Faith is such an interesting concept. To believe something without evidence has always been a troubling thought for me, yet it is that faith that has led our race to create religions throughout time, not just to answer our theoretical questions, but to also guide us in a sense of morality throughout life. Unfortunately, that has also led to discrimination, segregation and hate of “the other” throughout time”.

In 1863, a man named Bahá’u’lláh decided to put a stop to this. He created a faith called Bahá’í which teaches the essential worth of all religions, and the unity and equality of all people.

With the religion being based in the Middle East, there is only one official temple in the United States which is this one in Illinois. It’s construction is pretty grand, opening up into a huge domed room building and is officially classified as a “superstructure”. Dazzling gardens surround the steps, filled with flowers of every color. Bees and butterflies surround you, zooming from one flower to the next, thirsty for the day’s pollen.

No pictures are allowed inside, which is unfortunate as the indoor construction is breathtaking. The ceiling feels like it is hundreds of feet above you and the slightest sound leads to echos reverberating throughout the entire room. Careful, the entire place can hear you whisper.