The Baha'i Faith in America

The Baha'i faith is one of the world's youngest and fastest growing religions, but remains a mystery to many. In The Baha'i Faith in America, William Garlington presents an engaging and accessible overview of the Baha'i beliefs, laws, and organizational structure from its 19th century beginnings to the present day. Garlington focuses on the historical development of the Baha'i faith in the United States, analyzing the growth of the church and the involvement of the Baha'i faith in critical moments in US history, such as the Civil Rights Movement. William Garlington also takes a close look at contemporary issues facing the community, including the role of women in leadership, attitudes towards homosexuality and abortion, and how the Baha'i faith responds to other religions in America. The Baha'i Faith in America reveals a dynamic and idealistic faith that is attempting to model a worldwide religious community that is compatible with the ongoing process of globalization.

See the review by Robert Stockman:
Stockman, R. H. (2010). "Book Reviews: The Baha'i Faith in America, An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith." Journal of Religion (Chicago) 90: 115-117.

Chapter 1 Foreword by Jeffrey J. Kripal
Chapter 2 Introduction
Part 3 Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
Chapter 4 Origins and Historical Development
Chapter 5 Beliefs and Principles
Chapter 6 Aspects of Baha'i Community Life
Chapter 7 The Baha'i Administrative Order
Part 8 The Baha'i Faith in America
Chapter 9 Phase I (1892-1921)
Chapter 10 Phase II (1922-1957)
Chapter 11 Phase III (1958-2000)
Chapter 12 Priorities and Issues in the Modern American Baha'i Community
Chapter 13 Anti-Baha'i Polemic and Baha'i Responses
Chapter 14 Conclusion
Chapter 15 Bibliography