Bahaism and Its Claims

Bahaism is a revolt from the fold of Islam which in recent years has been bidding vigorously for the support of Occidental minds. Many of its principles are culled from the Christian religion which it insidiously seeks to supplant. What this Oriental cult is, what it stands for, and what it aims at, is told in a volume which forms a notable addition to the History of Comparative Religions.

Persian Life and Customs.

With Incidents of Residence and Travel in the Land of the Lion and the Sun. With a map and other illustrations, and an index. 8vo, cloth, net, $1.25.

"Not only a valuable contribution to the missionary literature of modern times, but is, in addition, a volume rich in the facts it contains in regard to that historic country. The American people generally should read this book, and thereby acquire much needed information about the Persians."--Religious Telescope.

Bahaism and Its Claims

A Study of the Religion Promulgated by Baha Ullah and Abdul Baha

By SAMUEL GRAHAM WILSON, D. D. Thirty-two Years Resident in Persia Author of "Persian Life and Customs," etc.

NEW YORK CHICAGO TORONTO

Fleming H. Revell Company

LONDON AND EDINBURGH

Copyright, 1915, by FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY

New York: 158 Fifth Avenue Chicago: 125 North Wabash Ave. Toronto: 25 Richmond Street, W. London: 21 Paternoster Square Edinburgh: 100 Princes Street

To my Wife

whose love and appreciation are a constant inspiration in our far-away home

Contents

INTRODUCTION 11

I. HISTORICAL SKETCH 17

The East productive of religions--Imamat--Shiahism, its sects--Sheikhiism--The Bab-Subh i Azal--Baha Ullah--His policy--His haram--Abdul Baha--Journey to Occident--Education--Number of Bahais.

II. THE GENERAL CLAIMS OF BAHAISM 29

(I) New religion needed--(II) Bahaism that new religion--To supersede Christianity--Doctrines--Baha God--His Revelation--The Akdas--Conditions of discipleship--Position of Abdul Baha--(III) Claims superiority to former religions--In founder, books and doctrines--Not superlative--(IV) To be a universal religion--Defects in rites, regulations, calendar, civil government--House of Justice--Alphabet--Universal language.

III. ITS SPECIFIC CLAIMS 61

Unification of Mankind--Divisions in Persia--Of Bahais--Compulsory uniformity--One Language--Peace Movement--History of--Abdul Baha on war--Bahaism dogmatic and boastful.

IV. BAHAISM AND CHRISTIANITY 81

Antagonistic--Makes Christianity one among many--Abrogates it--Dethrones Christ--Presumes to be Christ's Second Coming--And the fulfillment of prophecy--Bahai meeting in Chicago--Method of interpretation--The "Ikan"--Dishonours and belittles the historic Christ.

V. BAHAISM AND CHRISTIANITY (Continued) 109

Immortality and sin--Faith in Baha--Bahai Scriptures--Its worship--Hierarchy--Substitutes for Baptism and Lord's Supper--Christ's words imitated--Rites--Ablution--Fast--Prayer--Pilgrimage--Acca Shrines--Festivals--Era--Propaganda anti-Christian.

VI. BAHAISM AND THE STATE 131

Babism political Mahdiism--Hostile to Shah--Insurrections--Bahaism opportunism--Sought reconciliation--Tolerated--Indifferent to Constitutional struggle--Aided reactionary Shah--Rewarded by him Its political scheme--Houses of Justice--Dangerous to liberty.

VII. BAHAISM AND WOMAN 149

Abdul Baha teaches equality of sexes--Baha does not--Education of girls neglected--Marriage enjoined--Bigamyallowed--And practiced--Polygamy of Baha--His family--Loose divorce--Intermarriage of races--Aims at amelioration of woman--Moslem efforts--Babi Kurrat ul Ayn--No successor to--Baha's haram--Men only to be rulers--Women secluded.