Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era

Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era

Written by J. E. (John Ebenezer) Esslemont

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Bahai FaithBahá'u'lláh, 1817-1892

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era" by J.E. Esslemont is a comprehensive account of the Bahá'í Faith written in the early 20th century. The work serves as an introduction to the teachings, history, and significance of Bahá'u'lláh, its founder, and addresses the impact of his teachings on humanity, emphasizing themes of unity, peace, and the spiritual evolution of mankind. The book is particularly relevant for readers interested in religious studies, interfaith dialogue, and the historical context of the Bahá'í movement. At the start of the text, Esslemont introduces the concept of a new spiritual awakening brought about by Bahá'u'lláh, who he posits as the promised educator for all humanity. The opening portion delves into the tumultuous period leading to the emergence of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, highlighting societal changes, the anticipation of a world teacher, and the struggles faced by Bahá'u'lláh and his followers, particularly amidst a backdrop of persecution and misunderstanding. The narrative sets the tone for exploring the depth and breadth of Bahá'u'lláh's mission, inviting readers to reflect on its implications for contemporary issues of divisiveness and spiritual awakening.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • informative
  • hopeful

J.E. Esslemont's "Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era" serves as a foundational introduction to the Bahá'í Faith, presenting its history, core principles, and the life of its founder, Bahá'u'lláh. Written in the early 20th century, the book posits Bahá'u'lláh as a universal educator for a new spiritual awakening, emphasizing themes of global unity, enduring peace, and the spiritual evolution of humanity. It delves into the tumultuous period of the Faith's emergence, detailing the persecution faced by Bahá'u'lláh and his followers while systematically outlining the transformative potential of his teachings. The work is crucial for understanding the Bahá'í perspective on interfaith harmony, the oneness of humankind, and the establishment of a just world order.

“The world is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”

Key themes

Unity of Humankind
This is the foundational theme, asserting that all humanity is one family, created by one God, and that all forms of prejudice (racial, religious, national, class, gender) must be abolished. Esslemont argues that recognition of this unity is essential for global peace and the spiritual advancement of civilization.
Progressive Revelation and Unity of Religions
The theme posits that religious truth is not absolute but revealed gradually by God through a succession of divine Manifestations (Prophets/Founders) like Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and now Bahá'u'lláh. Each brings a renewed teaching suited to humanity's stage of development, thus all major religions are seen as originating from the same divine source and are fundamentally one.
World Peace and Justice
Esslemont details Bahá'u'lláh's vision for a lasting universal peace, not merely the cessation of war but the establishment of a just and equitable world order. This involves a global collective security system, the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty, and the upholding of human rights and justice for all.

Worth discussing

How does the concept of a 'new era' or 'spiritual awakening' resonate with contemporary global challenges?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!