Voodoo
The information available at the Bahá’í World Centre indicates that the term "voodoo" generally refers to a variety of practices often including sorcery, the supposed summoning of spirits, elaborate rituals, and animal sacrifices. While nothing has been found in the Bahá’í Writings specifically on the set of beliefs and practices which make up voodoo, Bahá’ís can readily use the authoritative texts of the Faith as a standard with which to assess the various elements of voodoo. In this regard, you would find it useful to examine the section on psychic phenomena in the book Lights of Guidance (revised edition, 1988, pp. 512-522), in addition to such books as Some Answered Questions. It is also pertinent to note that, in a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, it is stated that "Evil forces do take control of our life, but it is within our power to free ourselves from falling under their subjection." Immersion in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, prayer and meditation, moreover, can provide the means to recognize the lack of any true reality to such negative forces. Indeed, we Bahá’ís know that with the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, spiritual powers of limitless magnitude are available to the believer to reinforce his endeavours to free himself from evil influences.
- The Universal House of Justice, 1998 Dec 16, Traditional practices in Africa
Quote of the Day
Jamal 18 Masail 182 B.E.
We think it would be much better for the National Assembly to provide for the proper deepening of the friends and in a loving and patient manner attempt to instill in them a respect for Bahá’í laws. Rash action can dampen the zeal of the community, and this must be avoided at all costs.
Universal House of Justice – Lights of Guidance, p. 60