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Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never heard of the Bahá'í Faith. Is it a new religion?
The Bahá'í Faith may be new to you but in fact it was established more than 150 years ago. The Bahá'í Faith is the second most widespread and the second fastest growing religion in the world. The Bahá'í Faith was founded by Bahá'u'lláh, a 19th-century Persian nobleman who gave up this station along with His home and worldly possessions in order to establish a New Revelation. Bahá'u'lláh spent almost 40 years in banishment or imprisonment in order to promote such teachings as the oneness of humankind, the unity of religion, the elimination of prejudice and the equality of women and men. Bahá'ís believe that Bahá'u'lláh is the Promised One, Whose appearance all the world's religious prophecies have foretold. The Bahá'í Faith was established in the U.S. more than 100 years ago.
Who is in charge here?
There is no clergy in the Bahá'í Faith. The Bahá'í community is governed locally and nationally by elected councils called Spiritual Assemblies. These Assemblies are responsible for overseeing the affairs of the community in their jurisdiction and, in particular, serving the Bahá'ís in their area. Spiritual Assemblies officiate at Bahá'í marriages and funerals. They can also provide counseling services and support.
Can I talk to someone about the Bahá'í Faith?
Absolutely! The Bahá'ís love to share their beliefs and will happily respond to your phone or email message to arrange to get together with you at a time and place that is most convenient for you. Please see the contact page to find out more.
How do I get on a mailing list so I can go to Baha’i activities?
Simply send appropriate contact information to the Baha’is at eugenebahais@gmail.com. Indicate if you prefer to be notified via email or post. Include your phone number if you would like to receive telephone reminders of upcoming activities, or if you want to speak personally with a member of the Bahá’í Faith.
What do you do at a Bahá'í Center?
Bahá’ís use their Center for prayers and devotional gatherings, classes for children and adults, committee meetings, and Feasts, which are meetings of the Bahá’í membership to pray together, and to discuss the spiritual and social affairs of the community.
Are there events that are open to the public?
Most Bahá’í events, including devotional gatherings, study circles, firesides, children’s and adult classes, activities for junior youth and holy day observances are open to the public. For a description of these activities, visit our Community page. For dates and times of upcoming activities and events, please see our Events page.
What are devotional gatherings like and why do you have them?
Devotional gatherings are held on Sundays at the Eugene Bahá'í Center, in the homes of local Bahá’ís and in Bahá’í centers and homes around the world. Readings are taken from the Bahá’í writings and the Scriptures of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. Music, refreshments and the opportunity to socialize are also features of these devotional gatherings. There is no attempt to proselytize or convert, nor are donations requested or accepted.
How do you pronounce the name of your faith and the names of the key figures associated with it?
- Bahá’í — Bah-HIGH or bah-hah-EE
- Báb — BOB
- Bahá’u’lláh — Bah-hah-oo-LAH
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá — Ab-dool bah-HAH
- Shoghi Effendi — SHOW-ghee e-FEN-dee
Where can I find free Bahá'í literature?
Most public libraries have some Bahá’í literature in their collections, and the Eugene Bahá’í Center has introductory pamphlets and booklets in its library. You may also access the Bahá’í Reference Library, which has an extensive online collection of authentic writings by the central figures of the Bahá’í Faith, at www.reference.bahai.org.
Where can I buy Bahá'í literature?
You can purchase Bahá’í literature at the Eugene Bahá’í Center, at local bookstores — including the University of Oregon bookstore — or online. The bookstore at the Eugene Bahá’í Center is open whenever the Center is open for public events, or arrangements can be made to visit the bookstore at other times by contacting the Bahá’ís of Eugene. Some online sellers of Bahá’í literature are:
What do you suggest I read?
Bahá’u’lláh wrote several books and hundreds of tablets (letters) during His lifetime, many of which have been translated into English. Among them are:
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The Hidden Words [read] [buy]
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The Seven Valleys and The Four Valleys [read] [buy]
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Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh [read] [buy]
Letters and talks given by Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, `Abdu’l-Bahá, have also been translated into English and collected into several books, including:
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Promulgation of Universal Peace [read]
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Selections from the Writings of `Abdu’l-Bahá [read] [buy]
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Some Answered Questions [read] [buy]
There are also many good basic introductions to the Bahá’í Faith that can be purchased at most major bookstores, including:
I don’t live near Eugene, Oregon. How can I get in touch with Bahá'ís where I live?
You can go to the United States National Bahá'í Web Site and request information or call 1-800-22-UNITE and leave your contact information with the automated response system. The Bahá'ís who live close to you will contact you within a few days. Please be sure to leave a phone number, e-mail or other contact information.
You can also check the white pages of your local telephone book under the heading "Bahá'í".
How do I become a Bahá'í?
A person becomes a Bahá'í by recognizing Bahá’u’lláh as the Messenger of God for this age, and by following His laws and teachings and the guidance of the administrative institutions He established for the unification of humankind. Bahá'ís enjoy the right to vote in Bahá'í elections, serve as members of Bahá'í administrative institutions and contribute to Bahá'í funds.
We invite you to declare your belief in Bahá’u’lláh by contacting Bahá'ís near you at (541) 344-3173 or eugenebahais@gmail.com. A member of the Bahá'í Faith will contact you to confirm your wish to become a Bahá'í and will invite you to participate in Bahá'í activities.
Generally, the enrollment of a new believer involves three steps:
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Declaration of faith
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The processing of your declaration by a Local Spiritual Assembly (the Bahá’í administrative institution)
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The recording of your enrollment by the Membership Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States
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