ConureDelSol

Hello again!

I have been actively reading more about the Baha'i faith and I have attempted to search for answers to some of these questions. I couldn't find any clear answers and was hoping some of the knowledgeable people here could help clear up any confusion. Also, as a note, I do not consider myself as Baha'i yet, but I agree strongly with many of its beliefs and practices. I feel that God will let me know if and when the time is right to call myself Baha'i.

Here we go:

1. I work in a church and as such, am required to go to services and events held by them. The job on its own is a good job with fantastic hours, so I hope to hold it until I take on a full-time student workload (I'm only part-time right now). My father is a conservative Christian and I want to wait on revealing anything about my choices of religion until I am no longer living with him or going to that church. Should I become Baha'i within this timeframe, would me going to a Christian church be considered wrong?

2. Do Baha'i believe in the Trinity?

3. Do Baha'i believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

4. How do Baha'is pray? I know of the obligatory prayers, but I have seen that there are other traditions to follow while doing them (ex. facing towards the shrine of Baha'u'llah, repeating prayers a number of times, etc.). Are there any directions as for how to do this? Is freestyle prayer (similar to Christian prayer) accepted in addition to obligatory prayers?

5. My father is deeply into Christian apologetics. He uses CARM.org as one of his resources (Baha'i | Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry). How much of that website's statements are factual? How do I respond to someone who challenges the Baha'i faith?

6. I am a former Geek Squad Agent and now work fixing and refurbishing computers at the church. I love having religious software available to me on my computers and my Android phone. Are there any suggestions as to where I can find reliable software for daily readings and research?

7. What other things would be helpful for a Christian in the process of learning the Baha'i faith?

Sorry I keep asking so much. God bless.

Robertus

These aren't official answers or anything, just my opinion.


If I were you I would wait before making anything too official or telling your father. And as far as I know there is nothing wrong with going to a Christian church or Synagogue.... or Mosque etc.

Not in the Christian sense of the word. Abdul Baha answers the question here: Bahá'í Reference Library - Some Answered Questions, Pages 113-115

In the Sense that the Manifestations of God are Divine then yes. But according to the Christian idea of being the "only begotten" son and the other council statements then no.

Yes absolutely!

Personal spontaneous prayer is very important to ones spiritual growth. The Obligatory prayers and the other prayers written by Bahaullah and Abdul Baha are ver blessed too.

I personally mix it up.

I perform my obligatory prayer and talk with God all day as soon as I get the time. I use pre-written prayers in addition to spontaneous prayer too.

Baha'i Apologetics is a huge topic, one I'm trying to study in depth, and isn't just a one sentence answer sort of thing. Maybe you can start a new thread with specific question and we'll see what answers the community can come up with

Read the Hidden Words of Bahaullah often. As a former Christian myself that work always spoke to my soul.

Never stop asking question, that the only way we learn!

cire perdue

It can be tough to continue to feel the same way about the way Christianity explains itself once you understand the Baha'i points of view. Much of Christianity's views about itself are about what the right interpretations of scripture are. Because Baha'is believe scripture can be literal sometimes, but mostly figurative or symbolic then we diverge from traditional Christianity.
We believe in the Virgin Birth and the resurrection of Christ, but not the bodily resurrection. This is really tough for Christians, really. However the Baha'i explanation is that the body that rose was the believers who were spiritually dead, b/c Christ had been crucified. Mary Magdalene is said to imparted to the Disciples that He was truly risen and then they understood. Jesus imparted the belief in life after death that has had more effect on the civilization of mankind regardless of the bodily resurrection. The pagan Roman Empire changed utterly from wasting lives for entertainment to caring for the sick during plagues and dying doing so. This is the reality of the belief in Christ, not that the body rose. Baha'u'llah wrote it is easier to conquer a nation than to change one man's heart. That is why religion comes back, to renew us, to bring new growth.

I hope you will find a Baha'i prayer book. Being able to use those prayers is one of best things there is about being a Baha'i. We are told those prayers are revealed so we can learn to pray, and I do in my own words, but the prayers are so wonderful. You can use a prayer book and pray for hours.

I advise learn more before you tell your father. You know more about how he may react. However I think you need to be clear about where you are before you tell him. But that could be wrong. It is up to you. Baha'is are sometime ostracized from families when they become Baha'is. It is rare. You are obviously young, and family is important. Do so in a manner that will preserve the family unity if possible. You may not be able to defend yourself, and I don't think YOU have to answer all his questions. I think it is the individual's job to answer their own questions and those that do not see will question aggressively and you will lose arguments with them. Not to be able to answer all someone else's questions is not the goal of faith. Knowledge is the result of Faith, not faith as the result of knowledge.

Have you met Baha'is yet? That is a step you might consider.

Jesus was the Son of God. He was unique, but so are the other Manifestations of God. He was God on this earth and the only thing a man can approach that is God. For man to approach God would be like an ant approaching the sun. These perfect mirrors are God's mercy and love for us. The station of a Manifestation is referred to as constancy which is apparently with God and is a state we will never achieve in this life. The Manifestations can probably see your whole life if they choose if you were in Their presence, along with anything They needed to know. Baha'u'llah was said to grow in majesty as He grew older. It was a burden and He had retreats that were important to Him. Imagine being around impure people and seeing all that.... Now these are my ideas. Take care. CP

ConureDelSol

I apologize for not responding earlier, life has been pretty hectic lately. I am pretty much at the point where I doubt much of the Bible as far as being infallible.

I'm curious as to how Baha'is view the Bible in terms of how much of it is accurate or not? Do you believe that it is 100% the Word of God or that the contradictions and errors may indicate that bits and pieces may have been falsified?

I will admit my faith as a Christian is pretty much non-existent lately and it seems as if my own religion is a hoax. I haven't given up, but I am very near leaving Christianity.

cire perdue

The Baha'i Faith respects the Bible as the Word of God. We do not have a problem with its writing, we don't quibble over translations much, because we believe a divine providence would not provide a message to us and then allow it to be corrupted. HOWEVER we do not follow the interpretations of scripture as literal, though in some cases such as the Virgin Birth we do believe it as it is written.

One important example about literal or not is that the Jewish people knew that before the Messiah appeared that Elijah would come, so they asked John the Baptist if he were Elijah, and he said no. When they asked Jesus, He said that John the Baptist was Elijah. That is rather indicative that most of the Bible must be considered to be symbolic. Though Baha'is do not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, it is interesting that there are more verses that support there is a physical body that deteriorates, born of the flesh is flesh, and that of spirit is spirit, and a spiritual body that does not deterirorate.

There is a great deal invested in literal interpretation, because it is very difficult to make sense of Christianity without it. However all of the world religions at this time are more than ever adhering fiercely to literal interpretation, from Hindu to Islam. The jihadists are an example.

Here is a link to Baha'u'llah's Writings, THE HIDDEN WORDS:
Bahá'í Reference Library - The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, Page 3

I encourage you to see if that tugs at your heart and soul. For Christian subject you can try Baha'u'llah's KATB-i-IQAN:
Bahá'í Reference Library - The Kitáb-i-Íqán, Pages 3-41

I don't think any explanation anyone can give can tell you as much as just going to the source. Good to see you back. CP

arthra

Conure wrote:

I'm curious as to how Baha'is view the Bible in terms of how much of it is accurate or not? Do you believe that it is 100% the Word of God or that the contradictions and errors may indicate that bits and pieces may have been falsified?



Thanks for the questions...

there's a lot of material on the Baha'i perspective on the Bible.. there are in the Baha'i Writings references to the Gospel and the Bible. Baha'u'llah quotes the Gospel of John a lot. One of the beliefs of many Muslims is that the true Gospel is no longer available but Baha'u'llah does not take this position:


We have also heard a number of the foolish of the earth assert that the genuine text of the heavenly Gospel doth not exist amongst the Christians, that it hath ascended unto heaven. How grievously they have erred! How oblivious of the fact that such a statement imputeth the gravest injustice and tyranny to a gracious and loving Providence! How could God, when once the Day-star of the beauty of Jesus had disappeared from the sight of His people, and ascended unto the fourth heaven, cause His holy Book, His most great testimony amongst His creatures, to disappear also? What would be left to that people to cling to from the setting of the day-star of Jesus until the rise of the sun of the Muhammadan Dispensation? What law could be their stay and guide? How could such people be made the victims of the avenging wrath of God, the omnipotent Avenger? How could they be afflicted with the scourge of chastisement by the heavenly King? Above all, how could the flow of the grace of the All-Bountiful be stayed? How could the ocean of His tender mercies be stilled? We take refuge with God, from that which His creatures have fancied about Him! Exalted is He above their comprehension!

~ Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 88

Baha'u'llah reveals in another Writing:

I am the One Whom the tongue of Isaiah hath extolled, the One with Whose name both the Torah and the Evangel were adorned....

~ Baha'u'llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. 28

Certain persons, incapable of answering the objections raised by their opponents, claim that the Torah and the Gospel have been corrupted, whereas in reality the references to such corruption pertain only to specific cases.41

~ Baha'u'llah, The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, p. 126

Here is an essay for you to peruse on the subject

Christianity from a Baha'i Perspective

Conure writes:

I am a former Geek Squad Agent and now work fixing and refurbishing computers at the church. I love having religious software available to me on my computers and my Android phone. Are there any suggestions as to where I can find reliable software for daily readings and research?

Check this out:

Ocean Free Software Library of the World's Religious Literature

http://bahai-education.org/ocean/

LordOfGoblins

Bahais believe the bible is NOT all accurate and most likely the older books are more innaccurate as the more recent ones. The Gospels are most likely very accurate because they are more recent.
In terms of historical accuracy the Bahais take the Quran as a more accurate source and especially where contentions arise between a narration in the Quran and the bible (of the same story or topic).

LordOfGoblins

I have to say CP I dont entirely agree with this post. THe bible is a compilation of many differnet authors and some of the stories in the bible are slanderous to Bahai prophets eg the book of kings was to Solomon. As well as disagreeing in more than one instances of narrations with the Quran.
Shoghi Effendi writes too that the bible is not entirely accurate.

Advent of Divine Justice. 49
"In their efforts to achieve this purpose they must study for themselves, conscientiously and painstakingly, the literature of their Faith, delve into its teachings, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain of its exhortations and prayers, master the essentials of its administration, and keep abreast of its current affairs and latest developments. They must strive to obtain, from sources that are authoritative and unbiased, a sound knowledge of the history and tenets of Islám—the source and background of their Faith—and approach reverently and with a mind purged from preconceived ideas the study of the Qur’án which, apart from the sacred scriptures of the Bábí and Bahá’í Revelations, constitutes the only Book which can be regarded as an absolutely authenticated Repository of the Word of God"

And I think there is another quote somewhere but i cant find it atm.
cheers

LordOfGoblins

So yes parts of the bible can be errornous esp some books (within the bible). Other books might be entirely accurate...

Fadl

Sorry, LOG, this is not the Baha'i (or it ought not be) position on the Bible. This is what the Muslims always say about the Bible, and, I guess more than a few Baha'is seem to have adopted a similar view. However, this is what Baha'u'llah says on the matter:

For the past month, my wife and I have been visiting with Jehovah's Witnesses in our home, and letting them share their beliefs and study over the Bible together. I have not studied the Bible for a number of years now, so the JWs have presented a great opportunity for revisting it. I can tell you that, while we may not always agree with what certain passages mean (although often times we do) it never ceases to amaze me with how very Biblical the Baha'i Faith is. It's astonishing! I mean, if I were a skeptic, and not a believer, I would find it remarkable that, Baha'u'llah, a man of 19th century Persia, a Shia' muslim, who obviously would have been educated in and acquainted with religion from that particular perspective, could then go about creating a religion based on his prolific writing, and that it should all turn out so sound Biblically. It is truly remarkable to see it. I only wish they knew Baha'u'llah so that they too could know of this miraculous fact about the revelation of Baha'u'llah.

At any rate, I have experienced the very truth of what Baha'u'llah has revealed above in my Bible study with JWs. I have never found a single verse in the Bible where reading I have to say "no, that's not right" in my view as a Baha'i. What happens all the time, however, is the eyes of me and wife light up at so many passages, because we cannot believe how consistent is with the Baha'i teachings, or how often the Bible speaks about Baha'u'llah. Now the JWs, they take a different reading, and miss out on what is so exciting as we see it. The often quote a certain passage and then interpret in a way that, in my opinion, defies good sense and reason. However, regardless of who is reading the Bible right, or who is reading it wrong, there is no need to even suggest that it is inaccurate or corrupt, when there is more than enough corruption in our limited understanding of such things to explain for all the discrepancies people argue about.

As for what Baha'is believe about the Bible, I hope it is only this:

LordOfGoblins

Dont be sorry...
How do you redeem the slander of King Soloman in the book of kings that is totally different to the description of the Quran...
It describes him almost as a fallen prophet. Is this even possible? THat a prophet shoudl become fallen? I have never heard of it.
Also other narratives for example that Ishmael was sacrificed rather than Isaac which conforms to the Bahai and Quran but not the OT. I am no scholar but there are many things one can pickup that contradict the Quran from the bible in terms of narratives. This is one of the quibbles Christains often point out with the Quran, that Muhammad got it wrong. Also how do you explain Shoghi Effendis description that the Quran is the only authenticated word of God outside of the Bahai writings? Baha'u'llahs statement might merely mean that what we have here is the authentic old and new testament, it does not mean that it is all the authentic word of God and infallible as such. I admit though this does confuse me...
cheers

Fadl

Good points, all, my brother, but I guess the way I rectify these things is in how I approach scripture in general. The Bible and the Qur'an sometimes differ on certain specifics and details, other times they seem to accord. Sometimes the Bible and the Qur'an appear to be at odds with science or historical records, other times they seem to accord. How I resolve this, is that I do not consider scriptures of any religion, including ours, to be history or science books. They are spritual books, and that's how I come to them. In this way, when I am not disturbed my the minor details that seem to disagree.

For example, as you mentioned, the Bible speaks of Abraham's near sacrifice of Isaac, and in the Qur'an it is Ishmael who is nearly sacrificied. Be that as it may, Abraham had two sons, and one of them he nearly sacrificed. Does it matter that much to me which son it was, or even it was historical at all, when I read either books as spiritual books rather than historical books?

There is a nice quote that I'm sure is somewhere in the Qur'an, yet I can't find where, that says something to the effect: " Speak to the people in the way that they understand. What! Would you have God's apostles called liars?" [If anyone knows where this is, please tell me!]

Meaning that the messengers of God appear to a people and to a culture, and use the knowledge and myths of those people to educate and edifiy their souls. There is a verse in the Hidden words which hints at this as well:

I feel that those who dispute over which son Abraham nearly sacrificed stand in danger of losing the forest for the trees, and try to avoid focusing on the minutia.

Moreover, squibling over which son it was gets into political territory, especially now, since, if it were Ishmael then it is validation for the ascendancy of his offspring (ultimately the forefather of Arabs and Muslims) and if it were Isaac, (the father of Israel) then it goes to the Jews. I have actually witnessed this logic among Muslims, however I'm not sure how Jews would view it.

As for fallen prophets, fallen angels, all of that sort of thing, I don't worry about it for the same reason. Apparently Lucifer (the devil) was a fallen angel. Can angels fall? I guess they can, but the better question remains: "What does it really mean?" or "What does it signify?" I don't have the answer for that off the cuff, and I'd need to consult the writings and reflect on it.

I do believe that the Bible is the word of God, however, and as a Baha'i presently studying the Bible, I find no difficulty in that so far. I'm sure I read the Bible with different eyes than a Christian however, but why shouldn't I? Surely Baha'u'llah unlocks and makes plain many things to us and I feel this is really one of the special bounties of being Baha'i.

ConureDelSol

Wow, I have to say that all of you are very good sources of information. I suppose some of my biggest beefs with the Bible is that I worry that since it was written by man, and Christianity teaches that all of man is imperfect and flawed, that as a result, the Bible also flawed.

Were the Bible simply a collection of stories that weren't supposed to be historically true, but represented how humanity should view morals and ethics at the time, I would probably not have issues with this. I understand the comment that it isn't necessarily intended to be viewed as a history book, but the whole central concept of Christianity is that Jesus died, rose, chilled with the disciples for awhile, then ascended to heaven for our sins. Also, the whole Son of God concept is pretty important along with the miracles. Should historical evidence prove the accounts of these people who supposedly saw these events to be unreliable, that pretty much tears Christianity apart for me. And if Christianity is false, then a major component of the Baha'i faith would be false as well.

spirit

I am not a bible scolar, but one thing I do understand....the bible was written esoterically, which ultimately means, there is hidden meaning within the words. It was written this way so man could not corrupt it. Had it been directly a book of directions, it would not have survived time.
But truth survives the test of time because it is above ordinary thought. Fadl:I agree with this, names can be changed but the spiritual meaning cannot be replaced by man.

cire perdue

God doeth whatsoever He willeth. I think that matter is beyond my concern or ability.

Conure, Many Baha'is came into the Faith by rejecting Christianity, however in the Faith we have opportunities to learn to love Christianity by discovering what was meant by so much of it. It is true that we do not belive in the bodily resurrection as I have already said, but we don't dispute the experiences of the Disciples, however we do not accept those accounts as proof of the bodily resurrection. We totally do support that Christ rose after His death. The new belief in life after death changed the world forever and that how one lived affected that life after death. Love and compassion were infused into the world.

I do much better with the New Testament than a lot that is in the Old Testament. There are times when reading the Bible that I find something that sparks my understanding of Baha'i teachings and vice versa. If you were to research prophecies however you will find Baha'u'llah fulfilled the Old Testament and the New Testament prophecies.

"And now, concerning His words—“The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give light, and the stars shall fall from heaven.” By the terms “sun” and “moon,” mentioned in the writings of the Prophets of God, is not meant solely the sun and moon of the visible universe. Nay rather, manifold are the meanings they have intended for these terms. In every instance they have attached to them a particular significance. Thus, by the “sun” in one sense is meant those Suns of Truth Who rise from the dayspring of ancient glory, and fill the world with a liberal effusion of grace from on high. These Suns of Truth are the universal Manifestations of God in the worlds of His attributes and names. Even as the visible sun that assisteth, as decreed by God, the true One, the Adored, in the development of all earthly things, such as the trees, the fruits, and colours thereof, the minerals of the earth, and all that may be witnessed in the world of creation, so do the divine Luminaries, by their loving care and educative influence, cause the trees of divine unity, the fruits of His oneness, the leaves of detachment, the blossoms of knowledge and certitude, and the myrtles of 34 wisdom and utterance, to exist and be made manifest." Baha'u'llah, KATAB-i-iQAN, p. 35-36

This is only one of multiple verses in that book that explain the symbolism by which the Bible may be more clearly understood. If for example all the stars fell to earth, it would be as if the Himilayas were to fall on an orange. The stars can represent the clergy of any age that are too attached to their earthly status to see and accept the new Messenger from God.

Fadl

I know you are going through difficult times, ConureDelSol, it is not easy to have one's faith called into question. I imagine it is rather like having the earth shake all around you and wondering where to seek refuge. I imagine that this is why faith is spoke of in terms of being living or dead, and finding faith is like being raised from the dead or resurrected. You are not alone in feeling what you do, and many of us have been where you are now. I am sure you will work everything out in God's time, so even though it's difficult, hang in there.

There are many Christians who have believed erroneously about the Christian faith and have spread a lot of confusion about what Christianity is and what it really means. Similarly, many souls have been greatly transformed and enlightened by it and have discovered its true meaning as well. I often recall the verse "many are called but few are chosen" when I think about how messy religion tends to get for most people, and how much some struggle to make sense of it.

I think it is good and OK for you to question the Bible and the Christian views you have held so long, you shouldn't feel any shame in doing it either, because the truth is never vulnerable or threatened, and that which is not true is not worthy of belief.

The good news is, that, should you find faith in Baha'u'llah, you will find that you have not lost your Christianity, The Bible, or Jesus at all. Rather, you will perceive them differently and you find that you are able to embrace them and appreciate them in a way that satisfies your soul and that doesn't offend your intellect. The understanding and love for I have for Jesus as a Baha'i is much deeper and more meaningful to me than it was as a Christian.

I can't tell you how much of a blessing Baha'u'llah has been in my life. His teachings have completely transformed me as an individual, and He has opened my eyes and raised my awareness to a degree I never could have imagined possible. He has given my life great richness, meaning, and purpose.

God willing you will experience such satisfaction and peace too. I'm sure that soon you will, but these things have a natural progression and course that you must go through. It seems to me you are on the right path, and asking the right questions, so hang in there!

LordOfGoblins

Guys I hate to be an absolute pain in ass. But here is another link and quote supporting what I think...
Bahá'í Reference Library - Directives from the Guardian, Page 12

cire perdue

Authenticity has nothing to do with it being the inspired Word of God of which the Bible is composed. The Bible continues to impart wisdom to all. It is still not wholly authentic, but I shrink from considering what to discard on any basis except a personal one that is my view and not for others.

LordOfGoblins

ok..

arthra

Conure wrote:

Also, the whole Son of God concept is pretty important along with the miracles. Should historical evidence prove the accounts of these people who supposedly saw these events to be unreliable, that pretty much tears Christianity apart for me.

My comment:

I've always felt even when I was a Christian that the emphasis on the miracles and doctrines comes more from the church than from Jesus Himself... I always felt that Jesus teachings are themselves more focused on the ethical, moral and spiritual truths and not so much "chilling out with the disciples" after He was martyred on the cross. His martyrdom is something we Baha'is accept as His sacrifice..but sorry to hear if this is so for you feel "that pretty much tears Christianity apart for me."

On His sacrifice:

In order to understand the reality of sacrifice let us consider the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is true that He sacrificed Himself for our sake. What is the meaning of this? When Christ appeared, He knew that He must proclaim Himself in opposition to all the nations and peoples of the earth. He knew that mankind would arise against Him and inflict upon Him all manner of tribulations. There is no doubt that one who put forth such a claim as Christ announced would arouse the hostility of the world and be subjected to personal abuse. He realized that His blood would be shed and His body rent by violence. Notwithstanding His knowledge of what would befall Him, He arose to proclaim His message, suffered all tribulation and hardships from the people and finally offered His life as a sacrifice in order to illumine humanity -- gave His blood in order to guide the world of mankind. He accepted every calamity and suffering in order to guide men to the truth. Had He desired to save His own life, and were He without wish to offer Himself in sacrifice, He would not have been able to guide a single soul. There was no doubt that His blessed blood would be shed and His body broken. Nevertheless, that Holy Soul accepted calamity and death in His love for mankind. This is one of the meanings of sacrifice.

~ Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 449


On the spiritual resurrection:

Every soul who believed in Jesus Christ became revivified and resuscitated through this spirit, attained to the zenith of eternal glory, realized the life everlasting, experienced the second birth and rose to the acme of good fortune.

~ Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 67

cire perdue

that something can be traced to its source, that we know who spoke it, that it can be dated reasonably.....
1. not false or copied; genuine; real: an authentic antique.

2. having the origin supported by unquestionable evidence; authenticated; verified: an authentic document of the Middle Ages; an authentic work of the old master.

3. entitled to acceptance or belief because of agreement with known facts or experience; reliable; trustworthy: an authentic report on poverty in Africa.

4. Law . executed with all due formalities: an authentic deed.

That the Bible is not an authentic work does not been it is not Divinely inspired or does not have relevant meaning to the spiritual development of mankind. It is a by their fruits issue, as obviously autheticity has not stopped the spiritual progression of mankind.

Fadl

Well said, CP.

The Qur'an is certainly more authentic, as it was revealed to prophet Muhammad only, start to finish, and this is not in dispute. Ancient manuscripts of the Qur'an also show that it is remarkably consistent.

Another reason, in my opinion, for the superiority of the Qur'an over the Bible is the greater spiritual intensity of it, and that it is not nearly as old or remote and therefore speaks a bit closer to this age, although not completely.

That being said, I regard them both equally as sacred, and do not agree with any of the attempts at discrediting the Bible or trying to diminish its status as the Word of God.

LordOfGoblins

Nice. What is the point of being fanatical about 'this happened' or 'that happened' when we werent there to see it. Afterall it is just a narrative and that comes through the eyes of the person who writes it. I like this attitude.
The brow-beating of miricles keeps people away from seeing the spirit within.

cire perdue

Christianity has taught with fear. I do not feel like this Faith has done that. I have seen some things that tended that way, but overall it has gone away. I think the wisest people in any field have come to learn that fear and punishment do not motivate nearly so well as love and positive regard. It is a hard lesson to learn, because we have been parented with shame and fear for thousands of years.

LordOfGoblins

Persoanlly I think a balance of the two is good. Fear of punishment and hope for reward should balance them out. Surely any just king implements both these things (in a just way).

worldcitizen

Hello. Ill attempt to answer the questions I feel I can do so most effectively.
The Baha'i Faith came to unite all people especially families so your relationship with all people especially your father should be strengthened not weakened. Nobody ever 'leaves Christianity' we just embrace all mankind as our brothers and sisters instead of just one race or religion.