God Speaks Again: An Introduction to the Bahá'í Faith by Kenneth E. Bowers is the first introductory book to place the religion's founder, Bahá'u'lláh, at the heart of the story. And what a compelling story it is!

Born to Persian nobility in 1817, Bahá'u'lláh seemed destined for a life of wealth and ease. Yet He chose to minister to Tehran's poor and later sacrificed everything to support the Báb, a young Messenger who proclaimed a new Day of God. This decision led to imprisonment in Tehran's notorious Black Pit, where He was expected to die. Instead, He received a powerful revelation from God—the first of many that would form the foundation of a world religion.

After surviving the Black Pit, Bahá'u'lláh endured forty years of exile. In Baghdad in 1863, He announced He was the Promised One foretold by the Báb and all world religions. Christians see in Bahá'u'lláh the return of Christ. Jews recognize the promised "Lord of Hosts." Muslims see the fulfillment of the "Day of God."

Bahá'ís believe God periodically reveals Himself through Divine Messengers—Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, and now Bahá'u'lláh—each bringing teachings suited for their age. Bowers quotes extensively from Bahá'u'lláh's writings, revealing their power and the inseparable connection between this new religion and an extraordinary figure touched by His Creator.

Each exile was meant to destroy His influence, yet had the opposite effect. His teachings about humanity's unity and an emerging global civilization attracted thousands. Today the Bahá'í Faith is the second-most widespread religion after Christianity, with five million members worldwide.

Kenneth E. Bowers

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