The Baha’i faith is a relatively new monotheistic religion that emphasizes the spiritual unity of humankind. It was founded in 19th century Persia by Baha’u’llah, who the Baha’is believe was a messenger from God. Here is an overview of some of the key teachings and practices of the Baha’i faith according to the Bible:
God
Baha’is believe in one God who has progressively revealed His will to humanity through a series of divine Messengers including Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and most recently the Báb and Baha’u’llah. The Bible confirms the existence of one true God who has revealed Himself progressively through history (Hebrews 1:1-2, Exodus 3:13-15).
Unity of Religions
A core Baha’i teaching is the essential unity of all religions – that they come from the same divine source and are reflective of the same spiritual truth. The Bible does speak of a unity amongst believers in Christ (John 17:20-23, Ephesians 4:4-6). However, it affirms that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6) and does not suggest that all religions are equivilent paths to God.
Harmony of Science and Religion
Baha’is believe that science and religion must agree and cannot contradict each other. The Bible does present God as a rational being who created an orderly universe aligned with His divine will (Genesis 1, Proverbs 8:22-31). However, the Bible makes clear that human wisdom and scientific theories must be subordinated to the truth of God’s revelation (1 Corinthians 1:20-25, Colossians 2:8).
Independent Investigation of Truth
Baha’is uphold the principle of independent investigation of truth, uninfluenced by tradition or clergy. Jesus encouraged His followers to carefully examine the Scriptures to discern truth (Matthew 22:29, Acts 17:11). Yet He also warned against error and affirmed the authority of Scripture as God’s Word (Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 3:16).
Elimination of Prejudice
The Baha’i teachings strongly emphasize eliminating all forms of prejudice and promoting the principle of unity in diversity. Jesus similarly upheld the dignity of all people and taught that loving God and neighbor is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-40, John 13:34). However, He declared that He is the only way to salvation (John 14:6).
Gender Equality
Men and women are considered equal in the Baha’i faith, which was very progressive for its time. The Bible affirms the fundamental equality of men and women before God (Galatians 3:28). Yet it also upholds role distinctions between men and women, especially in the family and church context (Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Timothy 2:11-15).
Elimination of Extreme Wealth and Poverty
Baha’is advocate for the elimination of extreme poverty and wealth. The Bible encourages generosity, charity and care for the poor and needy (Matthew 6:2-4, Galatians 2:10). But it does not condemn individual wealth or promote communism (Acts 5:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Universal Education
The Baha’i faith places great emphasis on the importance of education for all people, including women and girls. The Bible affirms the value of wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 4, 2 Timothy 2:15). However, it focuses more on spiritual understanding than academic pursuits (Colossians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:19-20).
Universal Auxiliary Language
Baha’is advocate for the adoption of a universal auxiliary language that would facilitate global communication and unity. The Bible records how God supernaturally enabled communication across language barriers (Acts 2:1-12). However, it does not envision a universal manmade language system.
World Government and Peace
Baha’is look forward to the establishment of a world federal system of governance that will unite humanity and end war. The Bible prophesies that human attempts to create a unified global government will culminate in the authoritarian rule of the Antichrist (Revelation 13). It encourages international peacemaking yet focuses more on the spiritual peace of individuals and societies (Matthew 5:9).
Worship and Practices
Baha’i worship takes place in local centers with followers gathered to pray, read scriptures and reflect on uplifting themes. Important practices include daily prayer, fasting, participation in 19-day monthly feast gatherings, and for those who can afford it, pilgrimage to the Baha’i centers in Haifa, Israel. Baha’i teachings prohibit drinking alcohol, gambling, recreational drug use, premarital sex, homosexuality, and membership in political parties.
Christian worship centers around the person of Jesus Christ and the study of the Bible, not the writings of Baha’u’llah (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Its focus is on proclaiming Christ for the salvation of souls (1 Corinthians 2:2). It finds meaning not in traditions and rituals but in the transforming power of being born again by the Holy Spirit into a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus (John 3:1-8).
Afterlife
Baha’is believe the soul continues after when the body dies and can progress in the next world towards reunion with God. The Bible clearly teaches that we die only once, and after that face judgment and either eternal life in Heaven or eternal separation from God in Hell (Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:11-15). Our eternal destiny depends on whether we have a relationship with God through personal faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18).
In summary, while the Baha’i faith promotes some biblical principles such as the existence of God, the importance of unity and prayer, and the spiritual nature of human beings, it differs significantly from Christianity in its denial of the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ and reliance on the teachings of Baha’u’llah rather than the divine inspiration of the Bible. Christians can respect Baha’is as persons made in God’s image but cannot accept their religion as a valid path to know the one true God.
