Study Guide: Analysis of Baháʼí Census Figures

 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Baháʼí Census Discrepancies

1. What is the central accusation regarding Baháʼí membership figures?

The primary assertion is that the Baháʼí Faith administration consistently and intentionally inflates its global membership numbers, particularly in countries like India, the US, and the UK. This alleged exaggeration is described as a "well-thought strategy" aimed at projecting an inaccurate image of widespread success and influence, potentially to gain benefits such as minority status.

2. Can you provide specific examples of the discrepancy between Baháʼí claims and official census data?

In India, the Baháʼí administration reportedly claimed 2 million to 2.2 million adherents, while official Indian government censuses showed vastly lower figures: 5,575 in 1991, 11,324 in 2001, and around 12,000 in 2010/2011, with a figure of 4,573 for 2016. Similarly, in the United States, Baháʼís claimed 175,000 members, but official US census data reported 28,000 in 1990, 84,000 in 2001, and a drop to 49,000 in 2008. The UK Census 2011 reported 5,021 Baháʼís, significantly lower than the claimed over 34,000.

3. What internal practices are alleged to contribute to these inflated numbers?

Several internal practices are cited: the "Once a Baháʼí, always a Baháʼí" policy, where individuals are supposedly never removed from membership rolls unless they formally renounce their belief in writing, meaning inactive members remain counted. The "Entry by Troops" strategy in North America led to many signing "declaration cards" without becoming active members. Additionally, "Ruhi book courses" are seen as a way to collect addresses and falsely claim participants as Baháʼís, and there are allegations of paid workers collecting non-existent addresses.

4. What are the alleged motivations behind the Baháʼí administration's exaggeration of numbers?

The alleged motivations include creating a perception of high acceptability and success globally to claim the Baháʼí Faith as a major religion. Specifically in India, the exaggeration is linked to a desire to achieve minority status, which could offer certain benefits. Former Baháʼí Shalom Scott also suggests that potential converts were deliberately lied to about membership numbers to make the Faith appear more successful and influential.