Sociology

Social Contracts

• marriage

Topics

• individual and the environment

Importance of studying sociology

Importance of studying sociology in order to be informed about progressive movements and to correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings

"Shoghi Effendi has for years urged the Bahá'ís (who asked his advice, and in general also), to study history, economics, sociology, etc., in order to be au courant with all the progressive movements and thoughts being put forth today, and so that they could correlate these to the Bahá'í teachings. What he wants the Bahá'ís to do is to study more, not to study less. The more general knowledge, scientific and otherwise, they possess, the better."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Importance of Deepening Our Knowledge and Understanding of the Faith, no. 148)

Advised students to study sociology as a subject which our teachings cast a new light upon; could also help introduce Bahá'í ideas

"Regarding the advice you requested from him concerning what studies you should specialize in with a view to teaching in the future: He would suggest either History, Economics or Sociology, as these are not only fields in which Bahá'ís take a great interest but also cover subjects which our teachings cast an entirely new light upon. Your knowledge would be of use to the Cause in teaching it in the future, and you could also perhaps introduce the Bahá'í ideas into your lectures as an educator."

(Shoghi Effendi, 13 March 1944 to an individual believer, Unrestrained as the Wind, p. 70)

Always advised young people to study subjects as sociology as related to the teachings and aid in understanding the Faith

"The Guardian has always advised young people to study deeply such subjects as History, Economics and Sociology as they are all related to the teachings and aid in understanding the Faith...."

(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 12 March 1944 to an individual believer, in Youth (compilation), no. 2275)

See also

• Community