An introduction to the Baha'i faith
Peter Smith traces the development of the Baha'i faith from its roots in the Babi movement of mid-nineteenth century Iran, through the lives and work of its prophet-founder, Baha'u'llah (1817-92), and his successors, to its contemporary emergence as a worldwide religion. The book explores the textual sources for Baha'i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions, and covers the concept of the spiritual path, the faith's law and administration and aspects of community life. The book examines the Baha'i's social teachings and activities in the wider world.--From publisher's description
Print Book, English, 2008
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2008
xxvi, 229 pages : illustrations, map ; 24 cml
9780521862516, 9780521681070, 0521862515, 0521681073
181072578
pt. 1. History
The Babi movement
Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i faith
The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892-1921
The guardianship of Shoghi Effendi, 1922-57
The Universal House of Justice, 1963-
Expansion since 1921
pt. 2. Beliefs
Baha'i texts : sources of belief and practice
Divine knowledge and guidance
Being human
The Baha'i faith and other religions
Social teachings and the vision of a new world order
pt. 3. Being a Baha'i : aspects of Baha'i life
The spiritual path
Community membership and Baha'i law
Baha'i administration
Aspects of Baha'i community life
Baha'i activities and the wider world
Appendix: Recent Baha'i leaders