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Teachings

Online Course

The following study series was designed around some of the basic and most important concepts and teachings of the Bahá'í Faith. They are presented through a selection of quotations from the Bahá'í Writings that is designed to be well-rounded and thought-provoking. Click on any question in the index below to jump to the material on that section.

• According to the Bahá'í Writings, what is the human soul?
• How does the human soul develop?
• According to the Bahá'í Writings, what are the realms or divisions of the spirit?
• What are the two "natures" of human beings?
• What is the Bahá'i concept of a "second birth"?
• Has the human being always possessed a soul? Did the human species evolve gradually?
• How would you compare the development of the individual and the development of humanity?

2.  Life after Death

• What are some of the proofs given by Abdu'l-Bahá as evidence of the immortality of the soul?
• What proofs are offered here by Bahá'u'lláh?
• What are some of the characteristics of the spiritual world?
• Is eternal life attained through our own efforts or as a gift of God?
• What are some of the characteristics and powers of the soul after death?
• What is the relationship between the soul and the body?

3. Prayer and Meditation

• According to the Bahá'í Writings, what should our attitude be when praying?
• What are some of the different environments most suitable for prayer?
• Why should we pray?
• To whom should we pray?
• What is meant by the term "meditation"?
• What is the relationship between meditation and prayer?

4. Living the Bahá'í Life

• What is the purpose of religious laws?
• What are the two kinds of laws within every divinely revealed religion?
• What are some of the Bahá'í teachings concerning unity and love for one's fellow man?
• How can love and unity be developed in the Bahá'í community and in the world?

5. The Manifestations of God

• What is the role of the Messengers or "Manifestations" of God?
• How is the analogy of the sun and the seasons used to explain the Manifestations of God?
• What are the "two stations" of the Manifestations of God?
• Why have there been many Manifestations of God over the course of history?
• Why do the Manifestations of God willingly suffer for humanity?

6.  The Central Figures: the Báb

• Who is the Báb? Who are the Letters of the Living? How were they chosen?
• According to the Báb's own words, what is the "day of resurrection" and what is the role He was destined to play in it?
• What were the major events marking the Heroic Age of the Bahá'í Faith (1844-1853)?
• What is the Báb's "twofold station"?

7. The Central Figures: Bahá'u'lláh

• Who was Bahá'u'lláh?
• What are some of the similarities between the circumstances of this Revelation and  those of the past?
• What events followed this revelation?
• What were some of the results of the adversities sustained by Bahá'u'lláh?
• Name some of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings.
• What do you understand to be His station and His mission ?

8. The Central Figures: 'Abdu'l-Bahá

• Who is 'Abdu'l-Bahá? Briefly describe His station and His mission.
• Describe some of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's accomplishments.
• What was the effect of Abdu'l-Bahá's personality on those whom he met ?
• What provisions did 'Abdu'l-Bahá make for the future of the Cause before His  passing?