49th ABS Annual Conference: Full Schedule

9:00am MDT

Towards a Bahá’í Theology of Religions: Integrating Diversity in Comparative Theology

Saturday August 2, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am MDT

This presentation outlines a Bahá’í theology of religions, offering an integrative perspective beyond exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism. The Bahá’í approach emphasizes progressive revelation, affirming the divine origins of all religions and their historical evolution. By exploring theological principles rooted in Bahá’í teachings, it highlights how integrating diverse perspectives fosters interfaith dialogue. Participants are invited to consider how this framework addresses religious diversity and contributes to broader discourses on spiritual and societal progress.

Speakers

Caleb Gilleland

Caleb Gilleland is from north Georgia, USA. He is currently a PhD candidate in Christian-Muslim Relations at the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. His research interests include modern views of the apostle Paul — especially in interfaith context, Baha'i studies, evangelical... Read More →

ABS 2025 Slide Deck pdf

Fazel, Seena Religious Pluralism and the Baha'i Faith pdf

may principle religious unity pdf

Saturday August 2, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
TBA

Study of Religion, Breakout

10:30am MDT

Presence as Paradise: Imám Husayn in the Devotional Writings of The Báb

Saturday August 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am MDT

TBA

Imám Husayn holds a central place in Shí’i Islam as both a symbol of redemptive suffering and divine justice. The Báb’s devotional writings, particularly His Sahífih A‘mál-i Sanah, exalt Husayn as a cosmic martyr whose sacrifice transcends time. This study explores The Báb’s themes of mourning, eschatological fulfillment, and divine proximity. How does his portrayal of Ḥusayn relate to His station as the Qá’im? What is the theological significance of his call for weeping? Through textual analysis, this paper examines how The Báb reinterprets Shí’i devotional motifs while inaugurating a new spiritual paradigm.

Speakers

Nima Rafiei

Nima Rafiei obtained an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago in 2021, where he studied both classical and modern Arabic and Persian literature. His interests in Bábí and Bahá'í studies include early mystical writings of Bahá'u'lláh from the Baghdad period... Read More →

Saturday August 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
TBA

Study of Religion, Breakout

49th ABS Annual Conference

9:00am MDT

Caleb Gilleland

10:30am MDT

Nima Rafiei

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