Ted Hoffman

Absolutely! But this would only challenge Bahais when it comes to printing and literacy and knowledge of God. Events like the Great Disappointment and activities of the millenarian faiths around that period may be easily demonstrated. Chance phrases like "what God hath wrought" and "split an atom and get a sun" have been pounced upon by Bahai's and they attempt to make a point with them.

The claims that have been made on this thread are very bold even where far-fetched.

Ted Hoffman

I have been reading Robe of Light and the author says that among the Judaedo-Xstian groups that were enraptured in spiritual rebirth theme in the 1840s or thereabout included/ were led by:

* Sir Edward Irving in Britain

* Leonard H. Kelber and J.A. Bengel of the Society of the Temple (Germany)

* Joseph Smith and the Mormons - the Latter Day Saints

* Mary Baker Eddy and her Christian Scientists

* Rev. William Miller - Pennsylvania - who expounded on the biblical prophecies of daniel - this led to the birth of the Seven Day Adventists (incidentally, my parents were weak SDAs)

I havent checked any historical sources for the first four but at least we have something to put under the microscope.
I hope to come accross the specific prophecies that make these events, if, and when they took place, significant.

From where I am, I think the Bahai's are drawing eyes where arrows have fallen.