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1. Does the Baha'i
vision of a unified human race take racial differences into account? 1. Does the Baha'i vision of a unified human race take racial differences into account?
Baha'is view differences of race as a necessary part of the beauty of humanity. They are a part of our human heritage that makes us rich, and are to be celebrated. But they are superficial, and to create a united world, we must look beyond them to focus on higher loyalties, loyalties to the human race as a whole and loyalty to God and what He desires for His creation. Top
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2. How does the Baha'i Faith view differences in race?
While there may be differences in pigment, facial structure and other unique physical features among people on the planet, Baha'is do not believe that there really are different races. In fact, DNA and other scientific research indicates that most of humanity shares enough in common to be classified as one family. Baha'is believe that, we are, in fact, all one family, one race, the human race. All are children of God, and we all come from the same origins, both spiritually and physically. There are obvious differences in skin tone, but these differences are superficial. These differences are the result of physical adaptations to our different environments. We must view these differences as different marks of beauty, and appreciate them in each other, and exist in a spirit of unity and family. Top
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3. Do Baha'is believe that race matters at all?
Race does not matter on one level, the most important level dealing with one soul relating to another soul, because it has no impact on spiritual capacity. All humanity is equal in the eyes of God. But on another level race does matter because it is the differences in skin color that make the human race so beautiful. An analogy often used in the Baha'i writings is that humanity is like a garden, full of different types of flowers. Planting only one type of flower, like having only one race in the world, would be plain and boring. Top
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4. Do I have to give up my culture to become a Baha'i?
No. Baha'is invite all cultures to join the Faith, and to bring their traditions with them. In keeping with the belief of unity in diversity, Baha'is want to build a community that unites all people, and celebrates our differences. Top
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5. What do Baha'is believe it will take to bring blacks and whites together?
Racial healing takes an incredible amount of work and understanding, as well as help from the Spiritual world. Baha'is believe that overcoming racial wounds will require such huge transformation, both of individuals and of society as a whole that nothing short of the Word of God can accomplish it. As such, it is best to address issues of race in loving and supporting environments that are focused on spiritual solutions and which study the writings of God. Top
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6. According to Baha'i scripture what role do whites and blacks have in addressing issues of race prejudice?
Both races have important, but different roles to play to heal our unfortunate history of prejudice. Baha'is recommend that white people struggle to overcome even the slightest sense of superiority, and should patiently pursue meaningful friendships with black individuals. Baha'is recommend that black people, on the other hand, respond warmly to the efforts made by whites and work to overcome traces of suspicion that have been reinforced by generations of mistreatment. Top
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7. How can Baha'is deal with the challenging issues of race and culture in their own communities?
Baha'is handle all discussions, on any matter, in a spirit of consultation. This means that each individual is expected to speak his or her mind, in a direct, but sensitive way. Consultation is a powerful tool because when used correctly, it enables people to discuss difficult issues without taking offence. Even still, Baha'is are warned by our writings that any issue that deals with race, however remotely, must be handled with incredible care and wisdom. This is because racial mistreatment has been so horrible in the past that a tremendous amount of healing must be achieved, and healing happens best in a gentle and caring environment. Top
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8. How can Baha'is deal with the challenging issues of race and culture in their own communities?
Baha'i communities are set up with an open venue to discuss community issues at Feast. During the monthly community meetings that Baha'is call Feasts, a portion of the meeting is open for individuals to bring up, in a loving but frank tone, any issue they feel the community needs to address. The community then discusses this issue to tries to solve it. Baha'i administrative bodies are also always available to individuals to bring up issues, confidential or not. An individual can approach their Local Spiritual Assembly, their National Spiritual Assembly, or even the Universal House of Justice. Top
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9. How do Baha'i institutions protect and encourage members of racial minorities within the Baha'i community?
Baha'is believe very seriously in protecting the interests of minority groups. Because Baha'is believe that all people are equal at a fundamental level, if one individual's needs are not being met, then it is as if nobody's needs are being met. Minority groups are strongly encouraged to pursue their interests within the community, to the point that if multiple viewpoints are offered on a topic, and the group can't decide which way to go, it should unhesitatingly follow the ideas of the minority members. This is a matter of principle, so that all members feel included. Top
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