On Why You Might Want to Become a Baha'i: Nine Reasons

Ron Stephens provides both text and podcasts on various Baha'i subjects on his website AwareTek Mash-Up. Here are his "Nine Reasons Why You May Want to Be a Baha'i":

1. Because we don't reject the foundations of your beliefs, we renew them. Bahá'ís celebrate the unity of the world religions - not by overlooking their differences, but by explaining them from a spiritual, cultural and historic perspective.

2. Because we offer a sense of Community based on acceptance, not exclusivity. Bahá'ís consider every person on earth to be members of one family. There is not "us" and "them;" there is only "us".

3. Because we give you hope for the future. Bahá'ís don't ignore the world's problems, we explain them in a way that makes sense and offer solutions that will work.

4. Because we have answers for the hard questions. If you've ever felt that your questions were unwelcome, you will be pleased to discover that the Bahá'í Writings not only encourage questions, but contain answers that you can explore for yourself.

5. Because these teachings will bring you joy. Developing your spiritual qualities, moving closer to God and working with a loving community may not bring you an easy life or lots of money, but they will bring you an inner peace and contentment that will last an eternity.

6. Because you will fall in love with the Bahá'í Writings and their Author, God's latest (not last) messenger, Bahá'u'lláh. You will also fall in love with your own highest potential as a noble reflection of God's light, and begin to love others in that same light.

7. Because you will feel good about yourself, knowing that you are doing something to make the world a better place. In the Bahá'í Community you will be working for unity and cooperation between all people. This is the first step in solving any of the world's problems.

8. Because we are successful. Spiritual principles, sensible laws and an international administrative system have united millions of members from virtually every country on earth in a community which fosters personal growth and global harmony.

9. Because it feels right. In those quiet moments when you stop to listen to your heart, there will come a time when you will know that the Bahá'í Community has what you are looking for. Until then, keep reading, keep praying, and keep coming to activities. We are always glad to see you.

Ron Stephens,"Why I am a Baha'i: A Postmodern Journey to Faith at the Dawn of a New Millennium," AwareTek, the technology of being human