Baha'is: There is no 'them'

Concluding the series on minority religions, a glimpse of peaceful Baha’is, with adherents in Coeur d’Alene.

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Founded by Baha’ullah in 19th century Persia (now modern day Iran), the Baha’i faith spans 235 countries, 2,100 ethnic groups, and has more than five million followers worldwide. Incorporating elements of the world’s largest religions, Baha’is believe in one god who sent his teachings through a series of divine messengers, including Abraham, Moses, Christ, Buddha, Mohammad, Zoroaster, and of course, Baha’ullah.

Like Hinduism, the central message is brotherhood, but of a broader array — all people against all prejudice. Baha’ullah (1817-1892) wrote of a unified, harmonious civilization.

“The world is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

I’ve known Baha’is in Idaho, Texas, Iran and Europe. Without exception they are deeply committed to peaceful coexistence, compassion, nonviolence. With tragic irony, these pro-tolerance adherents have long been persecuted for their faith, whose principal tenets are:

Abandonment of all prejudice — Diversity of culture, background, and thought are highly valued.

Equality — Baha’is believe all humans have feminine and masculine sides and thus imbalance between the sexes harms not only families and individuals, but also politics and the economy.

Unity of religions, truths — Each messenger-prophet revealed pieces of the faith which combined make the whole of god’s truth.

Elimination of extreme poverty and wealth — While Baha’is respect private property and economic initiative, they believe attaining a middle ground for society as a whole will achieve world prosperity and social harmony

Education — Society’s advancement depends upon it

Thinking for yourself — Baha’ism teaches truth should be acquired with an individual’s own eyes. It’s a mistake to blindly and uncritically follow a tradition, movement, or opinion. They say god has given each human being a mind and the capacity to differentiate truth from falsehood.

Global society — The ideal is a global, cooperative government structure, while maintaining national autonomy and individual freedoms.

Science and religion in harmony — Both lead to truth: that god gave man his intelligence and that he should use it in his spiritual path.

Next time, which religion is growing fastest? The answer may surprise you.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network with degrees in international studies and law. Email [email protected].