But I wonder if the stagnation of the faith is a result of poor leadership and Ruhi or is it a result of the inherent nature of Bahai? IOW is Bahai a religion that most thoughtful people will find attractive today?

I think not. I think that Bahai is steeped in the traditions that include ‘fear of God’, divine retribution — ‘We have fixed a time for you Oh people’ — and what amounts to modern day fire and brimstone. If a calamity is about to happen most people will want to help not wait for it as a gift from God. The people who enjoy this way of thinking already have their home waiting for the Rapture or equivalent.

It seems to me that Bahaullah’s understanding of human nature is focused not on an appeal to reason and enlightened self interest (altho there is some of that) as much as reward and punishment.

He wants us to turn to God which in Bahai means him.

Today people are interested in spiritual development but they generally want help with self discovery and development. The idea that the path to God is an inner one is catching on. People I meet seem to turn a deaf ear to heavy handed celestial thunder of the kind that is found in Bahai. The notion that whatever the Manifestation says must be true — “If He says wine is water you must not question it” or words to that effect by Abdul Baha — is not well received by most people interested in religion or spirituality today in my experience.

That said — I know there are beautiful, spiritual passages and teachings in the Bahai writing but the emphasis in what is being taught seems to be on fear, coercion and power. Ruhi is a great example of this. It is no different than the Catholic catechism.

I no longer try to discuss this sort of idea with Bahai friends and relatives. They have the trump card — Bahaullah is the messenger of God for today, is infallible, so don’t use the standards of mankind to judge him or what he teaches.

IMO this line of thinking — requiring a leap of faith just as belief in the angel Moroni or the Resurrection does — will not win many converts these days.

Peace,
Frank