Baha'is believe that all people come from same spiritual source and reflect all the attributes of God, such as love, generosity, kindness, and so on. We are one human family, and the differences between people are a rich resource for us as we can learn about the multiple ways of being human. Our job as individuals is to recognize all the things that we have in common, and respect and learn from differences that exist. As a result, Baha'is try to get to know people of different races and backgrounds and build friendships with them. Along these lines, interracial marriage is strongly encouraged as a means of bringing diverse people together and building strong families.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Race Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Intro Class #2 (see Oneness) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2

Baha'is believe unquestionably in the equality of the sexes. Until women are given the same rights as men, and the same opportunities for advancement in science, the arts and government, the world will not achieve real progress. In addition, Baha'is believe that when women are fully involved in government affairs, war will cease.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Women Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2

Education is viewed by Baha'is as a fundamental element in personal transformation as it is the only means that enables us to develop the spiritual and intellectual qualities we have inside us. The education of children is given special emphasis, particularly spiritual education, as this helps children grow up with the vision and ability to build a united world. The education of women is of the highest priority for Baha'is, so much so that Baha'i Writings recommend that if a family has to make a choice, it should educate the female before the male children. This is because the girls will be future mothers, and the mother is the first educator of her children, and thus a fundamental resource in their intellectual and spiritual lives.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Family Life Intro Class #1 (see unit 1) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2 Text 3

One important Baha'i belief is that every individual has the right and responsibility to investigate reality and decide on the truth for him or herself. While we are encouraged to talk to other people and learn what their beliefs are, in the end, we all need to make decisions about what is right and what we believe for ourselves. No one should impose his or her beliefs others. The challenge is to free ourselves from attachment to prejudices and history so that we can see with objective eyes. Some ways that Baha'is are encouraged to do this are to ask questions, pray to God for guidance, and meditate to clear our minds and be open to understand reality.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Key Beliefs Other Religions Spirituality Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2 Text 3

Baha'is believe that the elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty is an important social goal. The solution to economic problems is spiritual rather than material. People's attitudes need to change to recognize the dignity of every human, and that we are all interconnected as members of the human family. When attitudes change, then individuals will find it impossible to exploit other humans. Such a change only comes with personal spiritual transformation. Baha'is are working to bring about this spiritual transformation in the world as a prerequisite for solving the economic injustices.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   -- Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Intro Class #2 (see Oneness) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2 Text 3

All Baha'is, both men and women, are expected to have a trade or profession and to support themselves and their families financially. Work that is done as service to humanity is seen as worship, so having a profession fulfills two purposes! Raising children is viewed as a legitimate profession, so it is up to every family to decide how best to arrange for raising children and professional development for both husband and wife.

The activities of the Baha'i community are supported by individual, anonymous contributions from Baha'is, and there is no solicitation of funds. Only Baha'is have the privilege of contributing to the Baha'i Funds, which support the work done in the Baha'i community; contributions are not accepted from those who are not Baha'is.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Worship Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Intro Class #2 (see Beliefs & Practices) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2 Text 3

As Baha'is we have respect for nature as we see it as a creation of God that reflects attributes of God. There are many references to nature in Baha'i scripture where it is used as an analogy for spiritual truths. In talking about the environment the idea of moderation comes in: we can use the resources of the earth for the growth of civilization, but not in excess. Our attitude while interacting with the environment should be one of respect and appreciation for nature as it is a reflection of God.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   -- Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Intro Class #2 (see Beliefs & Practices) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text1 Text 2

Baha'is believe that humanity needs to change our thinking from seeing ourselves as separate nations and peoples, to recognizing that we are closely interconnected, and members of one human family. Baha'is have three main avenues of action to address large global issues. The first is promoting the idea that the people in the world are interconnected, and that we need to act in ways that will build unity. The second is through local action: groups of people in localities all around the world constructively building connections between people, providing education, resolving conflicts, bringing previously antagonistic people together to work on common problems. The value of this process is often underestimated, but it is steadily building up a web of connections and a culture of peace in the world. The third is progressive application of Baha'u'llah's guidance about how to construct a global commonwealth. He describes the institutions needed for a global society to emerge: A world court, a world tribunal, international police force (that falls under the jurisdiction of a world government) principles of democratic election, and the protection of minority interests. Another measure Baha'u'llah calls for is the adoption of a universal auxiliary language that will be taught in addition to national languages. This would facilitate international communication both between governments but also between all peoples. Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Administration Community Women Intro Class #1 (see unit 4) Intro Class #2 (see The Future) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2 Text 3 Text 4

One of Baha'u'llah's instructions for Baha'is is to be obedient to government and follow the laws of the country in which we live. However, we also participate to help improve government policy. In many places, Baha'is offer advice to governments and interact with them, including meeting with elected officials, serving on non-partisan appointed bodies, and preparing position papers to assist governments in defining policy.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Beliefs Administration Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Intro Class #2 (see Beliefs & Practices) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1

The Baha'i Writings say that we should be "anxiously concerned with the needs of the age" we are living in. For Baha'is this means being actively involved in social causes and collaborating with groups who have similar aims. Baha'i involvement in these issues ranges from our offices at the United Nations, dealing with the environment, women, education and moral development, to local community efforts to promote peace and understanding among different groups or clean up the environment.
However, Baha'is are not involved in partisan politics. Modern governments are based on dividing people into opposing groups rather than building unity. When people are in opposition it is much harder to find solutions that meet everyone's needs, whereas when we work together, it is possible to achieve much more than we could have imagined. Baha'is therefore choose to tackle social problems through building unity and taking action.  Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Beliefs Administration Intro Class #1 (see unit 3) Intro Class #2 (see Beliefs & Practices) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2

There are many ways of studying the Baha'i Faith. As Baha'is have no clergy, there are no authoritative interpreters. Individuals are enjoined to read something from the Baha'i writings every morning and evening and meditate on it, thus daily increasing their understanding of the Baha'i Faith. Local communities and individuals often hold study classes and discussion groups in their homes where a wide range of topics are explored. There are summer and winter "schools" where Baha'is and their friends gather for a weekend or a week to form new friendships and learn about different aspects of the Baha'i Faith. In addition, a network of training institutes are being established in the Baha'i world for training Baha'is and interested non-Baha'is in principles and application of those principles. Local communities offer an increasing number of courses both on weekends and once-a-week study sessions. You can contact 1-(800)- 22-Unite, or email Bahai-Info@usbnc.org and someone from a community near you will contact you concerning meetings in your area. There are also on-line courses offered through this website. (www.bahaistudy.org)   Top

Quotations: Classes: Audio: Video: Holy Books:   Worship Beliefs Intro Class #1 (see unit 1) Soundbite 1 Soundbite 2 Soundbite 3 Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 Text 1 Text 2