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Childs
ne Nee Rete
A GUIDE FOR BAHA‘! PARENTS AND TEACHERS
The beginning of all things is the knowledge of God, and the end of all things is strict observance of whatsoever hath been sent down from the empyrean of the Divine Will that pervadeth all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth.
—Baha’u’llah
THE MAIN GATE LEADING TO THE SHRINE OF BAHA’U’LLAH AT BAHJI, ISRAEL, GIFT OF HAND OF THE CAUSE, Mrs. AMELIA COLLINS, AND NAMED AFTER HER.
From a teacher’s notebook
The following article is a reprint of chapter V from Stanwood Cobb’s book, Character, A Sequence in Spiritual Psychology, published in 1938 by the Avalon Press, Washington, D.C. CHILD’s Way is printing this article as a service to its readers as Dr. Cobb’s book shows the vast importance of character in the life of the individual, the chief steps in character-formation, and the spiritual aids that we may avail ourselves of in
our striving toward perfection. —THE EDITORS
SELF-DEVELOPMENT
The individual is born into this worid helpless and harmless. He is incapable
of committing evil. But he cannot on that account be said to have a perfect character. That is attained only by wrestling with life itself in a stage of maturity where man has the strength and intelligence to choose good or evil.
The first stage in the building of character is necessarily one of self- development. The early years of every human being, as of the animals, are years of expansion, of development, of maturation.
The infant, the child, the youth de- velop by experimenting with the world around them. Character is being formed in these adjustments of the individual to society, even from the earliest years;
Peconic: de
COMMITTEE
Published bi-monthly ($1 a year) .. OCTOBER 1956 (Baha’i Year 113) No. 47
but this character development is large- ly in the hands of those who train the infant. It is not until adolescence is approached that the child is mature enough to analyze himself and delib- erately build for character.
Parents and educators have a great responsibility, therefore, as regards the kind of character that emerges in the ’teens. This character, as conditioned by home and school, is not easily mod- ified in later years. The child with a good home and with intelligent parents who carry out conscientiously and ef- fectively their responsibilities in the way of child-training—such a child, especially if morally stimulated by family example as well as by precept, has a fortunate advantage over all other children.
The stage of life from adolescence to physical maturity is still one of self- development and self-expression. Dur- ing this period of youth the individual has little responsibility to society but much responsibility to himself. It is his duty to discover and develop all his powers and train them for efficient achievement in later years. Most im- portant during this period is the ex- ploration and discovery of oneself, the development of practical wisdom and the careful choice of a profession.
One should build for success. There is nothing unspiritual in a process of self-development that will make for efficient functioning in one’s chosen ca- reer and lead to material success.
Vocational or professional skills, effi- ciency in one’s work, industry, ambi- tion to excel and to rise to the top: these qualities are perfectly compat- ible with spiritual law, though they are expressions of the material side of man. Since we live in a world of mat- ter, we must adapt ourselves to it suc- cessfully. Such an adaptation is our first spiritual obligation toward exist- ence.
Work, and through work material success, are a cosmic and universal ob- ligation. Men can find no ailibi in their religion for neglect of external respon- sibilities and of the factors of success. Education must fulfill the obligation of preparing youth for a successful ca- reer. It is the duty of the educator to equip youth not only with general knowledge but also with vocational or professional skills. Work is a cosmic duty to which all men, without excep- tion, are obligated. And man’s work should be efficient and fruitful.
The first duty that youth faces in the development of character, then, is the duty of self-development. Youth has a sacred obligation to awaken and train all his powers to their fullest poten- tiality. This is not selfish, though it may appear egocentric. Ambition is a virtue in youth. Later in life it may
EDUCATION ~
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become a fault and a danger.
There are certain virtues essential to success and happiness in life which must be acquired early: industry, hon- esty, self-reliant, control of the physi- cal desires, harmony with one’s social environment, the spirit of cooperation, patience, sincerity. It is such qualities as these which great men early in their
- teens set themselves consciously to
achieve. If these qualities are gained by the individual, success and happi- ness in proportionate degree are as- sured him.
Religion, with its definite ethical pre- cepts and its strong motivations and sanctions, is a powerful factor in the building up of a character which may have its practical as well as its spirit- ual aspects. It saves youth from ex- cesses and from _ self-restraint. It makes for self-reliant, probity, integ- rity, cooperation and loyalty. It stim- ulates moral progress and inspires con- stant effort toward self-improvement.
The fact that an earnest religious- founded conscience is a factor of ma- terial success is definitely shown in the economic history of the Puritans, the Scotch Presbyterians, the Huguenots and the Quakers—all of whom have been as notable for their economic suc- cess as for their moral and religious conscience, There may be other factors for the outstanding economic success of these sects, but the sober character of solid integrity inspired by religious conscience is of all factors by far the most notable and effective.
It may not be dignified of religion to base its appeal to youth on grounds of practicality. But youth should not be unaware that the only completely sound, wholesome and effective life is one which travels on the highway charted by religion.
The study of one’s own self—the realization of one’s tendencies toward good and evil and of one’s potentialities for achievement—is the most fascin- ating and valuable of all studies. It was the slogan of the ancient Greeks: “Know thyself.”
The physical sciences teach us the nature of the world around us and how to rule it. “The Occidental,” says Ed- ward Carpenter, “knows how to rule everything in the world except the square foot under his own hat.”
Psychology teaches us our own na- ture and how to rule that. Psychology today is materialistic in its tendencies. The psychology of the new age will be spiritual in its foundations and this spiritualized science of psychology will be profoundly effective in aiding youth to acquire a perfect character.
Spiritual psychology teaches man the dual nature of his being: that on the one hand he inherits from his physical evolution all the qualities of the ani- mal — aggressiveness, cruelity, greed, envy, cunning, temper, self-seeking; on the other hand, man has that within him that gives him the capacity of de- veloping the spiritual qualities of kind- liness, patience, honesty, self-sacrifice, universal love, and purity of mind and body.
The tragic limitation of present-day psychology and education is the failure to discover and present the spiritual side of man, which is just as potent and far more important a side of his nature than his animal trend. Every
2
THE MONUMENTAL PATH LEADING TO THE SHRINE OF BAHA’U’LLAH, BAHAJI, ISRAEL.
man, every woman has the capacity and the power to progress along the path of spiritual perfectioning. One of the most important missions of the Founders of religions is to assert this duality and call upon man to rise from the lower, earthly side of his nature toward the celestial, angelic side.
Paul, two thousand years ago, ex-
pounded this psychology efficaciously. These two beings in man Paul calls the carnal and the spiritual man respec- tively; and his preachment consists chiefly in the exhortation to avail one- self of the aid of the Christos for the all-important task of putting off the garment of carnality and putting on the garment of spirituality. “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heav- en. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, breth- ren, that flesh and blood cannot in- herit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption ,inherit incorruption.
“This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the ‘one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. . . . Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, las- civiousness. Idolatry, witchcraft, hat- red, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”
Thus does Paul train his flock, direct- ing them, exhorting them, encouraging them in ways of nobler living—always the true psychologist, the man of in- sight into human as well as divine truths.
- * * * *
“In man there are two natures, his spiritual or higher nature and his ma- terial or lower nature. In one he ap- proaches God, in the other he lives for the world alone. Signs of both these natures are to be found in men. In his material aspect he expresses untruth, cruelty and injustice; all these are the outcome of his lower nature. The at- tributes of his divine nature are shown forth in love, mercy, kindness, truth and justice, one and all being expres- sions of his higher nature. Every good habit, every noble quality belongs to man’s spiritual nature, whereas all his imperfections and sinful actions are born of his material nature. If a man’s divine nature dominates his human na- ture, we have a saint.
“Tf the soul identifies itself with the material world it remains dark, for in the natural world there is corruption, aggression, struggles for existence, greed, darkness, transgression and vice. If the soul remains in this station and moves along these paths it will be the recipient of this darkness; but if it be- comes the recipient of the graces of the world of mind, its darkness will be transformed into light, its tyranny into justice, its ignorance into wisdom, its aggression into loving kindness, until it reach the apex. Then there will not remain any struggle for existence. Man will become free from egotism; he will be released from the material world; he will become the personification of justice and virtue, for a sanctified soul illumines humanity and is an honor to mankind, conferring life upon the chil- dren of men.”’*
- Abdu’l-Baha: “The Reality of Man.”
Baha’i Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Ill.
TO BE CONTINUED
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The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handy- work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard... The law of the Lord is perfect... The statutes of the Lord are right .. . Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19.
RTADERS SERVIC
Children’s literature has progressed greatly in the last few years. An influx of books about religion, science, animals, family living and hobbies for children, fill the shelves of our libraries today. Some of these books seem to be excellent material for the Baha’i family and for the Children’s Hour, as teaching aids.
The mimeographed supplement en- closed in this issue of Curup’s Way is a continuation of the teaching Seminar sponsored by the National Baha’i Child Education Committee. The first section of the Seminar appeared in the July- August issue (From Teacher’s Note- book). There will be approximately two or three more sections, which will be mimeographed and enclosed in future issues of the Bulletin as a service to
Trends, techniques, tips
You must have abundant love for your children and exert thine utmost in training them, so that their being may grow through the milk of the love of God, forasmuch as it is the duty of parents to perfectly and thoroughly train their children.
How To Make An Inexpensive Black Board
Children like to use a black board. It lends expression to their thoughts and creative abilities, Teachers have always found the black board a necessary part of the class room. Unfortunately slate is costly. The House of Worship Teaching Staff found that by using what is called black board paint (dark green in color) on beaver board or plywood this made an excellent long lasting black board.
Usually two coats of the black board paint must be applied to obtain the proper finish. Yellow chalk is preferred, as it is said to be easier on the eyes. However, white chalk may be used if desired. A small damp sponge is fine for an eraser.
The black board paint was purchased economically in a local hardware store.
This board is both functional and at- tractive.
Bulletin Boards
Our planning for bulletins at the Baha’i House of Worship has been dic- tated by a number of things. At one time it was a Holy Day. At Naw-Ruz we had as our theme The Dawn, sym- bolizing The Bab and the Divine Spring- time Baha’u’llah. We used beautiful, colored pictures from nature. At another time the bulletin was introduced through a series of assemblies on the subjects of prayer and worship, with appropriate pictures of people at prayers and people working in the spirit of service (see pictures). The Symbols of the religions
— ’Abdu’l-Baha
with pictures of the various peoples would make a good theme; the human element might help the children to remember.
Pictured here is a bulletin board planned around the limitless source of the Word itself. “Thou art My lamp and My light is in thee.”
The construction of the boards is not difficult, A very inexpensive board can be made of Bildrite Sheathing which comes in 8’ x 2’ sheets. A slightly more expensive material, though better look-
readers and subscribers. The Editors will welcome comments on this material, as well as expressions from the readers about further services of this type.
Susgested references
Penny’s Worth of Character—J. Stewart Simple country boy learns that every- thing is wrong with the world when one is wrong within one’s self.
Ladycake Farm—M. L. Hunt A family story of ways in which neighbors may enioy and help each other in a modern world.
Follow the Sunset—H. & N. Schneider Where does the sun go when it sets? What makes the night come after the day? Story of people of all lands and how they live.
It is to be expected that some con- cepts presented in such books will not be in accord with our Teachings, and parents and teachers must be alert to these differences and be sure the Baha’i child is correctly taught the Baha’i Faith. A thorough knowledge of the verities of the Faith, and regular study, particularly of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s writings, provide the only assurance to Baha’i parents that they are discharging their sacred duty of teaching the children “what hath been revealed through the Supreme Pen.”
ing, is Homosote Board or one called Insulite Greylite Board. Both come in
4’ x 8’ sheets. All three can be used as is, or painted, or covered with burlap or fabric, using wall paper paste, then painting. This last suggestion conceals the thumb tack holes, making the board usable for a longer time.
To fasten in the walls, use screws. Toggle bolts are used in plaster and masonry plugs are usel in concrete or brick walls.
lamp and ["
- light is in
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Children’s hour news
Students and guests of the Bahai
Baha‘i Children’s Class of
Geneva, Switzerland
The class started in April 1955 with fifteen boys and girls of three different nationalities, but as some have gone to other parts of the world, there are only ten of us left now. Since there are still Swiss, Persian, and Pakistani children in this class, the program is conducted in all three languages.
The class program consists of an open- ing prayer, reading of the daily reports of the students, puting in our little con- tributions (for the Spiritual Assemblies), reading some of the Teachings and dis- cussing them, singing Baha’i songs and saying prayers in Enlish, French, Per- sian, and Ordoo, singly or together.
Our accomplishments during the
year include: 1) We wrote to the three Jamali girls, members of our last year’s class, who have gone to Hamburg. 2) We had out-of-door picnics twice after class. and enjoyed ourselves very much with games, singing, chanting. and eating delicious sandwiches and other “goodies.” 3) One of the best things we learned in this class was to form a habit of econ- omizing a little in our Juxuries such as birthday celebrations, going to movies, buying dainties, etc., so that we could save up a few cents to bring to class weekly to help the -Cause. Our little share has been very small indeed, but remembering the saying “Drops collect to make the sea,” we tried our best. 4) We also did handwork in our free time, with the thought that by learning to use our own effort perhaps someday in some way we may be able to help the Cause. Our invitation cards are also our own production.
Children’s Geneva, Switzerland, July 15, 1956.
Class of
5) Still another good thing we learned to do was to make note everyday of the good turns we did and bring them to the class to be read and discussed. We have gained much by doing this, since we have tried as far as possible not to do anything that is against the Baha’i Teachings.
6) Two of our class members, Diana and Danush Rassekh, left us for Tehran last week. We gave them a little present and wished them good and safe journey. They wrote a lovely note thanking the class and sent their handworks to be displayed on the show-case.
7) Our dear friend. Miss Honor Kemp- ton, has given us a Baha’i calendar, and taught Shou-Shou -an. English prayer. Two of‘our friends, Mrs. de Bons and Mrs. Haenni, were so kind as to trans- late the words of our Baha’i songs from English to French for us. This was an immense help, since now we are able to sing these songs in both languages. Mrs. Baltassat made us a present of a very pretty song. We are most thankful to all of them for their helpful kindness.
8) It is not out of place to mention Suzy and Nounou’s help, which might suggest similar things to all the friends: Since last year Suzy and Nounou’s par- ents decided all the money collected from the discount stamps given by co- operative stores belonged to Suzy and Nounou. But these sisters thought the west way to use the money was to give it to the treasury of the Spiritual As- semblies (both local and national). In this way they offered a certain sum of money to the Spiritual Assemblies last year.
This year they have collected the sum of 63 francs, half of which they offer to the NSA and the other half to the LSA of Geneva.
The total of the contributions that our
In the last issue of CuILp’s Way the CHILDREN’S PAGE carried the third in a series of short songs that can be used in Children’s Hours, or at
home, to stimulate an interest in music.
Our thanks to Bobby Griffin of Homewood, Illinois, who submitted the
title: “Work With Joy” 4
class makes to the Italo-Swiss NSA and the LSA of Geneva is 164 francs. This is the sum of the money collected by Suzy and Nounou and the money con- tributed weekly by the class members.
PROGRAM Sunpay, Juty 157TH, 1956— Kauimat 3rp, 113 1. Opening prayer in French—Nounou
Ardjomande
Prayer in English — Shou-Shou Ashraf
Prayer in Ordoo—Zohreh Hussain Prayer in Persian — Mobarakeh Hussain
Welcome address and year’s report
—Mahnaze Ardjomande
Baha’i songs by all, accompanied
by piano.
“ Abdu’l-Baha and the two Arabs”
—Zohreh Hussain
Piano (an Allegro of Rolle) —
Mahnaze Ardjomande
Short explanation about the Baha’i
Cause—Suzy Ardjomande followed
by “The Twelve Principles” by all
the students.
10. Prayer in English—Tahereh Hussain
11. Closing prayer in English—Rawshan Ashraf
12. Distribution of souvenirs to the pupils—Mrs. de Bons
13. Distribution of souvenirs works of the _ students) friends s
14. Refreshments
SO) 90 ae Aiea eS
(hand- to the
Mere knowledge of principles is not sufficient . . . All of us know that inter- national peace is good, that it is condu- cive to human welfare and the glory of man but volition and action are neces-~ sary before it can be established. Action is the essential. Inasmuch as this cen- tury is a century of light, capacity for action is assured to mankind. Necessarily the divine principles will be spread among men until the time of action arrives. Surely this has been so and truly the time and conditions are ripe for action now.
The Promulgation of Universal Peace
p.117
Childs Way
Published bi-monthly by the Na- tional Baha’i Child Education Com-
mittee with the help of all Baha’is. Address editorial communications to Mrs. Betty Fiedler, 836 Cedar Ter- race, Deerfield, Illinois. Address sub- scriptions ($1 for six issues) to Banu
Hassan, 1244 Maple Avenue, Wil-
mette, Illinois.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Story time
Mirza ‘Ali Muhammad
“Was the Bab ever a little boy, Daddy?”
This question surprised Mr. Bennett into stopping his work in the garden.
“Do you know, that’s an interesting question! It’s hard to think of the Bab in any way except as a Prophet of God. Those six years were so glorious that you are likely to forget that He, too, had to obey the laws of nature while He lived in this world, just the way everything else does. That flower over there is so beautiful it makes you forget the funny- looking bulb you and I covered with earth this Spring. Our apple tree that is shaped just right for climbing in and gives us such bright, good fruit, makes you want to laugh when you think of the little brown seed that it was years ago.”
Chris watched his father’s face because he wasn’t at all sure that this was answering his question. He followed him when he went into the house and took a large book from the shelf.
“Let’s go back out to the garden, Chris, and look into this together,” said Mr. Bennett, taking the small hand in his.
“First, remember that everything we see that lives has a beginning—-usually a very small beginning. It has a time to bear fruit and it has a time to die. This is the law of the physical world. Strange as it seems, when God sends His Messengers to the world They, too, must live according to the laws of nature.”
“Then They have to start little too, Daddy, like our baby and
You name the song
Think up names for the song and send them to Mrs. Betty Fiedler, 836 Cedar Terrace, Deerfield, Illinois.
MY ; —?s s — ; |
bere fl tl A re ee eA lh srl iat Od UL. Oe OU Oe Se ee kn de NN. Ce... CO Le dh Ee
like the apple seeds?”
“That’s right. Now the book says that in Shiraz in Persia a Baby was born on October 20, 1819. He was named Mirza
- Ali Muhammad. Soon afterwards His father died and He was
taken to live with a kind uncle. It seems there was a difference between Him and other babies for it is known that Those Who become the Founders of the Religion of God are especiallv beautiful. Their manners are very charming and They are noble and kind from the time of early childhood. When They speak the people listen in wonderment, for They are born with the knowledge and the love of God and do not have to be taught as we do. This Child was like that.”
“My!” interrupted Chris, “it’s pretty hard imagining a little boy like that—almost as hard as thinking about that flower and the funny lump we stuck under the ground.”
They both laughed and Chris asked his father to go on find- ing things in the book.
“Well, when He was about your age He was sent for a time to learn to read and write in Persian, but His schooltime was very short and the things He knew came directly from God. He loved horses and as He grew older He learned to ride very well. His religion was the religion of Muhammad and He followed faithfully the laws of prayer and fasting; of kindness and trustworthiness; of truthfulness and courtesy. When this wonderful Child grew up a day came when God chose to have Him understand that He was to call the people to God and from that day Mirza ‘Ali Muhammad was known as the Bab, or the Gate, and He taught of the Dawn of a New Day in the Religion of God. He also told of One Who would come soon to establish this Religion throughout the whole world and He named Him, Baha’u’llah.
“This life of the Bab was so marvelous in its effect on the people that we know now that life in the world of nature, wonderful as it is, is only part of the story. and that the life of the Kingdom of God is the one we will discover as we learn to do as the Bab and Baha’u’llah taught—as Jesus and Muhammad and all the Messengers have taught. Although They were born and died on this earth They live forever in the Abha Kingdom (Kingdom of Glory).”
[Page 6]
C1770,
Published by THE NATIONAL BAHA'I CHILD EDUCATION COMMITTEE
THE SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE
“God’s purpose in sending His Proph- ets unto men is first to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to en- sure the peace and tranquility of man- kind, and provide all the means by which they can be established.”—-Glean- ings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah.
When God sent the Bab to the world, the doors of knowledge were once again opened. Not since the time of Muham- mad had man made original discoveries which created a new civilization. Muhammad brought spiritual laws to a people who worshipped idols instead of God; the civilization He established led to such material knowledge as the decimal system, Arabic numerals (in place of Roman numerals), knowledge of the body which led to present day medicine, etc. But men still travelled by horse and camel; there were no news- papers; sailing vessels were the only means of transportation on the waters; operations had to be performed without ether, and bitter wars were still fought over religion, with the followers of every religion convinced that only their religion was right and all the rest were
wrong.
With the coming of the Bab and of Baha’u’llah, the whole idea of true reli- gion changed. These Manifestations of God taught man that since there is only one God, there can be only one religion —the worship of God, expressed through love of all mankind. In this way man was freed from religious ignorance; he knew for the first time that all reli- gions are one and that each Manifesta- tion was sent at a different time to a different people so that the whole world would become aware of God and of His laws. At one time men were like child- ren. They had to be taught only what they could understand, like a child in the first grade must learn to read and write before he can understand more difficult subjects. As men grew in know- ledge they could be taught more and greater truths. So Moses came into the world, and Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab and Baha’u’llah. This gradual teaching of truth is called progressive revelation, because God- reveals more truth through each Manifestation.
When the Light of God, which is the light of truth, pours out onto the world, knowledge of many things comes with it. All this knowledge existed, but men could not discover it until the Source of Knowledge (the Manifestation) brought new inspiration into the world.
From a juniors notebook
VACATION AT GREENACRE
Greenacre is in Eliot, Maine. The Greenacre Inn sits on a hill overlook- ing a river. We have breakfast, lunch and dinner in a big dining hall; we dance to records, play ping pong and buy after-dinner snacks in the recrea- tion hall. In Baha’i Hall, down by the river, Feasts and meetings are held.
We children have swimming every afternoon; sometimes we go to the ocean to swim. We fish, also, and catch flounder and trout.
Most of us come from different states so when we come to Greenacre we tell each other about the City and State we live in.
There are classes for the children, plus an eleven-to-thirteen year old class for the in-between ages. There’s a library where people can borrow books for studying.
We sometimes take part in the Feasts by saying prayers and singing songs. There are musical evenings, where we children show our talents and gladly
share them with others.
Greenacre was such a wonderful ex- perience that I hope to go again next summer.
—KaroL KayE
11 years old
DID YOU KNOW THAT? Our light bulbs are named MAZDA, after the Zorestrian name for God, Mazda means i.ght, and God, of course is the source of Light and Life.
% * *
All the Prophets of God Who came from the Holy Land were from the family of Abraham. Because Abraham obeyed and loved God, He was given this blessing. Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, The Bab and Baha’u’llah all came through the family of Abraham. Moses came from the family of Levi, who was descended from Abraham. Jesus was the son of Mary, who descended from Isaac, Abraham’s son. Muhammad, and Baha’u’llah descended from another son of Abraham.
loth
OCTOBER 1956 (Baha‘i Year 113) No. 47
Since God’s second purpose in sending His Manifestations is to bring about peace, all the means for uniting man- kind were discovered by man after the Bab’s Declaration. If the whole world was to become one—united in one reli- gious and social brotherhood—there had to be a way to bring the peoples of the world together. It was then that men discovered the telegraph, the telephone, radio, rotary presses which produce our newspapers today, steamships, locomo- tives, airplanes, etc.
There is no such thing as man-made knowledge which is separate from reli- gion, for all knowledge comes from God. Baha’is know that when Baha’u’llah brought the principle of “The Oneness of Mankind” this spiritual law was a Cause, and the entire system of science we have today was the effect of this Cause.
Baha’u’llah said “Split the atom’s heart and lo, within it thou wilt find a sun.” The splitting of the atom was not accomplished until fifty years after Baha’u’llah’s death. The “heart of the atom” is energy, which, when released, is a source of great power, capable of running ships, heating buildings, or lighting a city. It is used medically in the treatment of disease, but it is also the power behind the atom bomb.
So strangely enough, these very means for uniting people become terrible wea- pons of destruction when man tries to separate them from the spiritual law which made them possible.
Only when religion and science go hand in hand as God intended, will we have a peaceful world where man can enjoy true happiness. “They are two wings,” ’Abdu’l-Baha said, “and with only one wing flight is impossible.”
Knowledge is the means of honor, prosperity, joy, gladness, happiness and exultation.
~—Baha’u’llah
Please Note, that a new page has been added to Cuitp’s Way! It is entitled
JUNIOR YOUTH, and as the title im- plies it is written by the junior youth
and for the youths. Please encourage your children to write about themselves, experiences, questions, and answers. All correspondence will be most welcome.
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