Mass teaching

Compilations

• Teaching the Masses (direct link)

From Lights of Guidance (to categorize)

Distribution of Bahá’í Material in Mail Boxes of Homes and Apartments

"The Universal House of Justice has received your letter… concerning the distribution of Bahá’í material to the mail boxes of the houses and apartments in a locality, and it has instructed us to send you the following reply.

"The details of all such matters are within the discretion of each National Spiritual Assembly to decide in the light of certain principles and in the context of the situation in each country.

"The principles the House of Justice wishes National Assemblies to observe in this connection are:

1. The dignity of the Faith should be carefully safeguarded in all Bahá’í activities.

2. It is important that no teaching activity should be an encroachment on people's privacy nor should it force the teachings upon unwilling listeners.

"In general the House of Justice feels that there would be no objection in principle to mailing or distributing to mail boxes such items as invitations to meetings or introductory circular letters, or brief informative leaflets. Any leaflet used in such a way should be designed primarily to arouse the interest of the reader so that he will seek more information. It should not be intended to convince or convert the reader at that stage. A number of National Spiritual Assemblies have produced introductory circulars of this nature, which have a reply-paid card attached. It is not, of course, essential that the card be part of the leaflet provided that the leaflet itself is restrained and dignified. However, each National Spiritual Assembly must decide what is proper to be done in its own country.

"The quotation which you ask for is as follows: 'He feels that to distribute Bahá’í pamphlets from door-to-door … is undignified and might create a bad impression of the Faith. No doubt, it is the eagerness and devotion of the friends that led them to make this proposal, but he does not think that the best interests of the Cause are served by such a method….' "

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Assembly of Iceland, December 6, 1981, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2002)

Great Care Should be Exercised in Selecting Teachers to Teach

"Great care and discretion should be exercised in the selection of teachers who will be contacting people who are mostly illiterate and cannot benefit from reading for themselves the written word, and are largely dependent on what they hear. Teachers, be they local or from outside, should be acutely aware of this. The spiritual calibre and moral quality of these teachers is of great importance, and particularly they should be of pure spirit and have a true love for the Cause. They should have the capacity to convey that spirit and that love to others. Furthermore, they should avoid pressure tactics in their efforts to obtain declarations of faith."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, dated May 5, 1982, attached to a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany dated February 6, 1986 and entitled "Statement of the Universal House of Justice Regarding Teaching the Faith", in Lights of Guidance, no. 2003)

Exercise Care in Presenting Cause to Avoid Misconceptions

"Bahá’u’lláh, in 'The Hidden Words', Says 'O Son of Dust! 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…', and on page 55 of 'The Advent of Divine Justice', a letter which is primarily directed towards exhorting the friends to fulfil their responsibilities in teaching the Faith, Shoghi Effendi writes: 'Care, however, should, at all times, be exercised, lest in their eagerness to further the international interests of the Faith they frustrate their purpose, and turn away, through any act that might be misconstrued as an attempt to proselytize and bring undue pressure upon them, those whom they wish to win over to their Cause'. Some Bahá’ís sometimes overstep the proper bounds, but this does not alter the clear principle."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, January 3, 1982: Teaching and Commitment, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2004)

Mankind Has the Right to Hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh

"The responsibility of the Bahá’ís to teach the Faith is very great. The contraction of the world and the onward rush of events require us to seize every chance open to us to touch the hearts and minds of our fellow-men. The Message of Bahá’u’lláh is God's guidance for mankind to overcome the difficulties of this age of transition and move forward into the next stage of its evolution, and human beings have the right to hear it. Those who accept it incur the duty of passing it on to their fellow-men. The slowness of the response of the world has caused and is causing great suffering; hence the historical pressure upon Bahá’ís to exert every effort to teach the Faith for the sake of their fellow-men. They should teach with enthusiasm, conviction, wisdom and courtesy, but without pressing their hearer, bearing in mind the words of Bahá’u’lláh 'Beware lest ye contend with any one, nay, strive to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation. If your hearer respond, he will have responded to his own behoof, and if not, turn ye away from him, and set your face towards God's sacred Court, the seat of resplendent holiness.' (Gleanings CXXVIII)"

(Extract from "Statement of the Universal House of Justice Regarding Teaching the Faith", op. cit. No. 2003, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2005)

The Purpose of Consolidation

"Consolidation activities promote the individual spiritual development of the friends, help to unite and strengthen Bahá’í community life, establish new social patterns for the friends, and stimulate the teaching work."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, April 17, 1981, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2006)

True Consolidation

"…true consolidation is to ensure that the love of Bahá’u’lláh and devotion to His Faith are firmly rooted in the hearts of the believers; this is the essential foundation for the subsequent addition of increased knowledge of the Teachings and the development of the Bahá’í way of life."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice, November 3, 1974, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2007)

Proclamation, Expansion and Consolidation

"The House of Justice … has instructed us to point out that proclamation, expansion, and consolidation are really three different aspects of teaching which to some degree merge into one another and therefore it is largely for each National Spiritual Assembly to decide how it will allocate these different aspects to committees in light of the volume of the work and the condition in each country."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, February 27, 1975, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2008)

Consolidation is That Aspect of Teaching Which Assists Believers to Deepen Their Knowledge of the Teachings…

"Consolidation is as vital a part of the teaching work as expansion. It is that aspect of teaching which assists the believers to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings, and fans the flame of their devotion of Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause, so that they will, of their own volition, continue the process of their spiritual development, promote the teaching work, and strengthen the functioning of their administrative institutions. Proper consolidation is essential to the preservation of the spiritual health of the community, to the protection of its interests, to the upholding of its good name, and ultimately to the continuation of the work of expansion itself."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, April 17, 1981, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2009)

Consolidation is an Essential and Inseparable Element of Teaching

"…they must remember that consolidation is an essential and inseparable element of teaching, and if they go to a remote area and enrol believers whom no one is going to be able to visit again in the near future, they may well be doing a disservice to those people and to the Faith. To give people this glorious Message and then leave them in the lurch produces disappointment and disillusionment, so that, when it does become possible to carry out properly planned teaching in that area, the teachers may well find the people resistant to the Message. The first teacher who was careless of consolidation, instead of planting and nourishing the seeds of faith has, in fact, 'inoculated' the people against the divine Message and made subsequent teaching very much harder."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all Continental Pioneer Committees, April 16, 1981: Teaching and Commitment, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2010)

Expansion and Consolidation Are Co-Equal

"Simultaneous and co-equal with this vast, ordered and ever-growing teaching effort, the work of consolidation must go hand in hand. In fact these two processes must be regarded as inseparable parts of the expansion of the Faith. While the work of teaching inevitably goes first, to pursue it alone without consolidation would leave the community unprepared to receive the masses who must sooner or later respond to the life-giving message of the Cause … Consolidation must comprise not only the establishment of Bahá’í administrative institutions, but a true deepening in the fundamental verities of the Cause and in its spiritual principles, understanding of its prime purpose in the establishment of the unity of mankind, instruction in its standards of behaviour in all aspects of private and public life, in the particular practice of Bahá’í life in such things as daily prayer, education of children, observance of the laws of Bahá’í marriage, abstention from politics, the obligation to contribute to the Fund, the importance of the Nineteen Day Feast and opportunity to acquire a sound knowledge of the present-day practice of Bahá’í administration."

(From the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, Ridván 1966, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2011)

The Purpose of Teaching is not Complete with a Declaration of Faith

"Teaching the Faith embraces many diverse activities, all of which are vital to success, and each of which reinforces the other. Time and again the beloved Guardian emphasized that expansion and consolidation are twin and inseparable aspects to teaching that must proceed simultaneously, yet one still hears believers discussing the virtues of one as against the other. The purpose of teaching is not complete when a person declares that he has accepted Bahá’u’lláh as the Manifestation of God for this age; the purpose of teaching is to attract human beings to the divine Message and so imbue them with its spirit that they will dedicate themselves to its service, and this world will become another world and its people another people. Viewed in this light a declaration of Faith is merely a milestone along the way—albeit a very important one. Teaching may also be likened to kindling a fire, the fire of faith, in the hearts of men. If a fire burns only so long as the match is held to it, it cannot truly be said to have been kindled; to be kindled it must continue to burn of its own accord. Thereafter more fuel can be added and the flame can be fanned, but even if left alone for a period, a truly kindled fire will not be extinguished by the first breath of wind."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 25, 1975, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2012)

Qualities Necessary—Pure Spirit and Love—Illiterates Cannot Read for Themselves

"It must be realized that people who are mostly illiterate cannot have the benefit of reading for themselves the written word and of deriving directly from it the spiritual sustenance they need for the enrichment of their Bahá’í lives. They become dependent, therefore, to a large extent on their contacts with visiting teachers. The spiritual calibre or moral quality of these teachers assumes, therefore, great importance. The National Spiritual Assembly or the Teaching Committees responsible for the selection of these teachers should bear in mind that their choice must depend, not only on the knowledge or grasp of the teachings on the part of the teachers, but primarily upon their pure spirit and their true love for the Cause, and their capacity to convey that spirit and love to others."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies engaged in mass teaching, October 26, 1967, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2013)

Simplicity in Giving the Message—The Unsophisticated People Form Majority

"The unsophisticated people of the world—and they form the large majority of its population—have the same right to know of the Cause of God as others. When the friends are teaching the Word of God they should be careful to give the Message in the same simplicity as it is enunciated in our Teachings. In their contacts they must show genuine and divine love. The heart of an unlettered soul is extremely sensitive, and any trace of prejudice on the part of the pioneer or teacher is immediately sensed."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, July 13, 1964, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2014)

Poorer Classes Should be Taught—Confirm People

"There is no doubt that the poorer classes should be taught the Cause and given every opportunity to embrace it. More especially in order to demonstrate to people our cardinal lack of prejudice—class prejudice as much as any other kind of prejudice. However, he 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."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian by his secretary to an individual believer, October 30, 1941: A Special Measure of Love, p. 2, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2015)

Teaching Campaigns

"He fully approves of the concept of uniting the believers' labors through focussing them on nation-wide teaching campaigns and so on. But he feels that the friends should constantly be encouraged to bear in mind certain salient facts: Bahá’u’lláh has brought a new system and new laws and standards of personal as well as racial conduct into the world. Although outside agencies have been to a certain extent illumined by the radiance of His Message and doctrines, and are exerting efforts to bring the world into that orbit of universal peace and harmony He has set for it, these outside forces cannot achieve what only the followers of His Faith can. The believers must not take their eyes off their own immediate tasks of patiently consolidating their administrative institutions, building up new Assemblies in North, Central and South America, and laboring to perfect the Bahá’í pattern of life, for these are things that no other group of people in the world can do or will do, and they alone are able to provide the spiritual foundation and example on which the larger world schemes must ultimately rest.

"At the same time every effort should be made to broadcast the Teaching at this time, and correlate them to the plight of humanity and the plans for its future. Both tasks should go forward simultaneously—internal consolidation and expansion, and a wider contact with the masses, maintained through public meetings, radio, publicity, etc."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, March 29, 1945: Bahá’í News, No. 175, June 1945, p. 3, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2016)

Aim of All Bahá’í Institutions and Teachers

"The aim, therefore, of all Bahá’í institutions and Bahá’í teachers is to advance continually to new areas and strata of society, with such thoroughness, that, as the spark of faith kindles the hearts of the hearers, the teaching of the believers continues until and even after they shoulder the responsibilities as Bahá’ís and participate in both the teaching and administrative work of the Faith.

"There are now many areas in the world where thousands of people have accepted the Faith so quickly that it has been beyond the capacity of the existing Bahá’í communities to consolidate adequately these advances. The people in these areas must be progressively deepened in their understanding of the Faith, in accordance with well-laid plans, so that the communities may, as soon as possible, become sources of great strength to the work of the Faith and begin to manifest the pattern of Bahá’í life."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 25, 1975, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2017)

Challenge to Every Believer and Institution

"Every individual follower of Bahá’u’lláh, as well as the institutions of the Faith, at local, national, continental and world levels, must now meet the challenge to raise the intensity of teaching to a pitch never before attained, in order to realize that vast increase called for in the Plan. For those believers living in countries where they have freedom to teach their Faith, this challenge is more sharply pointed by the oppressive measures imposed on the Faith elsewhere."

(From the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, Ridván 1966, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2018)

Challenge to Local and National Administrative Institutions

"The challenge to the local and national administrative institutions of the Faith is to organize and promote the teaching work through systematic plans, involving not only the regular fireside meetings in the homes of the believers, the public meetings, receptions and conferences, the weekend, summer and winter schools, the youth conferences and activities, all of which are so vigorously upheld at present, but in addition through a constant stream of visiting teachers to every locality …"

(From the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, Ridván 1966, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2019)

Challenge to the Individual Bahá’í

"The challenge to the individual Bahá’í in every field of service, but above all in teaching the Cause of God, is never-ending. With every fresh affliction visited upon mankind our inescapable duty becomes more apparent, nor should we ever forget that if we neglect this duty, 'others', in the words of Shoghi Effendi, 'will be called upon to take up our task as ministers to the crying needs of this afflicted world.' "

(From the Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, Ridván 1966, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2020)

How Can True Believer Remain Silent

"Every Bahá’í, however humble or inarticulate, must become intent on fulfilling his role as a bearer of the Divine Message. Indeed, how can a true believer remain silent while around us men cry out in anguish for truth, love and unity to descend upon this world?"

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, November 16, 1969, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2021)

Charitable and Humanitarian Aspects of Faith—Be Careful not to Emphasize

"When teaching among the masses, the friends should be careful not to emphasize the charitable and humanitarian aspects of the Faith as a means to win recruits. Experience has shown that when facilities such as schools, dispensaries, hospitals, or even clothes and food are offered to the people being taught, many complications arise. The prime motive should always be the response of man to God's message, and the recognition of His Messenger. Those who declare themselves as Bahá’ís should become enchanted with the beauty of the Teachings, and touched by the love of Bahá’u’lláh. The declarants need not know all the proofs, history, laws, and principles of the Faith, but in the process of declaring themselves they must, in addition to catching the spark of faith, become basically informed about the Central Figures of the Faith, as well as the existence of laws they must follow and an administration they must obey."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, July 13, 1964, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2022)

Honoraria or Expenses for Talking on the Faith at Non-Bahá’í Events

"As to honoraria, obviously it is preferable for individuals to present the Faith without receiving any fee. However, there is no objection to a Bahá’í receiving his travel and other expenses in connection with the talk."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, April 25, 1966, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2023)

Teachers as Administrators

"There is no reason why teachers should not also be administrators; but an active teacher does not have much time for committee work. Unfortunately there are more people qualified to do the administrative work than the teaching work—and teachers are greatly needed."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly, July 15, 1947, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2024)

Bahá’ís Should be Aware That Opening a New Territory or Town is only the First Move

"It must be made quite clear to the Bahá’ís that opening a new territory or a new town, for that matter, meritorious as it is, is nevertheless only the first move. The consolidation of the Bahá’í work undertaken there is the most important thing of all. Victories are won usually through a great deal of patience, planning and perseverance, and rarely accomplished at a single stroke."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, July 24, 1955, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2025)

The Basic Objective of Teaching

"It is reassuring to know that you understand that the basic objective of teaching is to promote the Cause of God—not merely to increase numbers for numbers' sake. However, care should be exercised in applying this principle lest we become so rigid as to exclude from our rolls those waiting souls who have been touched by the spirit of the Faith without being very knowledgeable about all the Teachings.

"A Local Spiritual Assembly should be formed in any locality where nine or more adult believers reside. The fact that some of them are not well grounded in the Faith is not a reason for delaying formation of the Assembly, but is a matter to be dealt with separately."

(From a letter of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, November 23, 1975, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2026)

The Guardian Encouraged Early Enrollment of New Believers

"… As you are aware, the beloved Guardian encouraged early enrollment of new believers upon their declarations, and not the creation of obstacles to their acceptance. After declaration, follow-up with deepening is imperative, and it may be that some will fall away. However, those who remain are the true fruits of the teaching endeavor and may include persons of great merit who might have been lost to the Cause through arbitrary early judgements."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, November 18, 1980, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2027)

Indirect Teaching: What it Constitutes

"As to your question as to what constitutes indirect teaching: It essentially consists in presenting some of the humanitarian or social teachings of the Cause which are shared by those whom we are teaching, as a means of attracting them to those aspects of the Faith which are more challenging in character, and are specifically and solely Bahá’í. The teaching of Esperanto, for instance, has been a very useful way of presenting the Cause indirectly to many people. It has opened many doors of contact for the believers, and has lately proved to be of tremendous help in introducing the Teachings into important social and intellectual circles."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, May 28, 1937, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2028)

The Teaching of the Indians in America

"As you know, the Master attached the utmost importance to the teaching of the Indians in America. The Guardian therefore hopes that your Assembly will devote considerable energy to this most important matter so that contacts are made with Indians in all of the Countries under your jurisdiction and some of these Indians become confirmed in the Faith.

"If the light of Divine Guidance enters properly into the lives of the Indians, it will be found that they will arise with a great power and will become an example of spirituality and culture to all of the people in these countries.

"The Master has likened the Indians in your Countries to the early Arabian Nomads at the time of the appearance of Muhammad. Within a short period of time they became the outstanding examples of education, of culture and of civilization for the entire world. The Master feels that similar wonders will occur today if the Indians are properly taught and if the power of the Spirit properly enters into their living."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America and Mexico, August 22, 1957, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2029)

Teaching the Muslims

"… Teaching Muslims the Faith requires to a great degree a knowledge of the Qur'án, so that you can bring them proofs from their own texts. If you have not mastered this yet, he suggests that you do so with the help of some of the Bahá’ís from the Islámic background. In this way you will attract the well-educated Muslims, and they will be deeply appreciative that an American should know so much about their religion."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, April 9, 1956, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2030)

It is the Holy Spirit That Confirms and the Individual Should Become as a Reed Through Which the Spirit May Descend

"One should remember it is not the individual who confirms another, but the Holy Spirit which confirms. Thus the individual must become as a reed, through which the spirit may descend, and quicken souls. Thus the best way to develop capacity in teaching the Faith is to teach. As one teaches, he gains more knowledge himself, he relies more on the guidance of the spirit, and expands his own character. This is why Bahá’u’lláh made it incumbent on all to teach the Faith."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, November 24, 1956, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2031)

Many People Are Ready For and Longing to Find These Teachings

"There are many, many people ready for and longing to find these Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The friends must, through prayers for guidance, and through trying to contact different types of groups, seek out these hungry souls and confirm them."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, February 5, 1948, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2032)

The Teacher Should Use Whatever Method of Expression that Will Attract the Listener

"English is, compared to Latin and oriental languages, lacking (as spoken in daily use) in flowery terms, and the Guardian feels that in teaching you should always use whatever method will most attract your hearers. If such terms as 'The Glory of God' are not suited to certain individuals' mentality you should refrain from using them until they draw really close to the spirit of the Cause. The teaching is of primary, the words of secondary importance."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, January 23, 1945, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2033)

Audacity in Teaching is Essential, but with Tact, Wisdom and Consideration

"… It is certainly necessary, nay indeed vitally urgent, that the believers should make no compromise in teaching the Cause, and should not allow any consciousness of their limited means and resources to deter them from presenting the Teachings in their entirety, and with absolute courage and firm conviction. It is the realization that they are but the instruments of the Divine Will, and as such are endowed with a potency with which no earthly power, be it fame, wealth, human knowledge and capacity, can possibly compare, that should inspire them with an indomitable courage and determination to teach and deliver the Message to whomsoever they contact, and thus insure the faithful execution of the divine trust committed to their charge by Bahá’u’lláh.

"As the Guardian himself has pointed out, audacity in teaching is essential, but no less important is the necessity for the exercise of the utmost tact, wisdom and consideration, in approaching either separate individuals or large public audiences. Only when these qualities have been duly combined and harmonized can the teaching work be carried on effectively, and produce lasting results."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, September 2, 1939, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2034)

Regarding Those Who are Enrolled, but do not Consider Themselves Bahá’ís

"With regard to those who do not consider themselves Bahá’ís on the basis of the argument that they signed the Declaration Card without actually knowing the significance of what they were doing, you should determine who these people are. You should then deepen their knowledge of the Faith. If they feel, after receiving sufficient information, that they do not wish to be Bahá’í, then their names should be removed from the Bahá’í membership list."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National Spiritual Assembly, June 23, 1985, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2035)

The Most Successful Way for the Individual to Carry on the Teaching Work

"The Bahá’ís must realize that the success of this work depends upon the individual. The individual must arise as never before to proclaim the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The most effective way for them to carry on their work is for the individual to make many contacts, select a few whom they feel would become Bahá’ís, develop a close friendship with them, then complete confidence, and finally teach them the Faith, until they become strong supporters of the Cause of God."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to all National Spiritual Assemblies, May 13, 1955, in Lights of Guidance, no. 2036)