BAHAISM

1.  Their name - Named from its founder, Baha’O’llah.

2.  The purpose - To effect the unity of the human race through the union of all religions. 

3.  Origin and development -

                a.  Bahaic revelation, so called, took its rise in Persia with the teachings of one known as Bab (1844) which means “door”, a Persian mystic youth.  After six years of teaching, he was killed.  (1850)

                b.  A Persian nobleman assumed the leadership of the followers of Bab.  His name was Baha’O’llah.  From 1850-1866 he propagated his doctrine and then was banished to Acca where he did most of his writings, and died in 1892.

                c.  The son of  Baha’O’llah  - Abdul (Servant of Baha) or Abbas Effendi.

4.  Twelve basic principles:

                a.  The world of mankind is one.

                b.  Independence in the search for truth.

                c.  Foundation of all religions is one.

                d.  Religion must be the cause of unity.

                e.  Religion must accord with science and reason.

                f.  Perfect equality between men and women.

                g.  Prejudice of all kinds must be discarded.

                h.  Universal peace.

                i.  Universal education.

                j.  The solution of the economic problem.

                k.  A universal language.

                l.  An international tribunal.