The Baha'i Faith in America
- Westport CT Praeger Publishers 2005
- xxiii-221 p. ; 24 cm.
- Studies in the Babi and Baha’i Religions 21 .
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