Baha’i
The Human Condition:
Believers of the Baha’i faith believe that humanity is still learning, and we are all one family that is centered around becoming a peaceful society. Baha’is believe in no prejudice, equality within sexes and races, religion is truth and one must search for truth, education is all important. As well Baha’i - ians believe in the elimination of poverty and extreme wealth. Those who believe in the Baha’i faith also believe in one God and that his teachings are the major force within history.
The Goal:
The goal of the Baha’i faith is said for the world to become a single state with Baha’i as the main and only religion. This is the goal because believers believe that the Baha’i faith is to create peace within the world.
However the religious goal of Baha’i is simply to display attributes of God. As well man must over power satanic forces, and seek things such as equality, love, compassion, and justice. These things will allow one to live well, and allow entrance to another realm of living.
Part II
Key Concepts:
the abandonment of all prejudices
Diversity is what creates a united world. If we as a society increase our awareness of different cultures and mind sets than we will be able to accept individual beliefs and therefore lessen wars and conflicts within the world.
assurance to women of full equality of opportunity with men
Because of what women value and bring to humanity such as compassion, cooperation, empathy, etc. women have become a key part in society and therefore need to become equal in society to assist in creating a peaceful world.
recognition of the unity and relativity of truth
Humanity has always grown and evolved since the beginning of time and it has become necessary to learn new truths.
the elimination of extreme poverty and wealth
This elimination of poverties and extreme wealths fall along the same reason as the unity and equality within women from above.
the realization of universal educations
According to Baha’u’llah education and knowledge is a key ingredient to human’s growth. Knowledge is central in societal advancement.
the responsibility of each person to independently search for truth
Because of the Baha’i belief that there is only one ultimate reality, all will eventually discover its reality and realize a common understanding only if they sincerely seek this truth.
the establish a global commonwealth of knowledge
From creating a global commonwealth of knowledge, we are that much closer to creating a global peace.
recognition that true religion is in harmony with reason and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Baha’i believers believe that because of opinions that science and religion are separate it creates a conflict and that one must not choose between science or religion. The teachings of Baha’i allow one to believe in science AND religion.
Rituals
Daily Prayer:
Baha’i ‘s are expected to pray daily including recited prayers and personal prayers. Recited prayers include the travelers prayer:
Glorified be God, the Lord of Might and Majesty, of Grace and Bounty
These recited prayers were written by the Baha’u’llah for every situation one might encounter.
The Nineteen Day Feast:
The nineteen day feast is held every nineteen days, and is the community of Baha’i’s worship gathering. The feast contains three parts, spiritual devotion, administrative consultation, and social fellowship. The feast has religious worship as well as social activities with music that reflects the cultural and geographic setting of the location of the feast.
Sacred Text
The most holy of sacred Baha’i texts is the Kitab-i-Aqbas by Baha’u’llah which outlines the laws and ideas of the Baha’i faith.
Doctrines and Beliefs:
The main doctrine consists of human with a lower and a higher nature. Humankind must work to make allow that the divine nature overpowers the satanic. If this does not happen, man will not achieve the ultimate happiness.
Ethics and Moral Conduct:
What are the core ethical teachings of the religion and what significant interpretation of them exist?
The main ethical teaching of this religion is essentially to make decisions that not only benefit yourself but the world. Those whole believe in the baha’i faith strive to create an essentially peaceful world, with equality and no conflict throughout.
