The Babi and Baha'i Religions: From Messianic Shiism to a World ReligionThe development of the Baha'i Faith from the messianic Babi movement in nineteenth century Iran to become an independent religion established in many countries and commanding the devotion of people from many different cultures provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than that by which any other religion emerged and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the development of the major beliefs