Archive-name: bahai-faith/bibliography
Last-Modified: 16-September-1993


This article is comprised of the following sections.  For your
convenience in searching, all section headings start in column 1.

        INTRODUCTORY BOOKS
        BOOKS BY BAHA'U'LLAH AND `ABDU'L-BAHA
        OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS
        HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS

Our thanks to the original author, Babak Kashef
<babak@canada.sun.com>, and for revisions and expansions offered by

        Carl Fravel <71610.2560@compuserve.com>
        Ed Ordaz <70404.1133@compuserve.com>
        Mark Towfiq <towfiq@justice.medford.ma.us>
        Rick Troxel <rick@helix.nih.gov>

Additional entries are solicited, subject to editorial review.  If an
entry is in a language other than English, please include an English
translation.


INTRODUCTORY BOOKS
==================

Titles within this section are arranged alphabetically.


All Things Made New
John Ferraby
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 338 pp
ISBN 0-900125-24-1

Offers the reader a comprehensive introduction to the Baha'i Faith.
The author's inclusion of many quotations from the Baha'i sacred
Writings complements an overview of the Faith as complete as to be
found anywhere.  Its first section, "The Teachings of the Faith,"
discusses the oneness of God and of religion, the oneness of mankind,
social and economic teachings, personal conduct, science and the
knowledge of God, the relation of the Baha'i Faith to other religions.
Part Two concerns the Central Figures of the Faith; and Part Three,
"The Baha'i Community," looks at the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the
Baha'i Administrative Order and laws, obligations and teaching the
Faith.


The Baha'i Faith
Mary Perkins
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 96pp
ISBN 0-7062-39393

A short, basic introduction to the Baha'i Faith, covering the history,
teachings and way of life of the Baha'i community.  One of the most
popular, easy to read introductions to the Baha'i Faith.  Fully
illustrated.


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.


The Imperishable Dominion
Udo Schaefer
George Ronald Publisher, 320pp
ISBN 0-85398-142-6

An analysis of modern thought since the 1700's showing how it has
contributed to society's current crises, and presenting the Baha'i
answers to today's dilemmas.


Preparing for a Baha'i/Christian Dialogue:  Understanding Biblical Evidence
Michael Sours
Oneworld Publications Ltd
Vol 1  ISBN 1-85168-018-7
Vol 2  ISBN 1-85168-032-2

A multi-volume study program designed to help Baha'is familiarize
themselves with the Bible and Christian theology.  Well written and
not cumbersome.  Among the features one finds practical advice on how
to study the Bible; methods of interpreting the Bible; answers to the
most common Christian questions concerning proofs and progressive
revelation; and answers to Christian questions about Baha'i teachings,
the Bible, and Christ.


The Prophecies of Jesus
Michael Sours
Oneworld Publications Ltd, 223pp
ISBN 1-85168-025-X

In the nineteenth century, many Christians throughout the Western
world expected the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies.  Some even
ventured to conclude from the Scriptures that Jesus would return in
1844.  This widespread expectation is well known to historians and
culminated in what has been referred to as 'the Great Disappointment.'
Yet in the very same year, a dynamic religious movement swept across
Persia which heralded the advent and swift emergence of the Baha'i
Faith, the only religion born during that time to become a global
faith.  Its founder, Baha'u'llah, claimed to be no less than the
fulfillment of the very biblical prophecies that had so inspired the
hopes of the Christian adventists.  _Prophecies of Jesus_ offers a
thoughtful, verse by verse exploration of Jesus's greatest prophetic
sermon in the light of Baha'u'llah's extraordinary ministry and
teachings and of nineteenth century Christian beliefs and current
Christian interpretations.


The Renewal of Civilization
David Hofman
George Ronald Publisher, 144pp
ISBN 0-85398-007-1

Examination of religion as the creative force behind the rise and
reformation of civilization.


To a Seeker
Nathan Rutstein
George Ronald Publisher, 121pp
ISBN 0-85398-239-2

The need for spiritual development as a pathway to happiness is
frequently overlooked.  The author describes how the Baha'i Faith can
show us the way to that elusive happiness.  A dramatic vision of the
future, and the steps now being taken by Baha'is to attain it, is
offered to the seeker who searches for a "new day."


A Thief in the Night: The Case of the Missing Millennium
William Sears
George Ronald, Publisher, 304pp
ISBN 85398-008-X

The author describes how, having once discovered a problem -- the
belief among many Christians of that time that Christ's return would
take place in the 1840's -- he set out to unearth the clues leading to
its solution.  The Baha'i Faith is presented as that solution.


BOOKS BY BAHA'U'LLAH AND `ABDU'L-BAHA
=====================================

The following books have been in some cases published by a number of
Baha'i publishing trusts in various countries.  Where ISBN numbers are
listed, they are generally for the least expensive edition currently
available from the USA Baha'i Distribution Service.

Baha'u'llah
-----------

The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah
  Baha'u'llah's teachings on ethics, and on the relationship of God
  and man

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys
  Two mystical writings, on the stages in the spiritual growth of the
  soul

The Kitab-i-Iqan (Book of Certitude)
  Baha'u'llah's teachings on the subject of progressive revelation
  (the view that the religions and prophets are part of one historical
  process by which God has educated mankind).  Explanations of earlier
  scriptures and the prophecies they contain.

The Kitab-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book)
ISBN 0-85398-999-0  (hardcover)
  Baha'u'llah's book of laws for this dispensation, with comprehensive
  notes from the Universal House of Justice

Tablets of Baha'u'llah
ISBN 0-87743-216-3 (paperback)
  A collection of some of Baha'u'llah's late writings, revealed after
  the Kitab-i-Aqdas

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
ISBN 0-87743-048-9
ISBN 0-87743-235-X (paperback)
  One of Baha'u'llah's last writings, this is essentially
  Baha'u'llah's anthology of His own teachings

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah
ISBN 0-87743-111-6 (hardcover)
ISBN 0-87743-112-4 (paperback)
  A collection of extracts of Baha'u'llah's writings covering many
  subjects

Prayers and Meditations
  A large collection of prayers and meditations revealed by
  Baha'u'llah.  Some of these are prayers revealed for us to use, and
  some are Baha'u'llah's own prayers to God.

`Abdu'l-Baha
------------

Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha
  A collection of important passages from the writings of `Abdu'l-Baha

Promulgation of Universal Peace
  The public talks given by `Abdu'l-Baha while he traveled through the
  United States

Paris Talks
  Another collection of public talks on various subjects by
  `Abdu'l-Baha

Some Answered Questions
ISBN 0-87743-190-6 (paperback)
  A collection of dinner-table talks in which `Abdu'l-Baha answered a
  number of posed questions such as the relationship of the Baha'i
  teachings to the Bible

Collections
-----------

Baha'i Prayers
ISBN 0-87743-175-2
ISBN 0-87743-176-0 (paperback)
ISBN 0-87743-177-9 (deluxe)
  Prayers from Baha'u'llah, `Abdu'l-Baha, and the Bab, arranged by
  subject

The Divine Art of Living
  Baha'i teachings on various aspects of living a spiritual life

Unto Him Shall We Return
  Baha'i teachings on the purpose of life, and on death and life after
  death

The Power of Unity
  Baha'i teachings on the application of the spiritual principle of
  unity in general to race unity in particular

Peace:  More than an End to War
  Baha'i teachings about the establishment of true peace in this
  world, and the prerequisites to that occurring


OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS

Bibliography of English-Language Works on the Babi and Baha'i Faith,
  1844-1985
William P. Collins
Oxford: George Ronald, 1990
ISBN 0-85398-315-1
  The most comprehensive bibliography of English-language publications

The Baha'i Faith: A Historical Bibliography
Joel Bjorling
New York: Garland Publishing, 1985
  A less comprehensive bibliography which has been superseded by
  Collins

The Baha'i Studies Bulletin
Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K., 1982-
  This periodical contains regular bibliographic listings

The Baha'i World, v.XVIII, 1979-1983, pp. 887-889
Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1986
  Includes a brief listing of books in languages other than English


HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS
==========================

a) Visit your public library.  It is quite likely that your library
   has a few introductory titles.

b) Contact your local Baha'i community.  Many local communities have a
   local phone number listed under "Baha'i Faith," or "Baha'i
   Community."

c) Call the Baha'i Publishing Trust in your country.  In the USA this
   is (800)999-9019.  The staff can take telephone orders, and can
   also send you a price list and a more complete listing of
   publications than included in this article.

d) Call or visit one of the Baha'i bookstores.  For example, there is
   a book store at the Los Angeles Baha'i Center, (Los Angeles Baha'i
   Booksource, (213) 933-8297), and one at the Baha'i Temple in
   Wilmette, IL.



******************************************************************************
Archive-name: bahai-faith/introduction
Last-Modified: 16-September-1993


This periodically posted article is adapted from an introduction to
the Baha'i Faith prepared by Kamran Hakim and Mike Register.  Our
thanks to Kamran for permission to modify and use it here.

--The Moderators:
   nabil@world.net         (Aaron Nabil Eastlund)
   kalantar@cs.cornell.edu (Michael Kalantar)


                               CONTENTS

This article is comprised of the following sections.  For your
convenience in searching, all section headings start in column 1.

        BAHA'I TEACHINGS
        EARLY HISTORY
        RECENT HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS
        REFERENCES


BAHA'I TEACHINGS

Some of the basic principles of the Baha'i Faith are:

1.  The oneness of mankind

"It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but
rather for him who loveth the whole world.  The earth is but one
country and mankind its citizens." --Gleanings from the Writings of
Baha'u'llah, p. 250.

2.  The oneness of religion

"All these divisions we see on all sides, all these disputes and
opposition, are caused because men cling to ritual and outward
observances, and forget the simple, underlying truth.  It is the
outward practices of religion that are so different, and it is they
that cause disputes and enmity -- while the reality is always the
same, and one.  The Reality is the Truth, and truth has no division.
Truth is God's guidance, it is the light of the world, it is love, it
is mercy.  These attributes of truth are also human virtues inspired
by the Holy Spirit."  --`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, pp. 120-1.

3.  Independent investigation of truth

"Furthermore, know ye that God has created in man the power of reason,
whereby man is enabled to investigate reality.  God has not intended
man to imitate blindly his fathers and ancestors.  He has endowed him
with mind, or the faculty of reasoning, by the exercise of which he is
to investigate and discover the truth, and that which he finds real
and true he must accept." --`Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of
Universal Peace, p. 291.

4.  Religion as a source of unity

"He (Baha'u'llah) sets forth a new principle for this day in the
announcement that religion must be the cause of unity, harmony and
agreement among mankind.  If it be the cause of discord and hostility,
if it leads to separation and creates conflict, the absence of
religion would be preferable in the world." --`Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i
World Faith, p. 247.

5.  The evolutionary nature of religion

Baha'is view religion as a progressive, evolutionary process which
needs to be updated as humanity evolves mentally, socially, and
spiritually.  Every so often a new Prophet is sent to humanity to
update religion to the current needs of mankind.  These Prophets bring
essentially the same spiritual message to mankind; in a form that
meets the needs of the people of Their time.  Baha'is believe that
Baha'u'llah has brought an updated message for mankind today.

"There is no distinction whatsoever among the Bearers of My Message.
They all have but one purpose; their secret is the same secret.  To
prefer one in honor to another, to exalt certain ones above the rest,
is in no wise to be permitted.  Every true Prophet hath regarded His
Message as fundamentally the same as the Revelation of every other
Prophet gone before Him...
The measure of the revelation of the Prophets of God in this world,
however, must differ.  Each and every one of them hath been the Bearer
of a distinct Message, and hath been commissioned to reveal Himself
through specific acts.  It is for this reason that they appear to vary
in their greatness...
It is clear and evident, therefore, that any apparent variation in the
intensity of their light is not inherent in the light itself, but
should rather be attributed to the varying receptivity of an
ever-changing world.  Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and Peerless
Creator hath purposed to send to the peoples of the earth hath been
entrusted with a Message, and charged to act in a manner that would
best meet the requirements of the age in which He appeared."
--Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pp.78-9.

6.  Harmony between religion, science, and reason

"Religion and science are the two wings upon which man's intelligence
can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress.  It
is not possible to fly with one wing alone!  Should a man try to fly
with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the
quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of
science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the
despairing slough of materialism."  --`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks,
p.143.

7.  Peaceful consultation as a means for resolving differences

In the Baha'i Faith, difference of opinion is not squelched, in fact
it is encouraged.

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of
differing opinions." --Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha,
p.87.

However, differences of opinion can be expressed in a way that doesn't
humiliate another human being.  The Baha'i principle of consultation
requires that an individual be detached from his or her opinions and
always be open to the truth, from whoever or wherever it comes from.

"They must then proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity,
care and moderation to express their views.  They must in every manner
search out the truth and not insist upon their own opinion, for
stubbornness and persistence in one's views will lead ultimately to
discord and wrangling and the truth will remain hidden.  The honored
members (of the consulting body) must with all freedom express their
own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible for one to belittle the
thought of another, nay, he must with moderation set forth the
truth..."  --Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha, p.88.

8.  An international auxiliary language

"It behoveth the sovereigns of the world -- may God assist them -- or
the ministers of the earth to take counsel together and to adopt one
of the existing languages or a new one to be taught to children in
schools throughout the world, and likewise one script.  Thus the whole
earth will come to be regarded as one country." --Baha'u'llah, Tablet
of Bisharat (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 22.)

9.  Universal education

"Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and
daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been
laid down in the Holy Tablet.  He that putteth away that which is
commanded unto him, the Trustees of the House of Justice are then to
recover from him that which is required for their instruction, if he
be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice.
Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy.  He that
bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath
brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My Loving-Kindness,
My Mercy, that have compassed the world." --Baha'u'llah, Tablet of
Ishraqat (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.128).

10.  The elimination of all forms of prejudice

"...again, as to religious, racial, national and political bias: all
these prejudices strike at the very root of human life; one and all
they beget bloodshed, and the ruination of the world.  So long as
these prejudices survive, there will be continuous and fearsome wars."
--Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha, p.249.

11.  Equality of men and women

"To accept and observe a distinction which God has not intended in
creation is ignorance and superstition.  The fact which is to be
considered, however, is that woman, having formerly been deprived,
must now be allowed equal opportunities with man for education and
training.  There must be no difference in their education.  Until the
reality of equality between man and woman is fully established and
attained, the highest social development of mankind is not possible."
--`Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.76.

12.  The abolition of the extremes of wealth and poverty

"O Ye Rich Ones on Earth!
The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not
intent only on your own ease."  --The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah,
p.41.

"We see amongst us men who are overburdened with riches on the one
hand, and on the other those unfortunate ones who starve with nothing;
those who possess several stately palaces, and those who have not
where to lay their head.  Some we find with numerous courses of costly
and dainty food; whilst others can scarce find sufficient crusts to
keep them alive.  Whilst some are clothed in velvets, furs and fine
linen, others have insufficient, poor and thin garments with which to
protect them from the cold.

This condition of affairs is wrong and must be remedied.  Now the
remedy must be carefully undertaken.  It cannot be done by bringing to
pass absolute equality between men."  -`Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks,
p.151.

13.  Universal peace

"The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a
vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized.
The rulers and kings of the earth must needs attend it, and,
participating in its deliberations, must consider such ways and means
as will lay the foundations of the world's Great Peace amongst men.
Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the
sake of the tranquillity of the peoples of the earth, to be fully
reconciled among themselves.  Should any king take up arms against
another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him.  If this be done,
the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except
for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of
maintaining internal order within their territories."  --Gleanings
from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 249.


EARLY HISTORY

In May of 1844, a young Persian by the name of Mirza `Ali Muhammad
declared that He was the promised Qa'im of Shi'ah Islam.  He assumed
the title of The Bab (Gate).  The Bab's mission was twofold: He first
announced to the people of His native land His own station as an
independent Messenger and He also prepared the way for the coming of
another Manifestation (messenger) of God, a Prophet who would announce
His station soon after The Bab.

The next six years marked a dramatic increase in both the number of
persons who became followers of the Bab and in the energy spent by the
Shi'ah clergy of Iran to stamp out this new religion.  Eventually
20,000 Babis would be put to death for their beliefs.  The Bab Himself
was imprisoned and was executed in July of 1850.

Many Babis were also imprisoned.  Among them was Husayn-`Ali, entitled
Baha'u'llah (The Glory of God) by The Bab.  Imprisoned for several
months in 1853 in Tehran and then exiled to Iraq, in the city of
Baghdad in 1863 Baha'u'llah announced to the world His station as the
One for Whom the Bab had prepared the way.  The majority of the Babis
accepted Baha'u'llah's claim and became known as Baha'is (the
followers of Baha).

Shortly after His declaration, Baha'u'llah was again banished, even
further From His native land: from Baghdad to Constantinople, and then
to Adrianople.  Finally in 1867, Baha'u'llah was exiled for the last
time.  He was sent to the prison city of Akka (Acre) in Palestine.  He
would stay in and around Akka until the end of His life in 1892.

Before Baha'u'llah passed away, He appointed His eldest son,
`Abdu'l-Baha, to be the center of His Covenant and the interpreter of
His writings.  `Abdu'l-Baha was leader of the Baha'i Faith until His
own passing in 1921.  Although He is not considered to be a
Manifestation of God like the Bab and Baha'u'llah, `Abdu'l-Baha's
decisions are believed to have been divinely guided and His writings
(along with the Bab's and Baha'u'llah's) are considered a part of the
Baha'i sacred scripture.  After being released from the prison in
Akka, `Abdu'l-Baha made several journeys to the West, including a trip
to America in 1912.


RECENT HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS

`Abdu'l-Baha stated in his Will and Testament that leadership of the
Baha'i community was to be passed on to his eldest grandson, Shoghi
Effendi, who became the "Guardian" of the Baha'i community after
`Abdu'l-Baha died.  Shoghi Effendi led the Baha'is until his passing
in 1957.  It was under Shoghi Effendi's leadership that the Baha'i
Faith spread to all corners of the world.  Today there are Baha'is in
over 200 countries and territories and Baha'i literature has been
translated into over 700 different languages.

Consistent with the Baha'i principle of independent investigation of
truth, according to which no individual Baha'i may offer an
interpretation of the Baha'i Writings by which others are bound, there
is no clergy in the Baha'i Faith.  Baha'i institutions govern the
administrative affairs of the Faith.  In each locality, nine-member
boards known as Local Spiritual Assemblies are elected annually.  At
the national level are National Spiritual Assemblies, also consisting
of nine members, elected annually by representatives of the Baha'is in
each country.  At the international level is the Universal House of
Justice, centered in Haifa, Israel (just across the bay from the
prison city of Akka, where Baha'u'llah and `Abdu'l-Baha were
imprisoned).  The Universal House of Justice also consists of nine
members and is elected every five years by members of the National
Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world.  The Universal House of
Justice has final responsibility for overseeing the international
Baha'i community.


REFERENCES

For those interested in reading more about the Baha'i Faith, a few
references are listed below.  Some of these volumes can be found at
your local public library.  In addition, many Baha'i communities have
lending libraries and, in varying degrees, bookstore capabilities.

General

  Hatcher, W.S. and Martin, G.D. "The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging
    Global Religion", Harper & Row, New York, 1986.

Baha'i Sacred Writings

  "Baha'i World Faith: Selected Writings of Baha'u'llah and
    `Abdu'l-Baha", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1956,
    reprinted 1976.

  "Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", Baha'i
    World Center, Haifa, 1978.

  "Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", translated by Shoghi
    Effendi.  Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1939, 3rd ed.
    1976.

  "The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah", Baha'i Publishing Trust,
    Wilmette, IL, 1939, 11th ed. 1980.

  "Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha", Baha'i World Center,
    Haifa, 1978.

  `Abdu'l-Baha. "Some Answered Questions", Baha'i Publishing Trust,
    Wilmette, IL rev. ed. 1981.

  `Abdu'l-Baha. "Paris Talks: Addresses Given by `Abdu'l-Baha in Paris
    in 1911-12" Baha'i Publishing Trust, London, 11th ed. 1969.

  `Abdu'l-Baha. "The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered
    by `Abdu'l-Baha During His Visit to the United States and Canada
    in 1912", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL, 1982.

Baha'i History

  Effendi, Shoghi. "God Passes By", Baha'i Publishing Trust, Wilmette,
    IL, 1944.

  Balyuzi, H.M. "Baha'u'llah, the King of Glory", George Ronald,
    Oxford, 1980.

******************************************************************************
Archive-name: bahai-faith/welcome
Last-Modified: 16-September-1993


Welcome! to the soc.religion.bahai newsgroup and its equivalent
mailing list, bahai-faith.  This article is one of several that shall
be posted periodically.  The current list of periodically posted
articles is

        Welcome
        Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
        Annoted Bibliography


PURPOSE

The newsgroup will act as a non-threatening forum for discussing and
sharing information about the tenets, history, and texts of the Baha'i
Faith.  Prior to its formation there was a good amount of traffic on
this topic in other newsgroups; this group provides a "single point of
contact" for such discussion.

Examples of posts that fall within the group's scope are:

* The Baha'i Faith's relation to other religions
* Relevance of Baha'i principles to current world events/problems
* Analysis of particular scriptural passages or themes
* General Q & A

MODERATOR POLICIES

The newsgroup will be subject to standards of Baha'i consultation, a
decision-making process whose salient features include frank yet
respectful statement of views and the concerted, open-minded search
for truth.  In practice, the moderators will reject personal attacks
(flames) directed at individual posters, similarly inflammatory
attacks directed at religious institutions, and articles which use
offensive language.  These guidelines are intended to regulate only
the tone of the discussions, and not their contents.

Repetitive postings (such as multiple responses to one request for a
book reference) may also be rejected.  Any rejected article will be
returned to the sender with an explanation.  The moderators may also,
when it appears helpful, insert clarifying remarks in posts, with the
intent of maintaining a good signal/noise ratio.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

At USENET sites, one is subscribed to all available newsgroups,
including soc.religion.bahai, by default.  If soc.religion.bahai does
not appear on your system, request that your news administrator make
it available.

The soc.religion.bahai newsgroup is gatewayed to USENET from the
moderated Internet mailing list, bahai-faith, which shares
soc.religion.bahai's policies.  Those without USENET access should
address subscription and unsubscription requests to

                 bahai-faith-request@oneworld.wa.com

If you have access to both USENET and Internet email, the former
medium is generally preferable, as it requires fewer network resources
per additional subscriber.

SUBMISSIONS

Readers of bahai-faith submit articles to the moderators by mailing
them to

                     bahai-faith@oneworld.wa.com

Please note that the distinction between the bahai-faith and
bahai-faith-request addresses is that administrivia is handled at the
latter.  (This distinction applies to most other mailing lists as
well.)  The distinction is significant in that the moderators do not
administer bahai-faith; the two addresses denote entirely distinct
recipients.

At USENET sites that provide automatic mailing in support of moderated
newsgroups, posting to soc.religion.bahai will transparently mail the
article to the moderators.  At other sites articles will need to be
mailed explicitly to the moderators, by means of the mailing list
address:

                     bahai-faith@oneworld.wa.com

The moderators attempt to handle each incoming article in a timely
manner, either posting it publicly or responding to its author
privately within four days of receipt.  If a post has resulted in
neither of these actions after four days, it should be assumed that
one's site is not configured to support submissions to moderated
groups, and the article should be resubmitted by mail to the above
address.

Please provide a signature with your name and correct e-mail address
(preferably in Internet format) at the end of your article; do not
rely on the article header's From: field to identify you, as this will
not necessarily contain your correct e-mail address.

NETIQUETTE

Please bear in mind that, because of the gatewayed nature of
soc.religion.bahai and bahai-faith, each posted article will appear in
both a USENET newsgroup and an Internet mailing list.  The combined
technical limitations of these forums require that a "least common
denominator" approach be used in posting articles.

Specifically, authors should be aware that:

* USENET news has a massive readership, as articles are replicated on
  literally thousands of hosts; mailing list readerships are generally
  much less extensive

* except for the Subject: header, mailing list articles have no
  built-in way of referencing previous articles

* whereas news facilitates the direction of responses to either the
  entire readership (via a "Follow-up") or an individual author (via a
  "Reply"), a mailing list requires that the user explicitly rewrite
  an address for one of these tasks (depending on the list's
  configuration) by altering the default To: header or possibly just
  adding a Cc: header in a mail reply

* a mailing list subscriber's host may have quite limited mail
  storage, so article length is a concern

* many readers' terminals are limited to 80 character lines

Therefore, the following suggestions are offered for your
consideration before posting.

An option in requests for specific information (how do I reach
someone, where is this quotation to be found, etc.) is to ask
explicitly that all replies be mailed directly to the poster, who may
then post a summary if it is of general interest.  This would result
in only 2 messages (or perhaps just one) being seen by all
subscribers, which could be desirable in some contexts.  Likewise,
responses to such requests may, in some cases, be most appropriately
addressed just to the original poster.

Please use line lengths of no more than 75.  This keeps your text
within the 80 character per line limit of most terminals, in both your
initial article and in any followup articles, where it is customary to
prefix each line of quotation from another article with a few
additional characters to indicate the material is quoted.

Please be merciful to small mail systems by limiting articles to 50
KiloBytes in length.  Posts that exceed this limit should either be
pared down or subdivided; or one could submit an announcement of the
item instead, asking that readers respond via private mail in order to
obtain the actual item.

If you quote a previously posted article, please limit the amount of
quoted text that you include.  One may generally assume that readers
have already seen an article to which one is responding.  Therefore,
you need only quote as much as required for establishing a context.

Please choose your Subject: heading carefully!

In the spirit of sharing ideas rather than wrangling over same, please
consider the following two contrasting quotations and the questions
that appear after them.

  The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of
  differing opinions.

        `Abdu'l-Baha, in Baha'i Administration, p. 21

  If two souls quarrel and contend about a question of the Divine
  questions, differing and disputing, _both are wrong_.  The wisdom of
  this incontrovertible law of God is this: That between two souls
  from amongst the believers of God, no contention and dispute might
  arise; that they may speak with each other with infinite amity and
  love.  Should there appear the least trace of controversy, they must
  remain silent, and both parties must continue their discussions no
  longer.

        `Abdu'l-Baha, in Baha'i World Faith, pp. 428-429
        (Emphasis as in the original)

a. In my article, is an idea being offered, expanded or clarified, or
   its implications being explored?  Has it been stated previously?
   Or is it mostly being reiterated and/or defended?

b. Have others indicated a desire to move on to another topic?

c. If responding to an earlier article, is it best in this case to
   respond to each paragraph therein?  Or is there one statement that
   succinctly summarizes the earlier viewpoint?  Or should a
   paraphrase be attempted?

d. Does the article express facts, or opinions?  More important, is it
   easy to discern which is which?

Our thanks for your help in maintaining a good "signal to noise"
ratio.

With best wishes,

--The Moderators:
   nabil@world.net         (Aaron Nabil Eastlund)
   kalantar@cs.cornell.edu (Michael Kalantar)







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