Peter Smith teaches courses in the History of Social Thought, the History of Psychology and Modern World History at Mahidol University International College (MUIC), a component part of Mahidol University, Thailand, where he is an Associate Professor. He has been a university administrator (the equivalent of Academic Dean) and for many years served as the Chair of the Social Science Division. His PhD is in the Sociology of Religion and was completed at the University of Lancaster, England.
"The Baha’i faith has some five million adherents around the world. It preaches the oneness of Go... more "The Baha’i faith has some five million adherents around the world. It preaches the oneness of God, the unity of all faiths, universal education and the harmony of all people, but has no priesthood and few formal rituals. In this book Peter Smith traces the development of the Baha’i faith from its roots in the Babi movement of mid-nineteenth century Iran to its contemporary emergence as an expanding worldwide religion.
• Explores the textual sources for Baha’i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions.
• Covers the concept of the spiritual path, Baha'i law and administration and aspects of community life.
• Examines the Baha’i’s social teachings and activities in the wider world. This introduction will be of particular interest to students of new religious movements, Middle East religions, and comparative religion and for those studying short courses on the Baha’i faith.
Includes a chronology, select bibliography and list of recent Baha’i leaders".
Contents
Prologue; Part I. History: 1. The Babi movement; 2. Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 3. The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892–1921; 4. The guardianship of Shoghi Efendi (1922–57); 5. The Universal House of Justice, 1963–; 6. Expansion since 1921; Part II. Beliefs: 7. Baha'i texts: sources of belief and practice; 8. Divine knowledge and guidance; 9. Being human; 10. The Baha'i faith and other religions; 11. Social teachings and the vision of a new world order; Part III. Being a Baha'i: Aspects of Baha'i Life: 12. Community and membership and Baha'i law; 13. Baha'i administration; 14. Aspects of Baha'i community life; 15. Baha'i activities and the wider world; Some final comments; Appendix: recent Baha'i leaders.
"The development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth-century Iran ... more "The development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth-century Iran to become an independent religion established in many countries and commanding the devotion of people from many different cultures provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than that by which any other religion emerged and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the development of the major beliefs and values in their social and historical contexts. Beginning with the rise of the dissident Babi sect within Shi’i Islam, the book examines the origin of the Baha'i Faith and its dominant religious concerns in Qajar Iran, its initial establishment and subsequent growth in the United States, the development of its administration, and its present global expansion. A conclusion outlines possible future developments. Chronologies of the main events, a glossary and a bibliographical guide add to the usefulness of the book for both students and general readers.
Contents
Part I. Babism: 1. The Babi Movement; 2. Babi Doctrine and Dominant Motifs; 3. Babism as a Socio-religious Movement in Iran; Part II. The Baha'i Faith in the East, c. 1866–1921: 4. The Babi Recovery and the Emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 5. Dominant Motifs in the Baha'i Faith in the East; 6. The Iranian Baha'i Community, c. 1866–1921; Part III. The Baha'i Faith as a World Religion: 7. The Early American Baha'i Community; 8. Institutionalization in the Formative Age; 9. Modern Baha'i Motifs; 10. Worldwide Expansion; Conclusion".
"This is a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia to the youngest of the world religions. Here... more "This is a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia to the youngest of the world religions. Here Dr Smith traces the origins and development of the religion from nineteenth-century Iran to the modern day, introducing its several figures and major historical events.
Covers key people, places, beliefs and sacred texts
Extends from the origins of the faith to the approaching millennium
Features extensive cross-referencing, a chronology, and a thematic index and bibliography
Fully illustrated with maps and photographs.
Regarded as the second most widespread faith after Christianity, with adherents in almost every country around the globe, the Bahá’í Faith is nevertheless unfamiliar to many. Combining breadth with a readable yet concise style, Smith provides a balanced overview of Bahá’í scriptures, doctrines and practices, social teachings and organisation. Presenting a clear and knowledgeable view of a fascinating new religion, this is a unique and invaluable reference work".
'This succinct but comprehensive study of the history of the Bahá’í Faith explores the religion f... more 'This succinct but comprehensive study of the history of the Bahá’í Faith explores the religion from its origins in mid-nineteenth century Iran to the spiritual and social concerns of the present day, covering key people, places and events'.
"Good, straightforward and authoritative; extremely readable.", James Thrower World Congress of Faiths
"What are the origins of the Bahá'í religion? What are its tenets, doctrines and beliefs? Why is ... more "What are the origins of the Bahá'í religion? What are its tenets, doctrines and beliefs? Why is it spreading so rapidly?
A straightforward, factual account of the rise of the latest of the world's religions. A sociologist of religion and well-known author examines the tenets of the Bahá'í Faith and the beliefs and practices of the Bahá'ís".
"The first three essays focus on the Bábís. Steven Lambden writes on the Islamic origins of the s... more "The first three essays focus on the Bábís. Steven Lambden writes on the Islamic origins of the stories about the Báb's childhood that found their way into Nabíl's Narrative and other Bábí histories. Peter Smith and Moojan Momen analyze the Bábí movement, raising questions about recruitment, finances, communications, and so forth. Denis MacEoin discusses early Bábí systems of hierarchy and authority".
"This is a ... collection of pioneering essays--filled with illustrations--on the beginnings of t... more "This is a ... collection of pioneering essays--filled with illustrations--on the beginnings of the Bahแ'ํ Faith in many Western countries--including Australia and New Zealand, Denmark, Hungary, and the United States.
"Peter Smith provides a ... summary of the development of the Baha'iํ Faith in the Western world. This is the most complete survey of Baha'i growth and development that has yet been attempted. Moojan Momen shares his discovery of an unpublished manuscript by John Esslemont, who surveyed the Baha'iํ world in 1919. The contrast is stunning.
Gyorgy Lederer provides new information on 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to Budapest in 1913. An essay by Jackson Armstrong-Ingram uncovers the odd events which transpired at the National Baha'i Convention in the United States in 1910. Loni Bramson investigates the first organized Baha'i plans set up by the National Spiritual Assembly in the U.S".
"The Baha’i faith has some five million adherents around the world. It preaches the oneness of Go... more "The Baha’i faith has some five million adherents around the world. It preaches the oneness of God, the unity of all faiths, universal education and the harmony of all people, but has no priesthood and few formal rituals. In this book Peter Smith traces the development of the Baha’i faith from its roots in the Babi movement of mid-nineteenth century Iran to its contemporary emergence as an expanding worldwide religion.
• Explores the textual sources for Baha’i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions.
• Covers the concept of the spiritual path, Baha'i law and administration and aspects of community life.
• Examines the Baha’i’s social teachings and activities in the wider world. This introduction will be of particular interest to students of new religious movements, Middle East religions, and comparative religion and for those studying short courses on the Baha’i faith.
Includes a chronology, select bibliography and list of recent Baha’i leaders".
Contents
Prologue; Part I. History: 1. The Babi movement; 2. Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 3. The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892–1921; 4. The guardianship of Shoghi Efendi (1922–57); 5. The Universal House of Justice, 1963–; 6. Expansion since 1921; Part II. Beliefs: 7. Baha'i texts: sources of belief and practice; 8. Divine knowledge and guidance; 9. Being human; 10. The Baha'i faith and other religions; 11. Social teachings and the vision of a new world order; Part III. Being a Baha'i: Aspects of Baha'i Life: 12. Community and membership and Baha'i law; 13. Baha'i administration; 14. Aspects of Baha'i community life; 15. Baha'i activities and the wider world; Some final comments; Appendix: recent Baha'i leaders.
"The development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth-century Iran ... more "The development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth-century Iran to become an independent religion established in many countries and commanding the devotion of people from many different cultures provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than that by which any other religion emerged and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the development of the major beliefs and values in their social and historical contexts. Beginning with the rise of the dissident Babi sect within Shi’i Islam, the book examines the origin of the Baha'i Faith and its dominant religious concerns in Qajar Iran, its initial establishment and subsequent growth in the United States, the development of its administration, and its present global expansion. A conclusion outlines possible future developments. Chronologies of the main events, a glossary and a bibliographical guide add to the usefulness of the book for both students and general readers.
Contents
Part I. Babism: 1. The Babi Movement; 2. Babi Doctrine and Dominant Motifs; 3. Babism as a Socio-religious Movement in Iran; Part II. The Baha'i Faith in the East, c. 1866–1921: 4. The Babi Recovery and the Emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 5. Dominant Motifs in the Baha'i Faith in the East; 6. The Iranian Baha'i Community, c. 1866–1921; Part III. The Baha'i Faith as a World Religion: 7. The Early American Baha'i Community; 8. Institutionalization in the Formative Age; 9. Modern Baha'i Motifs; 10. Worldwide Expansion; Conclusion".
"This is a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia to the youngest of the world religions. Here... more "This is a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia to the youngest of the world religions. Here Dr Smith traces the origins and development of the religion from nineteenth-century Iran to the modern day, introducing its several figures and major historical events.
Covers key people, places, beliefs and sacred texts
Extends from the origins of the faith to the approaching millennium
Features extensive cross-referencing, a chronology, and a thematic index and bibliography
Fully illustrated with maps and photographs.
Regarded as the second most widespread faith after Christianity, with adherents in almost every country around the globe, the Bahá’í Faith is nevertheless unfamiliar to many. Combining breadth with a readable yet concise style, Smith provides a balanced overview of Bahá’í scriptures, doctrines and practices, social teachings and organisation. Presenting a clear and knowledgeable view of a fascinating new religion, this is a unique and invaluable reference work".
'This succinct but comprehensive study of the history of the Bahá’í Faith explores the religion f... more 'This succinct but comprehensive study of the history of the Bahá’í Faith explores the religion from its origins in mid-nineteenth century Iran to the spiritual and social concerns of the present day, covering key people, places and events'.
"Good, straightforward and authoritative; extremely readable.", James Thrower World Congress of Faiths
"What are the origins of the Bahá'í religion? What are its tenets, doctrines and beliefs? Why is ... more "What are the origins of the Bahá'í religion? What are its tenets, doctrines and beliefs? Why is it spreading so rapidly?
A straightforward, factual account of the rise of the latest of the world's religions. A sociologist of religion and well-known author examines the tenets of the Bahá'í Faith and the beliefs and practices of the Bahá'ís".
"The first three essays focus on the Bábís. Steven Lambden writes on the Islamic origins of the s... more "The first three essays focus on the Bábís. Steven Lambden writes on the Islamic origins of the stories about the Báb's childhood that found their way into Nabíl's Narrative and other Bábí histories. Peter Smith and Moojan Momen analyze the Bábí movement, raising questions about recruitment, finances, communications, and so forth. Denis MacEoin discusses early Bábí systems of hierarchy and authority".
"This is a ... collection of pioneering essays--filled with illustrations--on the beginnings of t... more "This is a ... collection of pioneering essays--filled with illustrations--on the beginnings of the Bahแ'ํ Faith in many Western countries--including Australia and New Zealand, Denmark, Hungary, and the United States.
"Peter Smith provides a ... summary of the development of the Baha'iํ Faith in the Western world. This is the most complete survey of Baha'i growth and development that has yet been attempted. Moojan Momen shares his discovery of an unpublished manuscript by John Esslemont, who surveyed the Baha'iํ world in 1919. The contrast is stunning.
Gyorgy Lederer provides new information on 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to Budapest in 1913. An essay by Jackson Armstrong-Ingram uncovers the odd events which transpired at the National Baha'i Convention in the United States in 1910. Loni Bramson investigates the first organized Baha'i plans set up by the National Spiritual Assembly in the U.S".
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Books by Peter Smith
• Explores the textual sources for Baha’i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions.
• Covers the concept of the spiritual path, Baha'i law and administration and aspects of community life.
• Examines the Baha’i’s social teachings and activities in the wider world. This introduction will be of particular interest to students of new religious movements, Middle East religions, and comparative religion and for those studying short courses on the Baha’i faith.
Includes a chronology, select bibliography and list of recent Baha’i leaders".
Contents
Prologue; Part I. History: 1. The Babi movement; 2. Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 3. The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892–1921; 4. The guardianship of Shoghi Efendi (1922–57); 5. The Universal House of Justice, 1963–; 6. Expansion since 1921; Part II. Beliefs: 7. Baha'i texts: sources of belief and practice; 8. Divine knowledge and guidance; 9. Being human; 10. The Baha'i faith and other religions; 11. Social teachings and the vision of a new world order; Part III. Being a Baha'i: Aspects of Baha'i Life: 12. Community and membership and Baha'i law; 13. Baha'i administration; 14. Aspects of Baha'i community life; 15. Baha'i activities and the wider world; Some final comments; Appendix: recent Baha'i leaders.
Contents
Part I. Babism: 1. The Babi Movement; 2. Babi Doctrine and Dominant Motifs; 3. Babism as a Socio-religious Movement in Iran; Part II. The Baha'i Faith in the East, c. 1866–1921: 4. The Babi Recovery and the Emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 5. Dominant Motifs in the Baha'i Faith in the East; 6. The Iranian Baha'i Community, c. 1866–1921; Part III. The Baha'i Faith as a World Religion: 7. The Early American Baha'i Community; 8. Institutionalization in the Formative Age; 9. Modern Baha'i Motifs; 10. Worldwide Expansion; Conclusion".
Covers key people, places, beliefs and sacred texts
Extends from the origins of the faith to the approaching millennium
Features extensive cross-referencing, a chronology, and a thematic index and bibliography
Fully illustrated with maps and photographs.
Regarded as the second most widespread faith after Christianity, with adherents in almost every country around the globe, the Bahá’í Faith is nevertheless unfamiliar to many. Combining breadth with a readable yet concise style, Smith provides a balanced overview of Bahá’í scriptures, doctrines and practices, social teachings and organisation. Presenting a clear and knowledgeable view of a fascinating new religion, this is a unique and invaluable reference work".
"Good, straightforward and authoritative; extremely readable.", James Thrower World Congress of Faiths
A straightforward, factual account of the rise of the latest of the world's religions. A sociologist of religion and well-known author examines the tenets of the Bahá'í Faith and the beliefs and practices of the Bahá'ís".
"Peter Smith provides a ... summary of the development of the Baha'iํ Faith in the Western world. This is the most complete survey of Baha'i growth and development that has yet been attempted. Moojan Momen shares his discovery of an unpublished manuscript by John Esslemont, who surveyed the Baha'iํ world in 1919. The contrast is stunning.
Gyorgy Lederer provides new information on 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to Budapest in 1913. An essay by Jackson Armstrong-Ingram uncovers the odd events which transpired at the National Baha'i Convention in the United States in 1910. Loni Bramson investigates the first organized Baha'i plans set up by the National Spiritual Assembly in the U.S".
Papers by Peter Smith
• Explores the textual sources for Baha’i belief and practice, theology and anthropology and understanding of other religions.
• Covers the concept of the spiritual path, Baha'i law and administration and aspects of community life.
• Examines the Baha’i’s social teachings and activities in the wider world. This introduction will be of particular interest to students of new religious movements, Middle East religions, and comparative religion and for those studying short courses on the Baha’i faith.
Includes a chronology, select bibliography and list of recent Baha’i leaders".
Contents
Prologue; Part I. History: 1. The Babi movement; 2. Bahá'u'lláh and the emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 3. The ministry of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 1892–1921; 4. The guardianship of Shoghi Efendi (1922–57); 5. The Universal House of Justice, 1963–; 6. Expansion since 1921; Part II. Beliefs: 7. Baha'i texts: sources of belief and practice; 8. Divine knowledge and guidance; 9. Being human; 10. The Baha'i faith and other religions; 11. Social teachings and the vision of a new world order; Part III. Being a Baha'i: Aspects of Baha'i Life: 12. Community and membership and Baha'i law; 13. Baha'i administration; 14. Aspects of Baha'i community life; 15. Baha'i activities and the wider world; Some final comments; Appendix: recent Baha'i leaders.
Contents
Part I. Babism: 1. The Babi Movement; 2. Babi Doctrine and Dominant Motifs; 3. Babism as a Socio-religious Movement in Iran; Part II. The Baha'i Faith in the East, c. 1866–1921: 4. The Babi Recovery and the Emergence of the Baha'i Faith; 5. Dominant Motifs in the Baha'i Faith in the East; 6. The Iranian Baha'i Community, c. 1866–1921; Part III. The Baha'i Faith as a World Religion: 7. The Early American Baha'i Community; 8. Institutionalization in the Formative Age; 9. Modern Baha'i Motifs; 10. Worldwide Expansion; Conclusion".
Covers key people, places, beliefs and sacred texts
Extends from the origins of the faith to the approaching millennium
Features extensive cross-referencing, a chronology, and a thematic index and bibliography
Fully illustrated with maps and photographs.
Regarded as the second most widespread faith after Christianity, with adherents in almost every country around the globe, the Bahá’í Faith is nevertheless unfamiliar to many. Combining breadth with a readable yet concise style, Smith provides a balanced overview of Bahá’í scriptures, doctrines and practices, social teachings and organisation. Presenting a clear and knowledgeable view of a fascinating new religion, this is a unique and invaluable reference work".
"Good, straightforward and authoritative; extremely readable.", James Thrower World Congress of Faiths
A straightforward, factual account of the rise of the latest of the world's religions. A sociologist of religion and well-known author examines the tenets of the Bahá'í Faith and the beliefs and practices of the Bahá'ís".
"Peter Smith provides a ... summary of the development of the Baha'iํ Faith in the Western world. This is the most complete survey of Baha'i growth and development that has yet been attempted. Moojan Momen shares his discovery of an unpublished manuscript by John Esslemont, who surveyed the Baha'iํ world in 1919. The contrast is stunning.
Gyorgy Lederer provides new information on 'Abdu'l-Baha's visit to Budapest in 1913. An essay by Jackson Armstrong-Ingram uncovers the odd events which transpired at the National Baha'i Convention in the United States in 1910. Loni Bramson investigates the first organized Baha'i plans set up by the National Spiritual Assembly in the U.S".