The development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth-century Iran to become an independent religion established in many countries and commanding the devotion of people from many different cultures provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than that by which any other religion emerged and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the development of the major beliefs and values in their social and historical contexts. Beginning with the ...
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The development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth-century Iran to become an independent religion established in many countries and commanding the devotion of people from many different cultures provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than that by which any other religion emerged and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the development of the major beliefs and values in their social and historical contexts. Beginning with the rise of the dissident Babi sect within Shi'i Islam, the book examines the origin of the Baha'i Faith and its dominant religious concerns in Qajar Iran, its initial establishment and subsequent growth in the United States, the development of its administration, and its present global expansion. A conclusion outlines possible future developments. Chronologies of the main events, a glossary and a bibliographical guide add to the usefulness of the book for both students and general readers.
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Seller's Description:
Near Fine. 052131755X. B&W Maps & Illustrations; 8.35 X 5.51 X 0.79 inches; xiv, 243 pages; Soft cover has purple spine with yellow lettering. Cover has slight shelf wear. Illustrated with 2 b/w maps and 14 b/w pictures/charts. Pages are clean and tight; appears as if unused. This book...Is a seminal work that merits wider attention than it has received thus far. For those interested in the harder edge of Bahá'í scholarship, Peter Smith's book can handily serve those serious students who may be seeking to delve into a socio-historical work on the Bahá'í Faith that reaches back to investigate and trace its transformation from an obscure Shaykhi sect into a modern world religion. Dr. Smith, professor in the faculty of social sciences and humanities at Mahidol University, Thailand, clearly states the purpose of his book in the Introduction: “These changing motifs [of the Bábí Faith] may be seen as part of a general process of transformation, whereby what was essentially a messianic Shi'i sect has developed into a world religion”. Notes; 3 appendices; index.