Noexalt

What barriers do you think are the most common ones that people have a hard time coming to terms with about the Baha'i Faith? This applies to those interested in becoming Baha'is, as well as those who are already Baha'is.

I think the biggest ones, at least here in the US, are as follows:


1) Homosexuality/Gay Marriage.


2) Women (not) on the Universal House of Justice.


3) Muhummad as a Prophet/Manifestation of God.

Itena

Those three, especially the top two, are ones that I've seen. I've also seen it where people think the Baha'i Faith is unrealistically idealistic.
And then there are those who think that religion is "evil".
The very idea of God is a barrier nowadays, too.

Noexalt

Good ones. The "One World Religion" idea seems to a barrier for many end-time Christians.

Emilia

The biggest one I've seen in the US is the prohibition on alcohol use.

Everything else pales by comparison, from what I've seen.

These other three are not things I've run into much. In fact I'm finding it a bit hard to think of much of anyone who said these were reasons for not becoming a Baha'i.

Now, it may just be that my information is somewhat dated and same-sex marriage is more openly discussed now, so that is a common issue.

Possibly post 9/11 there are some people who take issue with Muhammad as a prophet. Especially if they come from certain Christian backgrounds, I can see that.

I can't say I've ever run into anyone that had such a difficult time with women not being on the UHJ that it stopped them from declaring. Questions, oh yes, obviously people do question why it's the way it is.

But I don't know personally anyone who has avoided declaring because of the 3 things you listed, nor have I heard of something like that from anyone else.

Anyway, my $0.02.

Rani

Personally, I feel that chastity is a big one. Many people in western societies just don't see the need for what they see as 'rules' around this.
I believe many would more readily go without alcohol than try to wait for marriage in order to have sex. sorry to say.

And I think Itena's point that many see religion as destructive is a big one too, but isn't that a convenient excuse on their part?

Also, the distractions of this world and material well-being. I think many people fill up their lives with their relationships and work and holidays and buying things, and so forth, so they don't feel much need to think about God or seeking a way that will include some self-denial. Of course I am writing from an Australian perspective where it seems people are less 'religious' than in the US for example.

Although re-reading your question, I see I may not have answered it, as I am listing some reasons as to why I think some are not interested in religion in general.

Emilia

Oh kick me -- I utterly forgot about this one.

There's a common notion that somehow a marriage isn't going to be successful if you can't try out sex first, because omg what if you aren't compatible?

Very possible.

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Possibly because I once had a similarly myopic view of history and only saw the warts caused by religion and not any benefit.

Sometimes, you know, when all the religion you see around you looks destructive, people conclude it actually is destructive.

Or as Abdu'l-Baha put it:

When in my younger days was pretty much my reaction to religion.

Religion was something that was divisive, it insisted I treat people with other skin colors poorly, that women were too dumb to be allowed to think about religion and other stuffs, and that God gave us brains but God forbid we actually use them to understand anything about Creation if it contradicts some clergyman's limited understanding of Holy Writ.

That wasn't an excuse -- it was what I experienced.

Pollwr

In addition to those already mentioned, I know a few people who have left the Faith due to their own percieved imperfection. I am not sure if that is exactly how one should put it. These have been enthusiastic people who have said they agreed with the Faith, they have initially been very active. They have said they believed in Bahá'u'llah but they did not want to be hypocrites. They have been eager to perform service and have not been judgemental of others but they have been so rigid and judgemental of themselves. When they found a law they have stuggled with they have declared themselves unworthy because they cannot meet that and rather than persevering, they have walked away.

I don't think that this is just a way out. It has happened several times and it has been heartbreaking to watch and yet no-one, however hard they have tried, has been able to get through to them.