I am a religious man — that I am fascinated by aspects of religions, their impacts on people and connection to politics, society, and history. I do have faith, but that's too personal for blogging.

When I showed my curiosity, a member of the Baha'i community gave me an introductory book. It was a great escape from hours restrained to a cramped seat.

It seems a logical religion. Fundamentally, there is one God who reveal Himself to human beings once in a while. Every time He did so, a religion was born, just like Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. It is interesting to note that all previous religions predict the coming of the messiah, savior, or the like. But none of them acknowledged the later arrivals to be such. Baha'i started with a new Revelation and therefore is a summation of all religions before. After about 150 years, it has spawn into a full religion with millions of followers around the world.

Since it is a modern religion, its governance and organization benefited greatly from the advances of political sciences and business management. It has clearly learned from the perils of its early days as well as historical prosecutions to other religions.

The central theme is oneness — all people on earth should eventually become one community and share the same faith. There are few interesting laws to note.

No alcoholic drinks, except for medicinal purposes (brandy to calm the nerves is not); man and woman are equal; fasting for 9 days before spring equinox which is Baha'i New Year; a strange calendar of 19 months with 19 days each; and abstention from political activities (but voting is allowed).

Religion is relative personal and you usually don't get to know someone's faith. But if you happen to encounter one in this faith, he is likely to be a very friendly person who thinks all men are equal and try to befriend you in earnest.

You, no mater which faith you have, need to have an open mind.