Disagreement Over Deity: Another Person Shuns Same Deity as Mine
The Baha'i Faith, a religious movement originating in the 19th century, stands out for its emphasis on independent investigation of truth and the coexistence of spiritual belief with scientific knowledge.
At the heart of the Baha'i Faith lies the belief in the oneness of God. However, the Faith encourages individuals to investigate the truth for themselves, removing clergy from the equation. Abdu'l-Baha, a key figure in the Faith, stated that all divine Manifestations (prophets) have proclaimed the oneness of God, yet the Baha'i Scriptures emphasise that God is far beyond human conception[1].
The Baha'i teachings advocate for friendly interaction with all people and moderation in conduct. They encourage sharing truths with kindness and goodwill, but also advise to leave someone alone if they refuse it. This approach reflects the Faith's respect for individual autonomy and personal understanding[1].
Regarding atheism, the Baha'i Faith acknowledges why some reject the idea of God—often due to negative experiences with organized religion or hypocrisy among believers—but emphasizes respect and kindness towards those with differing beliefs, including atheists. The Faith suggests that friendship and unity are possible despite differing views about God[1].
The Baha'i teachings uphold that faith and reason are complementary. The Faith demands the use of intellect and investigation in matters of spirituality, eschewing blind faith. Thus, belief in God is not opposed to scientific inquiry but is to be founded upon conscious understanding and rational investigation, encouraging harmony between religious belief and scientific knowledge[1].
This perspective highlights a balance between spiritual belief and rational inquiry unique to the Baha'i Faith, promoting unity and understanding across differing worldviews[1][4].
It's worth noting that the Baha'i Faith does not require worship of a specific being or force. Abdu'l-Baha compared religion and science to two wings, stating that both are necessary for humanity's progress[2].
In terms of numbers, approximately 3% of Americans identify as atheists, and another 9% do not believe in God or a universal spirit, according to a Pew Research Center survey[3]. Atheism is not an organized religion, and there are as many types of atheists as there are theists.
Many reject organized religion because they see the negative influence clergy has had on the general population throughout history. The Baha'i Faith, with its abolition of clergy and demand for faith based on conscious knowledge, offers an alternative approach[4].
References:
[1] The Baha'i Faith: A Guide for the Perplexed, Peter Smith, 2007 [2] Some Answered Questions, Abdu'l-Baha, 1908 [3] Religious Landscape Study, Pew Research Center, 2015 [4] The Baha'i Faith: A Short Introduction, Peter Smith, 2004
Politics often entails discussions about different belief systems, and the Baha'i Faith, a religious movement stressing independent investigation of truth, presents itself as a unique spiritual approach that aligns with general-news reports advocating for a balance between religious belief and scientific knowledge. Furthermore, the Baha'i teachings challenge traditional organized religion by abolishing clergy and advocating for faith grounded in conscious understanding, a stance that might appeal to those critical of the historical influence of clergy in politics.
