Bridging Beliefs
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsThese are the audios from our main presentations on YouTube.com/BridgingBeliefs
Delve into Bahá'í and philosophical subjects, principles, and objections. This individual initiative is not authoritative, but merely represents my understanding of the Bahá'í Faith. I encourage you to read the Baha'i Writings independently and visit www.bahai.org. My intention is to dispel misunderstandings, explore deeper truths, and bridge the seeming divides among the world's great Holy Texts.
"The objection most commonly raised... is the assertion that the differences among the revealed faiths are so fundamental that to present them as stages or aspects of one unified system of truth does violence to the facts. Given the confusion surrounding the nature of religion, the reaction is understandable. Chiefly, however, such an objection offers Bahá'ís an invitation to set the principles reviewed here more explicitly in the evolutionary context provided in Bahá'u'lláh's writings." --One Common Faith, p 24
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Episodes
"The Divine Assayer" with Shahrooz | #1 | Bridging Beliefs
April 19, 2024 01:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBA discussion with Rob Cacchioni and Shahrooz Shadbakht on the subject of the Divine Assayer found in the Baha'i Writings. The Divine Assayer is an allegory used to describe how God tests mankind when He makes Himself manifest to his creation. Podcast (apple): https://goo.gl/CM4TmV Podcast (android): https://goo.gl/ovLmps Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bridgingbeliefs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgingBeliefs9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgingbeliefs9/ Twitter: h...
Evolution and the Baha’i Faith - Redefining "Humanity" | part 2
January 29, 2024 03:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBPart 2 of this deepening on Evolution. What does the Baha'i Faith teach about evolution and the nature of man? We examine the Baha'i Texts on the matter which will hopefully dispel some myths and re-frame the perspective on science and what it means to be "human". Sections: 0:23 Introduction 5:16 Problems Remain 8:44 Missing Link 16:19 The Embryos, the Matrix, and Man 39:06 A Summary of Definitions 47:41 Conclusion Download MP3 and PDF here: https://bit.ly/3kmaYA9 Podcast (apple): https...
Evolution and the Baha’i Faith - Redefining "Humanity" | part 1
September 20, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBWhat does the Baha'i Faith teach about the science of evolution? We examine the Baha'i Texts on the matter which will hopefully dispel some myths and re-frame the perspective on science and what it means to be "human". Sections: 1:35 Introduction 11:13 An Ironic Foreshadow 13:10 Man was in the Animal Kingdom 25:50 Function, not Form 43:12 What is ‘Man’? 51:27 ‘Abdu'l-Bahá’s Admonishment 57:42 Stages from ‘man’ to ‘Man’ 1:03:24 Man is an Emergent Property 1:23:20 Billion Years from Now - Ob...
Evolution and the Baha’i Faith - Redefining Humanity | part 1
September 20, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBWhat does the Baha'i Faith teach about the science of evolution? We examine the Baha'i Texts on the matter which will hopefully dispel some myths and re-frame the perspective on science and what it means to be "human". Sections: 1:35 Introduction 11:13 An Ironic Foreshadow 13:10 Man was in the Animal Kingdom 25:50 Function, not Form 43:12 What is ‘Man’? 51:27 ‘Abdu'l-Bahá’s Admonishment 57:42 Stages from ‘man’ to ‘Man’ 1:03:24 Man is an Emergent Property 1:23:20 Billion Years from Now - Ob...
The Faith of Saintly Abraham
March 26, 2021 04:00 - 2 hours - 87 MBExploring a curious Qur'anic quote, we uncover how Islam addresses exclusivity in Judaism and Christianity through an argument first posited by the Apostle Paul. This same argument then speaks to the Islamic community and solves an Islamic objection to the Baha'i Faith: "You shall have no religion except Islam." Sections: 2:20 Introduction 9:12 Who or What is a Muslim? 16:43 Old Wine, New Wineskins, and the Divine Assayer 52:00 The Faith of Saintly Abraham 58:42 Abraham and Paul: The Epistl...
5 Realms of Existence - Baha'i Cosmology - Part 4
January 18, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 53.3 MBPart 4 and final episode of a multi-series presentation on this subject. Time stamps below 👇 Spiritual Cosmology examines the structure of reality, it's different stations and realms of Being: God, Manifestations, Prophets, etc. We explore its importance, how it furthers world unity, and lays out a basic Baha'i model. Sections: 1. 3:31 The Primal Will - The Central Orb 2. 13:04 Repudiation of Divinity 3. 18:45 The Function of the Manifestation 4. 28:39 Pre-existence - The Manifestations...
5 Realms of Existence - Baha'i Cosmology - Part 3
April 16, 2020 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBPart 3 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. Time stamps below 👇 Spiritual Cosmology examines the structure of reality, it's different stations and realms of Being: God, Angels, Manifestations, Prophets, etc. We explore its importance, how it furthers world unity, and lays out a basic Baha'i model. Sections: 1. 3:07 Multiple Instantiation and Láhút 2. 37:18 Summary Download MP3 and PDF here: https://bit.ly/39i0SYB Baha’i Cosmology Wiki: https://bit.ly/2UGNEPx Podcast (apple)...
5 Realms of Existence - Baha'i Cosmology - Part 2
April 10, 2020 01:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBPart 2 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. Time stamps below 👇 Spiritual Cosmology examines the structure of reality, it's different stations and realms of Being: God, Angels, Manifestations, Prophets, etc. We explore its importance, how it furthers world unity, and lays out a basic Baha'i model. Sections: 1. 0:15 Review of Part 1 2. 6:50 Háhút - The Unknowable Essence 3. 29:10 Meta-Reality 4. 54:14 Final Thoughts Download MP3 and PDF here: https://bit.ly/39i0SYB Baha’i C...
5 Realms of Existence - Baha'i Cosmology - Part 1
March 26, 2020 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBPart 1 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. Time stamps below 👇 Spiritual Cosmology examines the structure of reality, it's different stations and realms of Being: God, Angels, Manifestations, Prophets, etc We explore its importance, how it furthers world unity, and lays out a basic Baha'i model. Sections: 1. 0:31 Introduction 2. 2:01 Unity of Religion Problems 3. 3:41 Shallow Unity 4. 6:26 Heliocentric vs Geocentric 5. 10:52 Inherent - Not Ad Hoc 6. 13:09 Different Models 7...
Why Pray? Is God a Narcissist?
March 08, 2020 06:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBWhy does God need to be praised all the time? The secular mind may, understandably, find this odd, even narcissistic. We examine how the Baha'i Scriptures deal with this query. Sections: 1. 1:39 Peculiar Practice of Prayer 2. 2:29 Work, Service, and Arts are Worship 3. 3:36 The Mysticism of Prayer 4. 4:56 Doesn’t God Know What You Want? 5. 9:05 Even if it Lead to Fire 6. 12:37 Building Your Best Self 7. 19:48 Look to the Ocean of Attributes 8. 32:57 Highest Thoughts and Deepest Prayers 9. ...
The Seal of the Prophets - Part 4
March 05, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBPart 4 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. Time stamps below 👇 I examine the concept of "the Seal of the Prophets" an understandable and widespread Muslim objection that no Messenger of God can come after the Prophet Muhammad. Here we also examine evidence in the Qur'an that points to the need for investigation of the Day of Judgement. The Qur'an enjoins investigating "Tidings" of God's Revelation - even from a wicked (or profligate) man. We look at 2 possible exceptions to this...
The Seal of the Prophets - Part 3
November 18, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBPart 3 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. I examine the concept of "the Seal of the Prophets" an understandable and widespread Muslim objection that no Messenger of God can come after the Prophet Muhammad. We examine Qur'anic passages and the Baha'i Scriptures related to this paramount theme. Sections: 1. 0:35 Review 2. 4:17 "A Wicked Man Comes with News" 3. 12:05 The Word Study - Naba' 4. 28:29 Unseen Truths 5. 32:05 The Great News 6. 48:10 Summary Download MP3 and PDF here:...
The Seal of the Prophets - Part 2
October 29, 2019 22:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBPart 2 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. I examine the concept of "the Seal of the Prophets" an understandable and widespread Muslim objection that no Messenger of God can come after the Prophet Muhammad. We examine Qur'anic passages and the Baha'i Scriptures related to this paramount theme. Sections: 1. 0:44 The Surah of Hud Sufficeth 2. 5:06 The Surah of Hud 3. 18:29 The Story of Noah, Ad, and Thamud 4. 24:12 The Drumbeat and the Irrelevant Lesson 5. 49:52 You Shall See...
The Seal of the Prophets - Part 1
April 24, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 37.4 MBPart 1 of a multi-series presentation on this subject. I examine the concept of "the Seal of the Prophets" an understandable and widespread Muslim objection that no Messenger of God can come after the Prophet Muhammad. We examine Qur'anic passages and the Baha'i Scriptures related to this paramount theme. Sections: 1. 1:18 The Problem 2. 1:53 Agreement on “Seal” 3. 6:04 Qur’an, Hadith, and Tradition 4. 9:39 The Beloved’s Appeal 5. 13:30 Root Words and Word Families 6. 19:25 The Seal of Pro...
The Importance of Studying Religion: A Global Gathering
February 16, 2019 05:00 - 24 minutes - 11.3 MBRegardless of our beliefs - Baha'i, Atheist, Christian, Secular, Buddhist, or Jewish - we must strive to pass through the stages of knowledge, understanding, and to find the beauty others see in their beliefs. Only then can we truly grasp why people adhere to theses beliefs and understand human psychology. This is independent of whether the belief is true or not. To be genuine global citizens, walking the stages of this path - knowledge, understanding, and beauty - is essential. Sections: 1...
Preaching: 'Don't Push Your Views On Me'
October 19, 2018 07:00 - 48 minutes - 22.3 MBPassionate believers seek to spread their beliefs, often antagonizing those who don’t agree. They “push their beliefs” on others. Do only religious or political people do so? How is sharing one’s belief system (proclamation) congruent with social progress and being a genuine person? What is proselytizing? How is this related to truth claims? Can this be used as a brushoff tactic to simply avoid investigation? Sections: 1:22 Teaching vs Proselytizing 9:53 Understand Intention 13:31 Why I ...
'Religion is for Sheep; By the Powerful'
October 17, 2018 07:00 - 9 minutes - 4.59 MBAre religious people conformists, sheep following the herd, upholding the status quo? Do only religious people do this? Further, did people in power create religion to control the masses? Does history uphold either of these claim? Sections: 0:25 Anyone Can be Sheep 1:30 It Doesn't Imply it's True or False 2:13 Ethics and Societal Norms 4:33 'Religion: Created by Those in Power' 9:12 Conclusion Download MP3 and PDF here YouTube Patreon Facebook Instagram Twitter Official Bahá'í website...
The Psychoanalysis of Belief
October 15, 2018 07:00 - 50 minutes - 23 MBSome people offer 'psychological needs' for why others accept religion. This leads them to ignore religion's truth-claims, and takes the place of rational investigation. In such cases they can as brush-off tactics. However, the psychoanalysis of unbelief can ignore secular arguments against religion. I propose that psychoanalysis of thought is not fruitful and stunts critical investigation and therefore should be dropped. Sections: 2:10 Ineffectiveness of Psychoanalysis of Belief 10:26 "M...
The Ethics of Belief
October 13, 2018 07:00 - 22 minutes - 10.4 MBDo we have a duty to investigate? And when trying to understand others' perspectives and beliefs should we find the most rational representation of it or point at the silliest easiest versions? These questions will be explored in this video. Sections: 2:49 Duty of Inquiry and Sincerity 13:33 Interpretation of Texts Download MP3 and PDF here YouTube Patreon Facebook Instagram Twitter Official Bahá'í website Ambient music: “Celtic Music | Ancient Forest | Celtic Lute & Guitar Music” by S...
Jesus was Crucified According to the Qur'an
October 11, 2018 07:00 - 52 minutes - 24.2 MBAccording to many Muslims (not all), their understanding of the Qur'an 4:157 is that it denies Jesus' crucifixion, however the Bible not only believes in it but emphasizes it as central! How can these two Holy Books be reconciled? Sections: 1. 1:08 Text in Question 2. 7:44 The Bahá'í Interpretation 3. 11:08 The Same Fruit - Consistent with Self - A Harmonious Whole 4. 24:13 "Christ's Life isn't Central in the Qur'an" Addendum: 5. 30:08 The Arabic - Similarities 6. 34:28 The Arabic - Types ...
Religion Causes War, Hatred, and Division
October 08, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBThere are multiple aspects to this concern. One is that “inherently by being religious you’re X religion and therefore not Y religion, placing people into categories or camps of Us and Them, which makes religion essentially divisive.” So to be secular is seen as being neutral. We'll examine the Bahá'í Writings and see what they say on this issue as we try to resolve this understandable apprehension. Sections: 2:16 Empathy and Agreement 17:11 The 6 O'clock News and Masks of Madness 20...
Unity of Religion: How Do We Talk About It?
September 18, 2018 07:00 - 4 hours - 133 MBA brief introductory study of The Unity of Religion in the Bahá'í Writings. I will first present what the "Unity of Religion" briefly is, and subsequently will discuss the barriers and bridges to this concept. Sections: 1:09 One Common Faith - What is "The Unity of Religion"? 32:01 Does Not Invalidate 1:08:49 Independent Investigation of Truth 1:34:37 Secularism, Rationality, and Religion 1:43:22 Syncretism 2:04:34 Empathy with Oddity and Incredulity 2:56:09 Textual Empiricism...
The Great Beyond: Afterlife in the Bahá'í Faith
August 08, 2018 07:00 - 5 hours - 143 MBA brief introductory study of the "worlds beyond", "next world", or "life after death" in the Bahá'í Writings. This is the full presentation, all 7 parts. Sections: 0:44 Intro 1:13 The Great Beyond - An Apt Expression 3:29 The Womb and the World - The Limits of Knowing 12:25 No Physical Form - Made Up of Heavenly Elements 16:50 World of Exemplars - the Heavenly Body of Man 24:13 Reunited with Loved Ones - Greater Development for Them 28:55 Time in Next World - Though Different...
The Bible is Authentic According to the Qur'an
August 05, 2018 07:00 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBWhat does the Qur'an say about the Bible - the Jewish and Christian Scriptures? Some Muslims claim these Texts have been corrupted. We look at the Qur'an and the Bahá’í Writings and see the validity of the Bible confirmed. We find that, when the Qur'an speaks of "corruption of the Texts" this refers to corruption of the meaning through interpretation. The meaning has been warped and twisted. On a related note, the same passages show Muslims cannot judge non-Muslims according to Islamic Law. ...
Politics and The Bahá’í Faith: Non-Interference and the New Model
July 06, 2018 07:00 - 2 hours - 61 MBA brief introductory study of politics and the Bahá'í Writings. This Deepening explores concepts in the Bahá’í Faith related to politics: Baha'u'llah's injunction against Baha'is interfering in secular and partisan politics of any form. We explore how the Bahá’í Faith is political in the original sense of the term: a science of governance, or the organization of society. The Bahá’í Faith offers, as an example, a way of governing the social order - locally, nationally, and internationally - t...
Why Bahá'ís Pray Facing Baha'u'llah: Iblis, Qiblih, and Anthropomorphism
July 05, 2018 07:00 - 46 minutes - 21.4 MBIn Islam it is categorically forbidden to pray to anything or anyone other than Almighty God. Everyday, when Bahá'ís performing their "Obligatory Prayer" or "Salát" or "Namáz", they face and prostrate towards Baha'u'llah's resting place and Shrine in Bahji, Israel. And technically it isn't to the Shrine as much as it is to Baha'u'llah Himself, because during the lifetime of Baha'u'llah, Bahá'ís turned to wherever He was residing, throughout His exiles. This, on the surface, seems to evidentl...
Is the Buddha Agnostic? God in Buddhism
July 04, 2018 07:00 - 2 hours - 73.6 MBA brief introductory study of God and gods according to the Buddhist scriptures. We also examine the Bahá'í Writings to shed light on its authenticity. Sections: 0:38 Intro 12:10 Buddhist Scriptural Authenticity 23:34 Limits of Language 42:44 Gods Abound 1:01:44 Buddha Above Gods 1:15:44 Buddha Worshipped by Gods 1:47:02 Buddha is the Dharma 1:50:03 Buddha is Ultimate Reality 2:04:03 The Purusha - Personal Brahman 2:20:10 Mahayana Scriptures 2:37:05 Conclusion Downloa...
Is the Buddha Agnostic? God in Buddhism
July 04, 2018 07:00 - 2 hours - 73.7 MBA brief introductory study of God and gods according to the Buddhist scriptures. We also examine the Bahá'í Writings to shed light on its authenticity. Sections: 0:38 Intro 12:10 Buddhist Scriptural Authenticity 23:34 Limits of Language 42:44 Gods Abound 1:01:44 Buddha Above Gods 1:15:44 Buddha Worshipped by Gods 1:47:02 Buddha is the Dharma 1:50:03 Buddha is Ultimate Reality 2:04:03 The Purusha - Personal Brahman 2:20:10 Mahayana Scriptures 2:37:05 Conclusion Downloa...
Is the Bahá'í Faith a Utopian Vision? Empathizing with Incredulity
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBA brief introductory study of the objection "The Bahá'í vision of the future and solution to the world's problems are utopian and impossible to achieve." here we first look at the Bahá'í Writings and then offer some thoughts that may bridge the gap of understanding between us and the seeker. Sections: 0:39 Intro 6:43 That’s Not an Argument – Idealism & Realism vs. Optimism & Pessimism 16:06 Social Transformations 25:37 Religious Unity – The Most Curious of Claims Download MP3 and P...
International Auxiliary Language: the Bahá'í Vision
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 21 minutes - 10 MBA brief introductory study of the 'International Auxiliary Language' found in the Bahá'í Writings. What is it? How should it be established? What are its rules? Who can create it? etc. Sections: 0:39 Establishment 11:22 A Literary and Sophisticated Language 12:55 Features and Means of Selection/Creation Download MP3 and PDF here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9l0MPLsXeSZYmNnTEY2U01WNW8 YouTube Patreon Facebook Instagram Twitter Official Bahá'í website Ambient music: “Celtic Mu...
Importance of Knowledge, Reason, and Independent Investigation in Bahá'í Writings
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 2 hours - 69.7 MBA brief introductory study on the concepts of knowledge, reason, and 'independent investigation of truth' found in the Bahá'í Writings. Sections: 0:39 The Supreme Gift - Significance of Intellect and Reason 7:16 The Path of Knowledge - Importance of Knowledge 17:49 The Independent Search for Truth 32:43 The Fragrant Sword - Arguments and the Spark of Truth 50:13 Summoned to Study - Importance in Immersing in Bahá'í Scriptures 1:10:18 Study of the Holy Texts - Importance in Immer...
False Prophets: The Bible Teaches Independent Investigation
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 47 minutes - 22 MBA brief introductory study of Biblical approach to Prophetic claims. We examine the warnings for false prophets in the Bible, then see what Jesus and the Bible teaches about Prophets, and our duty to sincerely independently investigate, whether or not the Bahá'í Faith is true. Sections: 0:39 Intro 4:18 Warnings of False Prophets 9:26 Independent Investigation of Truth 17:18 Prophets are Coming 26:42 prophets or Prophets 30:02 Jesus is a Prophet 36:40 Two Major Prophets to Come ...
Are we Divine? Atman is Brahman
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 57 minutes - 26.6 MBA brief introductory study of the Hindu teaching of "Atman is Brahman". How can this be reconciled with the Bahá'í Writings? Sections: 0:39 Intro 2:49 What is the issue? 8:25 Bahá'í view of Religion 10:51 'Problem' texts 21:15 Bahá'í definitions of 'God' 31:56 Counter texts 43:53 Finding our self Download MP3 and PDF here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9l0MPLsXeSZeGJoT1BWVXFTQ1E Bahá'í Cosmology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_cosmology YouTube Patreon ...
35 Purported Objections to the Bahá'í Faith
May 28, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBBaha’u’llah claims His Faith is the fulfillment of the long-awaited expectations of all the great religions, when all humanity will be united in “one universal cause, one common faith.” When all the races and people of the world will work together toward a single world order, where war will cease in a universal brotherhood. While beautiful , this is probably the biggest claim one can make. So it’s understandable that some would immediately put forward objections and doubt its validity; both...
35 Common Objections to the Bahá'í Faith
May 28, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBBaha’u’llah claims His Faith is the fulfillment of the long-awaited expectations of all the great religions, when all humanity will be united in “one universal cause, one common faith.” When all the races and people of the world will work together toward a single world order, where war will cease in a universal brotherhood. While beautiful , this is probably the biggest claim one can make. So it’s understandable that some would immediately put forward objections and doubt its validity; both...