Usenet 1994 October/usenetsourcesnewsgroupsinfomagicoctober1994disk1.iso/answers/bahai-faith/bibliography

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From: [e-mail] (Michael H Kalantar)
Subject: Baha'i Faith Annotated Bibliography
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Summary: Annotated bibliography of books on Baha'i Faith
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Archive-name: bahai-faith/bibliography
Last-Modified: 30-May-1994


This article is comprised of the following sections.  For your
convenience in searching, all section headings start in column 1.

        INTRODUCTORY BOOKS
        BOOKS BY BAHA'U'LLAH AND `ABDU'L-BAHA
        BAHA'I HISTORY
        OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS
        HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC VERSIONS)

Our thanks to the original author, Babak Kashef <[e-mail]>,
and for suggestions, revisions and expansions offered by:

        Carl Fravel <[e-mail]>
        Ed Ordaz <[e-mail]>
        Mark Towfiq <[e-mail]>
        Rick Troxel <[e-mail]>
        Bruce Limber <[e-mail]>

Additional entries are solicited, subject to editorial review.  If an
entry is in a language other than English, please include an English
translation.

[An up to date version of this bibliography can always be obtained via
 anonymous ftp (give Name as "anonymous" and your login name as your
 password) from rtfm.mit.edu in the directory /pub/usenet/soc.religion.bahai]


INTRODUCTORY BOOKS
==================

Titles within this section 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'is
Baha'i International Community, 80pp
ISBN 1-870989-37-6

A magazine format overview of the Baha'i Faith.  It covers the basics
of Baha'i beliefs and history.


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.


I Shall Come Again
Hudishar Motlagh
Global Perspective, ~500pp
ISBN 0-937661-00-7 (cloth); 0-937661-01-5 (paper)

Briefly, this book goes into great detail about Biblical prophecies --
especially time prophecies -- and their fulfillment by the Baha'i Faith.
It contains numerous citations -- many of them quoting Christian scholars
and authorities.  It is the first in a (projected) 5 volume series.


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.


Preparing for a Baha'i/Christian Dialogue:  Understanding Biblical Evidence
Michael Sours
Oneworld Publications Ltd
Vol 1  ISBN 1-85168-018-7
Vol 2  ISBN 1-85168-032-2

A multi-volume study program designed to help Baha'is familiarize
themselves with the Bible and Christian theology.  Well written and
not cumbersome.  Among the features one finds practical advice on how
to study the Bible; methods of interpreting the Bible; answers to the
most common Christian questions concerning proofs and progressive
revelation; and answers to Christian questions about Baha'i teachings,
the Bible, and Christ.


The Prophecies of Jesus
Michael Sours
Oneworld Publications Ltd, 223pp
ISBN 1-85168-025-X

In the nineteenth century, many Christians throughout the Western
world expected the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies.  Some even
ventured to conclude from the Scriptures that Jesus would return in
1844.  This widespread expectation is well known to historians and
culminated in what has been referred to as 'the Great Disappointment.'
Yet in the very same year, a dynamic religious movement swept across
Persia which heralded the advent and swift emergence of the Baha'i
Faith, the only religion born during that time to become a global
faith.  Its founder, Baha'u'llah, claimed to be no less than the
fulfillment of the very biblical prophecies that had so inspired the
hopes of the Christian adventists.  _Prophecies of Jesus_ offers a
thoughtful, verse by verse exploration of Jesus's greatest prophetic
sermon in the light of Baha'u'llah's extraordinary ministry and
teachings and of nineteenth century Christian beliefs and current
Christian interpretations.


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."


A Thief in the Night: The Case of the Missing Millennium
William Sears
George Ronald, Publisher, 304pp
ISBN 85398-008-X

The author describes how, having once discovered a problem -- the
belief among many Christians of that time that Christ's return would
take place in the 1840's -- he set out to unearth the clues leading to
its solution.  The Baha'i Faith is presented as that solution.


BOOKS BY BAHA'U'LLAH AND `ABDU'L-BAHA
=====================================

The following books have been in some cases published by a number of
Baha'i publishing trusts in various countries.  Where ISBN numbers are
listed, they are generally for the least expensive edition currently
available from the USA Baha'i Distribution Service.

Baha'u'llah
-----------

The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah
  Verses of guidance and comfort, forming the ethical heart of Baha'u'llah's
  message.

The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys
  Two mystical writings, on the stages in the spiritual growth of the
  soul.

The Kitab-i-Iqan (Book of Certitude)
  Baha'u'llah's teachings on the subject of progressive revelation
  (the view that the religions and prophets are part of one historical
  process by which God has educated mankind).  Explanations of earlier
  scriptures and the prophecies they contain.

The Kitab-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book)
ISBN 0-85398-999-0  (hardcover)
  Baha'u'llah's book of laws for this dispensation, together further
  explanations by Baha'u'llah and comprehensive notes from the Universal
  House of Justice.

Tablets of Baha'u'llah
ISBN 0-87743-216-3 (paperback)
  A collection of some of Baha'u'llah's later writings, revealed after
  the Kitab-i-Aqdas.  This collection includes the following tablets:
  Tablet of Carmel, The Most Holy Tablet, Ornaments, Spendors, Effulgences,
  Glad-Tidings, and Tablet of the World.

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
ISBN 0-87743-048-9
ISBN 0-87743-235-X (paperback)
  One of Baha'u'llah's last writings, this is essentially Baha'u'llah's
  anthology of His own teachings.

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah
ISBN 0-87743-111-6 (hardcover)
ISBN 0-87743-112-4 (paperback)
  A collection of extracts of Baha'u'llah's writings covering many
  subjects.

Prayers and Meditations
  A large collection of prayers and meditations revealed by
  Baha'u'llah.  Some of these are prayers revealed for us to use, and
  some are Baha'u'llah's own prayers to God.

`Abdu'l-Baha
------------

Selections from the Writings of `Abdu'l-Baha
  A collection of important passages from the writings of `Abdu'l-Baha.

Promulgation of Universal Peace
  The public talks given by `Abdu'l-Baha while he traveled through the
  United States.

Paris Talks
  Another collection of public talks on various subjects by `Abdu'l-Baha.

Some Answered Questions, 324pp
ISBN 0-87743-163-9 (paperback)
  A collection of "table talks" in which `Abdu'l-Baha answered a
  number of posed questions on a wide range of philisophical, religious
  and social questions, including the relationship of the Baha'i teachings
  to the Bible and evolution.

Collections
-----------

Baha'i Prayers
ISBN 0-87743-175-2
ISBN 0-87743-176-0 (paperback)
ISBN 0-87743-177-9 (deluxe)
  Prayers from Baha'u'llah, `Abdu'l-Baha, and the Bab, arranged by
  subject

The Divine Art of Living
  Baha'i teachings on various aspects of living a spiritual life.

Unto Him Shall We Return
  Baha'i teachings on the purpose of life, and on death and life after
  death.

The Power of Unity
  Baha'i teachings on the application of the spiritual principle of
  unity in general to race unity in particular.

Peace:  More than an End to War
  Baha'i teachings about the establishment of true peace in this
  world, and the prerequisites to that occurring.


BAHA'I HISTORY
==============

God Passes By, 450pp
ISBN 0-87743-020-9
ISBN 0-87743-034-9 (paper)
  The history of the first 100 years of the Baha'i Faith (1844-1944) written
  by its appointed Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.  This is a well written and
  complete summary of events and their significance.

Nabil's Narrative (the Dawn Breakers)
  The history of approximately the first 20 years of the Baha'i Faith written
  by an observer of many of the events described.


OTHER BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS
===========================================

Bibliography of English-Language Works on the Babi and Baha'i Faith,
  1844-1985
William P. Collins
Oxford: George Ronald, 1990
ISBN 0-85398-315-1
  The most comprehensive bibliography of English-language publications

The Baha'i Faith: A Historical Bibliography
Joel Bjorling
New York: Garland Publishing, 1985
  A less comprehensive bibliography which has been superseded by
  Collins

The Baha'i Studies Bulletin
Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K., 1982-
  This periodical contains regular bibliographic listings

The Baha'i World, v.XVIII, 1979-1983, pp. 887-889
Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1986
  Includes a brief listing of books in languages other than English


HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC VERSIONS)
==========================================================

a) Visit your public library.  It is quite likely that your library
   has a few introductory titles.

b) Contact your local Baha'i community.  Many local communities have a
   local phone number listed under "Baha'i Faith," or "Baha'i
   Community."

c) Call the Baha'i Publishing Trust in your country.  In the USA this
   is [phone].  The staff can take telephone orders, and can
   also send you a price list and a more complete listing of
   publications than included in this article.

d) Call or visit one of the Baha'i bookstores.  For example, there is
   a book store at the Los Angeles Baha'i Center, (Los Angeles Baha'i
   Booksource, [phone]), and one at the Baha'i Temple in
   Wilmette, IL.

e) Many of the books by Baha'u'llah, Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi (as
   well as some others) are available via anonymous ftp from "ftp.bwc.org"
   and "oneworld.wa.com".

   To obtain these type:
      ftp ftp.bwc.org  OR  ftp oneworld.wa.com
   At the "Name" prompt type:
      anonymous
   At the "Password" prompt type your email address.

   You should now get a "ftp>" prompt.  You must then navigate through the
   ftp file system (a tree structure) using commands "ls" and "dir" to list
   the directories and "cd" to change directory.  Use "get <filename>" to
   transfer files from there to your computer.  Be aware that the files are
   in a compressed format so you must be able to decompress them when you
   obtain them (this also means that you must issue the ftp command "binary"
   before issuing any get commands).  On ftp.bwc.org the books are in the
   directory "bahai".  One oneworld.wa.com they are in the directory "pub/bwc".

   A mosaic (or WWW) interface to one of the ftp sites is available using
   the URL:   http://www.usask.ca/~maton/bahai.html