Abstract: The Bahá’í doctrine of progressive revelation, while universal in principle, has been limited, in scope and application, by what has previously been described as “Arya-Semiticentrism” — with a paradigmatic focus on Semitic religions (the “Abrahamic Faiths” of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, along with the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths), and the so-called “Aryan” religions (Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism) to the relative exclusion of Indigenous religions. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to Amír Khán may offer a solution and resolution, to wit: “Undoubtedly in those regions [the Americas] the Call of God must have been raised in ancient times, but it hath been forgotten now.” This paper provides an exegesis of the Tablet to Amír Khán — an authenticated, authoritative Bahá’í text, with an authorized translation. Our basic premise is that, just as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has “added” the Buddha and Krishna to the Bahá’í list of “Manifestations of God,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has also “added” the principle of Indigenous Messengers of God to the Americas — without naming principals (i.e., the names of individual Indigenous “Wise Ones”), thereby demonstrating that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to Amír Khán effectively expands the scope of the Bahá’í doctrine of progressive revelation to include and engage Indigenous spiritual traditions.
Author bios, which were omitted from the published MDPI version, are included below.
Michael A. Orona
Michael Orona has served for 25 years in senior-level foreign policy positions at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. This includes serving at the White House as National Security Council Director and the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam where he negotiated the release of three prisoners of conscience. In 2021, Michael was selected to serve as the State Department’s first Senior Advisor for International Indigenous Issues. He co-led the White House Committee on International Indigenous Issues and served to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. Michael received a juris doctorate in international law and an M.S. in Strategic Policy Studies. He is a lifetime member of The Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Orona is a member of the Chihene Apache tribe and of Yaqui ancestry. His recent novel, “The Brave Ones,” is a historical Indigenous perspective on the struggle for equality and justice.
Christopher Buck
Christopher Buck (PhD 1996 University of Toronto; JD 2006 Cooley Law School); Pittsburgh attorney (2007–); Wilmette Institute (2001–); professor (1994–2004); independent scholar.
Books:
The Bahá’í Faith & the Black Intelligentsia: Race, Religion, & Nation (2025);
Bahá’í Faith: The Basics (2021);
God & Apple Pie (2015, 2009);
Alain Locke: Faith & Philosophy (2005);
Paradise & Paradigm (1999);
Symbol & Secret (1995);
Religious Celebrations (co-author, 2011).
Book chapters:
The Bahá’í Faith: Doctrinal & Historical Explorations (2024);
ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, Son of Persia (2023, in Persian);
Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (2021);
Winds of Change (2019);
The Bahá’í Faith & African American History (2019);
British Writers (2018, 2015);
American Writers (2018, 2016, 2010, 2004);
Wiley-Blackwell Companion to the Qur’an (2017, 2006);
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Journey West (2013);
Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Religion & Social Justice (2012);
Observing the Observer (2012);
The Islamic World (2008);
Religious Texts in Iranian Languages (2007);
Studies in Modern Religions, Religious Movements & the Bábí-Baháʾí Faiths (2004);
journal & encyclopedia articles.
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