Introduction
A world view refers to personal insight about real situations and the meaning of these real life issues. It is also defined as life understanding. Its development has been attributed to the fact that human beings try to seek information that are quite significant to their life (Alfred, 2000).
The religion has its roots in the Islamic religion. It is considered to be stepchild of the Islamic religion. Baha’u’llah is their greatest prophet which contrast with the Muhammad of the Muslims. Baha’i commenced in 1844 after Mizra Ali Muhammad claimed he was greatest expression of God (Christ John, 2004).
Baha’i is very famous religion in places where ecumenism, inclusiveness and political correctness is order of the day. The religion is expanding and has impacted various aspects of human life in various parts of the world. It has been supported by the United Nations and other interfaith institutions. It has spread across all borders and it has been estimated that there are approximately 18000 Local Spiritual Assemblies in the world. The popularity of this religion is that it attempts to bring other religion together. It is been considered to be effective in uniting the different religion and different human race. It stressed the fact that diverse religions should coexist together. This philosophy is their basis for fighting the kind of disparity in various religions across the world. It postulates that all religion should have same principles as denominator for fighting any case of disparity in the diverse religions that are contradicting one another. Baha’i religion has the belief that all the religions are equal before the eyes of God but the differences stem from the time of revelation (Christ John, 2004). The religion is very imperative to human daily life in the sense that it has fought very hard for gender equality, universal education, economic justice to all, balance between nature and technology and synchronization between science and religion (Lewis, 2002).
The religion has been in fighting against all kinds of social evils such as rivalries, hatreds, racial animosity and intrigues that could might lead to tension between different religions. It promoted understanding and cooperation between different communities with diverse religions. It proclaimed that any form of religion strife will be eradicated. It sensitized the abolishment of economic barriers and restriction between diverse countries which have different cultural and religion backgrounds. Baha’i believed that there should be not inordinate differences between classes of people in the society. The religion stood firm for elimination of destitution in the society (Gilbert, 1998).
Similarities
- Bahá’í and Christianity teachings have common features on the way they regarded roles of Jesus. Both religions considered Jesus as the spirit of God and this was done in the highest possible manner. The fact that Christians believe that Jesus would come back to earth coincides with the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh that he is the second coming of (Christ John, 2004)
- Baha’i are monotheism which is a characteristic which features among the rest of the religion’s teachings
- Both religions believed on the ultimate reality that God was the only creator and no one could replace him.
- Both religions believe in one true God and one religion
Differences
- The role of Baha’u’llah was to fulfill the prophecies laid down by Jesus Christ which is the major teachings. The teachings revealed that Jesus was considered to be true prophet and manifestation of God. This contrast with the beliefs of Islam who thought that message of God has been misinterpreted by his prophet. Judaism believed that Jesus was a false prophet who was not a true manifestation of God. The teachings of Baha’i contrasted with those of Christianity who believe that Jesus was son of God and the savior of the world.
- There was also disparity in the way the birth of Jesus was recognized. Baha’i did not address the birth of Jesus which contrasts significantly with other religions. The Islam’s considered the birth of Jesus as virgin birth whereas Judaism regards it as normal birth. Christian on the hand considered the birth of Jesus as virgin.
- Whereas Islam and Christianity affirmed the second coming of Jesus, Hinduism and Baha’i does not affirmed his second coming (Gilbert, 1998)
- The role of Jesus in salvation according to Baha’i teachings is that there is divine revelation in him and this differs sharply with the teachings of Islam religion which believed Jesus role in salvation is predestined. On the other hand, Judaism and Christianity believed that the role of Jesus in salvation carries divine revelation and forgiveness.
- The death of Jesus was addressed by Christianity and it was regarded as to atoned for sins of man. It is believed that Jesus died for the sin of man. Christian believed that Jesus died to safe mankind from sin. The death of Jesus was not considered to be of salvific value (Gilbert, 1998)
- Jesus was considered to be spirit of truth among the Christian which contrasted with the belief of Baha’i which belief Baha’u’llah as the spirit of truth.
Reference List
- Gilbert, I. (1998). Christianity and Its Beliefs. 140-167.
- John, B. (2004). World Religions. Journal of Basic Christian Beliefs. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing Company. 135-169.
- Alfred, G. (2000). Islam’s Traditions, Oxford: Oxford University Press. 138-170
- Lewis, J. (2002). Baha’i Religion. Oxford: New York Oxford University Press (UK). 200-249.