Baha'i Introduction Study Answers

Who is the founder of the Baha'i Faith? What does His name mean?

Baha'u'llah and the name means: the Glory of God

What is a "Baha'i"?
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A Baha'i is a follower of Baha'u'llah
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The Baha'i Faith is a sect of which religion?

The Baha'i Faith is an independent world religion
and is not a sect of any other religion.

Describe the Baha'i rituals performed by the Baha'i clergy.
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The Baha'i Faith has no rituals or clergy.
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What are the three "onenesses" that constitute the core belief of the Baha'i Faith?
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The oneness of God, the oneness of religion,
and the oneness of humanity.
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How can Baha'is state that they accept the prophets of other religions while at the same time holding that there is only one religion?
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Baha'is believe that God has one religion
and that each world religion is a part of that
one religion.
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What is the relationship of the Baha'i Faith to today's society?

Baha'is believe that the Baha'i Faith is God's
source of guidance for this age.

In which way is the Baha'i Faith unique in its relationship to all the other religions?
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Baha'u'llah is the only prophet to be foretold in
all the world's Holy Scriptures.
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In which country and in which year did the Baha'i Faith start?
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Persia (i.e. Iran) in 1844.
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Who is the Bab?

He was an independent Messenger of God and
His primary mission was to prepare the way for Baha'u'llah.

What is the relationship between the Bab and Baha'u'llah?

Baha'u'llah was a follower of the Bab.  The
Bab's primary purpose was to prepare the way for
Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i Faith.

Briefly describe Baha'u'llah's family background.

Baha'u'llah grew up in an environment of wealth,
power and comfort.

When and where did Baha'u'llah announce His Mission?
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April, 1863, in Baghdad.
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How many years did Baha'u'llah spend in prison or exile?
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Forty
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What is `Abdu'l-Baha's relationship to Baha'u'llah?

`Abdu'l-Baha's was Baha'u'llah's eldest son and
the authorized Interpreter of Baha'u'llah's writings.

What did The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, guard?
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The unity of the Baha'i community.
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What is the difference between "spiritual teachings" and "social teachings"?

Spiritual teachings help the individual prepare
for his or her eternal spiritual journey.  Social teachings
help groups of individuals build harmony and justice.

What is the relationship between religion and the unity of the world?
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Religion is supposed to be the cause of unity in
the world.
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If all the Prophets come from God, why do they say different things?

Religious teachings are progressive and
evolutionary due to the constant evolution of
humanity.

How does Baha'i consultation handle differences of opinion?

Baha'i consultation encourages full expression
of differing opinions, since the truth often only
comes to light after a wide range opinions has
been expressed.

Which language does the Baha'i Faith pick as the world's "international auxiliary language"?
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None is specified.  It is up to the world to pick one.
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What will happen when to men when women and men are granted equal status?
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A lot will happen when society allow women
equal status with men.
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What is one way the Baha'i Faith redistribute the world's wealth so as to reduce the extremes of wealth and poverty?

The Baha'i Faith instructs the rich to consider the
blessings given to them and to share those blessings
with others not so fortunate.

Why are Baha'is not allowed to become involved in partisan politics?
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Partisan politics, by its very nature, is divisive.
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What advice did Baha'u'llah give the rulers of His time?

He told them to look after the welfare of their
people and to take steps toward establishing permanent
world peace.

What is the purpose of life?
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To know and love God.
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What is the purpose of the Baha'i Fast?

This is a period to reflect on one's own spiritual
progress and to detach oneself from material desires.

What are the three parts of a Baha'i Feast?
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Spiritual, consultative, and social.
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What is the nature of the soul?
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The soul is a mysterious sign of God.
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Describe the covenant God has with humanity.

God will send Messengers to educate humanity,
and humanity will be blessed to the degree to which
it follows the Messenger's teachings.

What is the covenant Baha'u'llah has with His followers?

For Baha'is, the Covenant made by Baha'u'llah
is both a renewal of the promise of Divine Guidance
and a system that ensures its continuance.

What is a Local Spiritual Assembly and what makes it distinctive?

It is the administrative body for the local
Baha'i community.  It is distinctive in that its
members' responsibility is to the Baha'i teachings
rather than to the individuals who voted to them.

Where is the Universal House of Justice located?

It is located in Haifa, Israel, on Mount Carmel.

Who can contribute to the Baha'i Fund?

Only Baha'is have the privilege of contributing
financially to the Baha'i Faith.