An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith / Edition 1

by Peter Smith

Overview

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. • Explores the textual sources for Baha'i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions. • Covers the concept of the spiritual path, the faith's law and administration and aspects of community life. • Examines the Baha'i's social teachings and activities in the wider world

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521862516
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/07/2008
Series:	Introduction to Religion Series
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Peter Smith is Chairman of the Social Sciences Division, Mahidol University International College, Bangkok. He is author of several books in the field of Baha'i studies including The Bahá'í Faith: A Short History, 2nd edition (1999) and A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith, 2nd edition (2002).

Table of Contents

Prologue; Part I. History: 1. The Babi movement; 2. Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 3. The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892-1921; 4. The guardianship of Shoghi Efendi (1922-57); 5. The Universal House of Justice, 1963-; 6. Expansion since 1921; Part II. Beliefs: 7. Baha'i texts: sources of belief and practice; 8. Divine knowledge and guidance; 9. Being human; 10. The Baha'i faith and other religions; 11. Social teachings and the vision of a new world order; Part III. Being a Baha'i: Aspects of Baha'i Life: 12. Community and membership and Baha'i law; 13. Baha'i administration; 14. Aspects of Baha'i community life; 15. Baha'i activities and the wider world; Some final comments; Appendix: recent Baha'i leaders.