Nezhad, a Springfield dentist and longtime member of the Global Education and Peace Network, will use several videos to complement his presentation to lend insight into Baha’i and dispel misconceptions.
“I plan to keep it simple and go over the principles, such as where Baha’I came from. Some may think of it as a cult or beginning religion, but the faith is very diverse and practiced by people all over the world,” he said.
Nezhad said some may be surprised at how old and how widely spread Baha’i is. The demographics are diverse, practiced in not just the Middle East, but places as far reaching as China and the Czech Republic. A video supporting this will be of a prayer done by Chinese adults and children.
Baha’i is practiced in Clark, Champaign and Greene Counties, with the closest worship center located in Yellow Springs.
Part of the season’s theme is exploring the current issues of the pandemic and racial divide, Nezhad will explore how the Baha’i community views these.
“We believe no one religion is better,” said Nezhad. “One of the main focuses of Baha’I is bringing unity and world peace.”
While doing a virtual presentation will be different, he’s eager to share.
“It is absolutely a privilege,” he said. “As a member, I can help this process to bring unity and interfaith understanding.”
The presentation will include a question and answer session.
The series includes one presentation a month through May. For more information about how to call in to the program or join the meeting through Zoom, contact Nancy Flinchbaugh at 937-324-7696 or at nflinchbaugh@springfieldohio.gov.
The meeting will also stream live on the City of Springfield’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/GATVSpringfield5.