1. Baha’i World Accomodating Objectives Pupils to understand what scholars mean by the category World Accommodating NRM. Pupils to explore the Baha’i religion as an example of a WA religion.

2. World Accommodating: This is a NRM which does not entirely reject the values and norms of society, but teaches that: humanity has fallen away from a divine plan; Members of World Accommodating NRMs approach the world with a strong spiritual dedication, believing that; there is work to be done to fulfil a godly plan.

3. Baha’I and WA Many WA NRMs have their roots in Judaism or Islam, like Baha’i. But they do not believe that they have their roots in Judaism or Islam. They believe they are a totally new religion.

4. Baha’i Facts Main location: India (1.7 million), USA (750,000), Iran (463,000), Vietnam (356,000) Major denominations: None (Orthodox Bahá'í Faith is a small minority) Sacred Texts: Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and other Bahá'í leaders Original language: Persian Clergy/religious professionals: none House of worship: Bahá'í House of Worship Type of theism: Strict monotheism Place founded Tehran, Iran Ultimate reality: One creator God, who is described in different ways by various religions and revealed by the Messengers Adherents: 5-7 million {Bahai.org, Adherents.com) Human nature: Eternal soul that is essentially good Date founded:1863 CE Purpose of life: To develop spiritually and draw closer to God Afterlife: Soul separates from the body and begins a journey towards or away from God; heaven and hell not literal places but states of being Founder: Mirza Hoseyn 'Ali Nuri, known as Bahá'u'lláh Symbol: Nine-pointed star official website: Bahai.org Cut these up and put them into two groupings: 1.Religious facts: they show something religious 2.General facts: they are not religious facts Ensure you title each group appropriately

5. Baha’i Aims “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” Discuss with a partner what you think this means [30 secs] Share with class passing the ball round and giving one point each. TASK: 1. Write this quote in your books. 2. If someone believes that is true, how might it affect how they act in life?

6. Free Education For All The Search for All Truths Equality for All Races Equality for Women Promoting Economic Justice Rejecting Superstition World Peace FIP: First Important Priorities Look at the Baha’i aims on the left: a)If you had to solve one problem first, what would your first important priority be? b)Which do you think is the lowest priority? Write that last. c)All others in between from higher to lower priority. d)Now give reasons for your first and last choices. Baha’i Aims 2

8. Baha’i Aims – My Equality Design As you have already discovered, the Baha’i believe in: A world of equality for men and women, different races and between countries. What kind of symbol could represent equality? Try and devise and draw an original symbol that you think can represent that idea.

9. WHAT COMES FIRST? Who should you help first?

10. Baha’i vs Scientology Draw the symbol OPV and complete these questions using them as a title: What do you think a follower of Baha’i would think of a Scientologist? What do you think a Scientologist would think of a follower of Baha’i?

11. P4C Discussion “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

12. Include: Religious beliefs of Baha’i. Religious actions of Baha’I Scientology beliefs Scientology actions.