r/bahai

I see a lot of posts on social media by Baha'is that seem really political especially from the US. Back 100 years ago the Baha'i Faith was labeled progressive because many of the core teachings were radical for the time. Mankind has changed a lot since then and the progressive movement has moved the goal posts a lot and yet the US Baha'is seem to be caught in time warp thinking they can appeal to current day progressives on a purely intellectual level. I don't believe that is the case, there are huge differences in world view between current US progressives and the Baha'i Faith. I think we have to focus on our core; the spiritualization of mankind by striving in our inner lives and working with others to achieve a framework that is conducive to spirituality.

The spiritual always precedes the physical and, if we get our spiritual act together, the physical will be resolved. If we concentrate solely on the physical, the spiritual illness within will simply reassert itself.

I'm almost sure I've read that somewhere.

The Holy Writings, the Qur'an and the Bible all evidence that everything in this world was made as signs to mirror the things of the divine realm. For example...

• The fetus in the mother's womb is likened to the soul's existence in this world.
• The birth of the fetus is likened to our physical death.
• The fetus receives its life from a female (which was directly created from male), and the soul receives spiritual life from the Holy Spirit (which directly emanates from God).
• Male and female were once one, and must reunite to become one flesh again (Gen. 2:24). In a similar way the soul's purpose is a spiritual reunion with God.
• Male and female are not ashamed of each other when they are united (Gen 2:25). The soul is similarly not ashamed of God when it is united with Him.
• But when the soul has separated from God, it becomes ashamed of Him and seeks to hide from His presence (Gen. 3:7). And vice versa, when the male is not united with female, they cannot see each other naked and will cover themselves up with clothes ("hiding" from each other).
• Etc...

So logically speaking it would make sense that the soul has its sign in this world. After some thoughts I've pretty much come to the conclusion that the physical body is to the soul what the shadow is to the physical body.

The shadow has no will on its own. Whatever the physical body does, the shadow imitates exactly. Wherever the physical body goes, the shadow follows. Although the shadow may be seen doing all these things, it is not truly the shadow, but rather the physical body, that does them. And just as the physical body is wholly incapable of comprehending the soul, the shadow is unable to comprehend the physical body (think about it, the shadow is 2-dimensional and lacks even the ability to think). When one's shadow disappears, such as when one enters into a well-lit space, the physical body remains. And similarly when we leave this world of darkness and enter the light, our soul remains though our physical body perishes...

Thought I'd share since this was on my mind for a while. I wonder if there's anything in the Holy Writings to corroborate this.

"Wherefore, put thy hand into thy bosom, then stretch it forth with power, and behold, thou shalt find it a light unto all the world. – Baha’u’llah, The Four Valleys, in The Call of the Divine Beloved, p. 99."

I don't know if this has anything to do with facing outward rather than inward and turning from self but I was wondering about your thoughts on this writing?

The compilation of Bahai Sacred Writings (2025 book) has newly translated English quotes included so does anyone have a guide, a list of which ones they are, or page numbers?

"The volume includes a number of newly translated excerpts published in English for the first time" was announced in a July 2025 letter.

I'd love to know specifics. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to connect with any French-speaking Discord servers related to the Bahá’í Faith.

I’ve seen a few English-speaking communities, but I was wondering if there are any active francophone groups where people share discussions, prayers, or study materials.

If anyone knows of a server or even smaller online groups (Discord,

really appreciate it.

Thanks a lot in advance!

This beautiful open letter from the US NSA, “To all who hold the promise of America in their hearts,” came as an insert in the April 2026 issue of The American Baha’i. “This message from the Baha’is of the United States is an invitation to thoughtful conversation. In this time of challenge, we need spaces where we can pause, reflect, and listen to others with openness and goodwill. We hope this message can inspire such conversations— in homes and neighborhoods, in Faith communities and civic settings— so that we can move forward together” (Introduction).

The letter dispels false dichotomies and really inspires Hope. It echoes the Peace Statement, the Prosperity letter and other potent source documents, though it is brief and pretty accessible. I feel it’s going to be very valuable! A Baha’i neighbor and I plan to launch the very conversation this document invites, with friends in the neighborhood. Starting next week.

I’m interested to hear Baha’i Redditors’ responses, thoughts and experiences with it.