What are Bahai's views toward the military?

Question

Hi. The reason I ask is that I'm thinking of converting, but I'm a strong believer that we should protect our country against all enemies that would disrupt the peace of this wonderful country (dispite it's many inperfections). I don't want this question to be viewed politicly, just answered from a Bahai standpoint.

Answer 1

The two quotes below provide much of the Baha'i perspective on protecting one's country - in short, as Baha'is we should be willing to serve but try to get a position that does not require that we willfully kill others. The details are below...

There are several other quotes about this issue that I could send - just let me know if you want them.

Take care and hope that you decide to become a Baha'i - it is such a great opportunity to help make the world a better place!

Answer 2

Concerning the proceedings for this world gathering, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh and authorized interpreter of his teachings, offered these insights: “They must make the Cause of Peace the object of general consultation, and seek by every means in their power to establish a Union of the nations of the world. They must conclude a binding treaty and establish a covenant, the provisions of which shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They must proclaim it to all the world and obtain for it the sanction of all the human race. This supreme and noble undertaking—the real source of the peace and well-being of all the world—should be regarded as sacred by all that dwell on earth. All the forces of humanity must be mobilized to ensure the stability and permanence of this Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing Pact the limits and frontiers of each and every nation should be clearly fixed, the principles underlying the relations of governments towards one another definitely laid down, and all international agreements and obligations ascertained. In like manner, the size of the armaments of every government should be strictly limited, for if the preparations for war and the military forces of any nation should be allowed to increase, they will arouse the suspicion of others. The fundamental principle underlying this solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any government later violate any one of its provisions, all the governments on earth should arise to reduce it to utter submission, nay the human race as a whole should resolve, with every power at its disposal, to destroy that government. Should this greatest of all remedies be applied to the sick body of the world, it will assuredly recover from its ills and will remain eternally safe and secure.”
The holding of this mighty convocation is long overdue.
With all the ardour of our hearts, we appeal to the leaders of all nations to seize this opportune moment and take irreversible steps to convoke this world meeting. All the forces of history impel the human race towards this act which will mark for all time the dawn of its long-awaited maturity.
Will not the United Nations, with the full support of its membership, rise to the high purposes of such a crowning event?
Source: The Promise of World Peace
Author: Universal House of JusticeSource: Bahá’í World Centre, October 1985 Pages: 15

Answer 3

Bahá'is don't really have much of a view.

They believe in self defense, and protecting your family, But They say Murder is wrong.

So i guess that if you go into the military you should do it to protect your family :)

Answer 4

What is your purpose of hiding? Move forward to be recognized.
jtm