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From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/journey-to-haifa-documentary

"Baha'i is a great and progressive religion until when I found out that it does not tolerate gay people. I find this a problem and consider this as a personal battle. There are a lot of gay Baha'is out there and this is my way of giving them hope."

Nawruz Paguidopon, film maker, and author of above quote seems to misunderstand baha'i guidance on homosexuality. I personally am getting a little tired of homosexuality becoming some kind of metric for "progression", because reducing entire religions into skewed dichotomies like that misses the point of faith completely.

He wants to go to Haifa, I wish him all the best, pilgrimage is a wonderful experience. He will find lots of very friendly people, baha'is and otherwise, and none of them will care that he is gay. The one thing he will not find is the kind of controversy he is looking for.

I think the lost link being referenced here would have connected the common ape with the human, meaning that human's evolved from apes as opposed to having a common ancestor further back in time. In this case, 'Abdu'l-Baha is correct that there is no "lost link" between the ape and human. And its purpose is not to commentate on science, but to illustrate a point that people, according to Baha'i teachings, always had the capacity to be greater than the animal, that human's are not simply the next evolutionary step beyond the monkey, but something divine and special. I don't see a problem with what 'Abdul-Baha was saying. See this page for some more background: http://www.britannica.com/science/missing-link

Maybe this will help ... is not about your challenge... but maybe more about how to see things

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Friends-Temptation-Susan-Gammage/dp/0993677649

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Sending love<3

I can't compete with https://www.duolingo.com. There are already AMAZING resources on the net.

Ruhi? Dunno. Seems to me that the Universal House of Justice would need to fulfill its command to select a language first. And even though the choices Abdu'l-Baha left open for the Universal House of Justice to choose from seem to be limited to

• Esperanto, or
• a language derived with Esperanto as its seed,

that choice hasn't yet occurred or at least not announced. This is separate from when the nations of the world choose a language, because one command is addressed to the UHJ, while the other is addressed to the nations. Logically, it seems to me that the former must precede the latter. If it happened yhe other way around, it would undermine the Authority and purpose of the command to the UHJ, since the decision would be effectively stripped from It, and the task given to them would be largely moot. But there is no way for us to know: that decision could have happened years ago, and the timing of action has not yet become ripe. It's all speculation.

It is not official under any Baha'i institution, but it is a real print magazine edited by a small group of Baha'is. They currently put out one issue a year. You can purchase either a print or electronic edition of Issue 2 on Amazon, or I think the first issue is available to download for free from the website. Issue 3 should be available for purchase for soon.

I used to use a good old compass, but now there is a Baha'i Qiblih app. iTunes app here.

For the convenience of people worldwide who might want to join in, here's the equivalent of 9PM CT in your local time. Sorry, Europe/Africa :(

Anyone know when the fountains surrounding the temple were completed? That should date the picture pretty precisely, since all but one are completed in the picture. In google they are all complete.

There are some materials on the ruhiresources site for JY including some material from the books and suggested activities http://www.ruhiresources.org/main/junior-youth/

Also looks like the full books are available here https://sites.google.com/a/labahaiteaching.org/jr-youth-animator-resources/Home/jr-youth-books-1

You might read Paris Talks or Promulgation of Universal Peace. Those talks by 'Abdu'l-Baha are often relatively short and easy to absorb but still deep and thought-provoking because He was speaking to relatively new, Western Baha'is and persons less familiar with the Baha'i Faith. While recovering, having something with a set of shorter readings seems best., even Some Answered Questions is nice because a lot of the chapters are relatively short.

Vignettes from the Life of 'Abdu'l-Baha is a bit more uplifting. Some of the three collections of pilgrim's memoirs compiled by Redman for 'Abdu'l-Baha and two volumes for Shoghi Effendi. (See 'Abdu'l-Baha in Their Midst Paperback – October 7, 2011, Shoghi Effendi through the Pilgrim's Eye by Earl Redman, Volumes 1 and 2). Just remember that pilgrim's notes are not authoritative but still inciteful and can be inspiring and Redman is respectful of that fact.

Prescription for Living and Divine Art of Living are also nice compilations suited to such a time period. The first is written by Ruhiyyih Khanum and the second is a compilation.

Of course, having Hidden Words and a Prayer Book goes without saying. I really like the small Prayer Book put out by the Malaysian Baha'i publishing trust because it has some prayers I really like from some of the newer translations and a compilation of the some of the most favorite Writings and is small and has a plastic cover on it. See https://www.amazon.com/Bahai-Prayers-Writings-Publishing-Trust/dp/9832218373

Baha'is believe Buddha was a messenger of God. There is a book by Moojan Momen called Buddhism and the Baha'i Faith that discusses the two religions and compares them.

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https://www.amazon.com/Buddhism-Bahai-Faith-Moojan-Momen/dp/0853983844

I hadn't heard of it, but it looks really cool! For anyone looking for it it is on Amazon.

Emerging Global Religion (updated 2002): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931847061/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RETNBbX7NFPXC

Thief in the Night (1961): https://www.amazon.com/dp/085398008X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HGTNBbZY55X8F

You understand according to the Bahai Faith, but have you come to know the purpose according to your own faith?

The first principle, the independent search for reality is the foundation of all discoveries including your desire to learn more in the life.

As a companion to writings given officially through the Bahai faith, I would recommend a unofficial non-denominational book for you to explore this idea: Viktor Frankyl's Man's Search for Meaning.

It explores the constructs of finding meaning, purpose, reason in suffering.

“Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

Have you read the first part of Thief in the Night? It literally has to do with only prophecies, and William Sears does an excellent job of explaining the calendar conversions. The first part is only 82 pages, and takes about 2 hours to get through. I know the book gets recommended in here quite a bit, but really, if you haven't read this yet, do it.

Hi. I was unable to find where to stream it for free. If you have cable or satellite you may be able to find it for free on demand. Otherwise you can buy the episode on Amazon Prime video for $2.99.

https://www.amazon.com/Interracial-Love/dp/B0B8P5NPGF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WAELEWPQB8P2&amp;keywords=this+is+life+lisa+ling&amp;qid=1671480106&amp;sprefix=this+is+life+lisa+ling%2Caps%2C121&amp;sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Muhammad-Course-Islam-H-Balyuzi/dp/0853984786/ref=asc_df_0853984786/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=317097901561&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=12271635233761349308&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9022803&amp;hvtargid=pla-791571406752&amp;psc=1

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This is a great book

check out this book: https://www.amazon.com/Bahai-Basics-Beliefs-Practices-History/dp/1618510177/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RCISKX6G65KJ&amp;keywords=bahai+basics&amp;qid=1661294329&amp;sprefix=bahai+basics%2Caps%2C60&amp;sr=8-1

Since you were so affected by The Promised Day has come and how it put Baha'u'llah's Revelation as a catalyst of global paradigm shifts, I think you would really enjoy these books as a follow up. Forces has a whole section of previously hard to find quotes from the Guardian that further give a glimpse of the future of America, the world, and the Faith. "Baha'u'llah, the West, and the birth of modernity" goes indepth regarding Baha'u'llah's tablets to the rulers and spiritual leaders of the world alongside of an analysis of history in light of the force His Revelation released into the world. I think its the world history book every Bahai should read.

Forces of Our Time: The Dynamics... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0853985383?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Baha'u'llah, the West, and the... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0853986290?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This exists

https://www.amazon.com/Writings-Bahaullah-Compilation-Bah%C3%A1ull%C3%A1h/dp/8185091080

It's a little unwieldy, and, as you mention, out of date. For example, this book doesn't have the whole of the Kitab-i-Aqdas.

Halfway through Shoghi Effendi's "The Promised Day is Come". Its so timely and insightful I ordered a special reprint off of Amazon that is leatherbound with gold leaf edges. Not certain about the quality, however, as I haven't received it yet.

The promised day is come, by Shoghi effendi 1941 [Leather Bound] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KBDSRRG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_XED9HP41F612DCKDGQ8P

Also reading during The Fast a non-Bahai book called "The Peacemaker's Path" by ordained minister and creator of interfaith organizations Jerry Zehr. It provides daily readings that explore the tenents, teachings, and prayers of the major World Religions, including of course the Bahai Faith.

The Peacemaker's Path: Multifaith Reflections to Deepen Your Spirituality https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506469124/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_SM5THKBB0BJ3FRX80F0H

Another excellent source in the study of this topic is "Studies In Bahai Epistomology: Essays and Commentaries" (Global Faith Book Series).

Studies in Bahá'í Epistemology: Essays and Commentaries (Global Faith Book Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950319628/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_V2FV7CSR0YBF0JG5XJRF?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

From the book description:

In the West, epistemological studies from a Bahá’í perspective started in 1978 with the publication of Jack McLean’s essay “The Knowledge of God: An Essay on Bahá’í Epistemology.” Since then, Bahá’í thinkers have addressed different aspects of epistemological research. They discussed the independent search for truth, the standards of knowledge, the problems of certainty and relativity, infallibility, and interpretation, as well as mystical experience. All those topics are explored in-depth in corresponding chapters of the book.

This volume includes contributions by Michael Karlberg, Jean-Marc Lepain, Jack McLean, Julio Savi, Mikhail Sergeev, Todd Smith, Peter Terry, and the late William Hatcher.

I understand your frustration and dispair. These are incredibly trying and challenging times. But there is hope! All is going according to plan. One that Abdul-Baha and The Guardian told us about at length.

I strongly encourage you to read Forces of Our Time: The Dynamics of Light and Darkness by retired UHJ member Hooper C. Duncan. Its only 100 pages. The book started as talks he would give to his students at the Bahai World Centre in the 80's, which they begged him to condense into a book. Its based off of excerpts from letters Shoghi Effendi wrote to American Bahais and Bahais across the world explaining to them the world altering times we have entered since the dawn of the Revelation, defining the compelling forces, and outlining what the Bahai response should be from the Bahai Administration down to the individual believer. An obsolutely essential read in my opinion.

Forces of Our Time: The Dynamics of Light and Darkness https://www.amazon.com/dp/0853985383/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_M9WM6BMRNAJJ0JRPC2VX

"Might it not happen...that out of this world eruption there may stream forces of such spiritual energy as shall recall, nay eclipse, the splendours of those signs and wonders that accompanied the establishment of the Faith of Jesus Christ? Might not there emerge out of the agony of a shaken world a religious revival of such scope and power as to even transcend the potency of those world-directing forces with which the Religions of the Past have, at fixed intervals and according to an unscruptible Wisdom, revived the fortunes of declining ages and peoples?" - Letter of Shoghi Effendi, 28 November 1931, World Order, p. 33

From what I understand, Prophet Muhammad being the "Khatem al Anbeyaa" (or The Seal of prophets) ended the era of 'lesser prophets'.

However, in this current day and age, the language of 'lesser prophets' is very loose, and anyone can share spiritual insights, but they are inspired by Major Prophets:

More here: An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith

Actually, there is a WHOLE essay about this subject that I found very interesting if you'd like to investigate it:

http://bahai-library.com/fananapazir_fazel_finality_islam

This has to be a nuanced thought process/discussion; thanks for the question. First of all, there's nothing wrong with trying to get to know someone that you are interested in. But there's a lot more to this.

If we as Baha'is are serious about the equality of women and men, we must really challenge a number of beliefs and behaviors we may have acquired from the world, often times unknowingly/unconsciously.

For instance, I recently read a blog post (I can't find it at the moment or I would put a link to it. Sorry.) about a young high school aged woman who had lots of male classmates as friends - fellas she really considered her friends and had had for years. When she was a junior or a senior, she publicly came out as a lesbian. She noticed that pretty quickly, almost all of her male friends had dropped her as a friend. She realized then that they really weren't interested in her as a friend, or as a person; that when they realized that there was no possibility that she would date them, they ended the "friendship". This was painful for her as you might imagine. It's disrespectful in that they didn't value her or her friendship - it's a kind of objectification that is dehumanizing. It's dishonest to offer friendship if that's not at all what you want. It's also very self-centered.

I wrote a fairly long post on my blog about why the whole "friendzoning" term is objectifying and sexist - you can read it here if you are interested- https://wordpress.com/post/helenkosings.wordpress.com/3836

BTW, to be clear, what I'm discussing in the above reply, is mentioned in the blog post as the "subtler approach".

I'm happy to engage further if you'd like.

Hi, I was very lucky to read Love, Courtship, and Marriage: A Bahá'í Perspective by Joan Barstow Hernandez before I met my spouse. Without going into personal details, I'll say that the book worked out really, really well for me. There are many good Bahá'í books on relationships, but this is the only one I recommend.

My thinking is that they may think that what they're doing is right, but they're going about it in an awful way that most of us here would never really take when teaching the Baha'i faith. We are told to share the message with utmost wisdom. The initial two comments showed that no wisdom was exercised. Maybe just ignore and forgive them.

My ex-father in law who I now suspect was also a malignant narcissist like my ex-wife would sometimes get into arguments with people like this in person. One day he told me of a person not agreeing with him and getting into an ideological argument which ended with something along the lines of him saying, "and so I told them such and such so they would never come back again!" and he started to laugh like he had accomplished something by setting someone off the faith because he considered them to be the stubborn one. I just told him, man, why did you do that? There's no wisdom in putting people off. He replied with who cares, that guy was never interested anyway, someone had to tell it to their face. He also thought insulting people was OK "as long as they deserved it", despite our teachings saying we shouldn't be this way.

I guess my point is that there are people out there who don't really have a filter or the capacity to be nice all the time, but it's great that you came here to verify if this was a typical behavior of Baha'is. It isn't. :)

We respect your beliefs as well.

There's a book about the Baha'i faith and Mormonism called Commonalities by my buddy Serge van Neck who is a top guy. I can probably put you in touch with him if you would like to learn more.

I was just reading about the very first Baha'is in North America in Lighting the Western Sky (very readable history by the way, I highly recommend it) — and from the beginning they were writing to 'Abdu'l-Baha declaring their Faith. I think it progressed from there and membership has always been tracked in North America, although I'm not sure who would have kept a list.

Certainly there would need to have been lists made for the first national elections, which were for the Temple Unity, the predecessor of the National Spiritual Assembly, and maintained thereafter.

https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmPAzdLZ492spsGdPWhjbG7ByxwijB4sFqic3zEk5y3znv/%D8%AF%DB%8C%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%20%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%87%20-%20%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85%20%D9%88%20%D8%B3%D9%87%DB%8C%D9%84%D8%A7%20%D9%88%D8%A7%... page 35

It’s liwat, not lawit as you misspell it here and elsewhere. And for those who want to learn what the word meant in Baha’u’llah’s time and place, here’s a book

I was fixing to show up using Google Hangouts, but when I keyed in the number, it told me that it wasn't a free call and that I didn't have enough credit to make the call :( Apparently most calls are free to make, but not this one. Oh well.

Suggestion for future: It might be worth it to try a free/anonymous videoconferencing site like talky.io—those who wish can turn video off and just do audio chat.

I adore the Iqan. It turned me from militant anti-theist into a Baha'i. Shoghi Effendi said it is "the most fundamental book on the Bahá'í Revelation" and that no Baha'i could consider themselves properly schooled on the Faith without thoroughly studying it. I personally have read it three times and don't consider myself anywhere near as well versed in its contents as I need to be. Dr. Sohrab Kourosh has a self study guide that is fantastic if you really want to grow in your understanding of the Faith. I emailed him over the weekend after not being able to find volume 3 for sale anywhere and he replied he hopes to have it published by Ridvan 2022.

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Study-Notes-Kit%C3%A1b-i-%C3%8Dq%C3%A1n-Certitude/dp/0692811826

The Power of Prayer might help you.

I talk to God and Baha'u'llah from time to time.

Mostly, thoughts will pop into my mind when I am quiet after praying. Meditation can be done many different ways. I'm not good at sitting quiet for 20 minutes, but I can quiet my mind for a few minutes after reading prayers.

Thank you for posting!

The memoir mentioned in the article: <em>Daylight Forever: A Memoir</em> — Mahvash Khajavi-Harvey

this book has good advice and recipes for a diet that balances carbs, fat and protein for not feeling hungry all the time

https://www.amazon.com/Always-Hungry-Conquer-Cravings-Permanently-ebook/dp/B00W22IKBK/ref=sr_1_1

This book by Mehrdad Amanat has a "look inside" on the Amazon site :
https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Identities-Iran-Resistance-Conversion/dp/1780767773

Hi u/NoAd6851 - In my study of Buddhism, the one primary text that is universally accepted and revered by all the different branches of Buddhism and schools of thought within Buddhism is the Dhammapada. The other text that comes to mind is the Pali Canons.

I'd suggest the Dhammapada to start with. This is the version of the Dhammapada that I've personally studied (link below)... The foreword is written by Thich Nhat Hanh who is revered in various Buddhist communities across the world and who helped found Deer Park Monastery. The reason I share all this additional context with you is because of my personal belief that when I study a world religion I should read the books and translations that are written by people who are revered in XYZ religion... people who are well-known practitioners of the religion itself... Thich Nhat Hanh and Ananda Maitreya are two of those people when it comes to Buddhism in my research and independent investigations... Here is that link... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938077872/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

BTW... in mid-January a group of us will be reading the Dhammapada and exploring the oneness between Buddhism and Baha'i Faith. It will be online, once a week session, where we read the Dhammapada together and learn from one another's perspectives and insights. If interested, let me know and I can share with you the first date in Jan 2021 and time.

Take care and enjoy! Buddhist Texts have amazing insights!

Consider looking at Buddhism and the Baha'i Faith by Moojan Momen.

https://www.amazon.com/Varqá-Rúhulláh-Stories-Bravery-Move/dp/0648901459/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=varqa&amp;qid=1608610004&amp;sr=8-1

If you can get a copy of Door of Hope by David Ruhe, it will definitely give you an incredible overview of the significance of the Holy Land. Surely a worthwhile read before you come on Pilgrimage.

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, is a good place to start. It's a compilation of extracts about many different topics. This link is to free versions of the book.

Baha'u'llah and the New Era is a long-time favorite as a general introductions to the Faith.

I’d like to add, for a comprehensive but simple history, Robert Stockman’s Book. It is a good guide to start with before delving into the deeper stuff:

https://www.amazon.ca/Bahai-Faith-Guide-Perplexed-Guides-ebook/dp/B00BGPKCNI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=bahai+perplexed&amp;qid=1598392523&amp;sr=8-1

Also as you go through the other books, especially on the early history of the Babi and Baha’i Faiths, don’t forget to explore the source texts. They are often in short narratives and local histories. The Táríkh-I-Jadid or Nuktatulkaf for example, and others. They are similar to Nabil’s Narrative and touch on the same events, but with different accounts and earlier recollections.

I highly recommend reading Baha’u’llah’s spiritual works, revealed before the Aqdas, before reading or interpreting or judging, the Book. Baha’u’llah revealed it very late in His ministry purposefully and for good reason. The laws don’t function outside of His spiritual fundamental teachings. In fact I think you could take away the complete opposite understanding of a Baha’i teaching by purely jumping to the Aqdas. Unlike other religious traditions, Baha’is are counselled not to place paramount importance on the laws, rather than the principles and teachings.

My recommendation also is to read this book that is a scholarly pinnacle in understanding the Aqdas and Baha’i law in general, as yes it is a tough subject to properly understand, regardless of your belief in Baha’u’llah. What I mean be that is that even if you put aside consideration of Baha’u’llah as a Manifestation of God, a student of religion must care about context and complexity surrounding properly understanding Baha’u’llah’s laws within His own framework. Since no religious Founder writes the same way, with the same assumptions, in a void. It is obvious that people have had challenges putting aside their conceptions of religious law, before exploring Baha’u’llah’s laws, from the very moment He wrote the Aqdas - hence they ridiculous male-centric and Muslim-centric questions posed to Him after the Book’s publication.

https://www.amazon.ca/Dimensions-Bahai-Law-Roshan-Danesh-ebook/dp/B088FZ5Z7T/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=bahai+law&amp;qid=1598391000&amp;sr=8-1

I highly recommend reading the Book of Certitude by Baha'u'llah for yourself. That book is one of the books on core Baha'i belief.

> So do you think that a lot of the words and letters by abdu'l-baha and shogie effendi were just actually personal words and letters to individuals?

I think they are all generally applicable, but interpretation of what they mean may depend on what they are responding to.

>Well, what do you believe equality of men and women means in this faith?

Off the top of my head, partnership, equality of opportunity, and mutual respect. I haven't devoted much thought to a comprehensive exploration of the topic, but I would recommend this book by Baha'i scholars Dr. Janet and Peter Khan: https://www.amazon.com.au/Advancement-Women-Perspective-Janet-Khan/dp/1931847037

>So is that's only with abdu'l-baha?

I think it's the case with anything written in Persian or Arabic. Shoghi Effendi wrote (and had letters written on his behalf) in English though, so there is no need to worry about translation.

As to references to the Qur'an and traditions, the Dunbar and Koroush study guides I and others recommended will give you that easily, but I still like to have a Qur'an nearby. Shoghi Effendi liked Rodwell's translation because it was ordered chronologically (which is the way Imam Ali compiled the Book and makes sense in terms of the meaning of the disconnected letters, which are stray letters set out at the beginning of certain "chapters"/Suras) and is reasonably faithful to the outward meaning of the text. Most of the translations miss the figurative and symbolic meaning of the Qur'an. Dr. Lawson points out that the Qur'an is essentially an apocalyptical (hidden meaning) text in many parts and should be read as such in https://www.amazon.com/Quran-Epic-Apocalypse-Todd-Lawson/dp/1786072270 .

I personally still use the traditional Quran by Yusuf Ali that has the Arabic text next to the English text. It has some traditional Sunni Islam commentary in the footnotes that will differ from the Baha'i teachings, but it is a pretty faithful translation. Dr. Lawson during a course today mentioned a number of translations are now available and none of the more recognized translations are considered bad.

I see. It can be difficult at times, for sure. To some extent I imagine it depends on your own interpretations of scripture and philosophical views. Within the faith there is quite a wide variety of perspectives on topics of epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and ways to approach scripture. I sometimes find myself more in agreement with materialistic scientists on certain topics than with Baha'is.

However, regarding the fundamental materialist position of many scientists, I find it often tends to be just as dogmatic as beliefs of certain religious types. There is a growing body of evidence from multiple fields suggesting that a materialist orientation cannot account for phenomena that we encounter in the universe. The majority of today's scientists ignore or are not aware of the relevant work. One place to start is by reading this book https://www.amazon.com/Irreducible-Mind-Toward-Psychology-Century/dp/1442202068/ . It is focused mainly on psychology, but does a good job of articulating many of the relevant topics at play when it comes to today's materialism.

Aside from the main texts, if you're coming from a Christian point of view, maybe A Thief in the Night. My grandparents used to lend or give away copies. I have a few extra myself.

Thief in the Night, The Case of the Missing Millennium https://www.amazon.com/dp/085398008X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EUp.CbZDN95VT

I was just reminded that there is a book by a Baha'i, 11, that looks at what needs to change in order for the earth to support 11 Billion people by 2100. He looks at it from a Baha'i perspective. So no, the Baha'is are not expecting to reduce the world's population.

11, by Paul Hanley, https://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Paul-Hanley/dp/146025046X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=paul+hanley&amp;qid=1555191797&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-1

Here you go.

I really recommend Abdul Baha's talks; thinking particularly of Talks by 'Abdu'l-Baha: The Eternal Covenant.. Adds some context to the Baha'i Faith as it made its way into the West. As a New Yorker, with many of the talks taking place in New York, it somehow made the transmission of the faith to the states more real and tactile for me.

I'm so glad someone read! It's so cool, it really speaks specifically to monogamy, chastity, and I think it can speak to the issues that arise with homosexuality as well. It's not the most romantic take on the subject, so some people get turned off.

I didn't even tie it to the issues of women's fertility and orgasm, so I will now. It's been noted in chimps that when females come into heat they attract the attention of males and will receive gifts of food during that time period. So it's speculated that women who were in heat longer kept a mate around longer - for the sex!- and received gifts for a longer period. This also partially explains why women orgasm - because women that enjoyed sex more, had more sex, and kept mates around longer.

This explains why sex is SO IMPORTANT to relationships among humans. A long time ago when you first had sex you had chosen your mate, and your body went through physiological changes in response to that. It's why we fall in love.

I wouldn't say that this is all proven fact (it's very difficult to get behavior from fossils, especially something like monogamy), but it makes a lot of intuitive sense. If you're interested I first came across the concept in a book called, The Sex Contract.