The Baha'i Faith in America

(Hardback)

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Description

The Baha'i Faith in America sets out to accomplish two main goals. The first is to introduce to the American reading public a religion whose name may be commonly mentioned or heard, yet in terms of its unique history, world-view, beliefs, and laws, is virtually unknown. Such categories provide the essential material for Part I. The second objective, which is the uniting thread of Part II, is to trace the historical development of the American Baha'i community from its earliest beginnings at the end of the nineteenth century up until the present day. The chapters in this section not only peruse the major events and introduce the leading personalities associated with American Baha'i history, they also trace significant themes, motifs, and issues that have characterized the community over the decades. Examples include early Baha'i connections with both American millenialism and metaphysical esotericism, to more recent associations with the Civil Rights Movement and the 1960s youth counterculture. In addition, the book's final chapters take a close look at some of the more controversial issues that have characterized American Baha'i community life over the past few decades. Here issues ranging in content from disagreements over differing styles of propogation to the freedom of expression allowed to Baha'i scholars are examined. In the process, the work reveals a dynamic and highly idealistic faith that is attempting to offer a model of religious community that is compatible with the continuing process of globalization.

Reviews

Baha'i teaches the unity of major world religions and of humankind. Members see the religion as an agent of profound change; they envision eventual world peace and the unity of the entire planet. Baha'i is well suited to the global village, and has already made efforts in race relations. It has attracted five million adherents worldwide, with 100,000 followers in the US. This book tells their story. As a former Baha'i, Garlington is well positioned for his task. He combines the former insider's knowledge of the subject with the current outsider's willingness to critique the movement's shortcomings. The result is a sympathetic yet gently critical study. The author presents his subject in two parts. Part 1 describes the essentials of the religion--its leaders and early history, its central teachings, and administrative structure. Part 2 describes the circumstances of bringing the religion to the US in 1892; growth in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere; mission strategies to win followers; rapid expansion (1960-80) and ethnic makeup; and current struggles to achieve growth. The author candidly addresses internal tensions between Baha'i's liberal scholars and conservative administrators over policy and practices. A splendid introduction to Baha'i's place in the American religious landscape. Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. * Choice *
Garlington, a former member of the Baha'i religious community and former history and religion teacher, accurately explains the progressive Baha'i theological and social teachings and helpfully analyzes anti-Baha'i polemic. * Library Journal *
A scholar of history and religion in the US and Australia, Garlington presents historical, doctrinal, and organizational information about the religion's presence in America. He begins by introducing Baha'i in general, its origins and history, beliefs and principles, community life, and administrative order. Then he traces its manifestation in America in three phases from 1892 to 2000, and discusses current priorities and issues and anti-Baha'i polemic and Baha'i responses to it. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

William Garlington taught history and religious studies in the United States and Australia for over twenty-five years.