A New World Order/Introduction

A New World Order

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A NEW WORLD ORDER

Deepening Program #1

Contents

A NEW AGE: I. Introduction II. Bahá’u’lláh and His Mission III. Do You Know in What Day You Are Living? IV. What Is a Bahá’í? V. What Is the Special Mission of Bahá’í Youth?

THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY: I. The Covenant II. The Spirit of the Administrative Order III. Consultation

THE ARENA OF ACTION: I. Our Private Lives II. Bahá’ís in Society III. Three Great Fields of Service IV. The Five Year Youth Program

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THIS PACKET

1. Each section should be read aloud around the room and followed by a discussion sparked by the questions at the end of the section.

2. All present should be encouraged to participate in the discussion after each section is read.

3. In most cases, more questions are provided than you will actually need.

4. If one fails to provoke a response, drop it and go on to the next.

5. The discussion should be frank and free and should take up far more time than the readings do.

This packet may be completed in one sitting or divided into a series of classes. If done all at once, it will take a minimum of four hours. [Page 3]

INTRODUCTION

In August of 1968 the National Spiritual Assembly announced the goals of the Five Year Youth Program and presented them to the American Bahá’í youth. One of these goals was "to engage in a systematic deepening program based on the instructions for deep- enunicated in the Riḍván 1967 message of the Universal House of Justice.

A New World Order is the first of a series of six deepening portfolios which are directed towards meeting this goal.

These portfolios are designed to provide exciting and meaning- ful deepening experiences which will stimulate youth to further study. Each portfolio provides a series of lessons which are com- plete in themselves, but which are primarily intended to direct Bahá’í youth to the regular literature of their Faith.

This particular portfolio is an introduction to three subjects which are basic to Bahá’í deepening-the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh, the Covenant, and the role of the individual. It is especially hoped that these lessons will benefit newly-enrolled Bahá’í youth. Of course, not all of the quotes on these subjects appear on these few pages.

After reading this introduction, the student may embark on a lifetime of study, meditation, and insight.

Dearly-loved friends, this is the theme we must pursue in our efforts to deepen in the Cause. What is Bahá’u’lláh’s purpose for the human race? For what ends did He submit to the appalling cruelties and indignities heaped upon Him? What does He mean by "a new race of men"? What are the profound changes which He will bring about? The answers are to be found in the Sacred Writings of our Faith and in their interpreta- tion by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and our beloved Guardian. Let the friends immerse themselves in this ocean, let them organize regular study classes for its constant consideration.

The Universal House of Justice, Riḍván 1967, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 114