BAINBRIDGE BAHÁ´ÍS

The Bahá'í Faith is about Unity. This begins with the unity of all religions. The idea of Progressive Revelation is one where God sends Manifestations (as in a Manifestation of God) to mankind to renew certain principles and to provide an ongoing spiritual education that builds upon each Manifestation. Hence Bahá'ís see a continuous revelation starting with Abraham, through Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and Bahá'u'lláh. There is a common thread running through all religions as ultimately they all emanate from the Source.

Unity of mankind is another important aspect of the concept of Unity. Bahá'ís believe that all people come from God regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, tribe, creed, class, or color. 

Unity of Religion and Science is another important idea to the faith. If they appear to be incompatible then it is either because the religious reasoning is rooted in superstition or the scientific reasoning represents and incorrect or incomplete theory.

There is a strong emphasis on the independent investigation of the truth. There are no clergy in the Bahá'í Faith and there is no attempt to limit the scope of understanding. Bahá'ís are encouraged to read all religious texts in order to understand different traditions and find the common thread of religion for themselves.
                
Universal Education is another keystone of the Bahá'í Faith. This stems from both a desire to create opportunity for all individuals and also to insure that all decisions are made from a place of knowledge, not fear and superstition. An eventual world peace is thought only possible if there is a wider understanding and compassion among the peoples of the world.