Reflecting on my Journey from the Baha'i Faith and the Inevitable Disillusionment
I was a Baha'i for about ten years from 1985 to 1995. During my time as a member, I encountered various experiences that led me to eventual disillusionment and then departure from the faith.
The Discrepancy Between Dogma and Practice
One of the primary reasons I decided to leave the Baha'i faith was the incongruence between the teachings and the practical experience. Unlike what I had hoped, returning Baha'is expressed no genuine interest in my spiritual experiences or concerns. Instead, my time was spent indoctrinating me with Baha'i dogma.
The group seemed to believe that simply hammering in their beliefs would resolve my spiritual tensions, akin to how a detergent solves stains. However, the effectiveness of their methods and teachings was questionable.
Marriage and Religious Expectations
Another aspect that troubled me was the emphasis on marriage within Baha'i teachings. It was stressed that marriage was not only a good but a moral imperative, as it was purported to be in the mind of Baha'u'llah. However, upon closer observation, I saw that even long-term Baha'i members faced marital issues.
The doctrine treated marriage as a sacred union, yet many Baha'i couples faced challenges, divorces, and infidelity. This inconsistency bothered me, as it seemed the religion was as flawed as my human nature.
Equality and Leadership Roles
The idea that every Baha'i was their own priest and theologian appealed to me at first due to its democratic and non-hierarchical nature. However, this ideal was far from reality. Internal dissent and conflict often led to significant backlash among the community.
A prominent instance was the exclusion of certain believers from leadership roles, such as women being forbidden from serving on the Universal House of Justice, a body composed of nine elected members, all of whom must be men. This gender bias was a significant step towards disillusionment.
Morality, Cult-like Behaviors, and Personal Integrity
My journey included a critical examination of the Baha'i teachings on morality. The refusal to recognize same-sex relationships as natural and the encouragement to avoid all forms of sexual experimentation until marriage struck me as rigid and harmful. The religion's stance on sexuality seemed more aligned with a cult's control rather than a progressive, understanding approach.
These strict moral codes led me to conclude that the Baha'i faith was not only stagnating but also antithetical to personal expression and growth. The emphasis on "consultation" and the upholding of strict norms at the expense of individual freedom further cemented my decision to leave.
A Charlatan and a Contradictory History
My departure was also precipitated by my research and deepening understanding of the history and origins of the Baha'i faith. The founder, Baha'u'llah, was portrayed as a figure of nobility and prophecy. However, I discovered that he was a charlatan and a sham, involved in crimes and murders. His teachings and those of his successor, Shoghi Effendi, were often contradictory, portraying a different reality than the one presented to the public.
Examples of such contradictions include the treatment of believers and their families during times of political upheaval and persecution. The actions of both Baha'u'llah and Shoghi Effendi in excommunicating family members and isolating believers from their loved ones were both inhuman and indicative of a cult-like behavior.
The Journey Towards Freedom and Independence
After decades within the Baha'i community, I felt it was necessary to distance myself from the faith. The realization that the Baha'i faith was not progressive but rather rigid and cult-like led me to seek a life outside of religious constraints and to live in harmony with my human nature and ethical standards.
Today, I am pleased to live far away from the Baha'i religion and to live a life characterized by personal freedom and autonomy. My journey from the faith has been a process of self-discovery and a quest for a more inclusive, tolerant, and understanding worldview.
My experiences and reflections on the Baha'i faith may resonate with others who have felt constrained by its doctrines or questioned its teachings. It is a reminder that the faith one chooses should reflect one's personal values and beliefs, rather than imposition and control.
Keywords: Baha'i, Cult, Religious Dissent, Excommunication, Gender Bias