1) Just like other Abrahamic traditions, Baha'is believe that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Sex should only take place between a married man and woman, so homosexuality is definitely a problem.
2) I'm not a Baha'i so I don't actually know, but I would say that you probably have to live a good life.
3) The key scriptures are the "Kitab-i-Aqdas," the "Kitab-i-Iqan," "The Hidden Words," and "The Seven Valleys."
The Bah?'? Faith is a monotheistic religion founded by Bah?'u'll?h in nineteenth-century Persia, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind. There are an estimated five to six million Bah?'?s around the world in more than 200 countries and territories.
Bah?'? teachings emphasize the underlying unity of the major world religions. Religious history is seen to have unfolded through a series of divine messengers, each of whom established a religion that was suited to the needs of the time and the capacity of the people. These messengers have included Krishna, Abraham, the Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad and others, including most recently Bah?'u'll?h. In Bah?'? belief, each messenger taught of the next, and Bah?'u'll?h's life and teachings fulfill the end-time promises of previous scriptures. Humanity is understood to be involved in a process of collective evolution, and the need of the present time is for the gradual establishment of peace, justice and unity on a global scale.
The word "Bah???" (pronounced /Baha'i/) is used either as an adjective to refer to the Bah?'? Faith or as a term for a follower of Bah?'u'll?h, and the word is not a noun meaning the religion as a whole. It is derived from the Arabic Bah??, meaning "glory" or "splendour". The term "Bahaism" (or "Baha'ism") has been used in the past but is fading from use.
Beliefs
Three core principles establish a basis for Bah?'? teachings and doctrine: the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humankind. From these postulates stems the belief that God periodically reveals his will through divine educators, whose purpose is to transform the character of humankind and develop within those who respond moral and spiritual qualities. Religion is thus seen as orderly, unified, and progressive from age to age.
My knowledge on the Bahai faith is limited, but I'm pretty certain that although they tend to be quite tolerant and progressive in some areas (world peace/unity, universal education, the equality of men and women are examples), they value marriage (and sex) between a man and a woman over homosexuality for members of their own faith and believe that we should abstain from sex before marriage. However, they do not impose judgment or their standards on those who have not joined the faith.
Like most other organized religions, a True Baha'i would basically be one who knows and practices the teachings of the faith. So...you'd need to know about and believe in Baha'u'lah and the Bab.
There are several texts with writings and prayers by the Bab, Baha'u'lah, and others(Shoghi Effendi, 'Abdu'l-Baha). The "mother-book" is the The Kitab-i-Aqdas by Baha'u'lah - which is both a book of "laws" and a source with teachings on a range of issues related to the Faith (administration, ethics, practices, etc.). Because Bahai's believe that Jesus and Muhammed (among others) were also Messengers of God, they also consider the Bible and the Quran to be sacred texts. Bahai's also have a series of 7 study circles members of the faith (and others who are interested) can take called the Ruhi series. These study circles each have a course text that excerpts important Baha'i teachings.
1. While two people of the same sex may love each other, the sexual expression of it is forbidden. Sex should only take place inside marriage, which is defined as between one man and one woman.
2. To be considered a Baha'i, you declare your belief in Baha'u'llah and agree to abide by the laws He has given us.
Another way to look at this is:
Therefore strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers. Turn towards God, and seek always to do that which is right and noble. Enrich the poor, raise the fallen, comfort the sorrowful, bring healing to the sick, reassure the fearful, rescue the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, shelter the destitute!
This is the work of a true Bah?'?, and this is what is expected of him. If we strive to do all this, then are we true Bah?'?s, but if we neglect it, we are not followers of the Light, and we have no right to the name.
(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 80)
3. The Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Kitab-i-Iqan, The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, The Hidden Words, Tablets of Baha'u'llah.
I'm a Baha'i. As such my answers are given to the best of my ability, but should not be considered "official" viewpoints unless a source is cited.
> 1) Whats there view on Homosexuality?
This is a very complex, complicated, and sensitive subject and the Baha'i administration recognizes that. It deals with this issue on an ongoing basis.
Baha'is do not view homosexuality as an acceptable expression of the human sexual impulse. However, in drastic contrast to most religious groups' stands on homosexuality, the Baha'is do not place any more or less emphasis (or condemnation) on homosexuality versus any other kind of sex act outside of marriage--in other words homosexual sex is unacceptable, but so is premarital sex and neither is more or less desirable than the other.
In general, most Baha'is treat the issue of homosexuality both within and without the Faith with great caution. We do not want gay people to feel shunned by this Faith, but at the same time we cannot ignore a Baha'i law. On the other hand, Baha'is make no attempt to enforce their moral code on non-believers (again, in contrast to some other religious organizations). The Baha'is have also been pro-active in attempting to address this issue and find common ground and resolutions for those whom it affects.
From the Baha'is of the United States FAQ:
"Bah??? law limits permissible sexual relations to those between a man and a woman in marriage. Believers are expected to abstain from sex outside matrimony. Bah??is do not, however, attempt to impose their moral standards on those who have not accepted the Revelation of Bah??u?Lelah. While requiring uprightness in all matters of morality, whether sexual or otherwise, the Bah??? teachings also take account of human frailty and call for tolerance and understanding in regard to human failings. In this context, to regard homosexuals with prejudice would be contrary to the spirit of the Bah??? teachings." (http://www.bahai.org/faq/practices/sexuality )
Also see here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bah.htm#curr
> 2) If i were to join the faith what would make me a TRUE BAHA'I?
This is simple: To believe in Baha'u'llah and to follow all his laws. To put his laws and teachings into effect in your daily life: to live without prejudice, to love all mankind (including homosexuals!) as brothers and sisters, to pray daily, to make God the center of your life and submit to Him, to be active in your Baha'i community, and to teach the Faith with joy and radiance. To lead by example.
'Abdu'l-Baha says it best here: http://www.geocities.com/~quddus/beabh.html
> 3) What books do they study out of?(books by Baha'u'lah?)
There is no one single Baha'i book that is analagous to the Bible or the Koran. The most important book of the Baha'i Faith is the Kitab-i-Aqdas ("The Most Holy Book" or "The Book of Laws"). Other extremely important books are the Kitab-i-Iqan ("Book of Certitude"), The Hidden Words, Gleanings From The Writings of Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations [from Baha'u'llah], and The Seven Valleys And The Four Valleys. The Dawn-Breakers is a complex history of the Faith in Iran. The Baha'is also study out of books from many religious traditions including the Bible and Koran. See the link for other titles.
A few Questions about the Baha'i Religion?
