I was never a devout Christian to begin with . . .

“ . . . I was never a, "devout," Christian to begin with. After a lot of research and reading about the foundations of the Baha'i Faith, I really agree with a lot of them. I think one of the ones that stood out for me is that we are all one. Not necessarily segregated due to religious beliefs. I remember at Christmas, my uncle was asking why I didn't bring [my Baha’i boyfriend] with me. He was out of town visiting family, but also he does not celebrate Christmas. Then of course the whole family surrounded me, and asked me what his beliefs were. When I said he was a Baha'i, they were really confused and made some jokes about it. My mom and I have also talked about it, and she seemed to be really put off at first, and she said, "Well, I don't really know what that is... But if he doesn't believe in God, then . . ." I interrupted her, and corrected her. I think it just scared her a bit, because she was afraid I would end up with someone who does not believe in God! Lol. But I really like the fact that it unifies all social classes, nationality, culture, and religious beliefs. I feel like it focuses a lot on peace and kindness. Practicing patience, and serving your community, which are all things that I am very passionate about, as opposed to condemning people for their wrong doings  . . . .  I don't think any type of religion should do this to anyone . . .”

 

"Baha'i might fulfill our needs"

Jennifer first discovered the Baha'i Faith by driving past the Baha'i House of Worship located in Wilmette Illinois.  Here is what that discovery now means to her.

I passed the Baha'i temple and thought it was absolutely beautiful.  I googled what it was . . . I didn't even know a religion like this existed. It is exactly what I believe essentially.  I was raised Greek Orthodox, and I enjoyed it, but I just feel like I am not exclusively Christian.  In fact, I am simply in support of all religions and anybody working towards peace.  I have a 3 month old baby and would love to introduce religion into her life and think Baha'i might fulfill our needs.

Angie's journey in becoming a Bahá'í

When Angie was in her late 20's, some 10 years ago when she was working as a receptionist, she met an older gentleman who came into the office.  He saw that she was frustrated and gave her a book of Bahá'í prayers.  Angie put the little book aside and did not read it. 

About 3 years ago, Angie began to search more directly for "something different."  She investigated a number of faiths, including Christianity and Buddhism, and even studied Islam, but none of them felt quite right for her.  Angie's cousin was also searching and knew about the Bahá'í House of Worship in Wilmette, IL.  They decided to visit this place of worship together.

Angie explained how she felt when she first entered the gardens of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

"Immediately I knew that I belonged. I felt comfortable!"

Angie regularly attends devotional gatherings at the Bahá’í House of Worship and brings her 13-year-old son.

"We just like it there,” she explained.

One Sunday, by coincidence, she met the older gentleman who had given her the Bahá'í prayer book some ten years ago.  Angie shared that while cleaning one day, she found the little book he had given her.  She was surprised that she still had it and hadn't been tossed it out during the many moves her family made over the years. 

Recently during a return visit to the House of Worship, Angie asked how to learn more about the Bahá'í Faith and she was given information.  She soon after was connected to the local Bahá’í community and invited to an "Hour of Prayer" and from this gathering Angie began to study with others the book “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit” and later also “Arising to Serve.” Her son has been invited to join the junior youth spiritual empowerment group in his neighborhood.  Angie has since registered her declaration to become a Bahá’í and is now an enrolled member.

 

 

"He was ready to declare when he attended our devotional"

Conner, who lives in a small town in North Carolina, inquired about the Baha'i Faith simply by calling 800-22UNITE and saying “Hi there, my name is Conner and I was looking for a local Baha’i community near me.” 

Conner decided to register his belief in Baha'u'llah having researched Baha'i Faith online after learning of it while in high school.  He was raised Catholic, and is excited to learn more.  He plans to attend Community College next year, so he will be moving soon. 

Here is one story about what made this declaration special, as told by the host of a recent prayer gathering. 

“He was ready to declare when he attended our devotional gathering and the Fireside that followed.  He simply asked something like, "What is the process for initiation into the Faith?"  After answering his question, a declaration card was given to him and explained.   He signed it right away, and stated a desire to engage in further study of the Faith when it can be arranged.  We had 16 people in our living room with no seat or room to spare.  We were Baha'i, Christian, Muslim; all together sharing in devotional prayer and discussion, and a meal afterwards. These devotional gatherings are truly wonderful and we are blessed to have such a heartwarming experience.”

 

"I have recently been feeling like I need something more"

Ashley in Florida has been searching for something more . . .  

I was not raised with religion and I have recently been feeling like I need something more. I've been trying some Christian churches but the hard part for me is that faith in Jesus and the Bible would require me to believe that all other non-Christian religions are wrong, which I'm not sure I could ever believe. I looked at a website called www.religionfacts.com, which gives an unbiased summary of world religions. The Baha'i faith made the most sense to me and I am very interested in learning more.

 

 

"I feel in my heart that this could be the answer to what I've been looking for"

Linda approached the Baha'is hoping to resolve many questions . . .  

I've had a strange journey with religion that I'd like to work through. I have many questions and few have been answered. I met a Baha'i who is now a friend and she told me a little bit about it and for the first time, I could feel in my heart that this could be the answer to what I've been looking for.  After some research, I believe that this is the faith for me because it's finally giving me a name for what I've always believed. However, my beliefs about Jesus are holding me back. Is it possible to be Messianic and Baha'i? 

Later that day, a Baha'i responded to Linda’s inquiry.  Here’s what Linda shared back. 

Thank you for responding so quickly! I was not expecting such a quick response, I greatly appreciate it. Unfortunately, I have a lot going on these next three days. I could possibly talk on Saturday?  I'd like to have as much time as needed to talk without restraint, if that's ok with you? I have several questions and I like talking things out and thinking through them. I apologize in advance for possibly being more difficult than others you've spoken to before! Ha-ha    Anyway, with all that being said, are you free to call on Sunday around noon or after?    Thanks and peace to you.”

 

 

 

 

"I have outgrown my childhood faith and have too many questions"

Brian from Illinois shared about his spiritual journey and quest for more understanding.

“I've been raised a devout non-denominational Christian. My family would be very angry if they knew I was showing an interest in another faith. However, while I love Jesus I find that something is missing in my faith and spirituality and I have a hard time accepting Christianity as the only religion and condemning a majority of the world to the Hell the Bible describes. I think I have outgrown my childhood faith and have too many questions. I want my spirituality to flourish again.”

 

 

"I'd prefer to discuss these topics in person"

Danny shared this about his journey . . .  

“I was raised Christian but seriously question my faith now. I believe in God and Jesus but struggle with the way that faith evolved and has been interpreted over the centuries. I think Christianity today looks very different from what Jesus and his original followers intended. The concept of unity in the Baha'i Faith is very appealing to me.” 

 

Nine months later, Danny wrote the Baha'is again, using the ‘contact us’ form . . . 

I have been on quite a journey over the last few years and during my questioning of Christian faith I came to believe or at least suspect many things that ended up being fulfilled by the Baha'i faith. At this point I only have a few questions about how my current life circumstances and the Faith will mix. I'd prefer to discuss these topics in person.   

The Baha'is near him are in contact.

 

 

"I found Baha'i through a rabbit hole and here I am."

At 9AM while on the Web, Jesse filled out the ‘contact us’ form on www.bahai.us and shared this about himself. . .  

“I'm searching, have been since I can remember. I was raised Christian and I am a Christian but, I don't know. After the war, after seeing what man does to man in the name of Islam or Christianity or any religion for that matter....I lost a part of myself in that desert, some of my humanity and I've been struggling ever since. Call it PTSD or whatever it is, I lost a large part of me and I'm searching to regain it. I found Baha'i through a rabbit hole and here I am.” 

The Baha'is near him within hours were in contact.

"I have a really strong feeling that it [the Baha'i Faith] is the truth!"

Randy who is in his mid 20s and lives in the “Bible Belt” of the deep south called 800—22UNITE right after he filled out the online registration to register his declaration.  He was eager to learn what it would take to become a Baha'i. 

Here’s his story . . .  

He had been reading about the Faith for several years now, and recently he got a Facebook account and found the Baha'is page.  He joined the page, and he said he started reading about the Faith even more.  He shared that much of what he read, he agreed with. 

“I really can’t put into words or explain why I want to be a Baha'i, but I can only say I have a really strong feeling that it is the truth!  It IS the truth!  It is overwhelming.  I can’t wait!” 

During the call, we shared his understanding about the Baha'i Faith, and raised lots of questions related to Christian teachings and how they are viewed in the Baha'i Faith, such as the belief by the Christians that Jesus will be physically resurrected and born again.  We discussed this and also encouraged him to read Some Answered Questions which address in more detail many of the topics he raised.  He also asked about how Baha'is tithe. 

 

 

I "yearn for something that is relevant to the current world"

“I am interested in finding a faith that makes sense for myself and my family. I am Jewish and my wife is Christian.  I cannot buy into all the rhetoric and/or ritual of either faith and yearn for something that is relevant to the current world. Thank you.”

Karen shares “I finally found home” in the Bahai Faith

Beverly, a Bahai, inspired by a voice message left on the toll-free line (800)22-UNITE shares this story from Karen who wants to learn more about the Bahai Faith.

I met a gal yesterday that gave me one of your cards and I'm so very interested in this.  It seems like everything that was written on the back of the card is everything I've ever been searching for.  I would love to get an information packet from you but I'll give you my phone number too.  Thank you so much.  You know, something led me to talk to her yesterday and when I read the back of this card it was like I finally found home.  Thank you so very much.  God bless you.

The Bahai who spoke with Karen shared about their first conversation together.

I had an inspirational conversation with a woman named Karen who found the Faith through a conversation at a doctor's office.  She shared that their conversation was so natural, and that the Bahai didn't push her in any way, but rather just chatted and offered that if she wanted to learn more that she could call the number on the card that she gave her and someone would call her or send her literature if she wished.  She was impressed the Bahai, a scientist at a nearby hospital, was moved by her heart to accept "some things that can't be explained."  When, later, Karen read the back of the card the Bahai had given her (with the principles of the Faith listed in bullet format) she told me: "never in my life have I felt like I did when I read the back of that card," "how could the back of a business card have "something so right!”

Over and over throughout our conversation Karen expressed just how moved she was to find this Faith.  She said that she knows she was being led to talk with the Bahai at the doctor’s office, and that the Faith "is the most wonderful gift I've ever been given!" 

She had been searching for faith all her life . . .

Karen was baptized in the Episcopalian church at 2 weeks old.  At 7 years old her parents were asked to remove her from the Bible school she attended because she asked too many questions.  She said that she's looked into many faiths in her 55 years, but they never felt right to her.  She referred to herself as "an old hippie chick who has always had faith, just not the church kind."  She said that when she prays she "lifts her hand high in praise of God."  I shared with her about the pose in the long obligatory prayer and she was moved.

Karen is excited about joining the Bahai community by participating in service activities where she lives.

Her Mormon friend said that what she believes is Bahá’í

Lisa, age 34, learned from her friend, a Mormon, that what she believes is what the Bahá’ís believe, so she investigated further.  She began reading the book God Speaks Again, and before reading it all the way through she realized . . . “I believe this!  I am a Baha'i!”

More about Lisa is shared here by a Bahai who spoke with her directly.

In our phone call today, Lisa shared that, "This is religion for the new times, and it makes sense.  The new Messengers come and teach new things for new times."  As we talked about how she feels, she said, "It did seem a bit odd to register online, to join a religion.  But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.  It's the perfect thing for this religion, and it makes sense with everything I have read.  New Messenger.  New way to join!  Even joining is modern!"

While talking about her registration, I asked her, "While reading in God Speaks Again and learning about Baha'i, do you believe Baha'u'llah is a Messenger from God?"  Her emphatic response was, "It's kind of hard not to.  Everything makes sense." 

Lisa went to a Catholic school growing up.  Her parents encouraged her to read and decide on her own which religion would be hers.  Her mother always said that this life is spiritual preparation for the life beyond. Something her father emphasized was that all religions are a path to God. He died at an early age, but she now wonders if he too was a Baha’i! 

It amazes Lisa that her parents raised her Christian and Moslem (her father was Iranian) and taught many of the concepts she now finds within the Baha'i Faith.

Lisa went online to www.bahail.us and registered herself and her one-year-old son as members of the Bahai Faith. She is eager to meet other members of her spiritual community!

Michael said that he always felt like a Bahai . . .

Twenty years ago, Michael’s uncle investigated the Bahai Faith, and now he too is interested in joining.

Michael called back. He told me that as a child of 9 for about 8 years, he attended Bahai community activities and devotionals.  When he turned 18, he went to college and served in the military after that.  He tried to contact the Baha'is during this time but it was not a good period of his life.  He shared that there was a timeframe when he considered himself a Christian but that he never completely fit it.  Now living in a new town, he has recently connected with a young adult group at the University.  They host devotional gatherings and are together studying the book Paris Talks. 

Michael shared with me that he has always felt like a Baha'i and this is where his spiritual journey has lead.  He is now ready to join the community as a member.

 

Meg learned about the Bahai Faith in the delivery room . . . .

This is a short story about how Meg, who believes in woman's rights and equality, decided to learn more about the Bahai Faith. She shared her story with a Bahai.

Meg shared with me that she was raised Catholic and at the age of 14 her mother told her she was not so sure about the Catholic Faith. At the age of 20, her dad became terminally ill.   Now that she is in her 30s, she wanted to learn more.  Meg’s brother recently died and she had no faith to turn to. 

Meg and her husband have been attending a non-denominational church but only bible study class is available to them, and it doesn’t allow for any discussion.   They were both told that there was no way to God except through Christ.

Recently, at her work as a delivery room nurse, Meg had a conversation with a woman in the delivery room who shared with her the news about the Bahai Faith. Meg went to investigate the Faith and its teachings online . . .

 

Mike & Emily: “My wife and I are looking for something that we can share”

Mike and Emily, both in their 30s, recently registered their declaration on www.bahai.us. While filling out the form, he shared the following about his search.

My wife and I are looking for something that we can share. We are really into the environment, family, friends, community, and need a practice we can share with community we can feel loved by and we can love. . . .  We have very little money so tithing is a hindrance. I'm a former Catholic but have dabbled in Buddhism and Indian traditions.  She's more liberal in her beliefs.

In speaking with Mike, more was learned about his spiritual journey as told by a nearby Bahai.

Mike grew up Catholic and heard about the Faith during a world religion class in high school approximately 15 years ago. His teacher, a Baptist, "scoffed" at the Baha'i Faith according to Mike, but this planted the spark of curiosity and commitment to investigate further at some point. Two years ago, Mike met a Bahai in a chemistry class - he thought the Bahai was a "cool guy" and learned more about the Faith through him, though the two eventually lost touch.  One year ago, Mike and his wife were talking about their priorities in advance of starting a family, which inspired them to renew their research online. They found that all the Baha'i teachings resonated with them. Eventually they re-kindled their relationship with the Bahai from chemistry class, and his wife, who loaned them Bahai books and materials. They also attended an informal talk on the Bahai Faith. 

Emily too shared more about how she first learned about the Bahai Faith.

Emily was not raised in a formal religion, but considers herself a "spiritual seeker." She learned about the Faith from a college instructor, and found his "way of being in the world" very inspiring. She attended one of his lectures about "inspiring people," which included vignettes about Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha. Emily then approached her teacher and asked if he was a Baha'i (he was). They had a conversation about the Faith, which Emily has found to be an "underlying source of strength" in her life from that time forward. Emily's instructor recommended the book, "Baha'u'llah and the New Era," which both she and Mike read. After finishing the book, Emily said, "I can live by this!"

Emily shares that she and her husband are both service-oriented and are attracted to the component of service to humanity. She is currently in graduate school . . . and looks at her career choice as a path of service. We talked about the life of Baha'u'llah, the laws, and community life.

Both Mike and Emily are now enrolled members in the Bahai Faith.

“I realized that I found something progressive”

Eighteen-year-old Sasha shares her journey in finding the Bahai Faith, in her own words.

I remember the stubby young girl who’d carry her bible with her everywhere. Even school. That wide-eyed young girl who passionately proclaimed Jesus Christ to be her Lord and Savior. I also remember when that changed. I remember that young teenage girl who read her Quran whereever she could. Even school. This girl had no problem giving praise to her one and only Creator, Allah, ever since the words of her grandfather changed her beliefs forever. “Why would you worship creation instead of the Creator?” He asked her. And then I remember being lost. I remember not being able to believe any religion and having the piercing of hell fire overcome me. The fear that that choosing no religion would damn me. All because of with what I had already encountered, my heart just wouldn't agree.

I grew up being surrounded by 3 major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Catholicism. Ha, you’d figure that I’d resonate with at least one of them, right? That’s what I thought as well. After eventually realizing that Islam nor Christianity was for me,- Catholicism was never really in the running- I remained religionless through most of high school, deciding that I didn’t need one of those 3 religions to keep my faith in God. But that changed drastically during my senior year. Frighteningly, I found that at times my faith would slip between my fingers and I found it hard to keep believing. My tumultuous family background did nothing to help this matter either. I got to the point of breaking down in February of this year. Eating was a difficulty, and schoolwork became a burden. “How can I worry about this paper when I should be worrying about my soul?” Needless to say, death terrified me.

Thankfully, the extremities of these feelings began to subside as the year went on, and I was able to focus again; I simply went back to my normal thinking, believing in God even without a religion. But then, something amazing happened.

I was a Student Teaching Assistant for a 9th grade English class, and one day I lead a group discussion with half of the class. During the discussion, 3 of my more, em, lively, students joking brought up a “super religion” as they called it, catching my ears immediately. I asked them what it was called, and it was none other than the Baha’i Faith. That same day I went to a Starbucks (I suppose I was feeling a latte of some sorts, haha), consulted the ever-reliable Wikipedia, and devoured its article on the Faith. It was almost hard to believe that a religion like this existed, I even wondered “So where’s the catch??”. But I found none. Instead, I found something that made absolute sense.

I realized that I found something progressive in all of its ideas; the complete unity of humanity, equality for all, value of education and inquiry, the validity of previous religions and science, being positive and active members in our communities - there’s so much more. One thing that I found extremely importantly is the idea that God never leaves us. The idea that He will not do the work for us, but will instead give us the guidance to help us help ourselves. The fact that the religion really surrounds us seeking God because we want to. We seek Him not out of fear of hell, but because we desire His love. That is perhaps the most beautiful thing that I have ever encountered, and with that I found home. I eventually made contact with Bahá’ís in my hometown, finding not only a warm and loving environment, but also great great role models. The Baha’is that I met had all been a part of the faith for at least 10 years and eloquently had extended their knowledge to me and answered any question that I had. Unfortunately, I had to leave that wonderful community behind when it was time for me to reach the next destination point, college.

That brings me to now. I’m a current freshman in college . . . and I’m still trying to incorporate the Faith into my everyday life. But I always remain optimistic. If there’s anything that I always have and always will believe is that God makes things happen for reasons, and those reasons will either be revealed to me, or they won’t. Regardless, God has put me through all of those trials and eventually brought me to the faith that I have been looking for. He’s been so amazing to me! And for that, I give my thanks to Him. I choose to follow the teachings of Baha’u’llah, and I choose to try my very best. The best part is that I’m completely happy. I’m happy that I’ve found my true path to God. It’s the piece that’s been missing to this puzzle that is my whole.

Sasha is now an enrolled member of the Bahai Faith, and the local community is reaching out to her.

 

Progressive revelation attracted her to the Faith

Dee has a degree in Art History who, at age 56, became attracted to the concept of progressive revelation, a fundamental principal of the Bahai Faith.  She lives in a rural community.  Here is what the Bahai who connected with Dee shared about her journey.

She said she had been raised Baptist but had been told by her mom that she didn't care which church she went to as long as she went, so she began attending different denominations with her many friends. She couldn't figure out why they were all Christian but each had a "different Bible." She felt that the Word was the Word and shouldn't be different from one church to another. Then she talked about different Manifestations and realizing that They all said the same thing really. Then she found the Faith through Seals and Crofts and began studying. She said it made sense to her. She's been reading a bit about the history of the Faith. [We] spoke for over an hour.  She finds what she knows about the Faith to be true to her views. We talked about progressive revelation and I mentioned, after talking for quite a while, that she might really enjoy [two books] The Seven Valleys and Hidden Words. She located the Baha'i Reference Library [on the computer] as we were talking.

Dee contacted the Bahai recently and shared more about herself and her interest in joining the Faith.

Hi, I will be available all day Friday [and] I do have a question or two, after going into different areas of the website. I am ok with not being affiliated with any political party, the main 2 parties aren't very honorable or stable (imho) [in my honest opinion]. I do my best to avoid contention and such, but I am an advocate for healthy living, clean food and such. Am a bit of an activist in those areas, and strongly feel the need to educate others. Hope the people in charge can let me in, knowing this about me. Just hoping that I fit into the Faith as much as the Faith fits me!

Dee is enrolled.  She is happy to have found the Faith and looks forward to connecting with more Baha’is.

 

"I didn't understand the various religions either until I became a Baha'i"

Ashley, a young adult from the great lakes area, registered her declaration online just a few days ago and was contacted right away by a Bahai who wanted to meet her and learn more about her interest in the Bahai Faith.  Here is her story, as told by the friend who made contact with her.

Ashley called me back while at work.  She explained that growing up she had no religious affiliation or training.  When she was about to begin high school, a friend recommended an Evangelical Christian school.  Ashley attended this school and identified herself with the Christian faith.  It was in this high school that she first heard the name Baha'i.  Later in college, she pursued a number of different majors but settled finally on religious studies.  She also encountered the Baha'i Faith a little more through her coursework.  There were also a few people she met who were Baha'is and through social media, she read and learned more about the Faith. 

According to Ashley, what really made a difference for her was that she felt the religions came from the same Source and there were very few differences between them.  “Why then was there so much disunity since we all believe in one God?” she asked. 

Wanting to learn more, Ashley went to the library and checked out a book about the Faith.  She read it out loud to her boyfriend, who is also interested in learning more about the Bahai Faith, and exclaimed that what she was reading was exactly what she believed!  “I didn't understand the various religions either until I became a Baha'i,” she explained.

“First impressions are important . . . “

Marcel was raised in the Christian church, but he stopped attending as a youth, and became agnostic. He first heard of the Faith on NPR radio, and after hearing a little about the beliefs, researched it for himself online. He found that the Bahai Faith is everything that he believes:  that the world's religions are true, and include Christianity.

After giving "a good bit of thought” about the Faith, he made a decision to register his declaration.  He spoke at length with a Bahai and soon after was invited to community events including Feast, a local study group, and devotional gatherings. 

Recently, Marcel shared . . .

First impressions are important, and I am happy to say that I am very impressed and touched by the warm welcome I received from so many Baha'is on Thursday.

Welcome to the community Marcel!