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Body of God

A readers guide to Bahá'u'lláh's Súrih of the Temple

This in-depth study equips students of Bahá’í scripture with analytical tools to unlock the rich symbolism and intricate structure of Bahá’u’lláh’s Súrih of the Temple. Drawing on meticulous scholarship, Hatcher disentangles the core images—chiefly the dialogue between the imprisoned Author in the Siyáh-Chál and the Holy Spirit as the Maid of Heaven—illuminating how these motifs convey profound spiritual and historical meaning.

Five of Bahá’u’lláh’s epistles to prominent world rulers are woven seamlessly into the text, demonstrating how each letter reinforces the Súrih’s central themes of divine authority and human responsibility. Through these passages, the Manifestation’s delegation of governance—from kings to the global community—emerges as a blueprint for stewardship and moral leadership.

By tracing the path from symbolic revelation to practical guidance, this volume reveals the Súrih’s urgent relevance to modern challenges. Scholars and practitioners gain a clear framework for appreciating the Bahá’í vision of a Lesser Peace, fostering collaborative leadership...Show More

This in-depth study equips students of Bahá’í scripture with analytical tools to unlock the rich symbolism and intricate structure of Bahá’u’lláh’s Súrih of the Temple. Drawing on meticulous scholarship, Hatcher disentangles the core images—chiefly the dialogue between the imprisoned Author in the Siyáh-Chál and the Holy Spirit as the Maid of Heaven—illuminating how these motifs convey profound spiritual and historical meaning.

Five of Bahá’u’lláh’s epistles to prominent world rulers are woven seamlessly into the text, demonstrating how each letter reinforces the Súrih’s central themes of divine authority and human responsibility. Through these passages, the Manifestation’s delegation of governance—from kings to the global community—emerges as a blueprint for stewardship and moral leadership.

By tracing the path from symbolic revelation to practical guidance, this volume reveals the Súrih’s urgent relevance to modern challenges. Scholars and practitioners gain a clear framework for appreciating the Bahá’í vision of a Lesser Peace, fostering collaborative leadership and nurturing the communal foundations essential for collective transformation.

Categories:: Spirituality
  • Contributors:: John Hatcher (Author)
  • Format: Softcover & ePub | 328 pages
  • Dimensions: 152 x 229 x 19 mm 
  • Publisher: Association for Baha'i Studies, North America, 2022
  • ISBN: 9780920904343
  • SKU: HATCH_BODY@p
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Categories:: Spirituality
  • Contributors:: John Hatcher (Author)
  • Format: Softcover & ePub | 328 pages
  • Dimensions: 152 x 229 x 19 mm 
  • Publisher: Association for Baha'i Studies, North America, 2022
  • ISBN: 9780920904343
  • SKU: HATCH_BODY@p

About John Hatcher (author)

John S Hatcher holds a BA and MA in English Literature from Vanderbilt University and a PhD in English literature from the University of Georgia. He is a professor emeritus of English literature at the University of South Florida, Tampa. A widely published poet and distinguished lecturer, he has written numerous books on literature, philosophy, and Bahá'í theology and scripture. He and his family live on a farm near Plant City, Florida.

Titles by John Hatcher