The Potential of the Baha'i Faith to Grow in Scope and Influence

Abstract

This study focuses on the Baha'i Faith from a sociological perspective in an examination of several factors that would enable a religious movement to grow and develop to such an extent that it could become a significant influence on modern societies. The study concludes that this relatively new religious movement has necessary ideological and structural elements that foster its effective, continued growth, maintain its cohesion as a collective unit, and enable it to orient and mobilize its members toward bringing about social change. Having these necessary elements may not be sufficient to guarantee that the Baha'i Faith will become a major force for social change. However, this religion definitely has the potential to grow and develop to the point at which it could have a significant effect on future society and may do so if its believers follow the guidance provided in their scriptures.