From: Baha'i Glossary
The Baha'i Dispensation is divided into three Ages: the Heroic Age, the
Formative Age, and the Golden Age-which correspond to stages in the development
and growth of the Baha’i Faith. The Heroic Age or Apostolic Age began in 1844
with the Declaration of the Bab and spanned the ministries of the Bab
(1844-53), Baha’u’llah (1853-92), and 'Abdu'l-Baha (1892-1321). The Formative
Age began in 1921 when Shoghi Effendi became the Guardian of the Baha’i Faith.
This second and current age is identified with the rise and establishment of
the Baha’i Administrative Order. It is to be followed by the third and final
age, the Golden Age, which is destined to witness the establishment of the
Baha’i World Commonwealth.
