The Baha'i Faith: Its History and Teachings

by William McElwee Miller

Its History and Teaching
This book is a breath of fresh air. There are millions of adherents to the Bahai Faith. Mr. Miller provides insight and primary sources giving the reader information about the history of the Baha'i Faith. Where the official and authorized Baha'i histories are sanitized and revised. Mr. Miller, who lived for years in Iran and fluent in Parsi, provides access to the westerner into events occurring during the early...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0878081372
• ISBN13: 9780878081370
• Release Date: June 1974
• Publisher: William Carey Publishing
• Length: 468 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

I'm a Baha'i and I'm glad I read this book when I was learning about the Faith

I'll start by letting you know my bias (we all have them). I am a Baha'i. I first read this book when I was learning about the Faith, and I'm glad I read it. I've actually encouraged many others to read it, even though I think it is inaccurate in many ways. Here's why. I agree with the view that this book presents an inaccurate and obviously opposing view to the Baha'i Faith. But in the Baha'i scriptures we are told that through the clash of differing opinions the spark of truth emerges. I read this book when I was not yet a Baha'i, but I had already read many Baha'i books. For me, I wanted to see what the opponents of the Faith were saying. That way I could investigate further information that might have been hidden from me so I could decide fully. This book helped with that. The author was obviously fervently opposed to the Baha'i Faith. If anyone was going to dig up and flaunt terrible stuff, it would be him. Miller describes some historical events, with his obvious bias to discredit the Faith. Because I had already read a lot, I wasn't actually surprised by the events described - I just knew he got a few critical details wrong. For example, there were some who were members of the Faith who broke away and became "covenant breakers". Miller treats them as if they were Baha'is, which is seriously misleading. (Would Christians want Christianity judged by the actions of Judas?) These individuals did terrible things - including murder. Their actions resulted in a small number of Baha'is (not the leaders) turning away from Baha'u'llah's explicit teachings, and doing some nasty things in return. Baha'u'llah said his enemies could not harm him, only his friends, and this is true. But if one evaluates the historical claims that Miller makes and actually compares to other sources, the more complete story that I concluded was that the horrible actions that Miller ascribed to Baha'is were done by the "covenant breakers" or by one or two Baha'is who disobeyed Baha'u'llah in anger. Hardly something to discredit a Faith over. But you see, I was glad to find this. Then I could evaluate for myself. It also assured me that if Miller couldn't find anything else, then there really weren't any nasty secret stories I should be worried about. I got to evaluate them, compare to other sources, and see with my own eyes and judge for myself. The rest of the book is used to try to discredit the teachings of Baha'u'llah. He certainly doesn't try to emphasize the central teachings of the Faith or explain as Baha'u'llah himself does why certain teachings are given. He tries to discredit them, often out of context. But I was glad for that. I wanted to find out what I might have missed in my reading. For example, he argued how silly the idea of a universal language was. Frankly, I could see the value of that. For every teaching he disagreed with, reading the Baha'i view and Miller's I sided on the Baha'is. But it built my confidence this Faith was true to see this was t

Well researched and illuminating book

This book is a breath of fresh air. There are millions of adherents to the Bahai Faith. Mr. Miller provides insight and primary sources giving the reader information about the history of the Baha'i Faith. Where the official and authorized Baha'i histories are sanitized and revised. Mr. Miller, who lived for years in Iran and fluent in Parsi, provides access to the westerner into events occurring during the early years of this world religion. The reader learns about the initial prophetic voices of the Bab and Baha'u'llah and the followers that founded the Bahai Faith after their deaths. The author explains the transformational shifts and unbelievable history of the Baha'is. Why did the early writings appear to be create a "society" or "philosophy" and later suddenly the community was touted as a "world religion"? Why are there are 7 Baha'i sects? Each exodus occurring when internal power struggles resulted in a few achieving greater control. Why do Baha'is work so hard to control their memberships contacts and reading material? Why do Baha'is shun those who leave, considering anyone not fully supportive of the Baha'i religion "spiritual poison?" After reading this book it should be clear to the reader. Due to the historical accuracy of the book's facts and the author's position as a Protestant Missionary to an Islamic country, not all readers will be satisfied. Some will be offended those most likely the adherents who don't want the truth to come to light. Some will be offended because the author was a Protestant Missionary. Nevertheless, any serious student of world religions will be grateful to have his contributions on record to the history of the Baha'is.

Polemical but objective.

Bahais reflect their Islamic origins by their bitterness and hostility toward anyone who criticizes their religion. Miller is perhaps the most effective author among the "enemies of the faith" whom Bahais denounce. After many years reading about Bahaism, I consider Miller's book to be the best single treatment of it. Bahais claim to believe in the "independent investigation of truth," but the esoteric meaning of this phrase is that when one investigates "the truth" (i.e., Bahaism) one should separate himself from anyone, such as one's family, who might try to persuade him not to accept it. They also claim to believe in "the harmony of science and religion," but again the phrase is deceptive, since to Bahais this harmony is attained only if all studies ("science") which treat their religion are censored by the Bahai bigwigs ("religion") in Haifa. The religion is dishonest and indefensible, as Dr. Miller demonstrates, and as anyone who investigates it with an open mind must conclude.

The Best Book about the Baha'i Faith

This is a MUST READ for anyone who really wants to understand the Baha'i religion. Miller surveys the entire history of Baha'ism, starting with its roots in Babism and Shi'ite Islam, and including objective discussion of various theological and leadership disputes throughout its development until the present day. Miller demonstrates a scholar's eye for detail and uses a wide range of sources. He concludes that the Baha'i Faith is a poor candidate for a new universal religion due to its outdated legalism and authoritarianism and the many well-documented inconsistencies and contradictions in its doctrinal development.I am an ex-Baha'i Christian who was an active member of the Baha'i Faith for five years. I wish I had read this book before I joined! Unfortunately, all I had available to me was pro-Baha'i propaganda such as Esslemont's "Baha'u'llah and the New Era." Miller's book is a breath of fresh air. Well-written, not an ill-informed attack -- just a solid, thoroughly researched scholarly work that in my opinion is the best book ever written about the Baha'i Faith.

objective history

William Miller seems to have written a very descriptive,cogent, and objective account from the history of this very secretive religion. The internal struggles with Babi killing Babi,Baha'is killing Babis, Babis killing Baha'is, even brothers attempting to poison brothers is very eye-opening for this supposed "peace" and love espousing religion.