Revision, Censorship, and Suppression in Modern Baha’i Literature

While Babi-Baha’i history suffers a kind of distortion at the hands of Baha’i authors which is rather subtle, a more direct approach is taken by the Baha’i Administration and publishers, through revision of previously printed materials and by a review process of future publications. This ongoing policy of updating earlier writings and regulating works by Baha’is, whether for publication in Baha’i organs or otherwise, is intended to preserve doctrinal purity and to “‘present a true picture of the Faith to the general public…'” Justification for such practices have generally centered on the need to correct minor errors and update statistics. Or, in the case of the review process, to ensure some standard of academic quality. However, the evidence suggests that the the primary concerns are the promotion of a consistent picture of Baha’i history and dogma, the blotting out of references to failed predictions and promises, and the diversion of readers from differing or hostile points of view.

(A Critical Examination of 20th Century Baha’i Literature by Vance Salisbury)

www.bosalisbury.com/interests/the-bahai-faith/a-critical-examination