Bahai
Bahaism is said to
be the youngest of the world’s independent religions. It was founded in Iran in
1863 and incorporates tenets of both Christianity and Islam.
Bahaism was founded
by Mirza Hoseyn ’Ali Nuri who is also known as Baha ’Ullah. Baha ’Ullah claimed
that he was a divine manifestation calling himself The Bab (the gate to divine
truth).
Participants in the
Bahai faith believe in the spiritual unity of all humankind. The Bahai faith is
actually quite open and tolerant when it comes to other religions and belief
systems.
According to Bahaism
the founders and prophets of the prominent religions of the world (Mohammad,
Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus Christ etc.) were all sent to earth by one God to
offer spiritual guidance to humanity. In addition to these prophets Bahaism
recognizes the Bab and Baha ’Ullah, seeing them as the most recent spiritual
teachers that have walked on earth.
Participants in the
Bahai faith believe that the earth will continue to see new and different
prophets in the years to come who will continue to offer guidance to humanity.
Bahaism
teaches that:
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All forms
of prejudice should be abandoned.
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Men
and women should be equal.
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All
religions are as one.
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Extreme
wealth and extreme poverty should be eliminated.
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Education
should be compulsory and universal throughout the world.
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Religion
should be in harmony with science and reason.
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It
is the responsibility of the individual to search independently for truth.
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A
world federal system should be established to facilitate collective security.
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