A Comparison of Two Influential Characters of Faith with Implications for Interfaith Dialogue
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/19283Keywords:
Paul the apostle, Jenab-i Táhirih, Christianity, Baháʼí, Judaism, theology, religion, history, interfaith dialogue, IranAbstract
Ongoing violence, discrimination, war and crimes against minority religious groups and women must be eradicated. Both Christianity and the Baháʼí faith are minority religions in Iran where religion and tradition (e.g., wearing of a hijab [veil]) are still the cause of violence and bloodshed. The lives of Christians in the Gaza Strip (also known simply as Gaza) are threatened by the war between Radical Islam and Judaism. Through interfaith dialogue intended to overcome stereotyping and historical grievances, religious, cultural and political open-mindedness pave the way for positive transformation. Comparative historical research showcases the shared experiences, theology, ideals and fates of two early converts from two global religions. Christianity was founded by Jesus, who proclaimed a new interpretation of the Yahwistic religion of Israel. The Babi faith was founded by the Báb, a merchant who proclaimed a new interpretation of Shia Islam in 1844. Christianity and Islam are the largest world religions with 31.11% and 24.9% of the world population, respectively, while Judaism (0,18%) and Baháʼí faith (0,07%) are minority global religions. Despite huge differences in time, place, religion and social status, the lasting impact that Paul the Apostle had and still has on Christianity and the effect that Jenab-i Táhirih had and still has on the Babi faith serve as an example of how religious historical research can find common ground as a foundation for initial interaction between members of opposing religions to stop and eradicate current conflict situations.
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