The Baha'i view doesn't fall directly into either camp. There is no
absolute in our concept. It is not the simple black and white of
Heaven or Hell. We believe that future realms are nonphysical and that
our condition and growth in those realms is dependent on our actions
in this life and the Grace of God. Each of these realms takes us
closer and closer to the presence of God, however, since His Presence
is ultimately unattainable, we believe that the soul is always in the
process of becoming. Someone who has lead a destructive life in this
realm will probably have a much slower journey through the next Worlds
of God and will look back on this realm with a greater sense of
remorse over lost opportunities, but his/her soul will continue to
move forward.
Therefore, belief or acceptance of Baha'u'llah is only one part of
what is required of the individual soul (belief), in this plane.
Applying the principles, values and teachings (good works) is another
aspect of the requirements on an individual soul.
Someone who has not had the opportunity to hear of Baha'u'llah can
only be held accountable for his/her actions. It would be a dark mark
(if we're keeping a tally) against those Baha'is who had the
opportunity to give the Message to the individual and withheld it. A
Baha'i who professes to believe in Baha'u'llah and violates all of the
Laws will probably cause more harm to his/her soul than someone who
behaves the same way but is less hypocritical about it.
Additionally, there is no way to know how the Mercy of God fits into
the equation. Baha'is are forbidden to judge another human being. That
includes attempting to judge another's (or even one owns) spiritual
station. That is something that only God can judge.
I always cringe when someone asks about the Baha'i way to salvation,
not because I don't want to attempt to answer the seeker's questions,
but because it is not a concept which is central to our teachings.
Salvation is a very personal matter. In Christainity the sole purpose
of the Message is the salvation of individual souls. In the Baha'i
Faith the primary purpose of the Message is the unification of the
world in a spiritual society -- free from war, poverty, hatred,
prejudice and ignorance. The salvation of the individual is a part of
the overall plan, but just a part.
Hope this helps.
Michael Eissinger
Los Angeles