Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
The Baha'i Faith in America provides an engaging and accessible overview of one of the world's youngest and fastest growing religions. William Garlington explores the principles of the Baha'i faith and traces the historical development Baha'i faith both worldwide and in the USA. In the process, Garlington 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.
Synopsis
The Baha'i faith is one of the world's youngest and fastest growing religions, but remains a mystery to many. In The Baha'i Faith in America, William Garlington presents an engaging and accessible overview of the Baha'i beliefs, laws, and organizational structure from its 19th century beginnings to the present day. Garlington focuses on the historical development of the Baha'i faith in the United States, analyzing the growth of the church and the involvement of the Baha'i faith in critical moments in US history, such as the Civil Rights Movement. William Garlington also takes a close look at contemporary issues facing the community, including the role of women in leadership, attitudes towards homosexuality and abortion, and how the Baha'i faith responds to other religions in America. The Baha'i Faith in America reveals a dynamic and idealistic faith that is attempting to model a worldwide religious community that is compatible with the ongoing process of globalization.