Christopher Buck PhD Esq



Four Steps for Figuring Out Prophecy

The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the harmony of science and religion and therefore, by implication and application, encourages scriptural interpretation that aligns with reason and scientific understanding. When it comes to interpreting scriptural texts, one possible approach is to consider them from three levels: (1) historical-contemporary, (2) history of interpretation, and (3) Bahá’í-focused interpretation. For example, The parable of the city in the Qur’án offers an example where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh […] Read More

“Seal of the Prophets” (Q. 33:40) & “Divine Presence” (Q. 33:44): Why These Two Key Verses Should Be Read Together

Reference PDF – https://www.clearwaterbahais.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Buck_2022_Seal_Prophets_Divine_Presence.pdf “Muhammad is … the Messenger of God, and the Seal of the Prophets.” – Q. 33:4a, tr. Arberry, https://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=33&verse=40On the day when they will be brought into the presence of their Lord, their greeting to each other will be, “Peace be with you.” – Q. 33:44a, tr. Muhammad Sarwar, https://corpus.quran.com/translation.jsp?chapter=33&verse=44 Read More

A “Science of Religion” Approach to “Figuring Out Prophecy”

The very first sentence of Shoghi Effendi’s June 1933 letter to the High Commissioner for Palestine (Sir Arthur Grenfell Wauchope) is this: “The Revelation proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, His followers believe, is divine in origin, all-embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles and dynamic in the influence it […] Read More

“The Great Spirit Speaks: Voices of the Wise Ones”

Baha’i scriptures offer a treasure trove of wisdom. The sheer wealth of these texts staggers the imagination; For Baha’u’llah, nearly 20,000 unique works have been identified, comprising over six million words. For the Bab, over 2,000 unique works have been identified, comprising almost five million words. For Abdu’l-Baha, over 30,000 unique works have been identified, […] Read More

Baha’i Faith: The Basics

Bahá’í Faith: The Basics provides a thorough and accessible introduction to a fascinating, independent world religion. Examining its historical development, current “community-building” efforts, and the social contributions of the Bahá’í Faith in the world today, this introduction covers:Beliefs: Bahá’í spiritual teachings.Principles: Bahá’í social teachings.History: Bahá’u’lláh and his covenant.Scripture: Bahá’í sacred texts and inspired guidance.Institutions: The […] Read More