Re: Good Introduction?
Mike Buonsanto (mjb@oceanus.haystack.edu)
Wed, Apr 19 1995 16:16:47 GMT
> This is from a total stranger to your religion - a drop in to your discussion.
> If it would not be too much trouble, I would appreciate a note back
> regarding a "first good read" i.e. introductory text on the tenets history and
> evolution of Baha'i faith.
Dear Rick,
There are several good introductory books. Here are a few - and brief
descriptions which I've extracted from one of the articles by the moderators
posted a few weeks ago here on srb. The books are available from the U.S.
Baha'i Publishing trust: (800)999-9019.
May God guide your search for the truth.
Sincerely,
Michael Buonsanto
mjb@oceanus.haystack.edu
.............................................................................
The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion
William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin
Harper & Row, 248 pp
ISBN 0-06065-441-4 (cloth)
ISBN 0-06312-078-X (paper)
As the publishers describe it, "Here is the first definitive
introduction -- sure to become a standard reference work -- of the
history, teaching, administrative structure and community life of the
Baha'i Faith, the youngest and one of the fastest growing of the
world's independent religions." Martin, an historian, and Hatcher, a
professor of mathematics, have produced a survey of the Baha'i Faith
especially strong in its examination of the turbulent early history of
the Faith and its relationship to Islam. The authors stress the
pivotal concept of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of the human race and
an emerging global order. As well, they examine a wide range of
Baha'i teachings, such as the oneness and progressive character of
religion, the unity of science and religion, the equality of woman and
man, economic justice, the spiritual foundation of life, the
institutions of the Baha'i Faith and disciplines for daily living.
Baha'u'llah and the New Era
John Esslemont
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 318pp
ISBN 0-87743-160-4
The best known introductory book, translated into 30 languages, and in
continuous print since 1923. Written by a distinguished early British
Baha'i, this book presents a thorough outline of the history,
principal figures, spiritual and social teachings, and administrative
organization of the Faith. An especially interesting section examines
the relationship of Baha'u'llah to the expectations and prophecies,
such as the coming of the Kingdom of God in Christianity, that are to
be found in all faiths.
The Earth is But One Country
John Huddleston
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 320pp
ISBN 0-900125-91-8
"Many, concerned about the condition of society and about the sense of
unfulfillment in their personal lives," says the author,
"automatically assume that they will not find an answer in religion.
Past experience has left a negative impression of superstition and
escapism. This Book is primarily addressed to those who have this
point of view." It presents the needs of humanity today, emphasizing
the practical means for building a new civilization where all peoples
can live together in justice, harmony, and peace.