AboutJoel Bjorling Expertise I can answer questions on the basic teachings, practices, and history of the Baha`i Faith and can provide information on diverse Baha`i groups (as the Orthodox Baha`is).
Experience I have personally studied the Baha'i Faith for over twenty years and published a reference book on the Faith entitled THE BAHA'I FAITH; AN HISTORICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY. I also hold a Masters degree in Theological Studies.
Publications THE BAHA'I FAITH: AN HISTORICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY (Garland Publishing,1985).
Education/Credentials BA in Behavioral Sciences (Oral Roberts University)
MATS (McCormick Theological Seminary)
Further study, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Expert: Joel Bjorling Date: 9/26/2006 Subject: spirtual principles
Question I had heard through the Baha'i faith that there are 275 spiritual principles. Would you be able to do some research and find out where that information is? I have looked through the Baha'i literature but have not been able to find it. Needless to say the reason I am looking for it is to find out what the principles are. What are the 275 spiritual principles? If you can't find it don't feel bad I have asked other people of the
Baha'i and they were not able to help. In fact most of them never got back to me on it so I am already use to that. :) I know it is a hard question.
Answer As far as I know, there are only nine basic principles which constitute the Baha'i Faith. I have read many books on the Faith and have compiled an exhaustive bibliography of Baha'i writings, and I have never seen that the Faith has any more than nine essential principles (i.e. unity of religions, oneness of humankind, equality of men and women,etc.). There is a reason why the Faith has "nine" basic principles because "nine" has symbolic meaning in the Faith, ie. the highest single digit, nine major religions, nine doors at the House of Worship. My guess--and this is solely my opinion--is that nine is a number of completeness and fulfillment. The Baha'i Faith, then, is seen as a fulfillment of the Divine Plan, symbolized by the number nine, hence, nine basic principles. The number 275, that I can see, doesn't coincide with Baha'i symbolism. (It's not even divisible by 9). You might have heard this statement from a dissident Baha'i group (as Baha'is Under the Provision of the Covenant, which have had some unorthodox ideas as pyramidology or the Davidic Kingship) or a non-Baha'i source that misinterpreted its teachings. I don't think any definitive Baha'i source would say that there are 275 spiritual principles in the Faith. The nine are the ones that most represent the Faith and are taught the most. Joel
