Baha'i and Zoroastrianism cited as world's fastest growing independent religions (prophet, Islam)

[ParkTwain]

Zoroastrianism is also probably the world's oldest major religion. Its ideas affected Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Manicheanism, and Christianity. It was widespread in Persia at the time of Alexander the Great's invasion and was only displaced there by Islam in the 7th century CE.

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Israel haven for new Bahai world order
by Jennie Matthew Sun Nov 18, 6:11 PM ET

HAIFA, Israel (AFP) - Dominating a holy mountain in Israel is the nerve centre of the world's fastest growing major religion, preaching global unity and world peace from one of the most troubled countries on earth.

Founded less than 170 years ago, the Bahai faith believes that Persian-born prophet Bahuallah, who died in Israel, brought a message of unity, equality and world federation to save mankind from the plagues of the modern world.

The shrine to the Bab, a messenger whose mission prepared humanity for the coming of Bahuallah, the beautiful Bahai terraced gardens and classical-style World Centre in Israel's port city of Haifa are lauded by some as the eighth wonder of the world.
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Numbering five million believers in every continent reading literature translated into more than 800 languages, the Bahai faith is growing faster than any other religion but Zoroastrianism with its some 200,000 adherents.
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[chielgirl]

I have several Baha'i friends whose greatest draw was the absolute parity of men and women. They are absolutely equal in all respects.

[bels7]

Originally Posted by chielgirl

I have several Baha'i friends whose greatest draw was the absolute parity of men and women. They are absolutely equal in all respects.

I also have some Bahai friends. I was also struck by the absolute parity of men and women. And also by their warmth toward all, regardless of race, religion, or culture. I know I shouldn't generalize, as some folks "act" frendly to people of other races, and some folks are genuine. The Bahais I know seem quite genuine.

Another thing I really like is how they conduct business ( again based on my experience with only a few Bahai groups ). Everyone is free to express opinions but once verbalized the speaker does not own the opinion, there is no personal attachment to what is said, and it is so much easier to reach a consensus when people don't take things personally. I consider this an ideal, and not easy to actually achieve. But my Bahai friends seem to be able to do this.

[Miss Blue]

Originally Posted by bels7

I also have some Bahai friends. I was also struck by the absolute parity of men and women.

Everyone is free to express opinions but once verbalized the speaker does not own the opinion, there is no personal attachment to what is said, and it is so much easier to reach a consensus when people don't take things
personally. .

Some of the denominationalists and non- deniminalists could learn from this new religion..First that we are equal, there is no male orfemale..Secondly,the speaker not owning his opinion would sure help the sin of pride and boasting diminish..

[Tiger Beer]

Interesting!

[Thomas R.]

Sadly the only Baha'i I knew was an elderly woman who was a tad batty. However there are many good things about it and many good or interesting people were Baha'i. (Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Tierney Sutton, Rainn Wilson, etc) Baha'i were pretty strong promoters of interracial harmony so had some influence in jazz and civil rights.

If it's true I'm glad the Zoroastrians are rebounding. I'd heard they were something of a dying faith at one time.

[InsaneInDaMembrane]

I've always said that if I was into religion, I would have considered one of these two. The Bahai faith seems to be that one religion that tries to get it right in terms of how we can make this world a better place. Less "god" and "faith" and more how can WE (humans) treat each other with fairness and kindness.