Baha’i scriptures are characterized by distinctive features. For the Baha’is, unlike most religious traditions, only the written works
Baha’i scriptures are characterized by distinctive features. For the Baha’is, unlike most religious traditions, only the written works
Baha’i scriptures are characterized by distinctive features. For the Baha’is, unlike most religious traditions, only the written works of the central figures of the movement constitute a body of authoritative texts/scripture. Yet, the mere quantitative magnitude of these written works is overwhelming, amounting to tens of thousands of texts consisting of various letters, epistles, and books. Furthermore, the Baha’i religion is a young religion which began in 1844. One of the implications of this fact is that the original copies of these texts are mostly preserved, leading to a high degree of consensus on their authenticity. Corresponding to the global nature of Baha’i worldview, these texts are written in four different languages: Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and English.
Baha’i writings identify the present age as a turning point in human history, an age in which for the first time the twin features of the definition of humans as consciousness- individual uniqueness and unity- can be realized in the paradigmatic model of the unity in diversity. These works suggest a reinterpretation of the concept of religion in which religion must become a cause of unity, harmony, and communication among all human beings. Such reinterpretation is rooted in introducing a historical consciousness to understanding of all religions, where all religions appear to be one and the same, yet different in terms of secondary, historically-specific rituals and laws. Simultaneously, Baha’u’llah’s writings suggest a reinterpretation of modernity where, contrary to the prevalent views in 19th century social theory, the materialistic premises of modernity are conceived as fostering not a culture of peace, but rather a rationalization of violence, and a cult of social Darwinism in relation to races, nations, religious groups and cultures. Therefore, Baha’i texts suggest a spiritualization of consciousness in which all human beings appear as sacred and beautiful mirrors of God, who are endowed with inalienable rights. The logical consequence of this spiritual approach to modernity is the twin principles of the oneness of humanity and universal peace.
These texts have played a crucial role in the modern history of Iran. They have inspired the construction of a spiritual community which has been an organic part of Iranian culture and history. At a deeper level, however, the writings of the two Persian prophets (the Bab and Baha’u’llah), and the community they have created, have played a decisive role in the emergence of various progressive and democratic reform movements in the modern history of Iran. In fact the encounter of Iran with modernity is partly and significantly mediated by Baha’i ideas and ideals.
The Seven Valleys, a book by Baha’u’lah, the leader of the Bahai Faith, is a mystical writing about the human soul’s spiritual journey to discovery. In 7 pages please discuss the ideas that are in this book. This does not need to be analytical but can be your own interpretations and opinions. Please focus on only the text in the attached file and not on interpretations of the text by others. Only use other people’s interpretations of the text to connect to your own ideas/ give examples of the message you are trying to convey. Please be in favor of the writing and overall be very positive about the ideas and stories discussed.
You may also use this website: https://www.bahai.org/library/
Requirements: 7 Pages | .doc file
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