Expert: Joel Bjorling - 1/20/2012

Question
To what extent does the Bahá’í belief in religious unity affect the daily practices of a Bahá’í member?

Answer
Baha'i teaching, in general, influences all aspects of a person's daily life.  Baha'u'llah, founder of the Faith, saw work as a form of worship.  Do all things as an act of praise.  The idea of religious unity, in particular, provides an understanding of how God has been revealed over time. God has always had a word, a message, or guidance, for humankind. God's revelation is progressive, in that it responds to the needs of the particular time. One way religious unity affects the daily life of Baha'is is that it eradicates any prejudice based on religion.  A primary teaching of the Faith is the abolition of all prejudice, racial, social, and even religious.  Baha'is do not look down on, or consider themselves superior, to other faiths.  Each religion represents an aspect of the message of God, and, therefore, is worthy of respect and is beneficial for instruction and inspiration. The Faith also enriches the ideal of marriage and family life.  Baha'is believe in the equality of men and women.  Baha'is believe in daily prayer.  Joel