Becoming America's Religion;

Is the Bahá'í Faith becoming "America's religion"? A thoughtful Southern Baptist minister finds this prospect suddenly real, and edging steadily closer. Writing for the Baptist Press News, Rev. Mark Coppenger notes Bahá'í gains on such diverse fronts as world peace, race unity, women's rights, the environment and many more. He shows how the Faith's principles, born in 19th-century Persia, mesh with modern ideals, while its high moral standards place it on firmer footing than more permissive movements. In this grateful response, Bahá'í author Gary L. Matthews applauds the reverend's analysis on all counts but one - his view of Bahá'í theology as "decidedly non-Christian". For in reality Bahá'ís defend the divine inspiration of the Gospel while affirming the Sonship, Lordship and Divinity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, resurrection, second coming and saving grace. Matthews explains the Bahá'í Revelation as a renewal of scriptural Christianity and the fulfillment of its millennial prophecies. Which view is correct? You decide! The starting point is here, in this gracious yet candid exchange between a Baptist and a Bahá'í - two committed believers in the Bible, differing in their interpretations, yet united in their love for the mission and message of Jesus.