From: rick@helix.nih.gov (Rick Troxel)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.bahai
Subject: Annotated Bibliography
Date: 12 Jan 93 20:56:03 GMT
Article-I.D.: qiclab.1993Jan12.205603.7426
Expires: Sat, 30 Jan 1993 23:59:59 GMT
Organization: Moderators of soc.religion.bahai

[Last updated 20-Dec-92]

SOME INTRODUCTORY BOOKS ON THE BAHA'I FAITH

Original Author: Babak Kashef <babak@canada.sun.com>

Titles are arranged alphabetically.


All Things Made New
John Ferraby
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 338 pp
ISBN 0-900125-24-1

Offers the reader a comprehensive introduction to the Baha'i Faith.
The author's inclusion of many quotations from the Baha'i sacred
Writings complements an overview of the Faith as complete as to be
found anywhere.  Its first section, "The Teachings of the Faith,"
discusses the oneness of God and of religion, the oneness of mankind,
social and economic teachings, personal conduct, science and the
knowledge of God, the relation of the Baha'i Faith to other religions.
Part Two concerns the Central Figures of the Faith; and Part Three,
"The Baha'i Community," looks at the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the
Baha'i Administrative Order and laws, obligations and teaching the
Faith.


The Baha'i Faith
Mary Perkins
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 96pp
ISBN 0-7062-39393

A short, basic introduction to the Baha'i Faith, covering the history,
teachings and way of life of the Baha'i community.  One of the most
popular, easy to read introductions to the Baha'i Faith.  Fully
illustrated.


The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion
William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin
Harper & Row, 248 pp
ISBN 0-06065-441-4 (cloth)
ISBN 0-06312-078-X (paper)

As the publishers describe it, "Here is the first definitive
introduction -- sure to become a standard reference work -- of the
history, teaching, administrative structure and community life of the
Baha'i Faith, the youngest and one of the fastest growing of the
world's independent religions."  Martin, an historian, and Hatcher, a
professor of mathematics, have produced a survey of the Baha'i Faith
especially strong in its examination of the turbulent early history of
the Faith and its relationship to Islam.  The authors stress the
pivotal concept of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of the human race and
an emerging global order.  As well, they examine a wide range of
Baha'i teachings, such as the oneness and progressive character of
religion, the unity of science and religion, the equality of woman and
man, economic justice, the spiritual foundation of life, the
institutions of the Baha'i Faith and disciplines for daily living.


Baha'u'llah and the New Era
John Esslemont
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 318pp
ISBN 0-87743-160-4

The best known introductory book, translated into 30 languages, and in
continuous print since 1923.  Written by a distinguished early British
Baha'i, this book presents a thorough outline of the history,
principal figures, spiritual and social teachings, and administrative
organization of the Faith.  An especially interesting section examines
the relationship of Baha'u'llah to the expectations and prophecies,
such as the coming of the Kingdom of God in Christianity, that are to
be found in all faiths.


The Earth is But One Country
John Huddleston
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 320pp
ISBN 0-900125-91-8

"Many, concerned about the condition of society and about the sense of
unfulfillment in their personal lives," says the author,
"automatically assume that they will not find an answer in religion.
Past experience has left a negative impression of superstition and
escapism.  This Book is primarily addressed to those who have this
point of view."  It presents the needs of humanity today, emphasizing
the practical means for building a new civilization where all peoples
can live together in justice, harmony, and peace.


The Imperishable Dominion
Udo Schaefer
George Ronald Publisher, 320pp
ISBN 0-85398-142-6

An analysis of modern thought since the 1700's showing how it has
contributed to society's current crises, and presenting the Baha'i
answers to today's dilemmas.


The Renewal of Civilization
David Hofman
George Ronald Publisher, 144pp
ISBN 0-85398-007-1

Examination of religion as the creative force behind the rise and
reformation of civilization.


To a Seeker
Nathan Rutstein
George Ronald Publisher, 121pp
ISBN 0-85398-239-2

The need for spiritual development as a pathway to happiness is
frequently overlooked.  The author describes how the Baha'i Faith can
show us the way to that elusive happiness.  A dramatic vision of the
future, and the steps now being taken by Baha'is to attain it, is
offered to the seeker who searches for a "new day."