Past Discussion Evenings

This page is an archive of past discussion evenings that we have held.  For the current list of ongoing firesides, click here.

 

Topic Description
Introduction to the Faith An introduction to the basic principles of the Faith: its teachings on God, the purpose of man’s creation, the mission of God’s Messengers, and the concept of progressive revelation.
The lives of the Messengers An exploration into the lives and ministries of the twin Messengers of the Bahá’í Faith, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, and Bahá’u’lláh’s Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Is the question of God a matter of Truth? Who or what is God? How can we know God and find truth in the claims of His Messengers? Join us as we explore these questions.
Religion, A Cause of Unity or Disunity? We will examine how religion has been a cause of disunity, but at the same time a powerful source of unity contributing to the progress of humanity and civilization.
Conceptualizing oneness The oneness of mankind is the primary teaching of the Bahá’í Faith. What are the implications for this teaching in our lives and our society?
Comparing Methods of Scientific and Spiritual Search for Truth We will compare the methods of spiritual search with those of scientific search and explore how the goal/outcome of spiritual search includes the point of indicating “inspired civilization” (not salvation as commonly thought).
Comparing Methods of Scientific and Spiritual Search for Truth (repeat) We will compare the methods of spiritual search with those of scientific search and explore how the goal/outcome of spiritual search includes the point of indicating “inspired civilization” (not salvation as commonly thought).
Living Spiritually in a Material World Spiritual and material existence seem at odds with each other. How can we tread the spiritual path with practical feet in a material world? How can we have a spiritually and materially prosperous civilization and what may that look like?
The Mystery of the Afterlife We will discuss the age-old question of where do we go when we die. The Bahá’í teachings explain that the afterlife is not a physical existence but a spiritual state of nearness unto God. The more we strive to develop ourselves spiritually in this world, the more we draw nearer unto God.
Two Wings of a Bird: Equality of Men and Women Women have been historically subjugated and oppressed. We will explore how the equality of men and women is a fundamental truth of human reality and not just a desired condition to be achieved for the good of society.
Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Climate Change The planet is undergoing dramatic changes and climate change is a cause of increasing concern. The decisions we need to make to address this issue cannot merely be addressed by science but must also be informed by spiritual and ethical values.
Beyond Oppression: A Fair and United Society Oppression of diverse forms is one of the greatest obstacles to human progress. Join us to examine how oppression can be overcome in unifying and constructive ways that advance collective prosperity and well-being.
Redefining Success and Happiness TED Talk by Alain de Botton, “A kinder, gentler, philosophy of success
Storytelling Night Evening of stories and spiritual discussions
Environmental Sustainability Discussion on protecting and sustaining the Earth’s resources
Cooperative Governance: Unrealistic Ideal or Inevitable Reality? Effective governance is a prerequisite for human prosperity and well-being. Join us to explore how principles drawn from science and religion can inform the structure and selection of leadership and legitimate authority; collective decision making; and training and education for effective governance.
Baha’u’llah’s Tablet to the Christians In this Tablet Bahá’u’lláh proclaims His message to Christians that He is the one Promised in the Gospels. Come and explore Bahá’u’lláh’s claim.
A New World Civilization: The Bahá’í Model The founders of religions are also the founders of great civilizations. Come and learn how the most recent revelation of Bahá’u’lláh has brought a new pattern for the development of a new world civilization.
Social injustice and inequality Social class and racial divisions create disunity whereas the oneness of mankind is a fundamental truth. How can we constructively overcome these artificial barriers to progress?
Buddhism and the Bahá’í Faith Sharing personal experiences and reflections from growing up with a Buddhist background, travelling around the world, and encountering the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith
Faith and the Struggle to Believe Sharing thoughts and reflections from growing up with Judaism and seeking to understand the nature of faith and what it means to believe
Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith An introduction to the basic principles and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith
Religion and the Unconscious A discussion drawing on concepts from neuroscience and religion

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