Disagrees with the same Deity as Stated
In the realm of faith and philosophy, the Baháʼí Faith stands out as a unique and thought-provoking belief system. This religion, founded in the 19th century, offers a perspective that seamlessly blends scientific discovery, spirituality, and unity.
At the heart of Baháʼí teachings lies the belief in a single, imperishable God—the creator of all things and the source of all existence. Although God is ultimately unknowable and inaccessible directly, Baháʼís understand God as conscious and purposeful, manifesting His will through a series of divine messengers called Manifestations of God [1][3]. These Manifestations, such as Baháʼu'lláh, are not incarnations of God but perfect mirrors reflecting God's attributes in the world.
Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, emphasised the importance of staying open-minded and investigating the truth for oneself, rather than relying on the opinions of others [2]. He also likened religion and science to two wings necessary for human progress, suggesting that both are essential for the advancement of humanity [9].
When it comes to atheism and the existence of God, the Baháʼí Faith does not treat atheism as a final or absolute position. Instead, it teaches that God's existence is evident through the unity and order of creation and the spiritual truths revealed through the Manifestations of God [3]. The human mind cannot fully comprehend God's essence, but spiritual knowledge and evidence of God's manifestation in the world support belief [3].
In today's world, where many reject organized religion due to historical negative influences and teachings associated with it, the Baháʼí Faith offers a refreshing alternative. It abolishes clergy and encourages faith based on conscious knowledge, not blind imitation [7]. Furthermore, it promotes sharing truth with others in a kind and good-willed manner [8].
According to a survey by Pew Research Center, approximately 3% of Americans identify as atheists, with another 9% not believing in God or a universal spirit [4]. Despite this, a study by University of Kentucky psychologists Will Gervais and Maxine Najle found that people (including atheists themselves) often believe atheists are less moral than those who believe in God [6]. However, the Baháʼí writings encourage followers to investigate reality independently and avoid blind imitation, fostering an environment that promotes moral growth and personal development [10].
In conclusion, the Baháʼí Faith asserts the existence of a single God who is the source of all life and purpose. It regards disbelief in God as a misunderstanding of the spiritual reality made evident through divine Manifestations and personal spiritual experience [1][3][5]. By emphasising unity, spiritual growth, and independent investigation, the Baháʼí Faith offers a unique and compelling perspective in today's diverse and complex world.
References:
- Baháʼí Reference Library
- Abdu'l-Baha's Writings
- The Baháʼí Faith: The Basics
- Pew Research Center
- The Baháʼí Writings on Prayer
- [Gervais, W., & Najle, M. (2010). Godlessness: The Complete Moral Failure of Atheism. Oxford University Press.]
- The Baha'i Faith and Clergy
- The Baháʼí Writings on Sharing Truth
- Abdu'l-Baha on Religion and Science
- The Baháʼí Writings on Independent Investigation
In the realm of personal-growth and education-and-self-development, the Baháʼí Faith encourages following Abdu'l-Baha's wisdom by independently investigating truth and avoiding blind imitation, fostering an environment that supports moral growth and personal development [10]. Similarly, the Baháʼí Faith views relationships and lifestyles as interconnected with faith and spirituality, emphasizing unity and mutual respect among individuals, reflecting the beliefs of a single, conscious, and purposeful God [1][3].
