First Friday Firesides Online

Current Fireside Series:

What is TRUTH?

This three-part series of online discussions will delve into the challenge of approaching the conflicting perceptions of reality that plague humankind and how deprivation of education, reliance on ancestral knowledge, and the clashes between ‘rational’ and ‘spiritual’ entities erode the fabric of peaceful coexistence. We will examine how basic teachings of the Baha’i Faith address these problems and provide remedies toward realizing the essential oneness of humankind.

Universal Education – Friday, September 4th at 7pm

This talk by Dr. June Thomas will offer examples of how depriving any group of people of education serves as a tool of oppression and hampers society, citing in particular the experiences of blacks in the Jim Crow South and Bahá’ís in present-day Iran, but noting problems that exist today in U. S. metropolitan areas. We will then review several key principles from the Bahá’í Writings, especially from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s book The Secret of Divine Civilization, on the importance of education for progress in the world today.

Independent Investigation of the Truth – Friday, October 2nd at 7pm

In the second part of the series “What is TRUTH?”, we will examine truth and evidence from a Bahá’í and legal perspective. We will discuss some objective indicators of truth in the context of the law. We will also delve into the Bahá’í principles surrounding the “Independent Investigation of Truth” and how we can apply these teachings in a world of “fake news” and the sensational bait-to-click online atmosphere we currently find ourselves in.

Harmony of Science and Religion – Friday, November 6th at 7pm

The last of the three-part “What is TRUTH?” series will discuss how the historically harmonious coexistence of the ‘natural’ and the ‘supernatural’ as perceived by humankind was fractured, and will then review perils of this schism. Through examination of the writings of the Bahá’í Faith and other Holy texts, as well as quotations from legendary pioneers of science, this presentation will reveal how science and religion are harmoniously interconnected as part of one reality necessary for the welfare and progress of human society.

 

About Firesides

“Fireside” is a term that has been used among American Bahá’ís since the 1950s to describe informal get-togethers focused on one or more aspects of faith, social progress, religion and science, and religious history (to name a few general subjects).

Firesides are topic-based and endeavor to provide a comfortable environment for an open exchange of ideas on subjects of importance to us individually as well as to our community, country and the world as a whole.

Firesides are not lectures. While the topics will be presented from a Bahá’í perspective and with reference to the history and teachings of the Faith, the forum is that of a presentation followed by a moderated, open and candid discussion.

If you do not have a microphone and speakers on your computer, you may want to use a smart phone and download the Zoom App before joining the online Firesides.
 

Past Fireside Series

World Peace – A Tactical Approach


During this series we examined how The Bahá’í Faith goes beyond simply espousing a desire for world peace. Bahá’ís believe that we have been given a divine plan enumerating the essential aspects of social and personal advancement necessary for achieving world unity and peace.

In this series of three open discussions, each will focus on a specific aspect of the Bahá’í approach to carrying forward an ever-advancing civilization, realizing personal growth and establishing global peace and harmony.

Equality of Women and Men – Friday, April 10th, 2020

Is establishing the equality of men and women essential to establishing world peace? Why is it important to personal growth and spiritual progress? What are the Bahá’í Teachings on the equality of women and men?

Join us as we discuss the importance of the equality of the sexes.

Elimination of Racial Prejudice – Friday, April 17th, 2020

How does the Bahá’í Faith approach this, the “most challenging issue” facing our nation? What are the implications of racial prejudice on justice, peace, individual and social maturity and growth?

Join us as we discuss the role of religion, the role of society and the role of the individual in eliminating this blight on humanity.

The Oneness of Religions and
Freedom from Religious Exclusivity – Friday, April 24th, 2020

Prejudice in any form is a barrier to spiritual and cultural progress – religious prejudice is no exception. The teachings of the Bahá’í Faith themselves state: “If religion becomes the source of antagonism and strife, the absence of religion is to be preferred.” How can we change how we view other faiths? What exactly is the Bahá’í Faith’s take on other religions?

Join us to discuss religious exclusivity and religious unity.

For more information on programs at the Bahá’í Center of Washtenaw County, please call (734) 528-1919 or contact us using the form on this page.