Introduction and Beliefs

If there is a single word that describes the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, it is "unity." This emphasis on unity and oneness exists at all levels, from its teachings about God to its social principles. Indeed, even the practice and administration of the Baha'i Faith reflect this emphasis on unity. Alone among the world's major independent religions, the Baha'i Faith has preserved its essential unity.

Baha'is follow the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith. Baha'u'llah (1817-1892) is regarded by Baha'is as the most recent in the line of Manifestations from God, a line that stretches back beyond recorded time and includes Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ, Muhammad and the Bab.

Baha'is believe that there is only one God and that the successive revelations of God's will through his messengers have been the chief civilizing forces in history.

The central theme of Baha'u'llah's message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification into one global society. "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens," wrote Baha'u'llah. Through an irresistible process, the traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation are breaking down, which will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization.

The principle challenge facing the people of the earth, Baha'is believe, is to accept as fact the oneness of the entire human race and work towards the creation of a unified world civilization.

Principles which the Baha'i Faith promotes as vital to the achievement of this goal of world unity include the following:

• The abandonment of all forms of prejudice;
• The realization of equal rights and privileges for women and men;
• The elimination of the extremes of poverty and wealth;
• Recognition of the common source and essential oneness of all the world's great religions;
• The value and necessity of universal education;
• The responsibility of each person to search independently for truth;
• The establishment of a federated system of world government, based on principles of collective security and international justice;
• The recognition that true religion is always in harmony with reason and with the pursuit of scientific knowledge;
• The need for every individual to adhere to high personal moral standards.

Interfaith devotional meetings are held weekly. You are invited to attend, read prayers and Writings from different religions, join in the discussion, and enjoy the informal atmosphere. For information:

Around West Virginia

In Charleston, call: (304)345-0578

In Jefferson Co., call: (304)535-2351

Information on the Internet

A Brief History of Baha'u'llah and His Faith

Baha'i Writings

The Baha'i World - A profile of the world community

Baha'i Links - A great number of local and international community websites can be found at our host site, Baha'i Communications International.