My Bahai Faith – A Personal Tour of the Baha’i Teachings
My Bahai Faith is an affordable introductory book written for the kind of people who actually end up wanting to become Bahá’ís. They are mature spiritual seekers, but not necessarily scholars. They are Christian, but not fundamentalist. They are open to new ideas, but need assurances that we are not going to be weird or cultish. They are looking for a community to join, but don’t want to surrender their individuality or intellect. They appreciate straight-forward answers to basic questions.
Starting with a brief account of my own search for a more compassionate understanding of Salvation, My Bahá’í Faith explores the idea of the oneness of religion, progressive revelation and how it relates to the maturation of the human race, then goes on to explain social and spiritual teachings. I do not ignore Bahá’u’lláh, but I do wait until the reader understands the Trinity and the three-fold nature of the Prophets before going into an in-depth exploration of His life and station. The 28 pages devoted to history are enough to capture the excitement and drama of the Age of Revelation without getting the reader bogged down in details. Every historical stage is related directly back to its equivalent in Christian history so that the Western reader is forced to recognize that in spite of the strange names and places, Bahá’u’lláh and Christ followed the same Divine Path. The book ends with a description of the Bahá’í Community, an acknowledgement of some of its challenges, and a celebration of its diversity and unity. There is a short bibliography, and information on how to find out more.
With the sudden influx of introductory books on the Faith, one would think that the needs of the Community were finally being met. But in spite of all of the new titles available, we were still in need of an introductory book that was inexpensive enough to give to people who were only mildly interested – say about $6.00. We also still needed a book that focused first on our relationship with God, rather than on history or social principles. How about a book that both explained the Baha’í Writings in simple language, but also included enough quotations to demonstrate Their power and depth; something short enough to read at one sitting but long enough to include most of the basic teachings. We also needed something that was written in a readable style like Falling Into Grace, that was welcoming without being pushy, honest without scaring people away.
That’s a lot to expect out of one book – but then, you’ve come to expect a lot out of Special Ideas. Written by Justice St Rain, author of Falling Into Grace and Why Me?
Renee Dieperink Wesly –
A big MAHALO (thank you in Hawaiian) for sending me the new book “My Baha’i Faith” for FREE!!! I immediately read it and have re-read it two times after that. Thank you Justice for writing the most wonderful Bahá’í introductory book. The approach you have taken is just the kind of approach that appeals to me. Most introductory books start right off with the history which, if you are not familiar with the faith, might be too hard. All those “weird names” at first seem overwhelming. I love how you are writing from the heart in the first person and I love your writing style. It’s just like you are sitting next to me telling me a story. I love how you are writing about the spiritual aspect about the faith first. You are addressing the kind of questions I was trying to find answers to before I became a Baha’i and feel many people who are interested could benefit greatly from you book. I am ordering several copies now to give away to some interested friends and family members. Keep on writing. I love your work!
Shelby Beckett Letbetter –
And I’ve been meaning to write and tell you how wonderful I think your book, My Baha’i Faith, is! I’ve only been a Baha’i for 2 years now, and reading your book while I was just getting started has been extremely helpful. I actually continue to read in it frequently, especially the parts that I have marked with yellow marker as reminders! Actually, it bristles with colored tab markers, too. So many helpful and heart-lifting sections to reread! I’ve given copies to others, too.
Thanks for writing it and for all the excellent work you do!
A FB post from Karyn Brown Harris. –
Nice piece of wisdom… Mr. St. Rain. As a new Baha’i, I cannot tell you how much your writings have meant to me. I hope to one day be able to talk with you myself about your ideas and understandings. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, so that those of us who are seeking will upon arrival realize miraculously that we are not alone on the path.
DIANE CHURCH –
Justice was very helpful by answering my questions regarding some items I thought would meet my needs. He knows his products so is good at explaining them. He is also very personable and happy to help.
ARUN DIXIT –
Very nice presentation of the Bahai Faith
Diana Negron –
Beautiful