About the Baha'i Faith
The Baha'i Faith is a world religion whose purpose is to unite all the races and peoples in one universal Cause and one common Faith.
Baha'is are the followers of Baha'u'llah, whom they believe is the Promised one of all Ages.
The traditions of almost every people include the promise of a future when peace and harmony will be established on earth and humankind will live in prosperity.
PREREQUISITES FOR PEACE
One God and the unity of religions
Oneness of humankind
Independent Investigation of truth
Essential harmony of science and religion
Equality of men and women
Elimination of prejudice of all kinds
Universal compulsary education
Spiritual solutions to economic problems
Universal auxiliary language
Baha'is believe in the unity of mankind, the unity of the religions and the unity of God; and that revelation is progressive.
RELIGIOUS PREJUDICE & Unity of Mankind
There's been much in the news recently about religious prejudice, especially antisemitism. Here is some perspective from the Baha'i Faith.
THE PROMISE of WORLD PEACE:
"Whether peace is to be reached only after unimaginable horrors precipitated by humanity’s stubborn clinging to old patterns of behavior, or is to be embraced now by an act of consultative will, is the choice before all who inhabit the earth. At this critical juncture when the intractable problems confronting nations have been fused into one common concern for the whole world, failure to stem the tide of conflict and disorder would be unconscionably irresponsible." The Universal House of Justice, 1985 PWP
1985 PWP (pdf)
DownloadNON-RETRIBUTIVE PROTECTION
..the body politic has the right to preserve and to protect. It holds no grudge and harbours no enmity towards the murderer, but chooses to imprison or punish him solely to ensure the protection of others. The purpose is not revenge but a punishment through which the body politic is protected. Otherwise, were both the victim’s heirs and the community to forgive and return good for evil, the wrongdoers would never cease their onslaught and a murder would be committed at every moment—nay, bloodthirsty individuals would, like wolves, entirely destroy the flock of God. The body politic is not prompted by ill will in meting out its punishment; it acts without prejudice and does not seek to gratify a sense of vengeance. Its purpose in inflicting the punishment is to safeguard others and to prevent the future commission of such vile actions.
Some Answered Questions, p. 77
RACE UNITY and the BAHA'I FAITH Perspective
"Racism is the most challenging issue confronting America. A nation whose ancestry includes every people on earth, whose motto is E pluribus unum, whose ideals of freedom under law have inspired millions throughout the world, cannot continue to harbor prejudice against any racial or ethnic group without betraying itself. Racism is an affront to human dignity, a cause of hatred and division, a disease that devastates society."
To read the complete statement, "The Vision of Race Unity: America's Most Challenging Issue", click on the link below:
https://www.ibiblio.org/Bahai/Texts/English/The-Vision-Of-Race-Unity.html
Here's a link to a video of the recent observance at the Baha'i National Temple in Evanston, IL: https://news.bahai.org/story/1646/
Discover Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Richmond
Welcome to the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Richmond, a place for seekers of all faiths to find inspiration, guidance, and community. Our website offers a wealth of resources, including helpful articles, meaningful quotes, and engaging videos, to help you deepen your spiritual practice and connect with others on a similar path.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN
Divine Justice demands that the rights of both sexes should be equally respected since neither is superior to the other in the eyes of Heaven. Dignity before God depends, not on sex, but on purity and luminosity of heart. Human virtues belong equally to all!
(Paris Talks: Addresses given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Paris in 1911-1912, p. 162)
Indigenous Peoples Day
The Baha'is have had a long relationship with indigenous cultures. Please see the link below for more information.
Introduction to the Baha'i Faith - Power Point
This Power Point presentation offers an introduction to the history, teachings, central figures & in
Illumined With His Love
This video shows clips of Baha'i conferences around the world to discuss advancement of society .
Baha'i Prayer in Spanish
JESUS & BAHA'I PERSPECTIVE
Find out what Abdu'l Baha said about Christ in this Youtube video
Video: Centennial Celebration of Abdu'l Baha's Life
One hundred years ago, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh and the perfect example of His teachings, passed from this world.
"The Example" narrates the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and the profound effect it had on people, both past and present. The significance of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's unique function as a refuge, shield and bulwark of all mankind is embodied in the accounts of some of the souls whose lives were transformed for the betterment of society through their association with Him. The film reflects
Contact Us
For more info about the Greater Richmond Baha'i Community please contact:
bahaifaithrichmondcityva@gmail.com
secretariat.henricobahais@gmail.com
bahai.hanovercnty.va@gmail.com
Face Book: Baha'i Faith Community of Greater Richmond Virginia
For more readings go to the following websites:
PO Box 13802, Richmond, VA 23225, US
You can also call us at: 804-346-7705