Writings: The Baha’i Faith has multiple scriptures: Works by the Bab, Works by Baha’u’llah, and Works by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. And there is interpretation by Shoghi Effendi and elucidation by the Universal House of Justice – which are not considered as "scripture."

All Baha’i sacred texts currently available in English can be read at: The Baha'i Reference library

The New Message: 

• The social teachings about relationships between human beings are new; spiritual teachings about the relationship between human beings and God are the same as in other religions. This, Baha’is believe to be universal for all times and all places. 

• Baha’i faith brings a new message for social relationships amongst humanity: that which will promote equality, world peace and unity in an age (19th - 20th cent. and on) where humanity lives in a "global village." None of the older religions could speak to this issue because they were revealed in a time when this was not an issue.

A religion of unity: God is one, religions are one, humanity is one

• God is one: The Baha’i faith is Monotheistic, as are all other Western religions.

• Religions are one:

• Progressive revelation: Baha’is understand that all the different religions through time and around the world are but different revelations of the same basic religion. Differences are due to different cultures and different times. Each religion is seen, by Baha’is, as a continuation of a single revelation, as the evolving of the religion of humanity. All are understood to be revealed by the same God. All are understood to contain the same basic spiritual truths but each is seen to advance the social teachings as the human race advances and evolves. The Baha’i faith is seen as the religion for today with its teachings about social equality and world unity.

• "Manifestations of God": Baha’is recognize a series of nine messengers (like prophets) from God seen as "Manifestations" of God: Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, The Bab, Baha’u’llah. Such a messenger stands between ordinary human beings and God. A messenger is more than just a prophet (cf.: Islamic understanding). These "Manifestations" have a special standing among human beings, are born with a destiny to bring a new revelation to humanity. Anyone could become a prophet or a saint. Only certain individuals, few and far between, are born specifically to be messengers. Baha'is do not see them as ordinary men. Baha’is do not believe that Baha’u’llah is to be the final messenger but they do not expect another one until 1000 years have passed since Baha’u’llah (cf.: Christian Millennial beliefs)

• Unity of humanity:

• One world society: Baha’i faith condemns prejudice and racism, advocates equality of women and men, promotes social changes such as development of a universal language, a world court of justice, a world league of nations. Baha’is are very active with the UN and the World Federalist organizations

• Women: hold equal power and leadership within the faith (except at the highest level), are given equal opportunity for higher education (preference when a choice must be made for financial or other such reasons)

• Family: most important social unity, women are seen as most important within the family as the first teachers of the next generation

• Marriage: Interracial and international marriage is common and even preferred among Baha’is as a way of promoting racial equality. Interfaith marriage is allowed, the spouse may or may not convert to Baha’i faith, the children are often exposed to the religious heritage of both parents. Divorce is discouraged but allowed after very serious consideration.