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9780275984137

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Baha'i teaches the unity of major world religions and of humankind. Members see the religion as an agent of profound change; they envision eventual world peace and the unity of the entire planet. Baha'i is well suited to the global village, and has already made efforts in race relations. It has attracted five million adherents worldwide, with 100,000 followers in the US. This book tells their story. As a former Baha'i, Garlington is well positioned for his task. He combines the former insider's knowledge of the subject with the current outsider's willingness to critique the movement's shortcomings. The result is a sympathetic yet gently critical study. The author presents his subject in two parts. Part 1 describes the essentials of the religion--its leaders and early history, its central teachings, and administrative structure. Part 2 describes the circumstances of bringing the religion to the US in 1892; growth in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere; mission strategies to win followers; rapid expansion (1960-80) and ethnic makeup; and current struggles to achieve growth. The author candidly addresses internal tensions between Baha'i's liberal scholars and conservative administrators over policy and practices. A splendid introduction to Baha'i's place in the American religious landscape. Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers. - Choice

?Baha'i teaches the unity of major world religions and of humankind. Members see the religion as an agent of profound change; they envision eventual world peace and the unity of the entire planet. Baha'i is well suited to the global village, and has already made efforts in race relations. It has attracted five million adherents worldwide, with 100,000 followers in the US. This book tells their story. As a former Baha'i, Garlington is well positioned for his task. He combines the former insider's knowledge of the subject with the current outsider's willingness to critique the movement's shortcomings. The result is a sympathetic yet gently critical study. The author presents his subject in two parts. Part 1 describes the essentials of the religion--its leaders and early history, its central teachings, and administrative structure. Part 2 describes the circumstances of bringing the religion to the US in 1892; growth in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere; mission strategies to win followers; rapid expansion (1960-80) and ethnic makeup; and current struggles to achieve growth. The author candidly addresses internal tensions between Baha'i's liberal scholars and conservative administrators over policy and practices. A splendid introduction to Baha'i's place in the American religious landscape. Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers.?-Choice

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William Garlington taught history and religious studies in the United States and Australia for over twenty-five years.

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