In today’s world we are constantly encountering new cultures and
beliefs.
 Whether this is in the office, at school, on vacation or on TV,
we are increasingly aware that our world is full of people with
different (or sometimes not so different) beliefs.
In today’s world we are constantly encountering new cultures and beliefs. Whether this is in the office, at school, on vacation or on TV, we are increasingly aware that our world is full of people with different (or sometimes not so different) beliefs. One lesser-known belief is the Bahá’i faith, a fast-growing religion which offers modern answers to the ancient hunger for peace and unity among people.
This faith began in Shiraz, Iran, in 1844 when the Bab declared himself to be the herald of “Him Whom God Shall Make Manifest,” or a future messenger of God who would usher in a new era of peace. In 1863 Baha’u’llah declared that he was the messenger foretold by the Bab.
The Persian nobleman left his life of comfort to bring a message that there is only one God, one human race and all the world’s religions express stages in the revelation of God’s purpose for humanity.
Since then the faith has grown to more than 5 million believers located in every country in the world. Its fundamental teachings offer solutions to the problems of men and women of today: full equality between sexes, elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty, universal education, harmony between science and religion, and the eventual establishment of a world government system based on collective security and the oneness of all people.
There is an active Bahá’i community in Morgan Hill. Since the nearest Bahá’i Center is in San Jose, local Bahá’is in Morgan Hill meet in one another’s homes for feast and other social gatherings.
The faith has its own calendar; for example the first day of the year is always March 21. On the 19th day of each month the community meets for a “Feast” or communal meal and meeting.
Each of these meetings has three components:
Spiritual: Those in attendance bring sacred texts from many religious traditions to read and discuss. (Bahá’i feel that Baha’u’llah is the most recent in a series of God’s messengers, which included Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Bahá’i believe that he is not the last, however.)
Business: They handle all administrative matters which have come up.
Fellowship: Music CD’s or educational DVD’s may be enjoyed, followed by a meal or refreshments.
Morgan Hill has its own Local Spiritual Assembly. This group of nine elected members meets monthly. These representative assemblies serve to administer affairs at the local, national and international levels.
The Morgan Hill and Gilroy Bahá’i communities operate a Family School in Gilroy where children are taught about virtues.
There is also the Bosch Bahá’i School in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Students who attend come with the purpose of increasing their knowledge of various aspects of the Bahá’i faith, including its history, core teachings and spiritual principles. This lifelong education process is fundamental because without a priesthood or clergy, every Bahá’i is asked to take an active part in the affairs of the community.
There are no rituals involved in becoming a Bahá’i. After people have heard the teachings, they may sign a declaration card which affirms that Baha’u’llah is the Prophet or Messenger for this age. Then they can become involved in every aspect of the religion.
Local realtor Jerry Brearton says he was baptized as a Methodist in childhood and attended many Christian denominations without feeling a commitment to them. But after discovering the Bahá’i writings, “I could really relate because it is so nonjudgmental and advocates so strongly for unity among people as well as universal peace.”
Morgan Hill attorney Amy Reid invites people to investigate this modern faith. “There is no pressure to join and no demand for commitment.”
South County residents can learn more about the Bahá’i faith by calling (800) 22-UNITE or checking the Internet at www.bahai.org.
Chuck Flagg teaches English at Mt. Madonna High School. Write to him at P.O. Box 22365, Gilroy, Calif. 95021.
