The renewal of civilization

by David Hofman

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0853980101
• ISBN13: 9780853980100
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: George Ronald
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.

Customer Reviews

New Religion - New Civilization

This book was first written in 1946 but has been reprinted several times and revised by the author. However, it is as apt today as when it was first written almost half a century ago. As its title suggests, the book is about the renewal of civilisation and it is about the renewal of religion --the two go hand in hand. It is also a book about the Baha'i Faith whose purpose is none other than the creation of a new world civilisation.It is easy to read (138 pages of text). The reader first learns a little of the origins and history of the Baha'i Faith in mid 19th century Persia. At that time there was an expectation, both amongst the followers of Christianity and Islam, of a time when there would be a spiritual rebirth of religion.The author describes the conditions whereby civilisations have risen and fallen at different times in different parts of the world. Great Souls (Messengers of God) have inspired the onward movement of mankind and determined phases of human progress and enlightenment. They are the Revealers of Religion and the Founders of Civilisation. Christendom was built on the spiritual teachings of Christ, Islam was the civilisation impelled by Muhammad. The great Israelitish culture arose from the revelation of Moses. Through Zoroaster came the spiritual force which founded the Persian era of Cyrus and Darius. Krishna and Buddha were the inspiration uniting millions in the Orient under common codes of morals and behaviour. The founder of every world religion has also been a founder of a past civilisation.So it appears that Civilisation has arisen upon the spiritual impulse imparted by the revealer of a religion - a divine messenger or manifestation of God. The author goes on to tell of how the founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah, is one and the same as these former founders of religion. The specific mission of Baha'u'llah is to create civilisation anew. He is the focal point from which emanates a new spirit for the times in which we live. His message is for the whole world, based on the oneness of religion and the love and unity of the human race.A most valuable book and one which I have read more than once.

A superb introduction to the Bahá'í Faith

This is the book that changed my life! Although some of the information in it is now in need of updating, it remains a singularly readable and concise introduction to the basic tenets of the Bahá'í Faith, and also provides an outline of its history and development. I would especially recommend it to new Bahá'ís as an excellent book to give to friends and relatives. It explains clearly the teachings of the faith, and its small size makes it less intimidating than some other introductory texts. All in all, a great way to introduce someone to the Mission of Bahá'u'lláh.