The Universal Principles of the Reform Bahai Faith

One might find validation of this book in the physical volume alone. It satisfies the senses the way books of my grandfather's day did. They were sturdy, dignified, titled with a nineteenth-century font in gold. They were sized to be held comfortably and to travel well in a carriage or train. The pages were creamy and thick, and the printing clear and excellently matched to the page and its content. UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES qualifies in every sense. It is a book that will survive much passing down. The content is truly refreshing. Familiar concepts are presented in early translations; nothing is overdone. The authenticity is refreshingly clear. The message of a true "spiritual springtime" leaps off the page, as one would expect of a modern-day revelation from God. This book is proof in itself that the Baha'i Faith was given for all. There are no exceptions for the wealthy or titled; in this book it is clear that Baha'u'llah and His Son 'Abdu'l-Baha were speaking to the world. Some might argue that Shoghi Effendi, because of his youth, did not do most if any of the translations here, and therefore the translations from the Farsi and Arabic do not have the quality of his later work. I argue that many if not all of the translations were made by men who were there on the spot, companions of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, and men of wisdom of years and highly skilled in translation. I believe the livliness of the writings in this book reflects a translation made by a much closer and more highly qualified body of men. UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH is long overdue. Its reading will give any reader evident proof that the Reform Baha'i movement is historically and spiritually valid. Mainstream Baha'is arguing authenticity and increasingly insistant of approved readings will find nothing to fear. Original translators were, sadly, driven away by administrative infighting after the passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha. It is a joy to have these translations back. Above and beyond the beauty of the words of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha, the work of these Persian translators is in itself a delight and alone worth the reading. I look forward to future publications from the Reform Baha'i Press.

This is a compilation of writings by Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i Faith, and his son Abdu'l-Baha',the Interpreter of the Faith. The materials include prayers, writings, and talks given by Abdul-Baha', including one to a Friends Meeting in London in 1913. A major theme of these selections is that religion and the Cause of God should bring unity, not division. Critics of religion often seem to blame religion for many of society's ills. They should read this book. The teachings of Baha'u'llah are remarkably contemporary, that religion should and must be an impetus for harmony, cooperation, and justice in the world. These teachings offer a plan for what religion and life ought to be about. They answer religion's critics and offer fresh spiritual insights to the seeker.