Apostle of Peace

Apostle of Peace

A Survey of References to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Western Press
1871–1921

When 'Abdu'l-Bahá set sail from the Middle East in 1911 and again in 1912 to bring to the West the message of peace found in the teachings of His father, Bahá'u'lláh, His arrival was headline news in towns and cities across Europe and North America.

A World Without War In June of 1920, two gentlemen arrived in the Netherlands to hand deliver a communication from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, then head of the Bahá’í Faith, to the Executive Committee of the Central Organization for a Durable Peace at The Hague. This book examines the contents of these two Tablets, the historical circumstances that shaped nineteenth-century peace movements, and the catastrophic impact of the First World War. During this time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was actively engaged in promoting a clear understanding of the Bahá’í perspective on peace. His example has continuing relevance for the state of the world and the discourse on peace in the twenty-first century.

Sarah Jane Farmer Average Rating: 

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A short, accessible biography about Sarah Farmer and the establishment of Green Acre.

Life of Laura Barney Average Rating: 

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The story of a well-connected, wealthy woman from the West whose devotion to a spiritual leader from the East transformed her life into one of selfless service to humanity. This biography traces the journey of Laura Barney from her pampered childhood to her life as a feminist, global-thinker and peace-builder who was twice decorated by the French Legion of Honor.

Having an inquisitive mind searching for spiritual awakenings, as a young woman Laura learned about the teachings of an eastern spiritual leader and traveled to ‘Akká to meet Him, attracted to the teachings of oneness of humankind, gender equality and world peace. She put questions to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh. The result was the publication of a unique book, Some Answered Questions, which is considered part of the sacred texts.

Her travels to Palestine, Egypt, and Iran and to Japan, Indochina and India as well as her travels across North America provided her with insights into the reality and challenges experienced by others. She served on different committees with the League of Nations, the United Nations, and the International Council of Women for 50 years. She was a pioneer in many areas, championing the rights of women, advocating for world peace, providing tools for the education of young people, and supporting humanitarian activities around the world.

Kinship of the Bible and Qur'an Average Rating: 

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Kinship of the Bible and Qur’an makes a unique contribution towards inter-religious compassion. It advocates ways of reading Jewish, Christian and Islamic holy books that champion commonalities and debunk disparaging misreadings. Friendly eyes examine each book’s unique characteristics, seeing genuine expressions of faith. Upon reading this book, you may emerge with renewed hope in the power of religion as a force for peace.

Humanity Coming of Age Humanity Coming of Age presents a systemic plan for achieving the elusive goal of peace and harmony for all humanity. This plan is not political or manmade, but instead derives from all the world’s great wisdom traditions.

Coming of the Glory, Volume I Average Rating: 

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The Coming of the Glory and its succeeding two volumes comprise a survey of a vast ancient world: the development of religion as we know it today. Beginning with the ancient historical context from which Adam emerged, archeological sites in the Middle East give evidence for animism, ancestor veneration, and other religious practices and beliefs. This is followed by an exploration of the prophets of the Hebrew Bible, whose purpose was to address the problems of their time–idolatry and disobedience to the Mosaic Dispensation–and to call the people to obedience to the Divine Covenant. They also foretold a time of Glory in, what was to them, the distant future—an age of global peace and the unity of humankind.

Shu'a: Ray of the Sun

This book turns a searchlight on the services and sacrifices of one of the Hands of the Cause of God who is less known in the West, but whose life story is unique. From a young age he had the honor of serving on Bahá’í administrative organizations in Iran, including the National Spiritual Assembly from its inception in 1934. He travelled internationally on several continents, particularly in Asia, presenting the essential contribution of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to universal peace, justice, education, and development. Shu‘a‘u’lláh ‘Alá’í’s many gifts of intellect and spirit, his candour and simplicity, as well as his sunny disposition, endeared him to many during his lifetime and will be newly appreciated by present-day readers.

Infinite Horizons: The Life and Times of Horace Holley Average Rating: 

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This book tells the story of a unique life, of one who was part of a turning point in history and left his indelible imprint on it. It encompasses the sweeping story of the development of the North American Bahá’í community between 1914 and 1959.

Horace Holley spent his energies and talents on building a better world, one he knew he would never live long enough to see. Yet this is not simply the story of someone who was exceptionally farsighted, it is the tale of a man who developed an unusual ability to read the times, to perceive and understand what was happening around him in the world and, through putting his thinking into words and action, set in motion revolutionary changes. He stood at the centre of many transitions: in the arts, in war and peace, but most of all, in the development of a new religion – the Bahá’í Faith.

'Abdu'l-Baha in New York, the City of the Covenant 'Abdu'l-Bahá's visits to New York became a major aspect of his extraordinary 239-day journey across America and into Canada in 1912. From city to city - in churches, synagogues, universities and private homes he addressed large audiences of friends and visitors alike.

'Abdu'l-Baha in America 'Abdu'l-Bahá in America recounts the journey of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh and appointed head of the Bahá'í Faith after his father's passing, across much of the United States in 1912.

Baha'i World 1997-98 The Baha'i World has been published periodically since 1925 as a public record of the Baha'i international community's activities and achievements. It features general information about the Baha'i Faith, reports on Baha'i participation in major international events, news about significant events within the Baha'i community and statements made by the Baha'i International Community at the United Nations and other international fora.