History of the Bahá’í Faith
Who We Are
The Bahá’í Faith is a world religion with more than five million adherents from virtually every national, ethnic and religious background. The Faith accepts the divine origin and common purpose of the major world religions and teaches that God has revealed a new message in this day to establish the oneness of humanity.
The main theme of the Bahá’í message is unity. Bahá’u’lláh, God’s Messenger for this day, taught that there is only one God, that all the world’s religions represent one changeless and eternal faith of God, and that all humanity is one race, destined to live in peace and harmony. There is no clergy in the Bahá’í Faith. It conducts its business through a distinctive system of global administration, which features a network of democratically elected local and national governing councils called Spiritual Assemblies in nearly 200 countries.
What We Do
In neighborhoods across the country, Bahá’ís and their friends are engaged in a community-building process that cultivates love and translates it into action.
America is going through a tumultuous time. Tensions and divisions surface every day, reminding us that the stains of injustice and racial prejudice are set deeply in the fabric of our society. Bahá’ís are committed to reshaping society around principles of oneness by cultivating love, inclusivity, and reciprocity. We hope to join hands with the countless like-minded Americans working for these same goals, and invite everyone to take a look at our approach.
Who are the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh?
Bahá’u’lláh’s coming was heralded by the Báb (1819–1850), meaning “the Gate.” The Báb proclaimed His divine mission in 1844, which is considered the beginning of the Bahá’í Era — a new cycle of human history and social evolution.
The Bahá’í Faith originated with Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892), whose title means “the Glory of God.” Bahá’ís regard Him as the latest in the succession of Divine Messengers who founded the world’s major religions. In His writings, Bahá’u’lláh outlines a framework for the development of a global civilization that takes into account both the spiritual and material dimensions of human life. His teachings, centered around the recognition of the oneness of humanity, offer a compelling vision of an approaching world united in justice, peace, and prosperity.
All are one
“All human creatures are the servants of God. All are submerged in the sea of His mercy. The Creator of all is one God; the Provider, the Giver, the Protector of all is one God. He is kind to all; why should we be unkind? All live beneath the shadow of His love; why should we hate each other?”
The History of the Bahá’í Faith in the United States and North Carolina
The Bahá’í teachings came to America around 1900 and began to spread its teachings around the US and Canada. Its teachings spread in the 1920s to North Carolina where the central principle of the oneness of humanity continues to evolve, uniting people across race, gender, and class.
One God
Called by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the Creator of the universe, is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. God is one. While the reality of God is beyond human understanding, we may find expressions of God's attributes in every created thing. "The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God." — Bahá'u'lláh
One Human Family
Beyond all differences of race, culture, class, or ethnicity, regardless of differences in customs, opinions, or temperaments, every individual is a member of one gloriously diverse human family. Each unique individual has a role to play in carrying forward an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilization. "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship." — Bahá'u'lláh
One Unfolding Religion
Humanity’s spiritual, intellectual, and moral capacities have been cultivated through the successive teachings of the Founders of the world’s religions — the Manifestations of God. Among Them are Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and, most recently, the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. Each religion originates with God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. In essence, the religion of God is one and is progressively unfolding. "This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future." — Bahá'u'lláh
Investigation of Truth
Truth, no matter the source, is truth. Prejudice and stereotypes, traditions and practices can miseducate society. Science and Religion must agree. "...truth cannot be divided, and the differences that appear to exist among the nations only result from their attachment to prejudice. If only men would search out truth, they would find themselves united." — ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
Abolition of Prejudices
Prejudice in any form, whether of race, gender, lifestyle, or class should be removed from society. We can achieve this through deep bonds of friendship. We must become so close that all are as friends and that friends and family are one and the same. "God has not created men that they should destroy one another. All races, tribes, sects and classes share equally in the Bounty of their Heavenly Father." — ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
Education is Essential
Everyone must be educated to be good in character and in the sciences and arts. The health of a spirit is found in the expression and refinement of virtues - The advancement of the community the expression of the sciences and arts. "Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom." — Bahá'u'lláh