This study guide is designed to help you review the provided sources concerning alleged exaggerations in Baháʼí census figures.
I. Overview of the Central Claim
The primary assertion across the provided texts is that the Baháʼí Faith administration has consistently and deliberately inflated its membership numbers globally, particularly in countries like India, the US, and the UK. This exaggeration is presented as a "well-thought strategy" to project an inaccurate image of widespread success and influence, potentially to gain benefits like minority status.
II. Key Arguments and Supporting Evidence
A. Discrepancy between Baháʼí Claims and Official Census Data
India: Baháʼí administration claimed 2 million to 2.2 million adherents, while official Indian government censuses reported significantly lower figures:
1991: 5,575 Baháʼís
2001: 11,324 Baháʼís
2010/2011: Not more than 12,000 Baháʼís (one source mentions 4,572, another 4,573 for 2016 data).
United States: Baháʼís claimed 175,000 adherents. Official US census data:
1990: 28,000 Baháʼís
2001: 84,000 Baháʼís
2008: 49,000 Baháʼís
United Kingdom: Baháʼís claimed over 34,000 adherents. UK Census 2011 reported 5,021 Baháʼís, increasing from 4,645 in 2001. This is presented as a minimal annual growth (0.78%) compared to general population growth (0.70%), implying no new conversions beyond children of Baháʼí parents.
New Zealand: The New Zealand Baháʼí community is noted as an exception for acknowledging a reverse growth trend, aligning with official census data:
1996: 3,104 Baháʼís
2006: 2,772 Baháʼís
2013: 2,637 Baháʼís (a 5% decrease from 2006 to 2013).
Global Figures: Baháʼí administration claims 6-7.2 million worldwide, while the texts suggest the actual number is not more than 100,000 (0.1 million).
B. Alleged Reasons for Exaggeration
"Once a Baháʼí, always a Baháʼí": Individuals are reportedly never removed from membership rolls unless they formally renounce their belief, meaning inactive members or those who joined other religions remain counted.
"Entry by Troops": A strategy or expectation that led to gross exaggeration, particularly in North America, where many signed "declaration cards" but never truly became active members.
Self-deception and Deception of Converts: Shalom Scott, a former Baháʼí, states that potential converts were lied to about membership numbers, and the leadership inflated figures to make the Faith appear more successful.
Multiplication Factor: Baháʼís allegedly multiply their numbers by assuming every member is married with a family.
Non-existent Addresses: Paid workers in the Baháʼí Faith reportedly collected non-existent addresses to justify their salaries and perceived effectiveness.