Unveiling the Authenticity of the Orthodox Baha'i Faith

The Baha'i Faith is a world religion that teaches the unity of God, humanity, and religion. It is based on the principle of progressive revelation, which means that God sends different messengers or manifestations to guide humanity according to the needs and capacities of each age. The Baha'i Faith recognizes the divine origin of all major religions and believes that the latest manifestation of God is Baha'u'llah, who revealed his teachings in the 19th century.

However, not everyone has accepted the message of Baha'u'llah, and even among those who have, there are divisions and disputes. One of the main sources of conflict is the issue of the Guardianship of the Baha'i Faith, an institution that preserves and interprets the writings and teachings of Baha'u'llah and his successors. The followers of the Orthodox Baha'i Faith firmly hold the covenant and W&T of Abdul Baha, making it clear that the Guardianship of the Baha'i Faith did not end with Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian, but continued with his appointed successors, namely Mason Remey, Joel Marangella, and Nosrat'u'llah Bahremand.

In this article, I will explain why the Orthodox Baha'i Faith is the true and authentic expression of the Baha'i Faith and how it offers a solution to the problems and challenges of today's world.

 

The Importance of Progressive Revelation

 

One of the core teachings of the Baha'i Faith is that God reveals His will and guidance to humanity through a series of messengers or manifestations, who appear at different times and places in history. These manifestations include Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. Each manifestation brings a new revelation suited to the needs and capacities of the people of their time, building on the previous ones. The Baha'i Faith affirms the validity and value of all major religions, regarding them as different chapters of one religion from God.

Progressive revelation also implies that each revelation has a limited duration and scope, needing renewal and refreshment by a new revelation when the conditions and circumstances of the world change. This is because the spiritual and social needs of humanity evolve and progress over time, and old laws and teachings become outdated or inadequate. Therefore, God sends a new manifestation with a new revelation that fulfills and surpasses the previous ones, establishing a new covenant and a new order for the world.

 

More About The Baha'i Faith

 

The Baha'i Faith is the most recent revelation of God, the most universal and comprehensive one. It was revealed by Baha'u'llah, the promised one of all religions, who brought a new message for the world. Baha'u'llah wrote many books and tablets. He also appointed his eldest son, Abdul Baha, as the center of his covenant and the authorized interpreter of his writings. Abdul Baha continued the work of his father, spreading the Baha'i Faith to many parts of the world. He also appointed his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as the Guardian of the Baha'i Faith and the head of the Baha'i administration.

 

“Divorced from the institution of the Guardianship, the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh would be mutilated…” - Abdul Baha

 

The Guardian of the Baha'i Faith is the institution that preserves and interprets the writings and teachings of Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha, guiding and directing the affairs of the Baha'i community. The Guardian is appointed by the previous Guardian. The Guardian is also the head of the Universal House of Justice, with the authority to expel a member of UHJ if they deviate or perform unfavorable actions.

 

1957 – The Year of Grief, Test, and Crisis

 

The Baha'i Faith faced a major crisis when Shoghi Effendi, the first Guardian, died in 1957. The Hands of the Cause broke the covenant and created a schism. They decided that the Universal House of Justice would be elected without a Guardian. In 1963, the first Universal House of Justice was elected, confirming that the Guardianship had ended with Shoghi Effendi, and that it would exercise the functions of the Guardian.

Not all Baha'is accepted this decision. Those faithful to the covenant followed Mason Remey, whose Guardianship was proven as the spiritual son of Abdul Baha and also the president of the embryonic UHJ, the future guardian.

 

Guardian labelled as Covenant Breaker

 

Mason Remey and his followers were excommunicated by the Bogus Universal House of Justice and labeled as covenant-breakers. However, Mason Remey lived up to principles and performed his duties. He also explicitly appointed Joel Marangella as his successor, who in turn appointed Nosrat'u'llah Bahremand as his successor. These three men are the second, third, and fourth Guardians of the Baha'i Faith.

The fourth living Guardian Nosrat'u'llah Bahremand is alive and performing his duties just like the first Guardian Shoghi Effendi did.

 

The Solution of the Orthodox Baha'i Faith

 

The Orthodox Baha'i Faith is the true and authentic expression of the Baha'i Faith, the only one that firmly holds to the principle of progressive revelation and the covenant of Baha'u'llah. The Orthodox Baha'i Faith believes that the Guardianship of the Baha'i Faith is an essential and permanent institution, established by Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha, and that it cannot be abolished or replaced by any human authority. The Orthodox Baha'i Faith also believes that Shoghi Effendi did appoint Mason Remey as his successor, and that Mason Remey did appoint Joel Marangella as his successor, and that Joel Marangella did appoint Nosrat'u'llah Bahremand as his successor. The Orthodox Baha'i Faith recognizes these three men as the legitimate and rightful Guardians of the Baha'i Faith, following their guidance and direction.

The Orthodox Baha'i Faith offers a solution to the problems and challenges of today's world, providing a clear and consistent source of spiritual and social guidance, maintaining the purity and integrity of the Baha'i teachings. The Orthodox Baha'i Faith also invites all people to investigate the truth of the Baha'i Faith, to join the ranks of the faithful and loyal followers of Baha'u'llah and his appointed successors. The Orthodox Baha'i Faith believes that the world is in a state of turmoil and confusion, and that the only way to achieve peace and harmony is to accept the message of Baha'u'llah and to obey the authority of the Guardians of the Baha'i Faith.

Therefore, I urge you to consider the claims and proofs of the Orthodox Baha'i Faith, to compare them with the claims and proofs of the mainstream Baha'i Faith. I hope that you will find the Orthodox Baha'i Faith to be the true and authentic expression of the Baha'i Faith and that you will join me in following the path of the true and living Guardians of the Baha'i Faith.

Love and Regards,

Vigna Singh