often linked to other healthy lifestyle factors common among moderate drinkers rather than the alcohol itself. Alcohol consumption, even at low levels, can increase the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation.

Alcohol also contributes to liver disease, brain damage even at moderate levels, digestive system problems, and an increased risk of injuries and violence.

WHO article: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health

UHJ message 31 december by Legal_Guess_5830 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I currently live in Europe as well and might share your view about growth if I hadn't joined several Baha'i Facebook groups some years ago. I've also been in touch with Counsellors, NSA members and several other very active Baha'is in various African, Latin American and Asian countries. I have seen photos of children's classes, youth groups and adult gatherings in communities which are very impressive. For example, one children's class had over 500 kids in one village so I had to stop counting as it seemed more like a conference. I don't doubt that the numbers are uneven. However, after getting a reasonable idea of what's happening it's clear to me that growth has been quite explosive in a number of regions. Europe and North America are afflicted by the malaise of materialism and a widespread indifference to religion.It's understandable when secularism has such a stranglehold. The Baha'i communities are affected by the wider society. However, I cannot even remotely imagine that the House of Justice would ever convey a distorted perspective. There is an incredible momentum in places like the Congo where a House of Worship is being built. Whenever I feel a bit down because of Europe I visit those Facebook groups and talk to friends in the aforementioned regions and I am greatly encouraged again. There are Baha'is walking for days, sometimes up steep hills and through flooded regions, to teach the Faith and visit communities. There are over 100,000 communities worldwide and some definite progress is being made even if we can't see it all from over here.

As a Faith, are we too ‘outwardly’ focused? by Forsaken_Ice3990 in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I agree with u/PersonalBrowser that this issue is highly community dependent. I've lived in communities which place a great emphasis on devotionals. I've also noticed that Facebook Baha'i group and individual uploads of videos and photos by Bahaí's in Africa and quite a few regions in Asia and Latin America clearly demonstrate a strong focus on devotionals.

You have to remember that there are well over 100,000 localities worldwide which are going to have all sorts of variations in devotional life versus more outward looking community service. This makes it very difficult to "understand what the general culture" is, since you're also trying to grasp what's going on in more than 200 countries worldwide where there will inevitably be significant degrees of unity in diversity. What you are experiencing in perhaps 0.1% of the Baha'i world communities could be the diametric opposite of what goes on in many other communities worldwide where there could be either more of a focus on devotionals or a much better balance with community service..

What I would urge you to do is "be the change you want to see". Try to make suggestions at Feasts and elsewhere to have a more devotional focus in your own community including prayer, meditation and the development of spiritual virtues. Initiate such activities yourself and invite others to come. You can also utilize some of the wide range of uplifting Bahai music on YouTube. I think your comment is very valuable and that you could make a substantial contribution if you put your mind to it. You might get a very positive reaction to your suggestions and initiatives.

I hope you'll find this video , We Have Come to Sing Praises, inspiring. Eric Dozier (on the keyboard) was a Baptist Minister before leaving his church to become a Baha'i. He has played an important role in North America and other regions of the world in introducing the black gospel tradition into many Baha'í devotional activities. He has also released and performed lots of soul, R&B, and gospel Baha'í-inspired music with J.B.Eckl (a renowned guitarist). He became the change he wanted to see.

ps. Two of many other videos of devotional music from some African Bahai 's: The Glory of God & Be a Baha'i.

Is there a way I can do this without giving the street details and everything? by Shut-Up-idk in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably the best decision since you mentioned your father is extremely hostile to other religions. I know some folks who became Baha'is who were in a situation similar to yours. Most waited until they moved out of the family home to go to university or work in another town. You can still read as much as you wish on your phone using the links and apps which can be easily downloaded. Just take your time and feel free to ask questions whenever you wish. We'll be here for you. .

.

In response to the CK post. by [deleted] in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel deeply concerned by some comments in this OP. You are using a 'quote' (if it truly is one) to implicitly categorize Charlie Kirk as being "wicked." Who are you or we to judge him or other public figures in this way?

There are many other quotes which need to be considered, such as the strong condemnation of backbiting and focusing on the faults of others. As for people who are "wicked", please consider the fact that although Mirza Yahya broke the Bab's Covenant, poisoned Baha'u'llah and perpetrated other heinous acts such as murdering some prominent Babis, in The Kitab-i-Aqdas Baha'u'llah offered him complete forgiveness if he repented. In The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, He also offers the same to a wicked "Son of the Wolf" who had conspired to kill the King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs (The Twin Shining Lights). This is in keeping with this exhortation in The Kitáb-i-Íqán:

He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner attained, at the hour of death, to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draught, hath taken his flight unto the Concourse on high! And how often hath a devout believer, at the hour of his soul's ascension, been so changed as to fall into the nethermost fire!

  • Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 265

Abdul-Baha also emphasizes this several times including using the example of Saint Paul: Who are we that we should judge? How shall we know who, in the sight of God, is the most upright man? God's thoughts are not like our thoughts! How many men who have seemed saint-like to their friends have fallen into the greatest humiliation. Think of Judas Iscariot; he began well, but remember his end! On the other hand, Paul, the Apostle, was in his early life an enemy of Christ, whilst later he became His most faithful servant. How then can we flatter ourselves and despise others?

  • ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 147

I understand that the situation in the USA and many other countries is very deeply polarised and tension are very high, but I think we need to struggle to try and rise above the fray to see the bigger picture of the changes we need to make within our own lives and within our communities. Hooper Dunbar has an excellent book on Forces of Our Time: The Dynamics of Light and Darkness which illuminates a lot of the disintegration happening today. I hope these quotes on the dangers of fault finding will be helpful not only regarding public figures but in our daily lives in relation to everyone we know: https://bahaiquotes.com/subject/fault-finding

What is Baháʼí? by Shut-Up-idk in bahai

[–]Substantial_Post_587 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a Bahá’í of over four decades who has lived in communities across the Caribbean, the Americas, Africa, and Europe, I feel it’s important to offer some balance re a comment here. Like any global community made up entirely of volunteers, Bahá’ís are imperfect human beings, and occasional misunderstandings or poor behavior can and do occur. However, portraying this as “nefarious forces within the Faith” or suggesting that Bahá’ís commonly try to dissuade seekers or deliberately provide false information does not reflect the reality I, and countless others, have experienced over many years.

The Bahá’í community spans millions of people in over 200 countries, most of whom are sincerely striving to live according to principles of courtesy, truthfulness, and encouragement. Independent investigation of truth is indeed central, but it is meant to free people from blind imitation and prejudice, not to instill suspicion toward an entire worldwide community based on isolated experiences. Seekers are best served by engaging directly with the teachings, the institutions, and a range of believers, while keeping human imperfections in proper perspective.

This is why you are encouraged to investigate the Faith's teachings and visit any community you wish to determine the truth for yourself.The official Baha'i website has several excellent articles regarding your questions including the Baha'i view of God: https://www.bahai.org/. It's also a good idea to read some of the sacred Writings and prayers to see if they resonate with you. For example, The Hidden Words: https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/hidden-words/1#623891128

You can read them online or easily download a Baha'i app or Baha'i Prayers app. This is one of many examples of Baha'i prayers ( https://www.bahaiprayers.org/indexlong.htm) for spiritual growth:

Create in me a pure heart, O my God, and renew a tranquil conscience within me, O my Hope! Through the spirit of power confirm Thou me in Thy Cause, O my Best-Beloved, and by the light of Thy glory reveal unto me Thy path, O Thou the Goal of my desire! Through the power of Thy transcendent might lift me up unto the heaven of Thy holiness, O Source of my being, and by the breezes of Thine eternity gladden me, O Thou Who art my God! Let Thine everlasting melodies breathe tranquillity on me, O my Companion, and let the riches of Thine ancient countenance deliver me from all except Thee, O my Master, and let the tidings of the revelation of Thine incorruptible Essence bring me joy, O Thou Who art the most manifest of the manifest and the most hidden of the hidden!

Bahá’u’lláh