The Theology Society invites you to explore the Bahá’í Faith, answering questions such as:

• What is the Bahá’í Faith?
• Who are its central figures?
• What are its central beliefs and principles?
• What do Bahá’ís do?

As the youngest independent world religion, originating in 1844 in Iran, many people worldwide are yet to encounter the Bahá’í Faith, while others know only its most basic aspects and history. However, since its birth 172 years ago, the Bahá’í Faith has spread to at least 247 countries and territories and has approximately 7 million followers. With an office in the United Nations and a growing awareness of the persecution of Bahá’ís, there is an increasing global recognition of the Faith. But more importantly, its principles, expounded by its Prophet and Founder Bahá’u’lláh, and the actions of its believers, are drawing attention to its profound relevance in this rapidly changing age.

At its heart lies the principle of the oneness of humanity – “the pivot round which all the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh revolve”; teachings such as the equality of men and women, the harmony of science and religion, universal education and, in keeping with its distinctive lack of clergy, the duty of independently seeking and investigating truth and knowledge. Central to the Bahá’í Faith, and with marked significance during Interfaith Week, is the principle that God is one and that all religions are revealed from the same divine source – their essence the same and their laws and teachings changing only according to the needs of its time and place. As such, the Bahá’í Faith is a global faith for a global human family.

The talk and the Q&A that follows will be conducted by Bernardo Kerr, a Bahá’í currently undertaking a PhD in theology and religious studies at The University of Nottingham.

Free, all welcome. Visit the Theology Society Facebook page for more information.

Image credit: Bahá’í World News Service