I'm curious after doing some research, but also found and interesting opinion (perhaps made by some blogger) which detailed some criticism regarding the Baha'i faith (See Below)
That’s quite a list!
The Baha’i Faith emerged out of Persia, now Iran. The Baha’i community remains harassed and persecuted in Iran.
https://news.bahai.org/story/1300/
ODS HOME PAGE
The Iranian Government have put a great deal of resources into attacking the Baha’i Faith and have likely supported the publication of a 600+ page book with a clear agenda to discredit the Baha’is.
Twelve Principles: A Comprehensive Investigation On The Baha'i Teachings First Edition : Masoud Basiti, Zahra Moradi, Hossein Akhoondali, Ali Mansouri : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Most of the material from the blog is derived from this book.
It’s important to know the context.
The Independent Investigation of Truth, Unfettered by Superstition or Tradition(yet somehow, most Baha’i scripture is locked up in Israel and no one can investigate Baha’ism in a correct manner)
Many of the original documents or writings of the Baha’i Faith are based in Haifa, Israel.
A great deal of the writings are available in Arabic, Persian and English.
Bahá’í Reference Library | The Bahá’í Faith
Permission to access the original documents would need to be arranged through the appropriate channels as would be expected with any precious or historical archives.
The Oneness of Humanity(But the founder would insult his deniers and refer to them as donkeys pigs and ********: Baha’i Belief and Courtesy:
Baha’u’llah Refers to Those that Deny Him as Animals, Pigs, Donkeys, Dogs, and ********)
There’s no authentic English translation to support this statement.
Religion Must be the Source of Unity and Fellowship(Baha’u’llah’s family were in constant conflict and shunned each other)
Bahá’u’lláh’s half brother Mirza Yahya claimed leadership of the Baha’i Faith.
Subh-i-Azal - Wikipedia
Abdu’l-Baha’s half brother Mírzá Muhammad-Ali opposed his leadership.
Mírzá Muhammad `Alí - Wikipedia
Religion Must be in Conformity with Science and Reason(Ironically, the founders made numerous errors when speaking about scientific matters:
See a list of blunders here)
The ‘errors’ are generally created by taking writings out of context.
If you have any specific examples I’m happy to discuss.
The Removal of All Prejudice(yet non-Baha’i are considered as worthless pebbles: “My friends are the pearls of [this] order and all others are earthly pebbles . . . a single one of these (Baha’is) is more precious than a million others (non-Baha’is),” (Baha’u’llah))
I’ve never come across such a statement from Bahá’u’lláh in the nearly 30 years I’ve been a Baha’i and can find no authentic reference for it.
The Baha’i Writings are strong on love for all:
They that are endued with sincerity and faithfulness should associate with all the peoples and kindreds of the earth with joy and radiance, inasmuch as consorting with people hath promoted and will continue to promote unity and concord, which in turn are conducive to the maintenance of order in the world and to the regeneration of nations. Blessed are such as hold fast to the cord of kindliness and tender mercy and are free from animosity and hatred.
–
Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 35.
Baha'u'llah
The Equalization of the Means of Livelihood for All Humanity (except for thieves and those that are labelled as covenant breakers for disagreeing with Baha’i doctrines and are kicked out of the community)
That’s not from the Baha’i writings but the opinion of the blogger.
Establishment of a Universal House of Justice and Supreme Tribunal (unfortunately, the house of justice turned out to be a dictatorship who handles all disagreement with an ironfist)
Subjective opinion based on what? It’s certainly not my experience of the International governing body of my faith.
Universal Compulsory Education (the blunders of the leaders in simple scientific matters show that this is mere slogan)
The Baha’i writings place great emphasis on universal education.
Universal Education
What are these blunders on scientific matters?
A Universal Auxiliary Language (but they failed to introduce such a language)
It is for humanity to establish such a universal language and script in the future.
The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential. It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action.
Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh | Bahá’í Reference Library
That time has yet to come.
For example?
11- Establishment of Universal Peace (this one is probably the biggest failure)
The world has become more peaceful and prosperous over the last 100 or so years. There is less conflict, more international cooperation and standards of living have generally progressed dramatically in most parts of the world. Clearly there is still much work to be done but the trend is undeniable. I recommend you read a book titled ‘Factfulness’ by Hans Rosling.
https://www.amazon.com/Factfulness-Reasons-World-Things-Better/dp/1250107814
12- The World of Humanity is in the Need of the Breath of the Holy Spirit.
I agree.
13-Baha'i claim on gender equality with a huge BUT:
The Universal House of Justice wrote on 8 January 1981:
Abdu'l-Bahá asserts: 'In this divine age the bounties of God have encompassed the world of women. Equality of men and women, except in some negligible instances, has been fully and categorically announced. Distinctions have bee utterly removed.' That men and women differ from one another in certain characteristics and functions is an inescapable fact of nature; the important thing is that He regards such inequalities as remain between the sexes as being 'negligible'.
One of these negligible instances is the exclusion of women from the Universal House of Justice—the infallible top-governing body of the Baha'i Faith.
It is true that only men are eligible to serve on the Universal House of Justice.
14- The allowance of Bigamy:
"You asked about polygamy. According to the text (nass) of the Divine Book the right of having two wives is lawful and legal (ja'iz). This was never (abadan) prohibited, but it is legitimate and allowed (halal wa mubah). You should therefore not be unhappy, but take justice into your consideration so that you may be as just as possible. What has been said was that since justice is very difficult [to achieve], therefore tranquillity [calls for] one wife. But in your case, you should not be unhappy".
The Baha’i Writings clearly establishes monogamy. This is a major change from Islam.
15- Baha'i allowing the desecration of "covenant breakers" grave
"ANNOUNCE BAHA'I WORLD REMOVAL FROM IMMEDIATE PRECINCTS HOLY SHRINE BAHA'U'LLAH REMAINS MIRZA DIYA'U'LLAH YOUNGER BROTHER MIRZA MUHAMMAD ALI HIS ACCOMPLICE IN EFFORTS SUBVERT FOUNDATIONS COVENANT GOD SOON AFTER ASCENSION BAHA'U'LLAH. THIS FINAL STEP IN PROCESS PURIFICATION SACRED INTERNATIONAL ENDOWMENTS FAITH IN BAHJI FROM PAST CONTAMINATION WAS PROVIDENTIALLY UNDERTAKEN"
The relatives of Mírzá Diya’u’llah requested the relocation of his body. The Baha’i leadership agreed to the request. As Mírzá Diya’u’llah had acted to subvert the leadership of Abdu’l-Baha, this was seen as a positive development.
Anyone Baha'i care to debate the opposite of this?
I’m happy to discuss any criticism of the Baha’i Faith you wish.
