Bahai9 - User contributions [en]

Occasions for preference to Bahá'ís

2022-04-04T04:02:41Z

Trident765: adding quote about teacher inheritance

==General non-preference to Bahá'ís==

===Philanthropic affairs had previously been for one's respective people only, with the exception of small matters such as charity, but now philanthropic affairs are for all humanity===

"In all the cycles of the prophets the philanthropic affairs were confined to their respective peoples only--with the exception of small matters, such as charity, which was permissible to extend to others. But in this wonderful dispensation, philanthropic affairs are for all humanity, without any exception, because it is the manifestation of the mercifulness of God. Therefore, every universal matter--that is, one that belongs to all the world of humanity--is divine; and every matter that is sectarian and special is not universal in character--that is, it is limited. Therefore, my hope is that the friends of God, every one of them, may become as the mercy of God to all mankind."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. IX, No. 1, pp. 8-9, and cited in a compilation, prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development, entitled Social and Economic Development; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1030|1030]])

===Friendship no longer confined, as to only a circle of believing friends===

“In every dispensation the command of friendship and the law of love have been revealed, but it has been circumscribed within the circle of the believing friends and not with contrary enemies. Praise be to God that in this wonderful cycle the laws of God are not confined within any limitations, neither must they be exercised toward a special community to the exclusion of another. He hath commanded all the friends to show love, friendship, amity and kindness to all the people of the world.”

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', vol. 24, issue 1, p. [[works:Star of the West/Volume 24/Issue 1/Text#pg20|20]])

===Must discharge obligations even to an enemy (including Covenant-breakers)===

"It [rectitude of conduct] must be demonstrated...in his honesty in discharging any obligations he may have towards him [an enemy]."

:(''[[Advent of Divine Justice]]'', p. [[adj:27|27]])

"Personal relations with Covenant-breakers, however, such as personal contact or entering into correspondence with one is strictly forbidden. In this connection, however, it is important to remember two qualifications:

"First, the civil rights of Covenant-breakers must be scrupulously upheld. For example, if a Bahá'í owes a debt to a person who breaks the Covenant he must be sure that it is repaid and that his obligations are met.

"Secondly, although the believers are required to avoid, if possible, all contact with Covenant-breakers it sometimes happens that contact on business matters cannot be avoided. For example, in one city the head of the rate collection department was a Covenant-breaker. In such situations the believers should restrict their contact with the Covenant-breaker to a purely formal business level and to an absolute minimum."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, October 29, 1974; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:611|611]])

==Mindful of the interests of all, especially the friends of God==

"The people of Bahá must associate and deal with each other with the utmost love and sincerity. They should be mindful of the interests of all, especially the friends of God."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], in the context of a discussion on the [[dowry]], cited in Notes to the ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', no. [[kan:95|95]])

==Expand wealth on poor in brethren in the Faith==

"The beginning of magnanimity is when man expendeth his wealth on himself, on his family and on the poor among his brethren in his Faith."

:([[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]], [[Asl-i-Kullu'l-Khayr]], p. [[tb:156|156]])

==(Elderly individual deserving of greatest love and consideration in view of services she and her husband rendered the Cause)==

"He hopes that the N.S.A. watches over dear Mother Dunn. She is now advancing in years and deserves the greatest love and consideration in view of the imperishable services she and Father Dunn rendered the Cause there."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand]]'', p. [[lanz:53|53]])

=="If the teacher is not of the people of Bahá, he doth not inherit"==

"33. QUESTION: Again inquiry hath been made about the inheritance of the teacher.

"ANSWER: If the teacher is not of the people of Bahá, he doth not inherit. Should there be several teachers, the share is to be divided equally amongst them. If the teacher is deceased, his offspring do not inherit his share, but rather two thirds of it revert to the children of the owner of the estate, and the remaining one third to the House of Justice.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]]'', Question and Answer no. [[kaq:33|33]])

==See also==
* [[Inheritance]]
* [[Occasions for preference to blood relatives]]
* [[Respect or preference to the Manifestations of God]]
* [[Non-believers]]

Vaccination

2021-11-11T09:39:38Z

Trident765: /* Bahá'ís cannot claim religious exemption for vaccine mandate */ clarifying section title

==Compilations==
* https://bahai-library.com/compilation_vaccination_us-nsa

==Nothing in the teachings about vaccination==

"Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease become more perfect."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, December 24, 1943: Bahá'í News, No. 173, p. 3, February 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:992|992]]; also in ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', no. 212, p. [[dg:80|80]])

==Decision rests with parents in consultation with good physician they rely on. Bahá'ís free to use own judgment as to what kind of physician they consider good==

"There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject.

"One thing is clear ― that Bahá’u’lláh has said we should consult a good physician if we are ill; and as good physicians nowadays prescribe mostly drugs, it would not seem that a Bahá’í could refuse to take them. However, they are free to use their own judgment as to what kind of a physician they consider a good physician, and ultimately decision as to whether to have one’s child vaccinated or not must rest with the parents in consultation with the doctor on whom they rely."

:([[On behalf of the Guardian]], from a letter dated February 15, 1957, ''[[On the Question of Vaccination (compilation)]]'', sel. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_vaccination_us-nsa 2])

==Bahá'ís cannot claim religious exemption for governmental vaccine mandate==

"A fundamental Bahá’í principle is loyalty and obedience to government. As Shoghi Effendi explained in a letter dated 21 December 1948 written on his behalf to an individual believer, "We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith." If a Bahá’í is faced with a governmental mandate of vaccination, the Bahá’í writings would not provide him or her justification for refusing to comply with such a legal requirement; therefore, a religious exemption could not be claimed. Of course, if the law itself provided another applicable exemption, a believer would be free to decide, including for family members for whom he or she is responsible, whether to invoke such an exemption."

:([[On behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 10 July 2020)

==Coronavirus vaccines offer great promise. Bahá'ís should follow counsel of medical experts.==

"Nothing has been found in the Bahá’í Writings on the subject of vaccination. Nevertheless, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh stated: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” Moreover, in reply to scientific issues raised on a number of occasions, Shoghi Effendi consistently advised Bahá’ís that such matters would need to be investigated by scientists. In recent decades, advances in medical science have led to the production of effective vaccines, the use of which has freed humanity from many debilitating and deadly infectious diseases. Reports indicate that the coronavirus vaccines currently being developed offer great promise for protecting individuals from, and helping to reduce transmission of, the virus. As to the advisability and efficacy of the various options that may become available, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts." Letter dated 8 Dec. 2020 to an individual

:([[On behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 8 December 2020)

==In relation to coronavirus pandemic, Bahá'ís should consider their social responsibilities and the common good==

"In light of the foregoing, when faced with issues of a scientific or medical nature, Bahá’ís should seek out and rely on the best expert advice available. For example, in connection with medical matters, believers should bear in mind Bahá’u’lláh’s statement in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good."

:([[On behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 11 February 2021, ''Science, Truth and Expert Advice' at https://iefworld.org/node/1139 )

[[Category:Applied Material Sciences-Professions]]

Figures in history

2021-08-05T23:19:36Z

Trident765: linking to martin luther

* [[Socrates]]
* [[Leo Tolstoy]]
* [[Catherine the Great]]
* [[Alexander the Great]]
* [[Voltaire]]
* [[Napoleon]]
* [[Rousseau]]
* [[Martin Luther]]

==See also==
* [[Prophets]]

==Todos for this page==
* Obviously need to add many more who are discussed in the Baha'i Writings

Martin Luther

2021-08-05T23:18:44Z

Trident765: adding quote

== Luther's correctness on certain topics, and his proper means for promulgating his views, led to the mass growth of Protestantism ==
"Fifteen centuries after Christ, Luther, who was originally one of the twelve members of a Catholic religious body at the center of the Papal government and later on initiated the Protestant religious belief, opposed the Pope on certain points of doctrine such as the prohibition of monastic marriage, the revering and bowing down before images of the Apostles and Christian leaders of the past, and various other religious practices and ceremonies which were accretional to the ordinances of the Gospel. Although at that period the power of the Pope was so great and he was regarded with such awe that the kings of Europe shook and trembled before him, and he held control of all Europe's major concerns in the grasp of his might -- nevertheless because Luther's position as regards the freedom of religious leaders to marry, the abstention from worshiping and making prostrations before images and representations hung in the churches, and the abrogation of ceremonials which had been added on to the Gospel, was demonstrably correct, and because the proper means were adopted for the promulgation of his views: within these last four hundred and some years the majority of the population of America, four-fifths of Germany and England and a large percentage of Austrians, in sum about one hundred and twenty-five million people drawn from other Christian denominations, have entered the Protestant Church. The leaders of this religion are still making every effort to promote it, and today on the East Coast of Africa, ostensibly to emancipate the Sudanese and various Negro peoples, they have established schools and colleges and are training and civilizing completely savage African tribes, while their true and primary purpose is to convert some of the Muslim Negro tribes to Protestantism. Every community is toiling for the advancement of its people, and we (i.e., Muslims) sleep on!

Although it was not clear what purpose impelled this man or where he was tending, see how the zealous efforts of Protestant leaders have spread his doctrines far and wide."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Secret of Divine Civilization]]'', p. {{sdc|41}})

Voltaire

2021-08-03T04:51:21Z

Trident765: adding quote

== People proud of likes of Voltaire being from their country; compared to Jesus Christ as nothing ==

"Furthermore, every nation is proud of its great men and heroes even though those great ones may have been atheists or agnostics. Today France
glorifies Napoleon Bonaparte, saying, "He was a French military genius,"
whereas, in reality, he was a tyrant. They say, "Voltaire was ours," although
Voltaire was an atheist. "Rousseau was a great man of this nation," and yet
Rousseau was irreligious. France is proud of these great men. Feasts are held
commemorating them, their names are perpetuated in special days, their memories
treasured in prominent places, and there is music and celebration in their
honor. The nation is proud of them. And now, do you consider these great men of
France greater than Jesus of Nazareth? It is evident that in comparison with
Jesus Christ they are as nothing."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', pp. [[pup:414|414]])

== In the unsoundness of his reasoning, Voltaire failed to grasp the true significance of the sacred Scriptures ==

"Among those who have repudiated religious faith was the Frenchman, Voltaire, who wrote a great number of books attacking the religions, works which are no better than children's playthings. This individual, taking as his criterion the omissions and commissions of the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic religion, and the intrigues and quarrels of the spiritual leaders of Christendom, opened his mouth and caviled at the Spirit of God (Jesus). In the unsoundness of his reasoning, he failed to grasp the true significance of the sacred Scriptures, took exception to certain portions of the revealed Texts and dwelt on the difficulties involved. 'And We send down of the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to the faithful: But it shall only add to the ruin of the wicked.' [1 Qur'an 17:84.]"

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Secret of Divine Civilization]]'', p. {{sdc|72}})

Wisdom

2021-07-20T21:18:31Z

Trident765: /* See also */

== The essence of wisdom is the fear of God ==
The essence of wisdom is the fear of God, the dread of His scourge and punishment, and the apprehension of His justice and decree.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]]: ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:155|155]])

== The wise are men whose knowledge is not confined to words and who produce enduring results ==
"This Wronged One hath invariably treated the wise with affection. By the wise is meant men whose knowledge is not confined to mere words and whose lives have been fruitful and have produced enduring results. It is incumbent upon everyone to honour these blessed souls. Happy are they that observe God’s precepts; happy are they that have recognized the Truth; happy are they that judge with fairness in all matters and hold fast to the Cord of My inviolable Justice."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]]: ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:62|62]])

== See also ==
* [[Knowledge]]
* [[Intellect]]
* [[Fear of God]]
* [[Wisdom in application of God's laws]]

Entry by troops

2021-07-20T20:55:58Z

Trident765: adding quote

== "...they have hidden Me behind a veil of darkness, whose fabric they have woven with the hands of idle fancy and vain imagination. Erelong shall the snow-white hand of God rend an opening through the darkness of this night and unlock a mighty portal unto His City. On that Day shall the people enter therein by troops..." ==

What armour hath not been pierced by the arrow of destruction, and what regal brow not divested by the hand of Fate? What fortress hath withstood the approach of the Messenger of Death? What throne hath not been shattered to pieces, what palace not reduced to rubble? Could the people but taste that choice Wine of the mercy of their Lord, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, which lieth in store for them in the world beyond, they would assuredly cease their censure, and seek only to win the good pleasure of this Youth. For now, however, they have hidden Me behind a veil of darkness, whose fabric they have woven with the hands of idle fancy and vain imagination. Erelong shall the snow-white hand of God rend an opening through the darkness of this night and unlock a mighty portal unto His City. On that Day shall the people enter therein by troops, uttering what the blamers aforetime exclaimed, that there shall be made manifest in the end that which appeared in the beginning. Is it their wish to tarry here when already they have one foot in the stirrup? Look they to return, once they are gone? Nay, by Him Who is the Lord of Lords! save on the Day of Judgement, the Day whereon the people shall arise from their graves and be asked of their legacy. Well is it with him who shall not be weighted down with his burdens on that Day, the Day whereon the mountains shall pass away and all shall gather to be questioned in the presence of God, the Most Exalted. Stern, indeed, is He in punishing!

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Summons of the Lord of Hosts]]'', par. [[slh:h270|270]])

Wisdom

2021-07-18T00:25:44Z

Trident765: adding quote

Nature

2021-07-17T19:45:52Z

Trident765: adding quote

==Nature is God's will==
"Say: Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise. Were anyone to affirm that it is the Will of God as manifested in the world of being, no one should question this assertion."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:241|241]])

==Topics==
* [[Surpassing laws of nature]]

==See also==
* [[Environment]]

{{stub}}

Polytheism

2021-07-17T19:04:35Z

Trident765: /* Worshipping products of imagination */ adding quote

==Beware of joining partners with God==

"And now concerning thy reference to the existence of two Gods. Beware, beware, lest thou be led to join partners with the Lord, thy God. He is, and hath from everlasting been, one and alone, without peer or equal, eternal in the past, eternal in the future, detached from all things, ever-abiding, unchangeable, and self-subsisting. He hath assigned no associate unto Himself in His Kingdom, no counsellor to counsel Him, none to compare unto Him, none to rival His glory. To this every atom of the universe beareth witness, and beyond it the inmates of the realms on high, they that occupy the most exalted seats, and whose names are remembered before the Throne of Glory."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:94|94]], p. [[gwb:192|192]])

==Abandonment to bring unity==

===Following superstitions/idols prevents one from finding unity with other religions===

"If a man would succeed in his search after truth, he must, in the first place, shut his eyes to all the traditional superstitions of the past.

"The Jews have traditional superstitions, the Buddhists and the Zoroastrians are not free from them, neither are the Christians! All religions have gradually become bound by tradition and dogma.

...

"We must abandon the prejudices of tradition if we would succeed in finding the truth at the core of all religions. If a Zoroastrian believes that the Sun is God, how can he be united to other religions? While idolaters believe in their various idols, how can they understand the oneness of God?"

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:136|136]])

===An idol was seen by the Egyptians as a miracle whereas it was just a stone; necessary to cast aside non-scientific beliefs and this will remove differences of belief and unity and demonstrate susceptibility to divine bounty among all people===

Consider the superstitions and mythology of the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians; all were contrary to religion and science. It is now evident that the beliefs of these nations were superstitions, but in those times they held to them most tenaciously. For example, one of the many Egyptian idols was to those people an authenticated miracle, whereas in reality it was a piece of stone. As science could not sanction the miraculous origin and nature of a piece of rock, the belief in it must have been superstition. It is now evident that it was superstition. Therefore, we must cast aside such beliefs and investigate reality. That which is found to be real and conformable to reason must be accepted, and whatever science and reason cannot support must be rejected as imitation and not reality. Then differences of belief will disappear. All will become as one family, one people, and the same susceptibility to the divine bounty and education will be witnessed among mankind."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:176|176]])

==Past religions praiseworthy in teaching against idolatry==

===Islam deserving of praise for teaching that idol worship was wrong===

"Among these half animal people Muhammad was sent with His divine Message. He taught the people that idol worship was wrong, but that they should reverence Christ, Moses and the Prophets. Under His influence they became a more enlightened and civilized people and arose from the degraded state in which He found them. Was not this a good work, and worthy of all praise, respect and love?"

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:48|48]])

===Christ rescued nations from idolatry===

"Christ educated and developed mankind universally. He rescued nations and peoples from the bondage of superstition and idolatry. He summoned them all to the knowledge of the oneness of God. They were dark, they became illumined; they were material, they became spiritual; earthly they were, they became heavenly. He enlightened the world of morality. This general, universal development is not possible through the power of philosophy. It is only attainable through the pervading influence of the Holy Spirit."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:206|206]])

==Degeneration of previous religions==

===Some still worship idols even though their teachings forbid it===

"...The real teaching of Buddha is the same as the teaching of Jesus Christ. The teachings of all the Prophets are the same in character. Now men have changed the teaching. If you look at the present practice of the Buddhist religion, you will see that there is little of the Reality left. Many worship idols although their teaching forbids it.

:(Attributed to [['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[['Abdu'l-Bahá in London]]'': Addresses, and Notes of Conversations", Commemorative ed. (London: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1987), pp. [[abl:63|63]]-64; also in ''[[Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster and Related Subjects]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_buddha_krishna_zoroaster#6 6])

===Original principles of some past religions disappeared and worship of statues/images/gods arose===

"Buddha also established a new religion and Confucius renewed the ancient conduct and morals, but the original precepts have been entirely changed and their followers no longer adhere to the original pattern of belief and worship. The founder of Buddhism was a precious Being Who established the oneness of God, but later His original precepts were gradually forgotten and displaced by primitive customs and rituals, until in the end it led to the worship of statues and images...

"...So it is with the divine religions: With the passage of time, their original precepts are altered, their underlying truth entirely vanishes, their spirit departs, doctrinal innovations spring up, and they become a body without a soul. That is why they are renewed."

"Our meaning is that the followers of Buddha and Confucius now worship images and statues and have become entirely unaware of the oneness of God, believing instead in imaginary gods, as did the ancient Greeks. But such were not their original precepts; indeed, their original precepts and conduct were entirely different."

:('Abdu'l-Bahá, "Some Answered Questions", Chapter 43, pars. [[saqp:43-8|8]], 10-11; older translation also in ''[[Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster and Related Subjects]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_buddha_krishna_zoroaster#4 4])

==Worshipping products of imagination==

===Worship of gods/idols (of idle fancies) has brought loss and misery on their worshippers; should resolve to gain victory over selves in order to be freed from servitude to them ===

"Arise, O people, and, by the power of God's might, resolve to gain the victory over your own selves, that haply the whole earth may be freed and sanctified from its servitude to the gods of its idle fancies--gods that have inflicted such loss upon, and are responsible for the misery of, their wretched worshipers. These idols form the obstacle that impedeth man in his efforts to advance in the path of perfection. We cherish the hope that the Hand of Divine power may lend its assistance to mankind, and deliver it from its state of grievous abasement."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], [[Lawh-i-Dunyá]], in ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:43|43]], p. [[gwb:93]])

===People worship products of their imagination===

"Some worship the product of their own imagination: they make for themselves an imaginary God and adore this, when the creation of their finite minds cannot be the Infinite Mighty Maker of all things visible and invisible! Others worship the sun or trees, also stones! In past ages there were those who adored the sea, the clouds, and even clay!"

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:145|145]])

===Worshippers of idols carved by imagination are among the heathen===

"They that are the worshippers of the idol which their imaginations have carved, and who call it Inner Reality, such men are in truth accounted among the heathen."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], cited in Notes to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, no. [[kan:60|60]]; also in [[Lawh-i-Shaykh Fání]] (''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:160|160]]))

===Idolatrous world is worshiping gods of its idle fancies, with the chief ones being nationalism, racialism, and communism===

"This vital force is dying out, this mighty agency has been scorned, this radiant light obscured, this impregnable stronghold abandoned, this beauteous robe discarded. God Himself has indeed been dethroned from the hearts of men, and an idolatrous world passionately and clamorously hails and worships the false gods which its own idle fancies have fatuously created, and its misguided hands so impiously exalted. The chief idols in the desecrated temple of mankind are none other than the triple gods of Nationalism, Racialism and Communism, at whose altars governments and peoples, whether democratic or totalitarian, at peace or at war, of the East or of the West, Christian or Islamic, are, in various forms and in different degrees, now worshiping. Their high priests are the politicians and the worldly-wise, the so-called sages of the age; their sacrifice, the flesh and blood of the slaughtered multitudes; their incantations outworn shibboleths and insidious and irreverent formulas; their incense, the smoke of anguish that ascends from the lacerated hearts of the bereaved, the maimed, and the homeless."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Promised Day Is Come]]'', par. [[pdcp:276|276]])

===Blessing for strong one who will shatter the gods of vain imaginings===

"Blessed is that strong one who will shatter the gods of vain imaginings through the potency of the Name of his Lord, He Who ruleth over all men."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:231|231]])

==(Monotheistic) religions need to unite to educate those out of idolatry==

"Alas! It is misguided ones like these who are the cause of division and hatred upon earth. Today there are millions of people who still worship idols, and the great religions of the world are at war among themselves. For 1,300 years, Christians and Mussulmans have been quarrelling, when with very little effort their differences and disputes could be overcome and peace and harmony could exist between them and the world could be at rest!"

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', pp. [[pta:46|46]]-47)

==Deification of nature a sign of desperation==

"The earnest hope that this moral crisis [the environmental crisis] can somehow be met by deifying nature itself is an evidence of the spiritual and intellectual desperation that the crisis has engendered."

:([[Bahá'í International Community]], ''[[Prosperity of Humankind]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bic_prosperity_humankind#50 50])

==Deification of the state (and partisan agendas to which such beliefs give rise) have been principal enemies of even their own interests==

"Nor does concern to ensure the welfare of society as a whole require a deification of the state as the supposed source of humanity's well-being. Far otherwise: the history of the present century shows all too clearly that such ideologies and the partisan agendas to which they give rise have been themselves the principal enemies of the interests they purport to serve."

:([[Bahá'í International Community]], ''[[Prosperity of Humankind]]'', par. [https://bahai-library.com/bic_prosperity_humankind#22 22])

==See also==
* [[Oneness of God]]

==Todos==
* Add more quotations

Monotheism

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#REDIRECT[[Oneness of God]]

Wisdom

2021-07-13T17:39:30Z

Trident765: creating page

Intellect

2021-07-13T17:33:13Z

Trident765: creating page

== Sign of intellect is contemplation and sign of contemplation is silence ==
"Bahá’u’lláh says there is a sign (from God) in every phenomenon: the sign of the intellect is contemplation and the sign of contemplation is silence, because it is impossible for a man to do two things at one time—he cannot both speak and meditate."

:('Abdu'l-Bahá, [[Paris Talks]], p. [[pta:174|174]])

== See also ==
* [[Knowledge]]

Infallibility

2021-06-23T20:28:26Z

Trident765: add link

==Spiritual Education and Progress Depend on Recognition of the Infallibility of the Manifestation of God==

"Regarding your Bahá'í friend who does not fully understand the infallibility of the Manifestation of God: You should influence that person to study the matter more deeply, and to realize that the whole theory of Divine Revelation rests on the infallibility of the Prophet, be He Christ, Muhammad, Bahá’u’lláh, or one of the Others. If They are not infallible, then They are not divine, and thus lose that essential link with God which, we believe, is the bond that educates men and causes all human progress."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, January 11, 1942, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1844|1844]])

==Avoid literal understandings and petty-mindedness when considering divinely conferred infallibility==

"In considering the whole field of divinely conferred "infallibility" one must be careful to avoid the literal understanding and petty-mindedness that has so often characterised discussions of this matter in the Christian world. The Manifestation of God (and, to a lesser degree, 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi,) has to convey tremendous concepts covering the whole field of human life and activity to people whose present knowledge and degree of understanding are far below His. He must use the limited medium of human language against the limited and often erroneous background of His audience's traditional knowledge and current understanding to raise them to a wholly new level of awareness and behaviour. It is a human tendency, against which the Manifestation warns us, to measure His statements against the inaccurate standard of the acquired knowledge of mankind. We tend to take them and place them within one or other of the existing categories of human philosophy or science while, in reality, they transcend these and will, if properly understood, open new and vast horizons to our understanding.

"Some sayings of the Manifestation are clear and obvious. Among these are laws of behaviour. Others are elucidations which lead men from their present level of understanding to a new one. Others are pregnant allusions, the significance of which only becomes apparent as the knowledge and understanding of the reader grow. And all are integral parts of one great Revelation intended to raise mankind to a new level of its evolution."

"It may well be that we shall find some statement is couched in terms familiar to the audience to which it was first addressed, but is strange now to us..."

:([[On behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], at https://bahai-library.com/uhj_infallibility_abdulbaha )

==Todos for this page==
* Essential vs. conferred infallibility
* Restrictions on infallibility
* Lack of implications of physical/mental invulnerability, etc.

==See also==
* [[Universal House of Justice#Infallibility]]

Prophets

2021-06-18T13:09:56Z

Trident765:

==[[Central Figures and Institutions]] of the Bahá'í Faith in order of rank (though Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb are equal in station, the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh is greater than that of the Báb):==

*[[Bahá'u'lláh]]
*[[The Báb]]
*[['Abdu'l-Bahá]]
*[[Administrative Order]]
**[[Guardianship]]
***[[Shoghi Effendi]]
**[[The Universal House of Justice]]

==Guiding (and inspired) Figures/Institutions of the Bahá'í Faith in order of time appearance:==

*[[Shaykh Ahmad]] (inspired)
*[[Siyyid Kázim]] (inspired)
*[[The Báb]]
*[[Bahá'u'lláh]]
*[['Abdu'l-Bahá]]
*[[Shoghi Effendi]] (brief period at beginning of [[Bahíyyih Khánum]]'s temporarily accepting responsibilities)
*[[Hands of the Cause of God]] (temporary custodians/stewards)
*[[The Universal House of Justice]]

==Manifestations of God and Lesser Prophets==

(in approximate reverse chronological order; please help improve sequence per scriptural and potential historical evidence)

{| border="1" class="sortable"
! Figure
! Manifestation of God or Lesser Prophet
! [https://bahai-library.com/abdulbaha_table_talks_bwc Independent, Dependent, or Locale-specific]
|-
| [[Next Manifestation-Founder of a Universal Cycle]] (remote future) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Future Manifestations of God]] (future) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Him Who will be sent down unto you after Me]] (future) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Bahá'u'lláh]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[The Báb]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Muhammad]] (see also the [[Imámate]]) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Christ]] (on the issue of successorship, see [[Peter]]) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[John the Baptist]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Buddha]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Zoroaster]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Elisha]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Elijah]] (Elias) || Manifestation of God || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Dhu'l Kifl]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Jonah]] (Jonas) || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Jethro]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Isaiah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Ezekiel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Jeremiah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Solomon]] || Lesser Prophet || Dependent ||
|-
| [[King David]] (see also the discussion at [[David]]) || Lesser Prophet || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Daniel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Zechariah (prophet)|Zechariah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Micah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Joel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Job]] || Manifestation of God || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Zakariya]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Joshua (person)|Joshua]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Aaron]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Moses]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[David]] (not King David) (list earlier?)? || Manifestation of God || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Krishna]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Joseph]] || Manifestation of God || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Lot]] (Lut) || Manifestation of God? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Jacob]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Isaac]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Ishmael]] (Ismael) || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Abraham]] (Ibráhím) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Melchizedek]] || Manifestation of God || Independent?
|-
| [[Sálih]] || Manifestation of God || Locale-specific ||
|-
| [[Húd]] || Manifestation of God || Locale-specific ||
|-
| [[Noah]] || Manifestation of God || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Idrís]] (or Hermes; same as [[Enoch]]?) || Manifestation of God || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Enoch]] || Manifestation of God? || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Seth]] || Manifestation of God? || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Founder of Sabaeanism]] (unknown if older or more recent than Hinduism; same as [[Seth]] and/or [[Idrís]]?) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Abel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Adam]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Pre-Adamic Prophets]] || Manifestations of God and Lesser Prophets || Independent, Dependent, Locale-specific ||
|}

==Other individuals of high stations==

: [[Letters of the Living]]
* [[Apostles of Bahá'u'lláh]]
* [[elders|Four and twenty elders]]
* [[Hands of the Cause]]
* [[Disciples of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]

==Other Lesser Prophets==

"Regarding your questions: We cannot possibly add names of people we (or anyone else) think might be Lesser Prophets to those found in the Qur'án, the Bible and our own Scriptures. For only these can we consider authentic Books."

:(March 13, 1950, to an individual believer, from a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian on these and related subjects, enclosed with a letter to an individual believer on November 30, 1980 from the Universal House of Justice, ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1696|1696]])

==Independent Manifestations of God may be for a particular locality only==

"There are three kinds of divine Prophets. One kind are the universal Manifestations,which are even as the sun. ...These Souls...have been sent forth to the entire world and the generality of mankind.

"Another kind of Prophets are followers and promulgators, not leaders and law-givers, but they are nonetheless the recipients of the hidden inspirations of God. Yet another kind are Prophets Whose prophethood has been limited to a particular locality."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Twelve table talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in ‘Akká]]'', at https://bahai-library.com/abdulbaha_table_talks_bwc )

==Figures who are described in our Writings in unequivocally positive terms but who are not considered to be Manifestations of God (or Lesser Prophets?)==

*[[Confucius]]

==Figures who may possibly be inspired to some degree (our Writings do not say or they find some common teachings but reject others) but are not Manifestations of God or Lesser Prophets==

*[[Joseph Smith]]
*[[Lao Zi]]
*[[Emanuel Swedenborg]]
*[[Emerson]]

==(The Qur'án also open to more Prophets than those listed explicitly in the Qur'án)==

"some apostles have we sent, whom we have formerly mentioned unto thee; and other apostles have we sent, whom we have not mentioned unto thee"

:([[Qur'án]] 4:[https://bahai-library.com/writings/quran/4.html#Paragraph%20164 164])

==Succession of Prophets from days of Christ was Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh (so others between these times would not be Manifestations of God)==

"...as the Bahá’í Teachings quite clearly outline the succession of Prophets from the days of Christ as being Muhammad, the Báb, and finally Bahá’u’lláh, it is obvious that Joseph Smith is not a Manifestation of God."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, August 18, 1941: Bahá’í News, No. 416, November 1965, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1727|1727]])

==No more information about Prophets mentioned in the Íqán==

"We know no more about the prophets mentioned in the Íqán than what Bahá’u’lláh states in that Book."

:(November 25, 1950, to an individual believer, from a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian on these and related subjects, enclosed with a letter to an individual believer on November 30, 1980 from the Universal House of Justice, ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1696|1696]])

== Past Prophets lost to history==

===In General===

====There have been many Manifestations even a million years ago====

"...there have been many holy Manifestations of God. One thousand years ago, two hundred thousand years ago, one million years ago, the bounty of God was flowing, the radiance of God was shining, the dominion of God was existing."

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:463|463]])

====A perfect Manifestation has always existed====

"...from the beginning that has no beginning to the end that has no end, a perfect Manifestation has always existed. This Man of whom we speak here is not just any man: that which we intend is the Perfect Man. For the noblest part of the tree, and the fundamental purpose of its existence, is the fruit. A tree without fruit is of no use. Therefore, it cannot be imagined that the world of existence, whether in the realms above or below, was once populated by cows and donkeys, cats and mice, and yet was deprived of the presence of man. What a false and vacuous notion!"

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'')

===Asian or Far Eastern Prophets===

"Regarding your questions: The only reason there is not more mention of the Asiatic prophets is because their names seem to be lost in the mists of ancient history. Buddha is mentioned and Zoroaster in our scriptures—both non-Jewish prophets or non-semitic prophets. We are taught there always have been Manifestations of God, but we do not have any record of their names."

:(October 4, 1950, to an individual believer, from a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian on these and related subjects, enclosed with a letter to an individual believer on November 30, 1980 from the Universal House of Justice, ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1696|1696]])

"The teachings bear no reference to any genealogical tie between the Prophets of the Near and [[Far East]]."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 31, 1941, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1695|1695]])

===Possibly Indians of America were Influenced by Prophets in Asia===

"It is possible the Indians of the Americas were influenced in the remote past by Prophets in Asia. But again, as there is nothing in our teachings about it, we cannot do more than speculate."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 25, 1950, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1576|1576]])

===See also===
* [[Far East Prophets]]

==[[Future Manifestations of God]]==

* [[Him Who will be sent down unto you after Me]] (To come no sooner than 2852 C.E. or 1008 B.E. (i.e., 1000 years since the beginning of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh))
* [[Next Manifestation-Founder of a Universal Cycle]] (to come no sooner than 500,000 years)

==Manifestations elsewhere in the universe==

===In the past===

==== The globe did not always exist but a Perfect Manifestation must always exist (somewhere) ====

"If man did not exist, the universe would be without result, for the object of existence is the appearance of the perfections of God.

"Therefore, it cannot be said there was a time when man was not. All that we can say is that this terrestrial globe at one time did not exist, and at its beginning man did not appear upon it. But from the beginning which has no beginning, to the end which has no end, a Perfect Manifestation always exists."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', p. [[saq:196|196]])

"...the earth has not always existed, but the world of existence has always been, for the universe is not limited to this terrestrial globe."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', p. [[saq:151|151]])

===In the future===
* See [[Bahá'í Cycle#There_will_be_a_Prophet_Similar_in_Station_to_Bah.C3.A1.27u.27ll.C3.A1h_after_500.2C000_years.2C_but_we_cannot_say_definitely_that_His_Revelation_will_be_inter-planetary]]

===In the present?===

* See [[Extraterrestrial life]].

====Todos for this section====

* Quotes on not being possible to have multiple Manifestations for humanity at the exact same time in same place (oneness of God)?

==Some ideas are just cults and philosophies which the Prophets cannot waste time elucidating but scholars may respond to==

===While the peoples of the world derive their inspiration from God, a few (cults) are merely the outcome of human perversity===

"There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:111|111]], p. [[gwb:217|217]])

===Learning Can Be the Veil Between the Soul of Man and Truth===

"Bahá'u'lláh has said that learning can be the veil between the soul of man and the eternal truth; in other words, between man and the knowledge of God. We have seen that many people who become very advanced in the study of modern physical sciences are led to deny God, and to deny His Prophets. That does not mean that God and the Prophets have not and do not exist. It only means that knowledge has become a veil between their hearts and the light of God.

"It would be absolutely impossible for anyone to answer all the questions that might be asked by the curious, whether scholars or ordinary people, on any subject. If the Prophets of God only came to this world in order to answer people's questions, and elucidate all the 'nonsense', for the most part, that people have gotten together and formed into cults and philosophies, they would have no time to instruct man by their example and through their teachings in a new way of life."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 22, 1954; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1822|1822]])

===Have Not Had Time to Evolve Bahá'í Scholars Who Can Deal with These Subjects===

"We must turn aside from these vain imaginings and suppositions and philosophizings of the world, and fix our eyes upon the clear stream of the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Out of these teachings, and the society which they will create on this planet, will come a solution to all of the problems of men. Gradually, greater scholars, more deeply spiritual thinkers, will be able to answer from a Bahá'í standpoint many of these questions. It is not necessary that they should be in the divine text; they can be studied and learned in the future; but at present we have not had time to evolve the Bahá'í scholars who can deal with these subjects in detail, and take upon themselves to answer the abstruse points and the many unfounded doctrines which are advanced by modern philosophers."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 22, 1954; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1823|1823]])

===Everybody is Entitled to Their Own Opinion===

"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. If they do not set it forth with conviction, they are failing in their duty to expose their ideas sincerely and graphically; but because they believe something firmly themselves does not in anyway imply that what they believe is the truth. Between the truth which comes from God through His Prophets, and the glimmerings, often misunderstood and misinterpreted, of truth which come from the philosophers and thinkers, there is an immense difference. We must never, under any circumstances, confuse the two."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 22, 1954: Ibid., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1821|1821]])

===We must use Writings of the Prophets as our measurement (and Bahá'u'lláh did not mention reincarnation)===

"We must use the Writings of the Prophets as our measurement. If Bahá'u'lláh had attached the slightest importance to occult experiences, to the seeing of auras, to the hearing of mystic voices; if He had believed that reincarnation was a fact, He, Himself, would have mentioned all of these things in His Teachings. The fact that He passed over them in silence shows that to Him, they had either no importance or no reality, and were consequently not worthy to take up His time as the Divine Educator of the human race."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 22, 1954: Ibid., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1827|1827]])

===See also===
* [[Esotericism]]

==Validity of prophets==

===If a prophet brings a nation from lowest depths of ignorance to highest station of knowledge, this is proof he is a real prophet===
"If we wish to discover whether any one of these great souls or messengers was in reality a prophet of God we must investigate the facts surrounding His life and history; and the first point of our investigation will be the education He bestowed upon mankind. If He has been an educator, if He has really trained a nation or people, causing it to rise from the lowest depths of ignorance to the highest station of knowledge, then we are sure that He was a prophet. This is a plain and clear method of procedure, proof that is irrefutable. We do not need to seek after other proofs."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:364|364]])

==Significance of material body of the Manifestations==

===Significance of Remains of the Prophets===
"… There is no special physical significance in the remains of the Prophets or relics of Their Persons. But there is a profound spiritual significance in the sense that Their dust was the physical mirror of the greatness of God. In other words we know God through His Prophets, Who have bodies, these bodies—Their very dust—are precious through association. It is natural for people to be touched by a lock of hair or some token of one they loved; how much more should we treasure and feel moved by a relic of the Beloved of God."
:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 13, 1944: Bahá’í News, No. 210, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1711|1711]])

===The Atoms of the Prophets are Just Atoms===
"The reflection of the qualities of holy souls can take place at any time; it is not confined to the period when the Manifestation is on this Earth.

"The atoms of the Prophets are just atoms, like all others, but the association of this great spiritual power with them leaves in the place They are laid to rest, a spiritual atmosphere, if one can use this expression. They are, no doubt, endowed with a tremendous spiritual influence and far-reaching power. But the physical character of Their atoms are not different from other peoples, any more than Their bodies and physical functions are different."
:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, October 28, 1949, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1712|1712]])

==See also==

* [[Manifestation of God]]
* [[WikiPedia:Prophets of Islam|Prophets of Islam (Wikipedia)]]
* [[Religion]]

Prophets

2021-06-18T13:08:42Z

Trident765: /* Some ideas are just cults and philosophies which the Prophets cannot waste time elucidating but scholars may respond to */ adding quote on validity of prophets

==[[Central Figures and Institutions]] of the Bahá'í Faith in order of rank (though Bahá'u'lláh and the Báb are equal in station, the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh is greater than that of the Báb):==

*[[Bahá'u'lláh]]
*[[The Báb]]
*[['Abdu'l-Bahá]]
*[[Administrative Order]]
**[[Guardianship]]
***[[Shoghi Effendi]]
**[[The Universal House of Justice]]

==Guiding (and inspired) Figures/Institutions of the Bahá'í Faith in order of time appearance:==

*[[Shaykh Ahmad]] (inspired)
*[[Siyyid Kázim]] (inspired)
*[[The Báb]]
*[[Bahá'u'lláh]]
*[['Abdu'l-Bahá]]
*[[Shoghi Effendi]] (brief period at beginning of [[Bahíyyih Khánum]]'s temporarily accepting responsibilities)
*[[Hands of the Cause of God]] (temporary custodians/stewards)
*[[The Universal House of Justice]]

==Manifestations of God and Lesser Prophets==

(in approximate reverse chronological order; please help improve sequence per scriptural and potential historical evidence)

{| border="1" class="sortable"
! Figure
! Manifestation of God or Lesser Prophet
! [https://bahai-library.com/abdulbaha_table_talks_bwc Independent, Dependent, or Locale-specific]
|-
| [[Next Manifestation-Founder of a Universal Cycle]] (remote future) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Future Manifestations of God]] (future) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Him Who will be sent down unto you after Me]] (future) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Bahá'u'lláh]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[The Báb]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Muhammad]] (see also the [[Imámate]]) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Christ]] (on the issue of successorship, see [[Peter]]) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[John the Baptist]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Buddha]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Zoroaster]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Elisha]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Elijah]] (Elias) || Manifestation of God || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Dhu'l Kifl]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Jonah]] (Jonas) || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Jethro]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Isaiah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Ezekiel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Jeremiah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Solomon]] || Lesser Prophet || Dependent ||
|-
| [[King David]] (see also the discussion at [[David]]) || Lesser Prophet || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Daniel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Zechariah (prophet)|Zechariah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Micah]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Joel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Job]] || Manifestation of God || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Zakariya]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Joshua (person)|Joshua]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Aaron]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Moses]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[David]] (not King David) (list earlier?)? || Manifestation of God || Dependent ||
|-
| [[Krishna]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Joseph]] || Manifestation of God || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Lot]] (Lut) || Manifestation of God? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Jacob]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Isaac]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Ishmael]] (Ismael) || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Abraham]] (Ibráhím) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Melchizedek]] || Manifestation of God || Independent?
|-
| [[Sálih]] || Manifestation of God || Locale-specific ||
|-
| [[Húd]] || Manifestation of God || Locale-specific ||
|-
| [[Noah]] || Manifestation of God || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Idrís]] (or Hermes; same as [[Enoch]]?) || Manifestation of God || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Enoch]] || Manifestation of God? || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Seth]] || Manifestation of God? || Independent? ||
|-
| [[Founder of Sabaeanism]] (unknown if older or more recent than Hinduism; same as [[Seth]] and/or [[Idrís]]?) || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Abel]] || Lesser Prophet? || Dependent? ||
|-
| [[Adam]] || Manifestation of God || Independent ||
|-
| [[Pre-Adamic Prophets]] || Manifestations of God and Lesser Prophets || Independent, Dependent, Locale-specific ||
|}

==Other individuals of high stations==

: [[Letters of the Living]]
* [[Apostles of Bahá'u'lláh]]
* [[elders|Four and twenty elders]]
* [[Hands of the Cause]]
* [[Disciples of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]

==Other Lesser Prophets==

"Regarding your questions: We cannot possibly add names of people we (or anyone else) think might be Lesser Prophets to those found in the Qur'án, the Bible and our own Scriptures. For only these can we consider authentic Books."

:(March 13, 1950, to an individual believer, from a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian on these and related subjects, enclosed with a letter to an individual believer on November 30, 1980 from the Universal House of Justice, ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1696|1696]])

==Independent Manifestations of God may be for a particular locality only==

"There are three kinds of divine Prophets. One kind are the universal Manifestations,which are even as the sun. ...These Souls...have been sent forth to the entire world and the generality of mankind.

"Another kind of Prophets are followers and promulgators, not leaders and law-givers, but they are nonetheless the recipients of the hidden inspirations of God. Yet another kind are Prophets Whose prophethood has been limited to a particular locality."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Twelve table talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in ‘Akká]]'', at https://bahai-library.com/abdulbaha_table_talks_bwc )

==Figures who are described in our Writings in unequivocally positive terms but who are not considered to be Manifestations of God (or Lesser Prophets?)==

*[[Confucius]]

==Figures who may possibly be inspired to some degree (our Writings do not say or they find some common teachings but reject others) but are not Manifestations of God or Lesser Prophets==

*[[Joseph Smith]]
*[[Lao Zi]]
*[[Emanuel Swedenborg]]
*[[Emerson]]

==(The Qur'án also open to more Prophets than those listed explicitly in the Qur'án)==

"some apostles have we sent, whom we have formerly mentioned unto thee; and other apostles have we sent, whom we have not mentioned unto thee"

:([[Qur'án]] 4:[https://bahai-library.com/writings/quran/4.html#Paragraph%20164 164])

==Succession of Prophets from days of Christ was Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahá’u’lláh (so others between these times would not be Manifestations of God)==

"...as the Bahá’í Teachings quite clearly outline the succession of Prophets from the days of Christ as being Muhammad, the Báb, and finally Bahá’u’lláh, it is obvious that Joseph Smith is not a Manifestation of God."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, August 18, 1941: Bahá’í News, No. 416, November 1965, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1727|1727]])

==No more information about Prophets mentioned in the Íqán==

"We know no more about the prophets mentioned in the Íqán than what Bahá’u’lláh states in that Book."

:(November 25, 1950, to an individual believer, from a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian on these and related subjects, enclosed with a letter to an individual believer on November 30, 1980 from the Universal House of Justice, ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1696|1696]])

== Past Prophets lost to history==

===In General===

====There have been many Manifestations even a million years ago====

"...there have been many holy Manifestations of God. One thousand years ago, two hundred thousand years ago, one million years ago, the bounty of God was flowing, the radiance of God was shining, the dominion of God was existing."

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:463|463]])

====A perfect Manifestation has always existed====

"...from the beginning that has no beginning to the end that has no end, a perfect Manifestation has always existed. This Man of whom we speak here is not just any man: that which we intend is the Perfect Man. For the noblest part of the tree, and the fundamental purpose of its existence, is the fruit. A tree without fruit is of no use. Therefore, it cannot be imagined that the world of existence, whether in the realms above or below, was once populated by cows and donkeys, cats and mice, and yet was deprived of the presence of man. What a false and vacuous notion!"

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'')

===Asian or Far Eastern Prophets===

"Regarding your questions: The only reason there is not more mention of the Asiatic prophets is because their names seem to be lost in the mists of ancient history. Buddha is mentioned and Zoroaster in our scriptures—both non-Jewish prophets or non-semitic prophets. We are taught there always have been Manifestations of God, but we do not have any record of their names."

:(October 4, 1950, to an individual believer, from a compilation of extracts from letters written on behalf of the Guardian on these and related subjects, enclosed with a letter to an individual believer on November 30, 1980 from the Universal House of Justice, ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1696|1696]])

"The teachings bear no reference to any genealogical tie between the Prophets of the Near and [[Far East]]."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, March 31, 1941, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1695|1695]])

===Possibly Indians of America were Influenced by Prophets in Asia===

"It is possible the Indians of the Americas were influenced in the remote past by Prophets in Asia. But again, as there is nothing in our teachings about it, we cannot do more than speculate."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, November 25, 1950, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1576|1576]])

===See also===
* [[Far East Prophets]]

==[[Future Manifestations of God]]==

* [[Him Who will be sent down unto you after Me]] (To come no sooner than 2852 C.E. or 1008 B.E. (i.e., 1000 years since the beginning of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh))
* [[Next Manifestation-Founder of a Universal Cycle]] (to come no sooner than 500,000 years)

==Manifestations elsewhere in the universe==

===In the past===

==== The globe did not always exist but a Perfect Manifestation must always exist (somewhere) ====

"If man did not exist, the universe would be without result, for the object of existence is the appearance of the perfections of God.

"Therefore, it cannot be said there was a time when man was not. All that we can say is that this terrestrial globe at one time did not exist, and at its beginning man did not appear upon it. But from the beginning which has no beginning, to the end which has no end, a Perfect Manifestation always exists."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', p. [[saq:196|196]])

"...the earth has not always existed, but the world of existence has always been, for the universe is not limited to this terrestrial globe."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Some Answered Questions]]'', p. [[saq:151|151]])

===In the future===
* See [[Bahá'í Cycle#There_will_be_a_Prophet_Similar_in_Station_to_Bah.C3.A1.27u.27ll.C3.A1h_after_500.2C000_years.2C_but_we_cannot_say_definitely_that_His_Revelation_will_be_inter-planetary]]

===In the present?===

* See [[Extraterrestrial life]].

====Todos for this section====

* Quotes on not being possible to have multiple Manifestations for humanity at the exact same time in same place (oneness of God)?

==Some ideas are just cults and philosophies which the Prophets cannot waste time elucidating but scholars may respond to==

===While the peoples of the world derive their inspiration from God, a few (cults) are merely the outcome of human perversity===

"There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. The difference between the ordinances under which they abide should be attributed to the varying requirements and exigencies of the age in which they were revealed. All of them, except a few which are the outcome of human perversity, were ordained of God, and are a reflection of His Will and Purpose."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings]]'', sec. [[gwbs:111|111]], p. [[gwb:217|217]])

===Learning Can Be the Veil Between the Soul of Man and Truth===

"Bahá'u'lláh has said that learning can be the veil between the soul of man and the eternal truth; in other words, between man and the knowledge of God. We have seen that many people who become very advanced in the study of modern physical sciences are led to deny God, and to deny His Prophets. That does not mean that God and the Prophets have not and do not exist. It only means that knowledge has become a veil between their hearts and the light of God.

"It would be absolutely impossible for anyone to answer all the questions that might be asked by the curious, whether scholars or ordinary people, on any subject. If the Prophets of God only came to this world in order to answer people's questions, and elucidate all the 'nonsense', for the most part, that people have gotten together and formed into cults and philosophies, they would have no time to instruct man by their example and through their teachings in a new way of life."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] [[to an individual believer]], April 22, 1954; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1822|1822]])

===Have Not Had Time to Evolve Bahá'í Scholars Who Can Deal with These Subjects===

"We must turn aside from these vain imaginings and suppositions and philosophizings of the world, and fix our eyes upon the clear stream of the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Out of these teachings, and the society which they will create on this planet, will come a solution to all of the problems of men. Gradually, greater scholars, more deeply spiritual thinkers, will be able to answer from a Bahá'í standpoint many of these questions. It is not necessary that they should be in the divine text; they can be studied and learned in the future; but at present we have not had time to evolve the Bahá'í scholars who can deal with these subjects in detail, and take upon themselves to answer the abstruse points and the many unfounded doctrines which are advanced by modern philosophers."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 22, 1954; in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1823|1823]])

===Everybody is Entitled to Their Own Opinion===

"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. If they do not set it forth with conviction, they are failing in their duty to expose their ideas sincerely and graphically; but because they believe something firmly themselves does not in anyway imply that what they believe is the truth. Between the truth which comes from God through His Prophets, and the glimmerings, often misunderstood and misinterpreted, of truth which come from the philosophers and thinkers, there is an immense difference. We must never, under any circumstances, confuse the two."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 22, 1954: Ibid., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1821|1821]])

===We must use Writings of the Prophets as our measurement (and Bahá'u'lláh did not mention reincarnation)===

"We must use the Writings of the Prophets as our measurement. If Bahá'u'lláh had attached the slightest importance to occult experiences, to the seeing of auras, to the hearing of mystic voices; if He had believed that reincarnation was a fact, He, Himself, would have mentioned all of these things in His Teachings. The fact that He passed over them in silence shows that to Him, they had either no importance or no reality, and were consequently not worthy to take up His time as the Divine Educator of the human race."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, April 22, 1954: Ibid., in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1827|1827]])

==Validity of prophets==

===If a prophet brings a nation from lowest depths of ignorance to highest station of knowledge, this is proof he is a real prophet===
"If we wish to discover whether any one of these great souls or messengers was in reality a prophet of God we must investigate the facts surrounding His life and history; and the first point of our investigation will be the education He bestowed upon mankind. If He has been an educator, if He has really trained a nation or people, causing it to rise from the lowest depths of ignorance to the highest station of knowledge, then we are sure that He was a prophet. This is a plain and clear method of procedure, proof that is irrefutable. We do not need to seek after other proofs."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:364|364]])

===See also===
* [[Esotericism]]

==Significance of material body of the Manifestations==

===Significance of Remains of the Prophets===
"… There is no special physical significance in the remains of the Prophets or relics of Their Persons. But there is a profound spiritual significance in the sense that Their dust was the physical mirror of the greatness of God. In other words we know God through His Prophets, Who have bodies, these bodies—Their very dust—are precious through association. It is natural for people to be touched by a lock of hair or some token of one they loved; how much more should we treasure and feel moved by a relic of the Beloved of God."
:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 13, 1944: Bahá’í News, No. 210, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1711|1711]])

===The Atoms of the Prophets are Just Atoms===
"The reflection of the qualities of holy souls can take place at any time; it is not confined to the period when the Manifestation is on this Earth.

"The atoms of the Prophets are just atoms, like all others, but the association of this great spiritual power with them leaves in the place They are laid to rest, a spiritual atmosphere, if one can use this expression. They are, no doubt, endowed with a tremendous spiritual influence and far-reaching power. But the physical character of Their atoms are not different from other peoples, any more than Their bodies and physical functions are different."
:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, October 28, 1949, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1712|1712]])

==See also==

* [[Manifestation of God]]
* [[WikiPedia:Prophets of Islam|Prophets of Islam (Wikipedia)]]
* [[Religion]]

Knowledge

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Trident765: adding quote

==Arts, crafts and sciences==
"Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation. Knowledge is as wings to man's life, and a ladder for his ascent."
: ("[[Epistle to the Son of the Wolf]]" , p. [[esw : 26|26]])

==Happiness and pride of a nation is in its knowledge==

"Consider carefully: all these highly varied phenomena, these concepts, this knowledge, these technical procedures and philosophical systems, these sciences, arts, industries and inventions--all are emanations of the human mind. Whatever people has ventured deeper into this shoreless sea, has come to excel the rest. The happiness and pride of a nation consist in this, that it should shine out like the sun in the high heaven of knowledge. "Shall they who have knowledge and they who have it not, be treated alike?"[Qur'án 39:12.]"

:(''[[Secret of Divine Civilization]]'', p. {{sdc|2}})

== Knowledge is one point, which the foolish have multiplied ==

"And when this stage of the journey is completed and the wayfarer hath soared beyond this lofty station, he entereth the City of Divine Unity, and the garden of oneness, and the court of detachment. In this plane the seeker casteth away all signs, allusions, veils, and words, and beholdeth all things with an eye illumined by the effulgent lights which God Himself hath shed upon him. In his journey he seeth all differences return to a single word and all allusions culminate in a single point. Unto this beareth witness he who sailed upon the ark of fire and followed the inmost path to the pinnacle of glory in the realm of immortality: "Knowledge is one point, which the foolish have multiplied." This is the station that hath been alluded to in the tradition: "I am He, Himself, and He is I, Myself, except that I am that I am, and He is that He is.""

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gems of Divine Mysteries]]'', p. [[gdm:30|30]])

==See also==
* [[Wisdom]]
* [[Immigration]] (for a quotation indicating education needed to raise standards of different cultures)

Idolatry

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Trident765: redirect

#REDIRECT [[Polytheism]]

Talk:Wisdom in application of God's laws

2021-06-02T00:29:32Z

Trident765: Created page with "== Adib Taherzadeh commentary on unpublished tablets by Bahá'u'lláh that discuss wisdom in applying laws of Kitáb-i-Aqdas == I will not post this on the main page since it..."

== Adib Taherzadeh commentary on unpublished tablets by Bahá'u'lláh that discuss wisdom in applying laws of Kitáb-i-Aqdas ==

I will not post this on the main page since it is not an authoritative source. But I think this may be a useful perspective to preserve on some level since the tablets he quotes are still unpublished. I will leave this excerpt from Revelation of Bahaullah on the talk page in case it is needed for future use:

''"Bahá'u'lláh has urged the Hands of the Cause to be vigilant and help the friends to avoid taking any action which might adversely affect the interests of the Faith. We cite two examples. In a previous volume we have described how some time after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was revealed Bahá'u'lláh allowed Jamál-i-Burújirdí to copy certain parts of it and take them with him to Persia. At some point Jamál advocated the establishment of the local Houses of Justice enjoined in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The Hand of the Cause Mullá 'Alí-Akbar sought guidance from Bahá'u'lláh on this issue. In a Tablet to him Bahá'u'lláh responded by stating that the application of any of His laws was conditional upon the exercise of wisdom. He explained that the establishment of this institution was not timely, because should the enemies of the Cause discover it, they would create a commotion, the elected members would become targets and their lives would be in great danger. He envisaged that these institutions would be formed at a later time when conditions became more favourable. Furthermore, He affirmed that because of the immaturity and perversity of the public, and for the protection of the believers, He had not required them to implement most of the laws of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas."''

:(Adib Taherzadeh summarizing letters of Bahá'u'lláh, ''[[Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', vol. 4, p. [https://d9263461.github.io/cl/Baha'i/Others/ROB/V4/p315-328Ch21.html#p321 321])

[[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 17:28, 1 June 2021 (PDT)

Introducing the laws to seekers and new believers

2021-06-01T23:36:51Z

Trident765: /* See also */

==One Cannot Continue Drinking As a Bahá'í--Should Be Made Aware Gradually==

"People should not be encouraged to enter the Cause on false pretenses. They cannot continue drinking as Bahá'ís and they should be made to realize this gradually after they become believers, or rather registered members of the community. We cannot expect people to be fully aware and instructed believers before they are enrolled, but certain essentials they must have accepted sooner or later and be willing to make the effort to live up to."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, June 16, 1948, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1151|1151]])

==Unfair to Require New Applicants for Membership to First Accept All Laws of the Faith==

"The Guardian fully shares your view that it would be most unwise, and unfair to those who apply for membership in the Community to require that they should at first accept all the laws of the Faith. Such a requirement would be impossible to carry out as there are many laws in the 'Aqdas' with which even the well-confirmed and long-standing believers are not yet familiar. As you rightly point out the process of becoming a Bahá'í is an evolutionary one, and requires considerable time, and sustained effort on the part of the new believer. Such questions as the withdrawal from Church membership and that of abstention from alcoholic liquors should not be thrust upon the newcomer, but explained to him gradually, so that he himself may be convinced of the truth underlying these ordinances of the Cause."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, February 17, 1938, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1152|1152]])

==See also==
* [[Tact in communicating teachings and laws]]
* [[Need for gradualism and mildness]]

==Todos for this page==
* Incorporate from [[New believers#Need for gradual introduction to challenging laws and observances and need not know all proofs.2C history.2C and principles before enrolling .28though should be some introduction before accepting into the Faith and should continue after becoming a Bah.C3.A1.27.C3.AD.29]] (aspect of [[Communication]])

Moderation

2021-06-01T23:16:55Z

Trident765: /* See also */ adding link

==In all matters moderation is desirable==
"The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the ninth leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Kalimát-i-Firdawsíyyih]]'', Words of Paradise)

==Anything passing beyond moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence==

"Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as liberty, civilization and the like."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:110|110]], p. [[gwb:216|216]])

==Speech must be moderated and combined with tact and wisdom==
Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Lawḥ-i-Maqṣúd]]'')

==Moderation means an end to destructive excesses==

By moderation, Bahá’u’lláh is in no way referring to mere compromise, the dilution of truth, or a hypocritical or utopian consensus. The moderation He calls for demands an end to destructive excesses that have plagued humanity and fomented ceaseless contention and turmoil. Moderation in deliberation and action stands in contrast to the arbitrary imposition of views through power or insistence upon ideological aims, both of which obstruct the search for truth and sow the seeds of continuing injustice. A moderate perspective is a practical and principled standpoint from which one can recognize and adopt valid and insightful ideas whatever their source, without prejudice.

:(On behalf of the [[Universal House of Justice]], letter to three individuals 29 November 2017)

== He who cleaveth to justice can not transgress the limits of moderation==
Whoso cleaveth to justice, can, under no circumstances, transgress the limits of moderation. He discerneth the truth in all things, through the guidance of Him Who is the All-Seeing. The civilization, so often vaunted by the learned exponents of arts and sciences, will, if allowed to overleap the bounds of moderation, bring great evil upon men. Thus warneth you He Who is the All-Knowing. If carried to excess, civilization will prove as prolific a source of evil as it had been of goodness when kept within the restraints of moderation.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh]]'' CLXIV)

==See also==

* [[mediocrity]] (something distinct which is to be rejected)
* [[wisdom in application of God's laws]]

Wisdom in application of God's laws

2021-06-01T23:15:21Z

Trident765: creating page

== Exercise tact and wisdom in observing laws of God ==

"Indeed, the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them one must exercise tact and wisdom… Since most people are feeble and far-removed from the purpose of God, therefore one must observe tact and prudence under all conditions, so that nothing might happen that could cause disturbance and dissension or raise clamour among the heedless. Verily, His bounty hath surpassed the whole universe and His bestowals encompassed all that dwell on earth. One must guide mankind to the ocean of true understanding in a spirit of love and tolerance. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself beareth eloquent testimony to the loving providence of God."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], from a Tablet, quoted in the introduction to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. [[kapg:6|6]])

Unity

2021-06-01T23:12:00Z

Trident765: adding quotes

== Religion is for unity ==
"The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension."

:(Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. [[tb:220|220]])

==If divided, both sides to a difference are wrong; if united, they are both right==

"During the days of Bahá'u'lláh some of the prominent teachers of the Cause in Persia were divided as to the station of Bahá'u'lláh and at last wrote to Him for arbitration. In answer Bahá'u'lláh said that if they were united both sides were right and if they were divided both were wrong. The Master often denied Himself any station just to maintain the unity of the friends for that was His primary object."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the Spiritual Assembly of Yonkers, April 20, 1931, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1350|1350]])

==A universal power can merge differing opinions and allow sharing of the same spiritual emotions in hearts==

"If, however, one single, universal perceptive power be introduced--a power encompassing all the rest--those differing opinions will merge, and a spiritual harmony and oneness will become apparent. For example, when the Christ was made manifest, the minds of the various contemporary peoples, their views, their emotional attitudes, whether they were Romans, Greeks, Syrians, Israelites, or others, were at variance with one another. But once His universal power was brought to bear, it gradually succeeded, after the lapse of three hundred years, in gathering together all those divergent minds under the protection, and within the governance, of one central Point, all sharing the same spiritual emotions in their hearts."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', pp. [[swab:63|63]]-64)

== Love and promote the interests of the peoples of the earth. The earth is one country and mankind its citizens. ==

"That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. The Great Being saith: Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth. In another passage He hath proclaimed: It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Lawḥ-i-Maqṣúd]]'')

== Exhortations to union and concord do not include unions that lead to disunity and concords that create discord ==

"Such exhortations to union and concord as are inscribed in the Books of the Prophets by the Pen of the Most High bear reference unto specific matters; not a union that would lead to disunity or a concord which would create discord. This is the station where measures are set unto everything, a station where every deserving soul shall be given his due."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Lawḥ-i-Maqṣúd]]'')

==See also==
* [[Community]]

Talk:Moderation

2021-06-01T16:23:08Z

Trident765: /* Quote deleted without explanation */

== Quote deleted without explanation ==

I see the quote I added was deleted without explanation:

https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Moderation&diff=15489&oldid=15487

Was this an accident?

[[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 21:44, 31 May 2021 (PDT)

: No. I removed it because the quote is not about moderation. How should one follow the law of not consuming alcohol ''moderately''? Obviously you either are or are not following the law. You can of course exercise tact and wisdom in the application of a law. If someone offered you a drink then the way in which you respond to the individual can vary a great deal. Drinking may be important to them, so you can perhaps find a way to turn down the drink without making that person feel judged or belittled. This is being wise and tactful, but it's unrelated to moderation. [[User:David|David]] ([[User talk:David|talk]]) 22:04, 31 May 2021 (PDT)

:: If next time you let me know you are deleting a quote, this gives me the opportunity to discuss it with you or move it to another page. I almost didn't notice that you deleted it because you didn't mention that you deleted it and you added lots of other content in the same edit.

:: Regarding your interpretation, I do not think it is a given that this is the only way that a rational person would interpret it. For example, if you read the source that I quoted it from, the Universal House of Justice uses this same quote to justify the progressive application of the laws in the Kitab i Aqdas. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 22:33, 31 May 2021 (PDT)

::: Hi guys... Two principles here, and both are covered in [[Bahai9:Site rules#Move more often than Remove]]:

::: 1. Strongly prefer almost never removing anything (offered with good intentions of course), and yes, mentioning in the message where it is being moved if deemed necessary. This is a different approach from many wikis, but I want to save our users the frustrating experience I saw on Wikipedia with a lot of good work just being nullified because one little aspect might have been improved or a better place found for it. We don't want to let ugliness build up either of course--but that's thankfully pretty hard with our policy insisting on quotations. 'Abdu'l-Bahá example of consultation (between the apostles) was one where there was no disagreement. Generally, I hope we can find that grain of truth in why a quote is being offered and accommodate it--at least somewhere, and also, if remotely justifiable, in the "see also".

::: 2. While we do want to avoid removing things and prefer moving at most, there are the other rules, "Be bold but courteous" (which may imply sometimes someone will reorganize something we didn't want organized) but more pertinently here, the albeit long-windedly titled, "In general, include only explicitly relevant quotes and provide adequate but not excessive context".

::: To avoid both unjustified interpretations and pages which are too hard to drill-down into material of current interest, the site policy is indeed to ensure it is explicitly related to the page at hand. If it is ''somewhat'' related, I encourage use of the "See also" section, which despite what could seem like just an afterthought, is like neuronal connections of the site actually. (Admittedly, the "see also" section should not be too crowded either, but if you can put a parenthetical explanation of how it is related when the connection is not so immediately obvious, it is more likely we'll want to keep it there.)

::: As to the specific quotation, I can see both sides here. There is some moderation involved in how to use one's devotedness. One should not become fanatical. Yes, ''true'' devotion does not become fanaticism, but if we were using language to only speak about God's attributes as He intends them, rather than also speaking about how people sometimes understand them, we'd have no need for "moderation" in the first place (e.g., true love, justice, mercy, etc., all have no need of moderation). This kind of thing comes up over and over again in disagreements about language because language tends to allow such multiple meanings, and if we're not careful, we can turn it into a false dichotomy.

::: I guess I'd agree it is pretty closely related to moderation therefore, but on the other hand, maybe putting it on a page about "cautiousness" or "tact" or "wisdom in application of God's laws" and adding it to this "moderation" page's "see also" would avoid the temptation to crowd too much in here, while also not failing to let people discover it, since it does tend to evoke the notion at least somewhat and/or at least for some people.

::: I might just mention that in linguistics, the prototype/exemplar theories of categorization use the example of the idea of a bird. While "penguin" and "ostrich" are technically birds, they are further out from the more core image we might have, e.g., of a robin. We want to give emphasis to the robin on the bird page, while having subsections or subpages leading to the more obscurely connected ones (or questionably connected ones like say proto-bird dinosaurs). And while one might be tempted to bring up platypus on the bird or "duck" page, because it has a duck bill, and indeed strengthening neurons helps one understand how everything is interrelated and makes life interesting, we don't want too much emphasis on this of course or it will get out of hand.

::: Btw, off topic, but funny we're discussing the rules on a page called "Moderation" (the other meaning). lol. And thanks for your contributions, guys. Have appreciated David's keeping the site clean and focused, and really welcome Trident's new inclusion of helpful content as well. Unity in diversity! [[User:WikiSysop|WikiSysop]] ([[User talk:WikiSysop|talk]]) 03:34, 1 June 2021 (PDT)

:: I think it is a good idea to create a "wisdom in application of God's laws" page and move the quote there. I will do this at some point if no one objects. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 09:09, 1 June 2021 (PDT)

Talk:Moderation

2021-06-01T16:10:24Z

Trident765: reply

== Quote deleted without explanation ==

I see the quote I added was deleted without explanation:

https://bahai9.com/index.php?title=Moderation&diff=15489&oldid=15487

Was this an accident?

[[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 21:44, 31 May 2021 (PDT)

: No. I removed it because the quote is not about moderation. How should one follow the law of not consuming alcohol ''moderately''? Obviously you either are or are not following the law. You can of course exercise tact and wisdom in the application of a law. If someone offered you a drink then the way in which you respond to the individual can vary a great deal. Drinking may be important to them, so you can perhaps find a way to turn down the drink without making that person feel judged or belittled. This is being wise and tactful, but it's unrelated to moderation. [[User:David|David]] ([[User talk:David|talk]]) 22:04, 31 May 2021 (PDT)

:: If next time you let me know you are deleting a quote, this gives me the opportunity to discuss it with you or move it to another page. I almost didn't notice that you deleted it because you didn't mention that you deleted it and you added lots of other content in the same edit.

:: Regarding your interpretation, I do not think it is a given that this is the only way that a rational person would interpret it. For example, if you read the source that I quoted it from, the Universal House of Justice uses this same quote to justify the progressive application of the laws in the Kitab i Aqdas. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 22:33, 31 May 2021 (PDT)

::: Hi guys... Two principles here, and both are covered in [[Bahai9:Site rules#Move more often than Remove]]:

::: 1. Strongly prefer almost never removing anything (offered with good intentions of course), and yes, mentioning in the message where it is being moved if deemed necessary. This is a different approach from many wikis, but I want to save our users the frustrating experience I saw on Wikipedia with a lot of good work just being nullified because one little aspect might have been improved or a better place found for it. We don't want to let ugliness build up either of course--but that's thankfully pretty hard with our policy insisting on quotations. 'Abdu'l-Bahá example of consultation (between the apostles) was one where there was no disagreement. Generally, I hope we can find that grain of truth in why a quote is being offered and accommodate it--at least somewhere, and also, if remotely justifiable, in the "see also".

::: 2. While we do want to avoid removing things and prefer moving at most, there are the other rules, "Be bold but courteous" (which may imply sometimes someone will reorganize something we didn't want organized) but more pertinently here, the albeit long-windedly titled, "In general, include only explicitly relevant quotes and provide adequate but not excessive context".

::: To avoid both unjustified interpretations and pages which are too hard to drill-down into material of current interest, the site policy is indeed to ensure it is explicitly related to the page at hand. If it is ''somewhat'' related, I encourage use of the "See also" section, which despite what could seem like just an afterthought, is like neuronal connections of the site actually. (Admittedly, the "see also" section should not be too crowded either, but if you can put a parenthetical explanation of how it is related when the connection is not so immediately obvious, it is more likely we'll want to keep it there.)

::: As to the specific quotation, I can see both sides here. There is some moderation involved in how to use one's devotedness. One should not become fanatical. Yes, ''true'' devotion does not become fanaticism, but if we were using language to only speak about God's attributes as He intends them, rather than also speaking about how people sometimes understand them, we'd have no need for "moderation" in the first place (e.g., true love, justice, mercy, etc., all have no need of moderation). This kind of thing comes up over and over again in disagreements about language because language tends to allow such multiple meanings, and if we're not careful, we can turn it into a false dichotomy.

::: I guess I'd agree it is pretty closely related to moderation therefore, but on the other hand, maybe putting it on a page about "cautiousness" or "tact" or "wisdom in application of God's laws" and adding it to this "moderation" page's "see also" would avoid the temptation to crowd too much in here, while also not failing to let people discover it, since it does tend to evoke the notion at least somewhat and/or at least for some people.

::: I might just mention that in linguistics, the prototype/exemplar theories of categorization use the example of the idea of a bird. While "penguin" and "ostrich" are technically birds, they are further out from the more core image we might have, e.g., of a robin. We want to give emphasis to the robin on the bird page, while having subsections or subpages leading to the more obscurely connected ones (or questionably connected ones like say proto-bird dinosaurs). And while one might be tempted to bring up platypus on the bird or "duck" page, because it has a duck bill, and indeed strengthening neurons helps one understand how everything is interrelated and makes life interesting, we don't want too much emphasis on this of course or it will get out of hand.

::: Btw, off topic, but funny we're discussing the rules on a page called "Moderation" (the other meaning). lol. And thanks for your contributions, guys. Have appreciated David's keeping the site clean and focused, and really welcome Trident's new inclusion of helpful content as well. Unity in diversity! [[User:WikiSysop|WikiSysop]] ([[User talk:WikiSysop|talk]]) 03:34, 1 June 2021 (PDT)

:: I think it is a good idea to create a "wisdom in application of God's laws" page and put the quote there. I will do this at some point if no one objects. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 09:09, 1 June 2021 (PDT)

Talk:Moderation

2021-06-01T05:35:37Z

Trident765: /* Quote deleted without explanation */

Talk:Moderation

2021-06-01T05:34:15Z

Trident765: reply

Talk:Moderation

2021-06-01T04:44:22Z

Trident765: /* Quote deleted without explanation */ new section

Moderation

2021-05-30T18:55:05Z

Trident765: adding quote on tact and wisdom in observing laws of God

"Whatsoever passeth beyond the limits of moderation will cease to exert a beneficial influence. Consider for instance such things as liberty, civilization and the like."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:110|110]], p. [[gwb:216|216]])

Note: this is not the same as [[mediocrity]] which is to be rejected.

== Excercise tact and wisdom in observing laws of God ==
"Indeed, the laws of God are like unto the ocean and the children of men as fish, did they but know it. However, in observing them one must exercise tact and wisdom… Since most people are feeble and far-removed from the purpose of God, therefore one must observe tact and prudence under all conditions, so that nothing might happen that could cause disturbance and dissension or raise clamour among the heedless. Verily, His bounty hath surpassed the whole universe and His bestowals encompassed all that dwell on earth. One must guide mankind to the ocean of true understanding in a spirit of love and tolerance. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas itself beareth eloquent testimony to the loving providence of God."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], from a Tablet, quoted in the [https://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/KA/ka-2.html introduction to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas])

Figures in history

2021-05-30T00:14:53Z

Trident765: Voltaire, Bonapart, Rousseau

* [[Socrates]]
* [[Leo Tolstoy]]
* [[Catherine the Great]]
* [[Alexander the Great]]

== Voltaire, Bonapart, Rousseau ==

"Furthermore, every nation is proud of its great men and heroes even though those great ones may have been atheists or agnostics. Today France
glorifies Napoleon Bonaparte, saying, "He was a French military genius,"
whereas, in reality, he was a tyrant. They say, "Voltaire was ours," although
Voltaire was an atheist. "Rousseau was a great man of this nation," and yet
Rousseau was irreligious. France is proud of these great men. Feasts are held
commemorating them, their names are perpetuated in special days, their memories
treasured in prominent places, and there is music and celebration in their
honor. The nation is proud of them. And now, do you consider these great men of
France greater than Jesus of Nazareth? It is evident that in comparison with
Jesus Christ they are as nothing."

([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', pp. [[pup:414|414]])

==See also==
* [[Prophets]]

==Todos for this page==
* Obviously need to add many more who are discussed in the Baha'i Writings

Pseudoscience

2021-05-27T01:22:42Z

Trident765: Haji Mirza Karim Khan

==Likely or mostly pseudoscience==
* [[Astrology]]
* [[Psychic]]

== Idle pursuits such as metaphysical abstractions, alchemy, and natural magic are rejected by God and are contemptible in the eyes of the truly learned ==
"We noticed that he [Haji Mirza Karim Khan] had enumerated some twenty or more sciences, the knowledge of which he considered to be essential for the comprehension of the mystery of the "Mi'raj". We gathered from his statements that unless a man be deeply versed in them all, he can never attain to a proper understanding of this transcendent and exalted theme. Among the specified sciences were the science of metaphysical abstractions, of alchemy, and natural magic. Such vain and discarded learnings, this man hath regarded as the pre-requisites of the understanding of the sacred and abiding mysteries of divine Knowledge...

"Not one understanding heart or mind, not one among the wise and learned, hath taken notice of these preposterous statements. And yet, how clear and evident it is to every discerning heart that this so-called learning is and hath ever been, rejected by Him Who is the one true God. How can the knowledge of these sciences, which are so contemptible in the eyes of the truly learned, be regarded as essential to the apprehension of the mysteries of the "Mi'raj," whilst the Lord of the "Mi'raj" Himself was never burdened with a single letter of these limited and obscure learnings, and never defiled His radiant heart with any of these fanciful illusions?...

"In this day, they that are submerged beneath the ocean of ancient Knowledge, and dwell within the ark of divine wisdom, forbid the people such idle pursuits. Their shining breasts are, praise be to God, sanctified from every trace of such learning, and are exalted above such grievous veils...

"Gracious God! How great is Our amazement at the way the people have gathered around him [Haji Mirza Karim Khan], and have borne allegiance to his person! Content with transient dust, these people have turned their face unto it, and cast behind their backs Him Who is the Lord of Lords. Satisfied with the croaking of the crow and enamoured with the visage of the raven, they have renounced the melody of the nightingale and the charm of the rose. What unspeakable fallacies the perusal of this pretentious book hath revealed! They are too unworthy for any pen to describe, and too base for one moment's attention. Should a touchstone be found, however, it would instantly distinguish truth from falsehood, light from darkness, and sun from shadow..."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], The [[Kitáb-i-Íqán]], par. [[kip:202|202]], p. {{ki|184}})

==See also==
* [[Science]]
* [[Harmony of science and religion]]

Talk:Obedience to government

2021-05-23T19:01:08Z

Trident765:

== Request: Verse from Kitab i Aqdas on obedience to government ==

In the Synopsis and Codification of the Kitab i Aqdas, it says "m. Obedience to government" under "Miscellaneous Laws, Ordinances and Exhortations". But I did some text searches of "obedience" and "government" in the Kitab i Aqdas and was not able to find any reference to this. Also, when I look at online compilations of quotes on obedience to government, I find no quotes that are from the Kitab i Aqdas. Where in the Kitab i Aqdas does it discuss obedience to government?

[[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 09:02, 23 May 2021 (PDT)

: Good question. One tool I find very helpful, as it is the only one I'm aware of which attempts to correlate the synopsis back to the text (the published synopsis with the Aqdas does not do so and the earlier published synopsis only did so with its footnotes. http://www.theaqdas.org/synopsis.php . I think in this case, the third quote it lists is the most direct to the topic:

:: "None must contend with those who wield authority over the people; leave unto them that which is theirs, and direct your attention to men’s hearts."

::: (par. [[kap:95|95]])

: Best wishes, [[User:WikiSysop|WikiSysop]] ([[User talk:WikiSysop|talk]]) 11:04, 23 May 2021 (PDT)

:: This seems to be it, thanks. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 12:00, 23 May 2021 (PDT)

Talk:Obedience to government

2021-05-23T16:02:09Z

Trident765: /* Request: Verse from Kitab i Aqdas on obedience to government */ new section

Obedience to government

2021-05-22T03:39:02Z

Trident765: adding two quotes

== Letters ==

* ''[[Light of Divine Guidance (vol 1)]]'', p. [[ldg1:53|53]]

==Call for obedience of mankind to those in authority==

"The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath ever regarded, and will continue to regard, the hearts of men as His own, His exclusive possession. All else, whether pertaining to land or sea, whether riches or glory, He hath bequeathed unto the Kings and rulers of the earth. From the beginning that hath no beginning the ensign proclaiming the words "He doeth whatsoever He willeth" hath been unfurled in all its splendor before His Manifestation. What mankind needeth in this day is obedience unto them that are in authority, and a faithful adherence to the cord of wisdom. The instruments which are essential to the immediate protection, the security and assurance of the human race have been entrusted to the hands, and lie in the grasp, of the governors of human society. This is the wish of God and His decree…”

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', [[gwbs:102|CII]], pp. 206-7)

==Regard for sovereigns is divinely ordained==

"Regard for the rank of sovereigns is divinely ordained, as is clearly attested by the words of the Prophets of God and His chosen ones. He Who is the Spirit (Jesus) — may peace be upon Him — was asked: “O Spirit of God! Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?” And He made reply: “Yea, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” He forbade it not. These two sayings are, in the estimation of men of insight, one and the same, for if that which belonged to Caesar had not come from God, He would have forbidden it."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Epistle to the Son of the Wolf]]'', p. [[esw:89|89]])

==Behave towards the government with loyalty, honesty, and truthfulness==
"In every country where any of this people reside, they must behave towards the government of that country with loyalty, honesty and truthfulness. This is that which hath been revealed at the behest of Him Who is the Ordainer, the Ancient of Days."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'' (''[[Bishárát]]), p. [[tb:24|24]])

==God bestowed government of the earth upon the kings. To none is given the right to act in a manner that runs counter to the considered views of them who are in authority. However, cities of men's hearts are reserved for God.==

"The one true God, exalted be His glory, hath bestowed the government of the earth upon the kings. To none is given the right to act in any manner that would run counter to the considered views of them who are in authority. That which He hath reserved for Himself are the cities of men’s hearts; and of these the loved ones of Him Who is the Sovereign Truth are, in this Day, as the keys. Please God they may, one and all, be enabled to unlock, through the power of the Most Great Name, the gates of these cities. This is what is meant by aiding the one true God—a theme to which the Pen of Him Who causeth the dawn to break hath referred in all His Books and Tablets."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', [[gwbs:102|CII]], pp. 206-7)

==Shun Politics Like the Plague and be Obedient to the Government in Power==

"The cardinal principle which we must follow, (in connection with your questions), is obedience to the Government prevailing in any land in which we reside. We cannot, because, say, we do not personally like a totalitarian form of government, refuse to obey it when it becomes the ruling power. Nor can we join underground Movements which are a minority agitating against the prevailing government.

"If a state of Revolution and complete chaos exists in a Country, so that it is impossible to say there is one government in power, then the friends must consult with their National or their Local Assembly, and be guided by what the Assembly considers the proper action to take; in other words which party might be best considered the legal governing authority.

"We see, therefore, that we must do two things--shun politics like the plague, and be obedient to the Government in power in the place where we reside. We cannot start judging how a particular government came into power, and therefore whether we should obey it or not. This would immediately plunge us into politics. We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith. For these spiritual principles we must be willing to die. What we Bahá'ís must face is the fact that society is rapidly disintegrating--so rapidly that moral issues which were clear half a century ago are now hopelessly confused, and what is more, thoroughly mixed up with battling political interests. That is why the Bahá'ís must turn all their forces into the channel of building up the Bahá'í Cause and its administration. They can neither change nor help the world in any other way at present. If they become involved in the issues the Governments of the world are struggling over, they will be lost. But if they build up the Bahá'í pattern they can offer it as a remedy when all else has failed."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, December 21, 1948, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1453|1453]])

==Implications==
* [[Civil disobedience]] (forbidden to Bahá’ís)

==See also==
* [[Politics]]
* [[Government]]

==Todos for this page==
* Draw on [[Politics]] and [[Government]]

Individual initiative

2021-05-17T04:32:16Z

Trident765:

==All initiative requires consultation with and obedience to Assembly. Otherwise people will act independently and harm the Cause==

"It is incumbent upon everyone not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every person will act independently and after his own judgment, will follow his own desire, and do harm to the Cause."

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], ''[[Principles of Bahá’í Administration]]'', p. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration#42 42])

==Bahá’ís free to publish magazines of their own provided there is no content the Assembly considers detrimental to the interests of the Cause. Private initiative should in no wise be discouraged and is highly praiseworthy.==

"Regarding the publication of Bahá’í periodicals in America, there is no doubt whatsoever that every individual Bahá’í is free to inaugurate and conduct any magazine of his own provided that nothing is published therein which in the estimation of the National Assembly tends in the least to become detrimental or injurious to the highest interests of the Cause. Within these limits, and these limits only, private initiative should in no wise be discouraged and is indeed highly praiseworthy."

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Principles of Bahá’í Administration]]'', p. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_principles_bahai_administration#76 76])

Individual initiative

2021-05-15T12:55:54Z

Trident765: Created page with "==All initiative requires consultation with and obedience to Assembly. Otherwise people will act independently and harm the Cause== It is incumbent upon everyone not to take..."

==All initiative requires consultation with and obedience to Assembly. Otherwise people will act independently and harm the Cause==

It is incumbent upon everyone not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every person will act independently and after his own judgment, will follow his own desire, and do harm to the Cause.

(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Principles of Bahá’í Administration, p. 42)

Teaching

2021-04-06T06:05:35Z

Trident765: /* Teaching acceptable only when done by a firm believer in God */

==Compilations==
* ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]''
* ''[[Promoting Entry by Troops]]''
* Particular teaching methods
** ''[[Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith]]''
** ''[[Use of Radio and Television in Teaching, The]]''
* Teaching particular groups
** ''[[Aboriginal and Indigenous People, Teaching Among]]''
** ''[[Teaching the Masses]]''
** ''[[Prominent People (compilation)]]''

==Phases==
* [[Sequence of teaching]]
** [[Proclamation]]
** [[Expansion]]
** [[Consolidation]]

==Topics==
* [[Teaching planning]]
* [[Mass teaching]]
* [[Travel teaching]]
* [[Firesides]]
* [[Pioneering]]

==Letters==
* https://bahai-library.com/uhj_teaching_role_institutions

==Duty to teach (and promises of blessings and success)==

===Arise to Serve His Cause===

"Whosoever ariseth to aid our Cause, God will render him victorious over ten times ten thousand souls, and, should he wax in his love for Me, him will We cause to triumph over all that is in the heaven and all that is on earth."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: cited by Shoghi Effendi in, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 101, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1977|1977]])

===Teaching Enjoined on Believers in Aqdas===

"In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh considers teaching as a spiritual obligation imposed upon every devoted believer and servant of His Faith. Should the friends become fully conscious of this duty and arise to do their share, this Cause will soon permeate every home throughout the world and the Kingdom of God will be established."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: Bahá’í News, No. 85, p. 8, July 1934, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1978|1978]])

===The Teachings are not Given to Us to Treasure and Hide===

"The world is in great turmoil and its problems seem to become daily more acute. We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty. Bahá'u'lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He gave them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Spiritual Assembly of Eliot, Maine, March 27, 1933: Bahá’í News, No. 73, May 1933, p. 2, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1980|1980]])

===Importance of Teaching—Terrible Problems Confronting Humanity===

"The more one observes the conditions of the world and the terrible problems confronting humanity, the more deeply one realizes that the only remedy is that which Bahá’u’lláh has brought, and yet, alas, the masses of the people seem to not yet be aware that the way out of our problems can only be a divine way, given by something far greater than human understanding! However, many souls are seriously thinking and seeking, and the Bahá’ís must try to bring the knowledge of the teachings to all, so that those prepared to accept may not be denied the Message!"

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] [[to an individual believer]]: Ibid., p. 72, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1999|1999]])

===See also===
* [[Family#Teaching the Faith to one's family]]

==All can and should teach (though depends on effort at study, etc.)==

===Every One is a Potential Teacher===

"… Not until all the friends come to realize that everyone is able, in his own measure, to deliver the Message can they ever hope to reach the goal that has been set for them by a loving and wise Master. It is no use for some able and eloquent teacher to take all the responsibility for the spread of the Cause. For such a thing is not only contrary to the spirit of the Teachings, but to the explicit text of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, both of Whom place the obligation of teaching not on any particular class as in former ecclesiastical organizations but on every faithful and loyal follower of the Cause. The teaching of the Word is thus made universal and compulsory. How long, then, shall we wait to carry out this command, the full wisdom of which only future generations will be able to appreciate? We have no special teachers in this Cause. Everyone is a potential teacher. He has only to use what God has given him and thus prove that he is faithful to his trust."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: The Bahá’í World, p. 126, Vol. V, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2001|2001]])

===Each One of the Believers is Like an Ark of Salvation===

"I desire that you may see the divine ships. These ships are the blessed sails who are traversing the sea of Divine mercy; their propellors are the powers of spiritual love and their captains are the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No ship is ever wrecked in this sea; its waves are life-giving. Each one of the friends of God is like unto an ark of Salvation. Each ark saves many souls from the storms of troubles. The signs and traces of these sails are never-ending and eternal. The future centuries and cycles are like the sea on the surface of which these arks glide blissfully toward their spiritual destination."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 8, p. 104, August 11, 1917, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1997|1997]])

===Teaching not Conditioned by Occupation===

"Teaching the Faith is not conditioned by what occupation we have, or how great our knowledge is, but rather on how much we have studied the Teachings, to what degree we live the Bahá’í life, and how much we long to share this Message with others. When we have these characteristics, we are sure, if we search, to find receptive souls.

"You should persevere and be confident that, with effort, success can be yours."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi by his secretary to an American believer, 1957: Bahá’í News, No. 351, p. 2, May 1960, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1983|1983]])

==Conditions for a teacher==

===First Condition of a Religious Teacher===

"It is a wonderful, priceless boon to be a vessel carrying food from God. It cannot be bought with gold. The first condition of a religious teacher is to believe in God; the second, to turn his face toward God; the third to be severed from all save God. Such teachers will constitute illumined lamps of guidance, the stars of the heaven of mercy, the trees of the orchard of Abhá, flowers of the garden of mystery and torches of the path of salvation.

"Teaching the Cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness and sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals, and lastly, speech."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í News, No. 243, May 1951, p. 8, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1998|1998]])

===‘Abdu’l-Bahá Teaches How to Teach (role of prayer (and faith?))===

"…in the city of Baghdád, I talked with a learned man, Mulla Hassan, some of whose relatives were believers. No matter how hard they tried to give him the Message, he would not accept it. Once, they brought him to my house when I was just getting up from my sleep and combing my hair. They said, 'We have brought so-and-so here and we beg you to come and speak with him; perhaps, he will become a believer.' I said, 'Very well,' and then I turned to the Blessed Beauty and prayed: 'O Blessed Beauty, confirm me!' Afterwards, I talked to him, and in the same hour he became a believer. He became exceedingly good and was so enkindled that, although he was of high rank, he used to go into the kitchen and cook things with his own hand to entertain the friends."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land, translated by Dr. Zia Baghdádi: Star of the West, Vol. IX, No. 3, p. 36, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1981|1981]])

===Need Teachers of Spiritual Capacity, Knowledge of Covenant===

"…the National Assembly should pay particular attention to getting teachers with spiritual capacity and a deep knowledge of the Covenant out to the weaker communities on circuit teaching trips, and that an effort should be made for them to stay for some time in each place. It is evident that one of the reasons that the work on the home front in America is so seriously lagging is that the Bahá’ís themselves, though undoubtedly devoted, loyal and conscientious, are not always very deeply grounded in the spiritual fundamentals of their Faith. This produces a maladjustment, so to speak, in the nature of their service to the Cause; and only through a deeper understanding of their Faith and the inner spiritual strength that this understanding brings, will they be able to reinforce themselves to meet their tasks, to see the joy of discharging their duties and grasping their privileges."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 19, 1956: Bahá’í News, No. 307, September 1956, p. 1, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2000|2000]])

===Teaching acceptable only when done by a firm believer in God===

Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. Such a deed is acceptable only when he that teacheth the Cause is already a firm believer in God, the Supreme Protector, the Gracious, the Almighty.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:128|128]])

===Teacher should teach self before teaching others===
Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of his Lord, let him, before all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the hearts of them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. Take heed, O people, lest ye be of them that give good counsel to others but forget to follow it themselves.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:128|128]])

==Need for progressive teaching==

* [[New believers#Need_for_gradual_introduction_to_challenging_laws_and_observances_and_need_not_know_all_proofs.2C_history.2C_and_principles_before_enrolling_.28though_should_be_some_introduction_before_accepting_into_the_Faith_and_should_continue_after_becoming_a_Bah.C3.A1.27.C3.AD.29]]

==Teaching all vs. teaching capable/pure/willing==

===Need to confirm people of true capacity and ability===

"He (the Guardian) feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability--from whatever social stratum they may be, because the Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 October 1941, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:438|438]])

===Seek pure souls to gain confidence and teach the Faith===

"The Friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Bahá'í -- and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada]]'', 10 June 1956, p. [[mc:238|238]])

===Concentrate on pure hearted people===

"The Friends should concentrate on pure hearted people, and continue association and fellowship with them, until they themselves become active workers in the Cause of God."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], letter dated 12/20/55 [[to an individual believer]], attached to letter dated 2/4/85 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, in the Power of Unity, no. [https://bahai-library.com/taylor_power_unity#sel34 34])

===The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing===

"The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved."

:{{Template:Hwp|36}}

==Teaching methods/techniques==

===Meditate on Methods of Teaching (including memorization)===

"The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation…."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 200, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1979|1979]])

===Quoting/referencing the Writings===

====Be able to recite the divine verses whenever the occasion demands it====

"From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:200|200]])

====Be able to quote from Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith====

"The friends should read the Writings to be able to quote from the Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith."

:(From a letter dated 9 May 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#105 105])

====Refer seeker constantly to the Word itself====

"Divine Truth is relative and that is why we are enjoined to constantly refer the seeker to the Word itself--and why any explanations we make to ease the journey of the soul of any individual must be based on the Word--and the Word alone."

:(From a letter dated 4 June 1957 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; in ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_guidelines_teaching#2008 2008])

====Prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá (though we are not limited to this in finding new ways of approach to that truth and explain how they influence our life and condition)====

"Surely the ideal way of teaching is to prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master. This will save the Cause from being misinterpreted by individuals. It is what these divine Lights say that is truth and therefore should be the authorities of our statements. This, however, does not mean that our freedom of expression is limited. We can always find new ways of approach to that truth or explain how they influence our life and condition. The more deep our studies the more we can understand the significance of the teachings."

:(From a letter dated 16 February 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#103 103])

====See also====
* [[Raising concerns with fellow believers about statements or actions apparently undermining the Covenant]] (as such discussions may necessitate reference to the Writings)
* [[Memorization]]

===Todos for this section===

* Find other quotes on needing to share the message with all

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==

===Recompense of Martyr Assuredly Recorded===

"In this day, the beloved of God must not hesitate or delay an instant in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation; and reconciling words of the religion of majestic oneness; because, verily, in this day, to the soul who is the cause of guidance to another soul the recompense of a martyr in the way of God will be assuredly recorded by the pen of the Cause for his deed. This is from the Bounty of God unto thee. Do according to what thou hast been commanded and do not be of those who tarry."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 204, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1982|1982]])

===Intensive Work is of More Lasting Nature===

"Shoghi Effendi has seen, through the experience of the international teachers that keep him informed regarding their activities, that intensive work is ultimately of a more lasting nature. It has proven to be far better that a teacher should spend a month or two in one center and wait until a group is formed, than to cover a large area and not stay enough in a center to help the progress of those interested to the stage that they would feel themselves able to embrace the Cause and identify themselves with it."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 30, 1932: Bahá’í News, No. 67, October 1932, pp. 4-5, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1984|1984]])

===Teachers Must be Satisfied with Little Food===

"As regards the teachers, they must completely divest themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new garment. According to the statement of Christ, they must attain to the station of rebirth—that is, whereas in the first instance they were born from the womb of the mother, this time they must be born from the womb of the world of nature. Just as they are now totally unaware of the experiences of the foetal world, they must also forget entirely the defects of the world of nature. They must be baptized with the water of life, the fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table. They must disengage themselves from temptation and covetousness, and be filled with the spirit. Through the effect of their pure breath, they must change the stone into the brilliant ruby and the shell into pearl. Like unto the cloud of vernal shower, they must transform the black soil into the rose garden and orchard. They must make the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the extinguished one enkindled and set aglow, and the dead quickened."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablets of the Divine Plan]]'', p. [[tdp:96|96]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1985|1985]])

==See also==
* [[Speech]]
* [[Words and deeds]]

Vaccination

2021-04-04T05:22:28Z

Trident765: /* Baha'is should consider their social responsibilities and the common good */

==Compilations==
* https://bahai-library.com/compilation_vaccination_us-nsa

==Nothing in the teachings about vaccination==

"Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease become more perfect."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, December 24, 1943: Bahá'í News, No. 173, p. 3, February 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:992|992]]; also in ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', no. 212, p. [[dg:80|80]])

==Decision rests with parents in consultation with good physician they rely on. Baha'is free to use own judgment as to what kind of physician they consider good==

There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject.

One thing is clear ― that Bahá’u’lláh has said we should consult a good physician if we are ill; and as good physicians nowadays prescribe mostly drugs, it would not seem that a Bahá’í could refuse to take them. However, they are free to use their own judgment as to what kind of a physician they consider a good physician, and ultimately decision as to whether to have one’s child vaccinated or not must rest with the parents in consultation with the doctor on whom they rely.

(From a letter dated February 15, 1957, written [[on behalf of the Guardian]])

==Baha'is cannot claim religious exemption for vaccine mandate==

A fundamental Bahá’í principle is loyalty and obedience to government. As Shoghi Effendi explained in a letter dated 21 December 1948 written on his behalf to an individual believer, "We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith." If a Bahá’í is faced with a governmental mandate of vaccination, the Bahá’í writings would not provide him or her justification for refusing to comply with such a legal requirement; therefore, a religious exemption could not be claimed. Of course, if the law itself provided another applicable exemption, a believer would be free to decide, including for family members for whom he or she is responsible, whether to invoke such an exemption.

:([[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 10 July 2020)

==Coronavirus vaccines offer great promise. Baha'is should follow counsel of medical experts.==

Nothing has been found in the Bahá’í Writings on the subject of vaccination. Nevertheless, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh stated: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” Moreover, in reply to scientific issues raised on a number of occasions, Shoghi Effendi consistently advised Bahá’ís that such matters would need to be investigated by scientists. In recent decades, advances in medical science have led to the production of effective vaccines, the use of which has freed humanity from many debilitating and deadly infectious diseases. Reports indicate that the coronavirus vaccines currently being developed offer great promise for protecting individuals from, and helping to reduce transmission of, the virus. As to the advisability and efficacy of the various options that may become available, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts." Letter dated 8 Dec. 2020 to an individual

:([[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 8 December 2020)

==Baha'is should consider their social responsibilities and the common good==
In light of the foregoing, when faced with issues of a scientific or medical nature, Bahá’ís should seek out and rely on the best expert advice available. For example, in connection with medical matters, believers should bear in mind Bahá’u’lláh’s statement in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good.

:([[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 11 February 2021)

[[Category:Applied Material Sciences-Professions]]

Vaccination

2021-04-04T05:22:13Z

Trident765:

==Compilations==
* https://bahai-library.com/compilation_vaccination_us-nsa

==Nothing in the teachings about vaccination==

"Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease become more perfect."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, December 24, 1943: Bahá'í News, No. 173, p. 3, February 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:992|992]]; also in ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', no. 212, p. [[dg:80|80]])

==Decision rests with parents in consultation with good physician they rely on. Baha'is free to use own judgment as to what kind of physician they consider good==

There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject.

One thing is clear ― that Bahá’u’lláh has said we should consult a good physician if we are ill; and as good physicians nowadays prescribe mostly drugs, it would not seem that a Bahá’í could refuse to take them. However, they are free to use their own judgment as to what kind of a physician they consider a good physician, and ultimately decision as to whether to have one’s child vaccinated or not must rest with the parents in consultation with the doctor on whom they rely.

(From a letter dated February 15, 1957, written [[on behalf of the Guardian]])

==Baha'is cannot claim religious exemption for vaccine mandate==

A fundamental Bahá’í principle is loyalty and obedience to government. As Shoghi Effendi explained in a letter dated 21 December 1948 written on his behalf to an individual believer, "We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith." If a Bahá’í is faced with a governmental mandate of vaccination, the Bahá’í writings would not provide him or her justification for refusing to comply with such a legal requirement; therefore, a religious exemption could not be claimed. Of course, if the law itself provided another applicable exemption, a believer would be free to decide, including for family members for whom he or she is responsible, whether to invoke such an exemption.

:([[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 10 July 2020)

==Coronavirus vaccines offer great promise. Baha'is should follow counsel of medical experts.==

Nothing has been found in the Bahá’í Writings on the subject of vaccination. Nevertheless, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh stated: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” Moreover, in reply to scientific issues raised on a number of occasions, Shoghi Effendi consistently advised Bahá’ís that such matters would need to be investigated by scientists. In recent decades, advances in medical science have led to the production of effective vaccines, the use of which has freed humanity from many debilitating and deadly infectious diseases. Reports indicate that the coronavirus vaccines currently being developed offer great promise for protecting individuals from, and helping to reduce transmission of, the virus. As to the advisability and efficacy of the various options that may become available, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts." Letter dated 8 Dec. 2020 to an individual

:([[on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 8 December 2020)

==Baha'is should consider their social responsibilities and the common good==
In light of the foregoing, when faced with issues of a scientific or medical nature, Bahá’ís should seek out and rely on the best expert advice available. For example, in connection with medical matters, believers should bear in mind Bahá’u’lláh’s statement in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good.

:([on behalf of the Universal House of Justice]], 11 February 2021)

[[Category:Applied Material Sciences-Professions]]

Vaccination

2021-04-04T05:21:04Z

Trident765: /* Nothing in the teachings about vaccination */ adding quotes on behalf of guardian and uhj

==Compilations==
* https://bahai-library.com/compilation_vaccination_us-nsa

==Nothing in the teachings about vaccination==

"Regarding your question about vaccination: These are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease become more perfect."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] to an individual believer, December 24, 1943: Bahá'í News, No. 173, p. 3, February 1945, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:992|992]]; also in ''[[Directives from the Guardian]]'', no. 212, p. [[dg:80|80]])

==Decision rests with parents in consultation with good physician they rely on. Baha'is free to use own judgment as to what kind of physician they consider good==

There is nothing in the Bahá’í Teachings regarding vaccinations but only general indications about health; therefore, the Guardian cannot advise you on this subject.

One thing is clear ― that Bahá’u’lláh has said we should consult a good physician if we are ill; and as good physicians nowadays prescribe mostly drugs, it would not seem that a Bahá’í could refuse to take them. However, they are free to use their own judgment as to what kind of a physician they consider a good physician, and ultimately decision as to whether to have one’s child vaccinated or not must rest with the parents in consultation with the doctor on whom they rely.

(From a letter dated February 15, 1957, written on behalf of the Guardian)

==Baha'is cannot claim religious exemption for vaccine mandate==

A fundamental Bahá’í principle is loyalty and obedience to government. As Shoghi Effendi explained in a letter dated 21 December 1948 written on his behalf to an individual believer, "We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith." If a Bahá’í is faced with a governmental mandate of vaccination, the Bahá’í writings would not provide him or her justification for refusing to comply with such a legal requirement; therefore, a religious exemption could not be claimed. Of course, if the law itself provided another applicable exemption, a believer would be free to decide, including for family members for whom he or she is responsible, whether to invoke such an exemption.

:(on behalf of the [[Universal House of Justice]], 10 July 2020)

==Coronavirus vaccines offer great promise. Baha'is should follow counsel of medical experts.==

Nothing has been found in the Bahá’í Writings on the subject of vaccination. Nevertheless, in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh stated: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” Moreover, in reply to scientific issues raised on a number of occasions, Shoghi Effendi consistently advised Bahá’ís that such matters would need to be investigated by scientists. In recent decades, advances in medical science have led to the production of effective vaccines, the use of which has freed humanity from many debilitating and deadly infectious diseases. Reports indicate that the coronavirus vaccines currently being developed offer great promise for protecting individuals from, and helping to reduce transmission of, the virus. As to the advisability and efficacy of the various options that may become available, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts." Letter dated 8 Dec. 2020 to an individual

:(on behalf of the [[Universal House of Justice]], 8 December 2020)

==Baha'is should consider their social responsibilities and the common good==
In light of the foregoing, when faced with issues of a scientific or medical nature, Bahá’ís should seek out and rely on the best expert advice available. For example, in connection with medical matters, believers should bear in mind Bahá’u’lláh’s statement in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: “Resort ye, in times of sickness, to competent physicians; We have not set aside the use of material means, rather have We confirmed it through this Pen, which God hath made to be the Dawning-place of His shining and glorious Cause.” In relation to the coronavirus pandemic, the friends should follow the counsel of medical and other scientific experts on the advisability and efficacy of the various vaccination options that are becoming available and the wisdom of particular public health measures. They should not be concerned merely with their own personal choices and well-being, but in reaching their decisions, they should also consider their social responsibilities and the common good.

:(on behalf of the [[Universal House of Justice]], 11 February 2021)

[[Category:Applied Material Sciences-Professions]]

Teaching

2020-11-08T10:52:53Z

Trident765: /* Conditions for a teacher */

==Compilations==
* ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]''
* ''[[Promoting Entry by Troops]]''
* Particular teaching methods
** ''[[Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith]]''
** ''[[Use of Radio and Television in Teaching, The]]''
* Teaching particular groups
** ''[[Aboriginal and Indigenous People, Teaching Among]]''
** ''[[Teaching the Masses]]''
** ''[[Prominent People (compilation)]]''

==Phases==
* [[Sequence of teaching]]
** [[Proclamation]]
** [[Expansion]]
** [[Consolidation]]

==Topics==
* [[Teaching planning]]
* [[Mass teaching]]
* [[Travel teaching]]
* [[Firesides]]
* [[Pioneering]]

==Letters==
* http://bahai-library.com/uhj_teaching_role_institutions

==Duty to teach (and promises of blessings and success)==

===Arise to Serve His Cause===

"Whosoever ariseth to aid our Cause, God will render him victorious over ten times ten thousand souls, and, should he wax in his love for Me, him will We cause to triumph over all that is in the heaven and all that is on earth."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: cited by Shoghi Effendi in, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 101, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1977|1977]])

===Teaching Enjoined on Believers in Aqdas===

"In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh considers teaching as a spiritual obligation imposed upon every devoted believer and servant of His Faith. Should the friends become fully conscious of this duty and arise to do their share, this Cause will soon permeate every home throughout the world and the Kingdom of God will be established."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: Bahá’í News, No. 85, p. 8, July 1934, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1978|1978]])

===The Teachings are not Given to Us to Treasure and Hide===

"The world is in great turmoil and its problems seem to become daily more acute. We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty. Bahá'u'lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He gave them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Spiritual Assembly of Eliot, Maine, March 27, 1933: Bahá’í News, No. 73, May 1933, p. 2, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1980|1980]])

===Importance of Teaching—Terrible Problems Confronting Humanity===

"The more one observes the conditions of the world and the terrible problems confronting humanity, the more deeply one realizes that the only remedy is that which Bahá’u’lláh has brought, and yet, alas, the masses of the people seem to not yet be aware that the way out of our problems can only be a divine way, given by something far greater than human understanding! However, many souls are seriously thinking and seeking, and the Bahá’ís must try to bring the knowledge of the teachings to all, so that those prepared to accept may not be denied the Message!"

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] [[to an individual believer]]: Ibid., p. 72, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1999|1999]])

===See also===
* [[Family#Teaching the Faith to one's family]]

==All can and should teach (though depends on effort at study, etc.)==

===Every One is a Potential Teacher===

"… Not until all the friends come to realize that everyone is able, in his own measure, to deliver the Message can they ever hope to reach the goal that has been set for them by a loving and wise Master. It is no use for some able and eloquent teacher to take all the responsibility for the spread of the Cause. For such a thing is not only contrary to the spirit of the Teachings, but to the explicit text of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, both of Whom place the obligation of teaching not on any particular class as in former ecclesiastical organizations but on every faithful and loyal follower of the Cause. The teaching of the Word is thus made universal and compulsory. How long, then, shall we wait to carry out this command, the full wisdom of which only future generations will be able to appreciate? We have no special teachers in this Cause. Everyone is a potential teacher. He has only to use what God has given him and thus prove that he is faithful to his trust."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: The Bahá’í World, p. 126, Vol. V, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2001|2001]])

===Each One of the Believers is Like an Ark of Salvation===

"I desire that you may see the divine ships. These ships are the blessed sails who are traversing the sea of Divine mercy; their propellors are the powers of spiritual love and their captains are the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No ship is ever wrecked in this sea; its waves are life-giving. Each one of the friends of God is like unto an ark of Salvation. Each ark saves many souls from the storms of troubles. The signs and traces of these sails are never-ending and eternal. The future centuries and cycles are like the sea on the surface of which these arks glide blissfully toward their spiritual destination."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 8, p. 104, August 11, 1917, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1997|1997]])

===Teaching not Conditioned by Occupation===

"Teaching the Faith is not conditioned by what occupation we have, or how great our knowledge is, but rather on how much we have studied the Teachings, to what degree we live the Bahá’í life, and how much we long to share this Message with others. When we have these characteristics, we are sure, if we search, to find receptive souls.

"You should persevere and be confident that, with effort, success can be yours."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi by his secretary to an American believer, 1957: Bahá’í News, No. 351, p. 2, May 1960, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1983|1983]])

==Conditions for a teacher==

===First Condition of a Religious Teacher===

"It is a wonderful, priceless boon to be a vessel carrying food from God. It cannot be bought with gold. The first condition of a religious teacher is to believe in God; the second, to turn his face toward God; the third to be severed from all save God. Such teachers will constitute illumined lamps of guidance, the stars of the heaven of mercy, the trees of the orchard of Abhá, flowers of the garden of mystery and torches of the path of salvation.

"Teaching the Cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness and sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals, and lastly, speech."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í News, No. 243, May 1951, p. 8, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1998|1998]])

===‘Abdu’l-Bahá Teaches How to Teach (role of prayer (and faith?))===

"…in the city of Baghdád, I talked with a learned man, Mulla Hassan, some of whose relatives were believers. No matter how hard they tried to give him the Message, he would not accept it. Once, they brought him to my house when I was just getting up from my sleep and combing my hair. They said, 'We have brought so-and-so here and we beg you to come and speak with him; perhaps, he will become a believer.' I said, 'Very well,' and then I turned to the Blessed Beauty and prayed: 'O Blessed Beauty, confirm me!' Afterwards, I talked to him, and in the same hour he became a believer. He became exceedingly good and was so enkindled that, although he was of high rank, he used to go into the kitchen and cook things with his own hand to entertain the friends."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land, translated by Dr. Zia Baghdádi: Star of the West, Vol. IX, No. 3, p. 36, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1981|1981]])

===Need Teachers of Spiritual Capacity, Knowledge of Covenant===

"…the National Assembly should pay particular attention to getting teachers with spiritual capacity and a deep knowledge of the Covenant out to the weaker communities on circuit teaching trips, and that an effort should be made for them to stay for some time in each place. It is evident that one of the reasons that the work on the home front in America is so seriously lagging is that the Bahá’ís themselves, though undoubtedly devoted, loyal and conscientious, are not always very deeply grounded in the spiritual fundamentals of their Faith. This produces a maladjustment, so to speak, in the nature of their service to the Cause; and only through a deeper understanding of their Faith and the inner spiritual strength that this understanding brings, will they be able to reinforce themselves to meet their tasks, to see the joy of discharging their duties and grasping their privileges."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 19, 1956: Bahá’í News, No. 307, September 1956, p. 1, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2000|2000]])

===Teaching acceptable only when done by a firm believer in God===

Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. Such a deed is acceptable only when he that teacheth the Cause is already a firm believer in God, the Supreme Protector, the Gracious, the Almighty.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', sec. [[gwbs:128|128]])

==Need for progressive teaching==

* [[New believers#Need_for_gradual_introduction_to_challenging_laws_and_observances_and_need_not_know_all_proofs.2C_history.2C_and_principles_before_enrolling_.28though_should_be_some_introduction_before_accepting_into_the_Faith_and_should_continue_after_becoming_a_Bah.C3.A1.27.C3.AD.29]]

==Teaching all vs. teaching capable/pure/willing==

===Need to confirm people of true capacity and ability===

"He (the Guardian) feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability--from whatever social stratum they may be, because the Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 October 1941, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:438|438]])

===Seek pure souls to gain confidence and teach the Faith===

"The Friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Bahá'í -- and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada]]'', 10 June 1956, p. [[mc:238|238]])

===Concentrate on pure hearted people===

"The Friends should concentrate on pure hearted people, and continue association and fellowship with them, until they themselves become active workers in the Cause of God."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], letter dated 12/20/55 [[to an individual believer]], attached to letter dated 2/4/85 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, in the Power of Unity, no. [http://bahai-library.com/taylor_power_unity#sel34 34])

===The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing===

"The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved."

:{{Template:Hwp|36}}

==Teaching methods/techniques==

===Meditate on Methods of Teaching (including memorization)===

"The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation…."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 200, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1979|1979]])

===Quoting/referencing the Writings===

====Be able to recite the divine verses whenever the occasion demands it====

"From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:200|200]])

====Be able to quote from Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith====

"The friends should read the Writings to be able to quote from the Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith."

:(From a letter dated 9 May 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#105 105])

====Refer seeker constantly to the Word itself====

"Divine Truth is relative and that is why we are enjoined to constantly refer the seeker to the Word itself--and why any explanations we make to ease the journey of the soul of any individual must be based on the Word--and the Word alone."

:(From a letter dated 4 June 1957 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; in ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_guidelines_teaching#2008 2008])

====Prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá (though we are not limited to this in finding new ways of approach to that truth and explain how they influence our life and condition)====

"Surely the ideal way of teaching is to prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master. This will save the Cause from being misinterpreted by individuals. It is what these divine Lights say that is truth and therefore should be the authorities of our statements. This, however, does not mean that our freedom of expression is limited. We can always find new ways of approach to that truth or explain how they influence our life and condition. The more deep our studies the more we can understand the significance of the teachings."

:(From a letter dated 16 February 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#103 103])

====See also====
* [[Raising concerns with fellow believers about statements or actions apparently undermining the Covenant]] (as such discussions may necessitate reference to the Writings)
* [[Memorization]]

===Todos for this section===

* Find other quotes on needing to share the message with all

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==

===Recompense of Martyr Assuredly Recorded===

"In this day, the beloved of God must not hesitate or delay an instant in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation; and reconciling words of the religion of majestic oneness; because, verily, in this day, to the soul who is the cause of guidance to another soul the recompense of a martyr in the way of God will be assuredly recorded by the pen of the Cause for his deed. This is from the Bounty of God unto thee. Do according to what thou hast been commanded and do not be of those who tarry."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 204, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1982|1982]])

===Intensive Work is of More Lasting Nature===

"Shoghi Effendi has seen, through the experience of the international teachers that keep him informed regarding their activities, that intensive work is ultimately of a more lasting nature. It has proven to be far better that a teacher should spend a month or two in one center and wait until a group is formed, than to cover a large area and not stay enough in a center to help the progress of those interested to the stage that they would feel themselves able to embrace the Cause and identify themselves with it."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 30, 1932: Bahá’í News, No. 67, October 1932, pp. 4-5, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1984|1984]])

===Teachers Must be Satisfied with Little Food===

"As regards the teachers, they must completely divest themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new garment. According to the statement of Christ, they must attain to the station of rebirth—that is, whereas in the first instance they were born from the womb of the mother, this time they must be born from the womb of the world of nature. Just as they are now totally unaware of the experiences of the foetal world, they must also forget entirely the defects of the world of nature. They must be baptized with the water of life, the fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table. They must disengage themselves from temptation and covetousness, and be filled with the spirit. Through the effect of their pure breath, they must change the stone into the brilliant ruby and the shell into pearl. Like unto the cloud of vernal shower, they must transform the black soil into the rose garden and orchard. They must make the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the extinguished one enkindled and set aglow, and the dead quickened."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablets of the Divine Plan]]'', p. [[tdp:96|96]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1985|1985]])

==See also==
* [[Speech]]
* [[Words and deeds]]

Talk:Dowry

2020-04-15T04:34:21Z

Trident765:

== Quote difference ==
In the section about the dowry refund when the bride is discovered to not be a virgin, there appears to me to be a subtle difference between the Shoghi Effendi's codification and the UHJ's statement. Shoghi Effendi's codification seems to treat the refund of the dowry and the annulment as being two separate issues, whereas the UHJ's statement does not. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 03:27, 15 April 2020 (UTC)

: Hi there, and thanks for your contributions! Good to have them coming... First off I might mention that technically, that message was not from the House but from the [[Research Department]]. Still, as the House has made available their replies, we refer to them.

: But as to your question, can you clarify what impact you see there being with the refund of the dowry and the annulment as being two separate issues? If you mean that the Research Department might (alone) be allowing for the spouse to demand that the dowry be refunded but not have the marriage annulled (or vice versa), I'm not sure it is necessarily indicating this; the Research Department might have omitted mention of the dowry because that law is not yet applicable in the West (assuming it is ever made applicable given that pilgrim's notes at least suggest some laws might never be applied in the West). On the other hand, I wouldn't think the codification would rule out only one or the other being applied, since it could be stating what *may* be done in the strongest form--allowing, e.g., through legislation from the House, for a more lenient enforcement (e.g., if a husband insisted on a dowry refund, but didn't insist on an annulment). It doesn't indicate that both together are the only possibility. HTH, [[User:WikiSysop|WikiSysop]] ([[User talk:WikiSysop|talk]]) 03:52, 15 April 2020 (UTC)

::For some reason I thought that the letter from the research department mentioned dowry but now I see that it does not - my bad. The quote from the Research Department seems to be consistent with Shoghi Effendi's codification. [[User:Trident765|Trident765]] ([[User talk:Trident765|talk]]) 04:33, 15 April 2020 (UTC)

Talk:Dowry

2020-04-15T03:27:30Z

Trident765: Created page with "== Quote difference == In the section about the dowry refund when the bride is discovered to not be a virgin, there appears to me to be a subtle difference between the Shoghi..."

Freedom of speech

2020-04-06T03:27:05Z

Trident765: Bahá’ís may criticize Assembly actions and policies. The best occasion for this is the Nineteen Day Feast.

==Documents==
* [[Individual Rights and Freedoms]]

==When the right of speech prevails, development is inevitable (differs from autocracies)==

"Under an autocratic government the opinions of men are not free, and development is stifled, whereas in democracy, because thought and speech are not restricted, the greatest progress is witnessed. It is likewise true in the world of religion. When freedom of conscience, liberty of thought and right of speech prevail--that is to say, when every man according to his own idealization may give expression to his beliefs--development and growth are inevitable."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:198|198]])

==The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.==

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá]]'', sec. [[swabs:44|44]], p. [[swab:87|87]])

== A thousand people may be wrong, whereas one sagacious person may be right ==

"Even a majority opinion or consensus may be incorrect. A thousand people may hold to one view and be mistaken, whereas one sagacious person may be right."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:31|31]])

== Freedom of speech leads to unity ==

"Freedom of thought and speech enlarges the circle of one’s understanding and leads to progress and unity."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', Volume 2, Issue 11, p. [[text:Star of the West/Volume 2/Issue 11/Text#pg5|5]])

== Limitation in the context of rejecting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's successor (none to express contrary opinions regarding appointment) ==

"For he is, after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Guardian of the Cause of God, the Afnán, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause and the beloved of the Lord must obey him and turn unto him. He that obeyeth him not, hath not obeyed God; he that turneth away from him, hath turned away from God and he that denieth him, hath denied the True One. Beware lest anyone falsely interpret these words, and like unto them that have broken the Covenant after the Day of Ascension (of Bahá’u’lláh) advance a pretext, raise the standard of revolt, wax stubborn and open wide the door of false interpretation. To none is given the right to put forth his own opinion or express his particular conviction. All must seek guidance and turn unto the Center of the Cause and the House of Justice. And he that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed in grievous error."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], [[Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]], p. [[wt:26|26]])

== Bahá’ís may criticize Assembly actions and policies. The best occasion for this is the Nineteen Day Feast. ==

...you had asked whether the believers have the right to openly express their criticism of any Assembly action or policy: it is not only the right, but the vital responsibility of every loyal and intelligent member of the Community to offer fully and frankly, but with due respect and consideration to the authority of the Assembly, any suggestion, recommendation or criticism he conscientiously feels he should in order to improve and remedy certain existing conditions or trends in his local Community, and it is the duty of the Assembly also to give careful consideration to any such views submitted to them by any one of the believers. The best occasion chosen for this purpose is the Nineteen Day Feast, which, besides its social and spiritual aspects, fulfils various administrative needs and requirements of the Community, chief among them being the need for open and constructive criticism and deliberation regarding the state of affairs within the local Bahá’í Community.

:([[Shoghi Effendi]], Bahá’í Meetings/The Nineteen Day Feasts, pp. 27-28)

==See also==
* [[Human rights]]

Diet

2020-03-04T00:23:21Z

Trident765: /* Meat not forbidden (especially for the weak in constitution) */ adding more context to quote, especially the part where it says "do not shun meat"

==General recommendation for vegetarian diet==

===Vegetarian diet recommended (though not binding on believers)===

"Regarding the eating of animal flesh and abstinence therefrom, know thou of a certainty that, in the beginning of creation, God determined the food of every living being, and to eat contrary to that determination is not approved....Even without eating meat he would live with the utmost vigour and energy. For example, the community of the Brahmins in India do not eat meat; notwithstanding this they are not inferior to other nations in strength, power, vigour, outward senses or intellectual virtues. Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat is somewhat contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself with cereals, fruit, oil and nuts, such as pistachios, almonds and so on, it would undoubtedly be better and more pleasing."

: ([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], from a Tablet - translated from the Persian; ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#17 17])

===Simple Vegetarian Diet Preferable to Eating Meat, but a Very Controversial Question===

"In regard to the question as to whether people ought to kill animals for food or not, there is no explicit statement in the Baha'i Sacred Scriptures (as far as I know) in favour or against it. It is certain, however, that if man can live on a purely vegetarian diet and thus avoid killing animals, it would be much preferable. This is, however, a very controversial question and the Baha'is are free to express their views on it."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, July 9, 1931; quoted in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1010|1010]])

===Food of the future===

3."What will be the food of the future?" "Fruit and grains. The time will come when meat will no longer be eaten. Medical science is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our natural diet is that which grows out of the ground. The people will gradually develop up to the condition of this natural food."

:('Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in Julia M. Grundy. "Ten Days in the Light of 'Akka", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979), pp. 8-9; ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#41 41])

"'Abdu'l-Bahá has indicated that in the future human beings will be vegetarians, but abstention from eating meat is not a law of this Dispensation. The laws of God are attuned to the needs and possibilities of each age."

:(The Universal House of Justice, 1998 Dec 16, ''[[Traditional African Culture, Aspects of|Traditional Aspects of African Culture]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_traditional_african_culture#26 26])

"Question: What will be the food of the united people?

"Answer: As humanity progresses, meat will be used less and less, for the teeth of man are not carnivorous. For example, the lion is endowed with carnivorous teeth which are intended for meat and if meat be not found, the lion starves. The lion cannot graze; its teeth are of different shape. The formation of the lion's stomach is such that it cannot receive nourishment save through meat. The eagle has a crooked beak; the lower part shorter than the upper. Were it to try to pick up grain it would find it impossible; were it to try to graze, it would fail. Therefore it is compelled to partake of meat. But the domestic animals, the cow, horse, donkey, sheep, etc., have herbivorous teeth formed to cut grass which is their fodder. The human teeth, the molars, are formed to grind grain. The front teeth, the incisors, are for fruits, etc. It is therefore quite apparent, according to the implements for eating, man's food is intended to be grain and not meat. When mankind is more fully developed the eating of meat will gradually cease."

:('Abdu'l-Bahá, ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 3, Issue 10, p. [[text:Star of the West/Volume 3/Issue 10/Text#pg29|29]])

===Vegetarianism encouraged but circumstances may make it difficult (e.g., for the indigenous of the Arctic)===

Your concern for the prevention of cruelty to animals and for restraint in exploiting them unduly for food and other purposes is indeed praiseworthy. As the laws brought by Bahá’u’lláh become known and operative throughout the world, we believe that humanity will find the proper balance in adjusting itself to nature and to the world of animals. As in so many other areas, the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in this regard follow the golden mean: kindness toward animals is definitely upheld, vegetarianism is encouraged, hunting is regulated, but certain latitude is left to individual conscience and in practical regard to the diversity of circumstances under which human beings live. For example, the indigenous peoples of the Arctic would be hard-pressed to subsist without recourse to animal products.

:([[Universal House of Justice]], 29 June 1995, to an individual believer; cited at http://www.bahaiquotes.com/quotepage.php?Quotes%2FAnimals+-+Cruelty )

==By protagonist==

===For infants===

* [[Breast-feeding]]

==Specific recommended foods==

*1. cereals ([[#no1|1]], [[#no2|2]])
*2. grains ([[#no1|1]], [[#no3|3]], [[#no4|4]])

*3. fruits ([[#no1|1]], [[#no2|2]], [[#no3|3]], [[#no4|4]])
*4. vegetables ([[#no2|2]])

*5. nuts ([[#no1|1]]), such as "pistachios" ([[#no1|1]]) or "almonds" ([[#no1|1]], [[#no2|2]])
*6. oils ([[#no1|1]])

(The diet here ''suggested'' in the Baha'i Writings seems to be not only vegeterian but vegan since dairy products are not presented as examples. However, again, no such diet is binding on believers.)

<div id="no1"></div>1. "But now coming to man, we see he hath neither hooked teeth nor sharp nails or claws, nor teeth like iron sickles. From this it becometh evident and manifest that the food of man is cereals and fruit. Some of the teeth of man are like millstones to grind the grain, and some are sharp to cut the fruit. Therefore he is not in need of meat, nor is he obliged to eat it. Even without eating meat he would live with the utmost vigour and energy. For example, the community of the Brahmins in India do not eat meat; notwithstanding this they are not inferior to other nations in strength, power, vigour, outward senses or intellectual virtues. Truly, the killing of animals and the eating of their meat is somewhat contrary to pity and compassion, and if one can content oneself with cereals, fruit, oil and nuts, such as pistachios, almonds and so on, it would undoubtedly be better and more pleasing."
: ([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], from a Tablet - translated from the Persian; ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#17 17])

<div id="no2"></div>2. "Thou hast written regarding the four canine teeth in man, saying that these teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower, are for the purpose of eating meat. Know thou that these four teeth are not created for meat-eating, although one can eat meat with them. All the teeth of man are made for eating fruit, cereals and vegetables. These four teeth, however, are designed for breaking hard shells, such as those of almonds. But eating meat is not forbidden or unlawful, nay, the point is this, that it is possible for man to live without eating meat and still be strong. Meat is nourishing and containeth the elements of herbs, seeds and fruits; therefore sometimes it is essential for the sick and for the rehabilitation of health. There is no objection in the Law of God to the eating of meat if it is required. So if thy constitution is rather weak and thou findest meat useful, thou mayest eat it."
: ('Abdu'l-Bahá, from a Tablet - translated from the Persian; ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#18 18])

<div id="no3"></div>3."What will be the food of the future?" "Fruit and grains. The time will come when meat will no longer be eaten. Medical science is only in its infancy, yet it has shown that our natural diet is that which grows out of the ground. The people will gradually develop up to the condition of this natural food."
: ('Abdu'l-Bahá, cited in Julia M. Grundy. "Ten Days in the Light of 'Akka", rev. ed. (Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1979), pp. 8-9; ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#41 41])

<div id="no4"></div>4. "Question: What will be the food of the united people?

"Answer: As humanity progresses, meat will be used less and less, for the teeth of man are not carnivorous. For example, the lion is endowed with carnivorous teeth which are intended for meat and if meat be not found, the lion starves. The lion cannot graze; its teeth are of different shape. The formation of the lion's stomach is such that it cannot receive nourishment save through meat. The eagle has a crooked beak; the lower part shorter than the upper. Were it to try to pick up grain it would find it impossible; were it to try to graze, it would fail. Therefore it is compelled to partake of meat. But the domestic animals, the cow, horse, donkey, sheep, etc., have herbivorous teeth formed to cut grass which is their fodder. The human teeth, the molars, are formed to grind grain. The front teeth, the incisors, are for fruits, etc. It is therefore quite apparent, according to the implements for eating, man's food is intended to be grain and not meat. When mankind is more fully developed the eating of meat will gradually cease."

:('Abdu'l-Bahá, ''[[Star of the West]]'', Vol. 3, Issue 10, p. [[text:Star of the West/Volume 3/Issue 10/Text#pg29|29]])

==Non-forbidden foods (meat)==

===Meat not forbidden (especially for the weak in constitution)===

<div id="nff-no1"></div>1. "Say: O concourse of priests and monks! Eat ye of that which God hath made lawful unto you and do not shun meat. God hath, as a token of His grace, granted you leave to partake thereof save during a brief period. He, verily, is the Mighty, the Beneficent. Forsake all that ye possess and hold fast unto that which God hath purposed. This is that which profiteth you, if ye be of them that comprehend. We have ordained a fast of nineteen days in the most temperate of the seasons, and have in this resplendent and luminous Dispensation relieved you from more than this. Thus have We set forth and made clear unto you that which ye are bidden to observe, that ye may follow the commandments of God and be united in that which the Almighty, the All-Wise, hath appointed unto you."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Summons of the Lord of Hosts]]'', [[Súriy-i-Haykal]], par. [[slh:h154|154]])

<div id="nff-no2"></div>2. "But eating meat is not forbidden or unlawful, nay, the point is this, that it is possible for man to live without eating meat and still be strong. Meat is nourishing and containeth the elements of herbs, seeds and fruits; therefore sometimes it is essential for the sick and for the rehabilitation of health. There is no objection in the Law of God to the eating of meat if it is required. So if thy constitution is rather weak and thou findest meat useful, thou mayest eat it."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], Tablet translated from the Persian, compilation on ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#18 18])

<div id="nff-no3"></div>3. "...nor is it forbidden to eat meat."

:(In a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 18 December 1945 to an individual believer, compilation on ''[[Health, Healing, and Nutrition]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_health_healing_nutrition#61 61])

<div id="nff-no4"></div>4. "The truth is that it is not befitting for man to be carnivorous. However, man has accustomed himself to such a life and now it has become routine and acceptable. That is why its prohibition is not advisable at present."

:([[Pilgrim's note]], attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in response to an oral inquiry of an English believer about the "Society of Vegetarians", Memories of Nine Years in 'Akka, p. 274)

===Pork is not forbidden===
<div id="pnf-no1"></div>1. "The eating of pork is not forbidden in the Baha'i Teachings."

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer, March 27, 1938; quoted in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1012|1012]]; also in ''[[Dawn of a New Day]]'', p. [[dnd:201|201]])

==In past Dispensations==

===In cycle of Abraham, camel meat was allowed, but in time of Jacob, it was prohibited===

"Other laws formerly valid were annulled during the time of Moses. For example, it was lawful in Abraham's cycle to eat the flesh of the camel, but during the time of Jacob this was prohibited. Such changes and transformations in the teaching of religion are applicable to the ordinary conditions of life, but they are not important or essential."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:365|365]])

===Response to question about Manifestations variably allowing or forbidding beef or pork: reason is that each age differs, and the Manifestation has the authority to completely alter past laws===

"Another of his questions is this: “Among the Manifestations of the past one hath, in His time, allowed the eating of beef while another hath forbidden it; one hath permitted the eating of pork whereas another hath proscribed it. Thus do their ordinances differ. I entreat the True One, exalted be His name, to graciously specify the appropriate religious prohibitions.”

"A direct reply and detailed explanation of this matter would have overstepped the bounds of wisdom, inasmuch as people of diverse faiths associate with the distinguished Sáhib and a direct reply would have contravened the laws of Islam. The answer was therefore sent down from the heaven of the Divine Will in an implicit manner. Indeed the statement in the first passage where He saith: “The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind” was, and remaineth, the answer to his question. He further saith: “Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.” That is, fix your gaze upon the commandments of God, for whatsoever He should ordain in this day and pronounce as lawful is indeed lawful and representeth the very truth. It is incumbent upon all to turn their gaze towards the Cause of God and to observe that which hath dawned above the horizon of His Will, since it is through the potency of His name that the banner of "He doeth what He willeth” hath been unfurled and the standard of "He ordaineth what He pleaseth” hath been raised aloft. For instance, were He to pronounce water itself to be unlawful, it would indeed become unlawful, and the converse holdeth equally true. For upon no thing hath it been inscribed “this is lawful” or “this is unlawful”; nay rather, whatsoever hath been or will be revealed is by virtue of the Word of God, exalted be His glory.

"These matters are sufficiently clear and require no further elaboration. Even so, certain groups believe that all the ordinances current amongst them are unalterable, that they have ever been valid, and that they will forever remain so. Consider a further passage, glorified and exalted be He: “These words are being uttered in due measure, that the newly born may thrive and the tender shoot flourish. Milk must be given in suitable proportion, that the children of the world may attain to the station of maturity and abide in the court of oneness.”16 For instance, some believe that wine hath ever been and shall remain forbidden. Now, were one to inform them that it might one day be made lawful, they would arise in protest and opposition. In truth, the people of the world have yet not grasped the meaning of "He doeth whatsoever He willeth”, nor have they comprehended the significance of Supreme Infallibility. The suckling child must be nourished with milk. If it be given meat it will assuredly perish, and this would be naught but sheer injustice and unwisdom. Blessed are they that understand. Supreme Infallibility, as I once heard from His blessed lips, is reserved exclusively to the Manifestations of the Cause of God and the Exponents of His Revelation. This matter is mentioned but briefly, for time is short and as scarce as the legendary phoenix."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tabernacle of Unity]]'', par. [http://bahai-library.com/bahaullah_tabernacle_unity#par2.30 2.30]-2.32)

==[[Diet in public discussions]]==

==Todos for this page==
* Incorporate other items from http://bahai-library.com/uhj_lawh_tibb

==See also==
* [[Nutrition]]
* [[Food]]
* [[Alcohol]] (forbidden)
* [[Saying grace]]
* [[Kindness to animals]]
* [[Hunting]]

Freedom of speech

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Equality of women and men

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==Women as Breadwinners==
===In [[Lawh-i-Dunyá|Tablet of the World]] Women and Men Envisaged as Breadwinners===

"In the Tablet of the World, Bahá'u'lláh Himself has envisaged that women as well as men would be breadwinners in stating:

'Everyone, whether man or woman, should hand over to a trusted person a portion of what he or she earneth through trade, agriculture or other occupation, for the training and education of children, to be spent for this purpose with the knowledge of the Trustees of the House of Justice.'

:(''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh|Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas]]'', p. [[tb:90|90]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:752|752]])

====See also====
* [[Voluntary funding for education]]

==Same curriculum enjoined for boys and girls==

"A very important element in the attainment of such equality is Bahá'u'lláh's provision that boys and girls must follow essentially the same curriculum in schools."

:(''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh|Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas]]'', p. [[tb:90|90]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:752|752]])

==Emphasis on women is for encouragement, not to say that men will be completely surpassed==

"It may be that letters addressed to the women believers do indeed contain certain passages written by way of encouragement, but the purpose of such passages is to show that, in this wondrous Dispensation, certain women have outshone certain men—not that all women have excelled all men! The members of the Spiritual Assembly should do all they can to give encouragement to the women. In this Dispensation one should not think in terms of “men” and “women”: all are under the shadow of the Word of God and, as they strive more diligently, so shall their reward be greater—be they men or women or the frailest of people.... As for the large number of Tablets addressed to women enjoining them to teach the Cause: since the letters arriving in the Holy Land come for the most part from women, and only rarely from men, it is natural that women should be written to more frequently than men...."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], extract from a Tablet of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, at https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/271134634/1#043188027 )

===(A more complete, though older, translation)===

"As to the question of women being chosen rather than men: In this cycle there were men who arose through a divine power and who shone forth as the sun from the dawning-point of holiness; and, likewise, there appeared certain women who became side by side with men. The expression which you quote, “Every woman who is directed to the guidance of God in this great age, will surpass men in every respect,” signified that, in this age, certain women will appear who will surpass some men. It does not mean that they will surpass all the men who have given their lives as sacrifices in this Cause; for in this wonderful cycle there appeared such men as his holiness Khudoos, his holiness Bab-el-Bab, his holiness the “King of Martyrs” and his holiness the “Beloved of Martyrs,” his holiness the great Vaheed1 , and such ones who have no equals in the world of existence.

"If, in the letters to the maid-servants of the Merciful, there hath been written in the sense of encouragement (that form which such meanings can be inferred), the purport is that some women in the wonderful age have surpassed some men, and not that all women have surpassed all men. The members of the House of Spirituality must give unlimited encouragement to women. In this age, both men and women are in the shadow of the Word of God. Whosoever endeavors the most will attain the greatest share, be it of men or of women, of the strong or of the weak.

"As to the matter of teaching and the choosing of men, the letters which I have written to the Spiritual Meeting (House of Spirituality) of which you are a member, will answer this question and will manifest the station of men who remain firm in the Covenant of God. Refer to them.

"As to the number of Tablets to women, this is due to the fact that most of the letters which come to the Holy Land are from women. Rarely do letters come from men and, naturally, to women the most are written. Men are enjoined more than women to give the Message of the Cause of God and to diffuse His fragrances.

"My dear friend! If thou didst know how dear thou art to Abdul-Baha, thou wouldst spread wings, and through excess of joy, soar and begin teaching all that country."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá]]'', pp. [[tab:335|335]]-337)

==Suffragettes are fighting for what must be; one might not approve of more militant but will adjust itself; if given same advantages and education, the result will be the same (and women even superior in certain regards)==

"What is your attitude toward woman suffrage?" asked one of the reporters.

"The modern suffragette is fighting for what must be, and many of these are willing martyrs to imprisonment for their cause. One might not approve of the ways of some of the more militant suffragettes, but in the end it will adjust itself. If women were given the same advantages as men, their capacity being the same, the result would be the same. In fact, women have a superior disposition to men; they are more receptive, more sensitive, and their intuition is more intense. The only reason of their present backwardness in some directions is because they have not had the same educational advantages as men.

"All children should be educated, but if parents cannot educate both the boys and the girls, then it would be better to educate the girls, for they will be the mothers of the coming generation. This is a radical idea for the East, where I come from, but it is already taking effect there, for the Bahai women of Persia are being educated along with the men.

"We have only to look about us in nature," Abdul-Baha continued, "to see the truth of this. Is it not a fact that the females of many species of animals are stronger and more powerful than the male? The chief cause of the mental and physical inequalities of the sexes is due to custom and training, which for ages past have molded woman into the ideal of the weaker vessel.

"The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the scales are already shifting—force is losing its weight and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendency. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine, and more permeated with the feminine ideals—or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more properly balanced."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Star of the West]]'', vol. 3, issue 3, p. [[text:Star of the West/Volume 3/Issue 3/Text#pg4|4]])

== Educational equality for men and women to destroy foundations of war ==

"When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:175|175]])

==Need for women to demonstrate equality (as well as men recognizing it)==

"But while this principle of equality is true, it is likewise true that woman must prove her capacity and aptitude, must show forth the evidences of equality. She must become proficient in the arts and sciences and prove by her accomplishments that her abilities and powers have merely been latent."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Promulgation of Universal Peace]]'', p. [[pup:283|283]])

"Woman must endeavour then to attain greater perfection, to be man's equal in every respect, to make progress in all in which she has been backward, so that man will be compelled to acknowledge her equality of capacity and attainment."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Paris Talks]]'', p. [[pta:162|162]])

==Need for women to advance in science, literature, and history==

"Women must go on advancing; they must extend their knowledge of science, literature, history, for the perfection of humanity. Erelong they will receive their rights."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]] quoted in ''[[Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era]]'', pp. [[bne:148|148]]-149)

==In America and Europe, it was only in the right to vote that women were held back==

"I have said in America and Europe that there is only the question of votes in which women have been held back and claim equality with men. In California they even have this right. In all other respects it is men who must demand equality of rights. How many men in Europe and America work from morning until evening and whatever they save is spent on adornments and jewelry and colorful clothes and the latest fashions for their wives who spend their time in pleasure and enjoyment? In reality, these poor men are servants of their wives."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Mahmúd's Diary]]'', p. [http://bahai-library.com/books/mahmud/index.html#365 365])

==Todos for this page==
* Add more representative quotations

==See also==
* [[Man]]
* [[Woman]]
* [[Segregation of the sexes]]

Teaching

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==Compilations==
* ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]''
* ''[[Promoting Entry by Troops]]''
* Particular teaching methods
** ''[[Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith]]''
** ''[[Use of Radio and Television in Teaching, The]]''
* Teaching particular groups
** ''[[Aboriginal and Indigenous People, Teaching Among]]''
** ''[[Teaching the Masses]]''
** ''[[Prominent People (compilation)]]''

==Phases==
* [[Sequence of teaching]]
** [[Proclamation]]
** [[Expansion]]
** [[Consolidation]]

==Topics==
* [[Teaching planning]]
* [[Mass teaching]]
* [[Travel teaching]]
* [[Firesides]]
* [[Pioneering]]

==Duty to teach (and promises of blessings and success)==

===Arise to Serve His Cause===

"Whosoever ariseth to aid our Cause, God will render him victorious over ten times ten thousand souls, and, should he wax in his love for Me, him will We cause to triumph over all that is in the heaven and all that is on earth."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: cited by Shoghi Effendi in, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 101, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1977|1977]])

===Teaching Enjoined on Believers in Aqdas===

"In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh considers teaching as a spiritual obligation imposed upon every devoted believer and servant of His Faith. Should the friends become fully conscious of this duty and arise to do their share, this Cause will soon permeate every home throughout the world and the Kingdom of God will be established."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: Bahá’í News, No. 85, p. 8, July 1934, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1978|1978]])

===The Teachings are not Given to Us to Treasure and Hide===

"The world is in great turmoil and its problems seem to become daily more acute. We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty. Bahá'u'lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He gave them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Spiritual Assembly of Eliot, Maine, March 27, 1933: Bahá’í News, No. 73, May 1933, p. 2, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1980|1980]])

===Importance of Teaching—Terrible Problems Confronting Humanity===

"The more one observes the conditions of the world and the terrible problems confronting humanity, the more deeply one realizes that the only remedy is that which Bahá’u’lláh has brought, and yet, alas, the masses of the people seem to not yet be aware that the way out of our problems can only be a divine way, given by something far greater than human understanding! However, many souls are seriously thinking and seeking, and the Bahá’ís must try to bring the knowledge of the teachings to all, so that those prepared to accept may not be denied the Message!"

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] [[to an individual believer]]: Ibid., p. 72, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1999|1999]])

===See also===
* [[Family#Teaching the Faith to one's family]]

==All can and should teach (though depends on effort at study, etc.)==

===Every One is a Potential Teacher===

"… Not until all the friends come to realize that everyone is able, in his own measure, to deliver the Message can they ever hope to reach the goal that has been set for them by a loving and wise Master. It is no use for some able and eloquent teacher to take all the responsibility for the spread of the Cause. For such a thing is not only contrary to the spirit of the Teachings, but to the explicit text of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, both of Whom place the obligation of teaching not on any particular class as in former ecclesiastical organizations but on every faithful and loyal follower of the Cause. The teaching of the Word is thus made universal and compulsory. How long, then, shall we wait to carry out this command, the full wisdom of which only future generations will be able to appreciate? We have no special teachers in this Cause. Everyone is a potential teacher. He has only to use what God has given him and thus prove that he is faithful to his trust."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: The Bahá’í World, p. 126, Vol. V, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2001|2001]])

===Each One of the Believers is Like an Ark of Salvation===

"I desire that you may see the divine ships. These ships are the blessed sails who are traversing the sea of Divine mercy; their propellors are the powers of spiritual love and their captains are the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No ship is ever wrecked in this sea; its waves are life-giving. Each one of the friends of God is like unto an ark of Salvation. Each ark saves many souls from the storms of troubles. The signs and traces of these sails are never-ending and eternal. The future centuries and cycles are like the sea on the surface of which these arks glide blissfully toward their spiritual destination."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 8, p. 104, August 11, 1917, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1997|1997]])

===Teaching not Conditioned by Occupation===

"Teaching the Faith is not conditioned by what occupation we have, or how great our knowledge is, but rather on how much we have studied the Teachings, to what degree we live the Bahá’í life, and how much we long to share this Message with others. When we have these characteristics, we are sure, if we search, to find receptive souls.

"You should persevere and be confident that, with effort, success can be yours."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi by his secretary to an American believer, 1957: Bahá’í News, No. 351, p. 2, May 1960, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1983|1983]])

==Conditions for a teacher==

===First Condition of a Religious Teacher===

"It is a wonderful, priceless boon to be a vessel carrying food from God. It cannot be bought with gold. The first condition of a religious teacher is to believe in God; the second, to turn his face toward God; the third to be severed from all save God. Such teachers will constitute illumined lamps of guidance, the stars of the heaven of mercy, the trees of the orchard of Abhá, flowers of the garden of mystery and torches of the path of salvation.

"Teaching the Cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness and sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals, and lastly, speech."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í News, No. 243, May 1951, p. 8, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1998|1998]])

===‘Abdu’l-Bahá Teaches How to Teach (role of prayer (and faith?))===

"…in the city of Baghdád, I talked with a learned man, Mulla Hassan, some of whose relatives were believers. No matter how hard they tried to give him the Message, he would not accept it. Once, they brought him to my house when I was just getting up from my sleep and combing my hair. They said, 'We have brought so-and-so here and we beg you to come and speak with him; perhaps, he will become a believer.' I said, 'Very well,' and then I turned to the Blessed Beauty and prayed: 'O Blessed Beauty, confirm me!' Afterwards, I talked to him, and in the same hour he became a believer. He became exceedingly good and was so enkindled that, although he was of high rank, he used to go into the kitchen and cook things with his own hand to entertain the friends."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land, translated by Dr. Zia Baghdádi: Star of the West, Vol. IX, No. 3, p. 36, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1981|1981]])

===Need Teachers of Spiritual Capacity, Knowledge of Covenant===

"…the National Assembly should pay particular attention to getting teachers with spiritual capacity and a deep knowledge of the Covenant out to the weaker communities on circuit teaching trips, and that an effort should be made for them to stay for some time in each place. It is evident that one of the reasons that the work on the home front in America is so seriously lagging is that the Bahá’ís themselves, though undoubtedly devoted, loyal and conscientious, are not always very deeply grounded in the spiritual fundamentals of their Faith. This produces a maladjustment, so to speak, in the nature of their service to the Cause; and only through a deeper understanding of their Faith and the inner spiritual strength that this understanding brings, will they be able to reinforce themselves to meet their tasks, to see the joy of discharging their duties and grasping their privileges."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 19, 1956: Bahá’í News, No. 307, September 1956, p. 1, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2000|2000]])

==Need for progressive teaching==

* [[New believers#Need_for_gradual_introduction_to_challenging_laws_and_observances_and_need_not_know_all_proofs.2C_history.2C_and_principles_before_enrolling_.28though_should_be_some_introduction_before_accepting_into_the_Faith_and_should_continue_after_becoming_a_Bah.C3.A1.27.C3.AD.29]]

==Teaching all vs. teaching capable/pure==

===Need to confirm people of true capacity and ability===

"He (the Guardian) feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability--from whatever social stratum they may be, because the Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 October 1941, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:438|438]])

===Seek pure souls to gain confidence and teach the Faith===

"The Friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Bahá'í -- and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada]]'', 10 June 1956, p. [[mc:238|238]])

===Concentrate on pure hearted people===

"The Friends should concentrate on pure hearted people, and continue association and fellowship with them, until they themselves become active workers in the Cause of God."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], letter dated 12/20/55 [[to an individual believer]], attached to letter dated 2/4/85 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, in the Power of Unity, no. [http://bahai-library.com/taylor_power_unity#sel34 34])

===The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing===

"The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved."

:{{Template:Hwp|36}}

==Teaching methods/techniques==

===Meditate on Methods of Teaching (including memorization)===

"The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation…."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 200, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1979|1979]])

===Quoting/referencing the Writings===

====Be able to recite the divine verses whenever the occasion demands it====

"From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:200|200]])

====Be able to quote from Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith====

"The friends should read the Writings to be able to quote from the Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith."

:(From a letter dated 9 May 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#105 105])

====Refer seeker constantly to the Word itself====

"Divine Truth is relative and that is why we are enjoined to constantly refer the seeker to the Word itself--and why any explanations we make to ease the journey of the soul of any individual must be based on the Word--and the Word alone."

:(From a letter dated 4 June 1957 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; in ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_guidelines_teaching#2008 2008])

====Prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá (though we are not limited to this in finding new ways of approach to that truth and explain how they influence our life and condition)====

"Surely the ideal way of teaching is to prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master. This will save the Cause from being misinterpreted by individuals. It is what these divine Lights say that is truth and therefore should be the authorities of our statements. This, however, does not mean that our freedom of expression is limited. We can always find new ways of approach to that truth or explain how they influence our life and condition. The more deep our studies the more we can understand the significance of the teachings."

:(From a letter dated 16 February 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#103 103])

====See also====
* [[Raising concerns with fellow believers about statements or actions apparently undermining the Covenant]] (as such discussions may necessitate reference to the Writings)
* [[Memorization]]

===Todos for this section===

* Find other quotes on needing to share the message with all

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==

===Recompense of Martyr Assuredly Recorded===

"In this day, the beloved of God must not hesitate or delay an instant in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation; and reconciling words of the religion of majestic oneness; because, verily, in this day, to the soul who is the cause of guidance to another soul the recompense of a martyr in the way of God will be assuredly recorded by the pen of the Cause for his deed. This is from the Bounty of God unto thee. Do according to what thou hast been commanded and do not be of those who tarry."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 204, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1982|1982]])

===Intensive Work is of More Lasting Nature===

"Shoghi Effendi has seen, through the experience of the international teachers that keep him informed regarding their activities, that intensive work is ultimately of a more lasting nature. It has proven to be far better that a teacher should spend a month or two in one center and wait until a group is formed, than to cover a large area and not stay enough in a center to help the progress of those interested to the stage that they would feel themselves able to embrace the Cause and identify themselves with it."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 30, 1932: Bahá’í News, No. 67, October 1932, pp. 4-5, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1984|1984]])

===Teachers Must be Satisfied with Little Food===

"As regards the teachers, they must completely divest themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new garment. According to the statement of Christ, they must attain to the station of rebirth—that is, whereas in the first instance they were born from the womb of the mother, this time they must be born from the womb of the world of nature. Just as they are now totally unaware of the experiences of the foetal world, they must also forget entirely the defects of the world of nature. They must be baptized with the water of life, the fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table. They must disengage themselves from temptation and covetousness, and be filled with the spirit. Through the effect of their pure breath, they must change the stone into the brilliant ruby and the shell into pearl. Like unto the cloud of vernal shower, they must transform the black soil into the rose garden and orchard. They must make the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the extinguished one enkindled and set aglow, and the dead quickened."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablets of the Divine Plan]]'', p. [[tdp:96|96]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1985|1985]])

==See also==
* [[Speech]]
* [[Words and deeds]]

Teaching

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Trident765: /* Teaching all vs. teaching capable/pure */

==Compilations==
* ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]''
* ''[[Promoting Entry by Troops]]''
* Particular teaching methods
** ''[[Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith]]''
** ''[[Use of Radio and Television in Teaching, The]]''
* Teaching particular groups
** ''[[Aboriginal and Indigenous People, Teaching Among]]''
** ''[[Teaching the Masses]]''
** ''[[Prominent People (compilation)]]''

==Phases==
* [[Sequence of teaching]]
** [[Proclamation]]
** [[Expansion]]
** [[Consolidation]]

==Topics==
* [[Teaching planning]]
* [[Mass teaching]]
* [[Travel teaching]]
* [[Firesides]]
* [[Pioneering]]

==Duty to teach (and promises of blessings and success)==

===Arise to Serve His Cause===

"Whosoever ariseth to aid our Cause, God will render him victorious over ten times ten thousand souls, and, should he wax in his love for Me, him will We cause to triumph over all that is in the heaven and all that is on earth."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: cited by Shoghi Effendi in, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 101, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1977|1977]])

===Teaching Enjoined on Believers in Aqdas===

"In the Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh considers teaching as a spiritual obligation imposed upon every devoted believer and servant of His Faith. Should the friends become fully conscious of this duty and arise to do their share, this Cause will soon permeate every home throughout the world and the Kingdom of God will be established."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: Bahá’í News, No. 85, p. 8, July 1934, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1978|1978]])

===The Teachings are not Given to Us to Treasure and Hide===

"The world is in great turmoil and its problems seem to become daily more acute. We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty. Bahá'u'lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He gave them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to the Spiritual Assembly of Eliot, Maine, March 27, 1933: Bahá’í News, No. 73, May 1933, p. 2, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1980|1980]])

===Importance of Teaching—Terrible Problems Confronting Humanity===

"The more one observes the conditions of the world and the terrible problems confronting humanity, the more deeply one realizes that the only remedy is that which Bahá’u’lláh has brought, and yet, alas, the masses of the people seem to not yet be aware that the way out of our problems can only be a divine way, given by something far greater than human understanding! However, many souls are seriously thinking and seeking, and the Bahá’ís must try to bring the knowledge of the teachings to all, so that those prepared to accept may not be denied the Message!"

:(From a letter written [[on behalf of the Guardian]] [[to an individual believer]]: Ibid., p. 72, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1999|1999]])

===See also===
* [[Family#Teaching the Faith to one's family]]

==All can and should teach (though depends on effort at study, etc.)==

===Every One is a Potential Teacher===

"… Not until all the friends come to realize that everyone is able, in his own measure, to deliver the Message can they ever hope to reach the goal that has been set for them by a loving and wise Master. It is no use for some able and eloquent teacher to take all the responsibility for the spread of the Cause. For such a thing is not only contrary to the spirit of the Teachings, but to the explicit text of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, both of Whom place the obligation of teaching not on any particular class as in former ecclesiastical organizations but on every faithful and loyal follower of the Cause. The teaching of the Word is thus made universal and compulsory. How long, then, shall we wait to carry out this command, the full wisdom of which only future generations will be able to appreciate? We have no special teachers in this Cause. Everyone is a potential teacher. He has only to use what God has given him and thus prove that he is faithful to his trust."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer: The Bahá’í World, p. 126, Vol. V, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2001|2001]])

===Each One of the Believers is Like an Ark of Salvation===

"I desire that you may see the divine ships. These ships are the blessed sails who are traversing the sea of Divine mercy; their propellors are the powers of spiritual love and their captains are the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No ship is ever wrecked in this sea; its waves are life-giving. Each one of the friends of God is like unto an ark of Salvation. Each ark saves many souls from the storms of troubles. The signs and traces of these sails are never-ending and eternal. The future centuries and cycles are like the sea on the surface of which these arks glide blissfully toward their spiritual destination."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Star of the West, Vol. 8, No. 8, p. 104, August 11, 1917, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1997|1997]])

===Teaching not Conditioned by Occupation===

"Teaching the Faith is not conditioned by what occupation we have, or how great our knowledge is, but rather on how much we have studied the Teachings, to what degree we live the Bahá’í life, and how much we long to share this Message with others. When we have these characteristics, we are sure, if we search, to find receptive souls.

"You should persevere and be confident that, with effort, success can be yours."

:(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi by his secretary to an American believer, 1957: Bahá’í News, No. 351, p. 2, May 1960, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1983|1983]])

==Conditions for a teacher==

===First Condition of a Religious Teacher===

"It is a wonderful, priceless boon to be a vessel carrying food from God. It cannot be bought with gold. The first condition of a religious teacher is to believe in God; the second, to turn his face toward God; the third to be severed from all save God. Such teachers will constitute illumined lamps of guidance, the stars of the heaven of mercy, the trees of the orchard of Abhá, flowers of the garden of mystery and torches of the path of salvation.

"Teaching the Cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness and sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals, and lastly, speech."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í News, No. 243, May 1951, p. 8, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1998|1998]])

===‘Abdu’l-Bahá Teaches How to Teach (role of prayer (and faith?))===

"…in the city of Baghdád, I talked with a learned man, Mulla Hassan, some of whose relatives were believers. No matter how hard they tried to give him the Message, he would not accept it. Once, they brought him to my house when I was just getting up from my sleep and combing my hair. They said, 'We have brought so-and-so here and we beg you to come and speak with him; perhaps, he will become a believer.' I said, 'Very well,' and then I turned to the Blessed Beauty and prayed: 'O Blessed Beauty, confirm me!' Afterwards, I talked to him, and in the same hour he became a believer. He became exceedingly good and was so enkindled that, although he was of high rank, he used to go into the kitchen and cook things with his own hand to entertain the friends."

:(Talk by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land, translated by Dr. Zia Baghdádi: Star of the West, Vol. IX, No. 3, p. 36, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1981|1981]])

===Need Teachers of Spiritual Capacity, Knowledge of Covenant===

"…the National Assembly should pay particular attention to getting teachers with spiritual capacity and a deep knowledge of the Covenant out to the weaker communities on circuit teaching trips, and that an effort should be made for them to stay for some time in each place. It is evident that one of the reasons that the work on the home front in America is so seriously lagging is that the Bahá’ís themselves, though undoubtedly devoted, loyal and conscientious, are not always very deeply grounded in the spiritual fundamentals of their Faith. This produces a maladjustment, so to speak, in the nature of their service to the Cause; and only through a deeper understanding of their Faith and the inner spiritual strength that this understanding brings, will they be able to reinforce themselves to meet their tasks, to see the joy of discharging their duties and grasping their privileges."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, July 19, 1956: Bahá’í News, No. 307, September 1956, p. 1, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:2000|2000]])

==Need for progressive teaching==

* [[New believers#Need_for_gradual_introduction_to_challenging_laws_and_observances_and_need_not_know_all_proofs.2C_history.2C_and_principles_before_enrolling_.28though_should_be_some_introduction_before_accepting_into_the_Faith_and_should_continue_after_becoming_a_Bah.C3.A1.27.C3.AD.29]]

==Teaching all vs. teaching capable/pure==

===Need to confirm people of true capacity and ability===

"He (the Guardian) feels that the great point is to confirm people of true capacity and ability--from whatever social stratum they may be, because the Cause needs now, and will ever increasingly need, souls of great ability who can bring it before the public at large, administer its ever-growing affairs, and contribute to its advancement in every field."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], 30 October 1941, ''[[Unfolding Destiny]]'', p. [[ud:438|438]])

===Seek pure souls to gain confidence and teach the Faith===

"The Friends should seek pure souls, gain their confidence and then teach that person carefully until he becomes a Bahá'í -- and then nurture him until he becomes a firm and active supporter of the Faith."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], ''[[Messages to Canada]]'', 10 June 1956, p. [[mc:238|238]])

===Concentrate on pure hearted people===

"The Friends should concentrate on pure hearted people, and continue association and fellowship with them, until they themselves become active workers in the Cause of God."

:([[On behalf of Shoghi Effendi]], letter dated 12/20/55 [[to an individual believer]], attached to letter dated 2/4/85 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States, in the Power of Unity, no. [http://bahai-library.com/taylor_power_unity#sel34 34])

"The wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup-bearer, who proffereth not his cup till he findeth a seeker, and the lover who crieth not out from the depths of his heart until he gazeth upon the beauty of his beloved."

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==Teaching methods/techniques==

===Meditate on Methods of Teaching (including memorization)===

"The sanctified souls should ponder and meditate in their hearts regarding the methods of teaching. From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman. So potent is their influence that the hearer will have no cause for vacillation…."

:(Bahá’u’lláh: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 200, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1979|1979]])

===Quoting/referencing the Writings===

====Be able to recite the divine verses whenever the occasion demands it====

"From the texts of the wondrous, heavenly Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages bearing on various instances, so that in the course of their speech they may recite divine verses whenever the occasion demandeth it, inasmuch as these holy verses are the most potent elixir, the greatest and mightiest talisman."

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], ''[[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh]]'', p. [[tb:200|200]])

====Be able to quote from Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith====

"The friends should read the Writings to be able to quote from the Tablets when discussing subjects pertaining to the Faith."

:(From a letter dated 9 May 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#105 105])

====Refer seeker constantly to the Word itself====

"Divine Truth is relative and that is why we are enjoined to constantly refer the seeker to the Word itself--and why any explanations we make to ease the journey of the soul of any individual must be based on the Word--and the Word alone."

:(From a letter dated 4 June 1957 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada; in ''[[Guidelines for Teaching]]'', no. [http://bahai-library.com/compilation_guidelines_teaching#2008 2008])

====Prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá (though we are not limited to this in finding new ways of approach to that truth and explain how they influence our life and condition)====

"Surely the ideal way of teaching is to prove our points by constant reference to the actual words of Bahá'u'lláh and the Master. This will save the Cause from being misinterpreted by individuals. It is what these divine Lights say that is truth and therefore should be the authorities of our statements. This, however, does not mean that our freedom of expression is limited. We can always find new ways of approach to that truth or explain how they influence our life and condition. The more deep our studies the more we can understand the significance of the teachings."

:(From a letter dated 16 February 1932 written [[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi]] to an individual believer; in ''[[Importance of Deepening]]'', no. [https://bahai-library.com/compilation_importance_deepening#103 103])

====See also====
* [[Raising concerns with fellow believers about statements or actions apparently undermining the Covenant]] (as such discussions may necessitate reference to the Writings)
* [[Memorization]]

===Todos for this section===

* Find other quotes on needing to share the message with all

==From ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'' (to categorize)==

===Recompense of Martyr Assuredly Recorded===

"In this day, the beloved of God must not hesitate or delay an instant in teaching the Cause of the Manifestation; and reconciling words of the religion of majestic oneness; because, verily, in this day, to the soul who is the cause of guidance to another soul the recompense of a martyr in the way of God will be assuredly recorded by the pen of the Cause for his deed. This is from the Bounty of God unto thee. Do according to what thou hast been commanded and do not be of those who tarry."

:(‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Bahá’í Scriptures, p. 204, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1982|1982]])

===Intensive Work is of More Lasting Nature===

"Shoghi Effendi has seen, through the experience of the international teachers that keep him informed regarding their activities, that intensive work is ultimately of a more lasting nature. It has proven to be far better that a teacher should spend a month or two in one center and wait until a group is formed, than to cover a large area and not stay enough in a center to help the progress of those interested to the stage that they would feel themselves able to embrace the Cause and identify themselves with it."

:(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, May 30, 1932: Bahá’í News, No. 67, October 1932, pp. 4-5, in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1984|1984]])

===Teachers Must be Satisfied with Little Food===

"As regards the teachers, they must completely divest themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new garment. According to the statement of Christ, they must attain to the station of rebirth—that is, whereas in the first instance they were born from the womb of the mother, this time they must be born from the womb of the world of nature. Just as they are now totally unaware of the experiences of the foetal world, they must also forget entirely the defects of the world of nature. They must be baptized with the water of life, the fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table. They must disengage themselves from temptation and covetousness, and be filled with the spirit. Through the effect of their pure breath, they must change the stone into the brilliant ruby and the shell into pearl. Like unto the cloud of vernal shower, they must transform the black soil into the rose garden and orchard. They must make the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the extinguished one enkindled and set aglow, and the dead quickened."

:([['Abdu'l-Bahá]], ''[[Tablets of the Divine Plan]]'', p. [[tdp:96|96]], in ''[[Lights of Guidance]]'', no. [[logn:1985|1985]])

==See also==
* [[Speech]]
* [[Words and deeds]]

Usefulness

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Trident765: Created page with "Usefulness is praised in the Baha'i Writings. ==The importance of being useful== ===The basest of men are they that yield no fruit on earth=== O MY SERVANT! The basest of me..."

Usefulness is praised in the Baha'i Writings.

==The importance of being useful==
===The basest of men are they that yield no fruit on earth===

O MY SERVANT! The basest of men are they that yield no fruit on earth. Such men are verily counted as among the dead, nay better are the dead in the sight of God than those idle and worthless souls.

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===It is incumbent upon Baha'is to engage in some occupation, such as a craft or a trade===

O people of Bahá! It is incumbent upon each one of you to engage in some occupation—such as a craft, a trade or the like. We have exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship of the one true God. Reflect, O people, on the grace and blessings of your Lord, and yield Him thanks at eventide and dawn. Waste not your hours in idleness and sloth, but occupy yourselves with what will profit you and others. Thus hath it been decreed in this Tablet from whose horizon hath shone the day-star of wisdom and utterance. The most despised of men in the sight of God are they who sit and beg. Hold ye fast unto the cord of means and place your trust in God, the Provider of all means. --Bahaullah, Kitab i Aqdas

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], [[Kitáb-i-Aqdas]], pp. 33)

===Action is required to advance both materially and spiritually===

Without action nothing in the material world can be accomplished, neither can words unaided advance a man in the spiritual Kingdom. It is not through lip-service only that the elect of God have attained to holiness, but by patient lives of active service they have brought light into the world.

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], [[Paris Talks]], p. 80)

===The mere word “Bahá’í”, if it yield no fruit, will come to nothing===

The instruction of these children is even as the work of a loving gardener who tendeth his young plants in the flowering fields of the All-Glorious. There is no doubt that it will yield the desired results; especially is this true of instruction as to Bahá’í obligations and Bahá’í conduct, for the little children must needs be made aware in their very heart and soul that “Bahá’í” is not just a name but a truth. Every child must be trained in the things of the spirit, so that he may embody all the virtues and become a source of glory to the Cause of God. Otherwise, the mere word “Bahá’í”, if it yield no fruit, will come to nothing.

:([[‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], [[Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá]], p. 143)

==Usefulness and education==
===Children's education should not be neglected, so that they grow up to be useful===

There are many things which will, if neglected, be wasted, and come to nothing. How often in this world do we see a child who has lost his parents and who, unless attention be devoted to his education and training, can produce no fruit. And better off dead than alive is he who produceth no fruit.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], A Compilation on Bahá’í Education, p. 59)

===Academic pursuits that begin and end in words are not of any worth===

…The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have never been and will never be of any worth. The majority of Persia’s learned doctors devote all their lives to the study of a philosophy the ultimate yield of which is nothing but words.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], [[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]], p. [[tb:169|169]])

===At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of it===

At the outset of every endeavour, it is incumbent to look to the end of it. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his rank.

:([[Bahá'u'lláh]], [[Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas]], p. [[tb:168|168]])

==See Also==
* [[Words and deeds]]