Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings/Text

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INTRODUCTION TO THE BAEA‘I TEACHINGS

A Tethessou Study Course By Mamie L. 881:0

I / Approved by Bahá’í Reviewing Committee

191+}

Bahá’í Publishing Committee 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois

Printed in U.S .A.

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FOREWORD

This Outline has been prepared at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly, and is intended to meet a special need.

The need has been for a simplified introductory course giving the basic Baha' i teachings, based upon references to not more than two Baha 1 works both of which will be in print and available at all times at slight cost, and arranged in not more than ten lessons.

The material presented in the following pages is intended for study class or perscnal use, and provides subject matter and references for a course of not more than ten weeks.

Where a Bahe‘ 1 teacher is available, the Outline can be adapted to the type of class being conducted, whether of confirmed Baha' is who Wish to review the basic teachings, or of new i‘riends being prepared for enrollment.

Where it is used by an individual student or a group lacking an experienced teacher, the questidns listed in each lesson will provide subjects for discussion after the references have been read and studied by each member of the group prior to the meeting.

In addition to its use for study and class discussion, the Outline will assist speakers in the preparation of public talks on many unportant Baha' 1 subjects.

Only two reference books are needed: the set of three pamphlets containing Selected writings of Baha' u 'llah, of 'Abdu' l— —Baha, and of Shoghi Effendi, and the book entitled "Baha' u 'llah and the New Era, by J. E. Esslemont.

To facilitate the use of this Outline in connection with the intensive teaching of the Faith throughout the United States and Canada at this time, the Baha 1 Publishing Committee has arranged to sell the Outline and the reference books either separately or as a unit at a special price.

The Outline, the three pamphlets and the book by Dr. Esslemont, postpaid, 75¢. (If Baha’ u 'llah and. the New Era is wanted with fabrikoid cover, the cost is $1. 00)

Price of Outline, per copy, 15¢. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, paper cover 50¢, fabrikoid, 75¢; Selected Writings, three pamphlets 25¢;

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REFERENCES:

QUESTIONS:

LESSON 1

T H E N E W A G E

Baha'u'llah and the New Era, pages 1-8 Selected Writings of Baha'u'llah, pages 5-6

Selected Writings of ‘Abdu'l—Baha, pages 15-17 25-27, 52: “5

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, page 15

1. What are the evidences that the world of humanity is undergoing a reformation?

2. How does a Prophet differ from other men?

5. How does a Prophet influence the progress of the human world?

h. State ten teachings of Bahá’u’lláh that are especially applicable to the New Age.

5. How do the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh seem to Justify the claim that He is the divine Messenger of this age?

6. What has been the result of man's continued refgsal t9 accept the Revelation of Baha'u'llah?

7. What great change will come to mankind as a result of the manifestation of spiritual forces?

8. Name the seven candles of unity that will shed their light in this New Age.

9. How will the coming civilization compare with those of past ages?

10. How does Bahá’u’lláh compare this Revelation with those of past diepensations?

-2 [Page 3]REFERENCES:

QUESTIONS:

LESSON 2 ONENESS pg MANKIND Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pages 196-197, 25u—255, 528

Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pages 11+, 21-22, 30, 51

Selected writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 36-39

1. How does the Bahá’í doctrine of the unity of mankind strike at one fertile cause of war?

2. What is implied in the following words uttered by Bahá’u’lláh: 'Ye are all the leaves of one tree?"

5. What strong bond underlies all humanity? Elaborate on the subject.

h. What will be the beneficent results of spiritual brotherhood?

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Does God make any distinction between men because of the differences in their color?

6. What is our duty in aiding the world to become united?

7. What hmportant place does the principle of oneness occupy in the Bahá’í Faith?

8. What is the pqrpose of the world-wide law of Baha'u'llah?

9. Enumerate the Bahá’í social teachings and show how each is based on the fundamental idea of the oneness of mankind.

[Page 4]REFERENCES:

QUESTIONS:

LESSON

THE LIFE 93 THE SPIRIT

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era pages 90-109, 110-125,

1&5-147.

Selected Writings of Bahal’u'lla/h, pages 29-51

Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pages 7-8,

10.

9-10, 17-18, hs-uu

Can human nature change? Discuss.

How would you reconcile the two commands of independent investigation of truth, and obedience?

What are the Bahá’í Teachings on faultfinding and backbiting?

What do you understand by the term "the Bahá’í life?" What is the relation between love of God and love of one's fellows?

What is prayer and how aces it operate?

Why is it necessary to worship God through a Mediator?

What are the purposes and results of mediation?

What is the cause of individual or group calamities?

Discuss the progress of the soul.

[Page 5]‘fis A.» EEFERENCES: gymsmgge : I

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PROGRESSIVE REVELATION AND TRUE RELIGION

Bahe‘u'lláh and the New Era, pages 1&2—165

Selected Writinga of 'A‘oau~1-Bahá’í, pages 7-15, 1541+

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 11-15

10.

11.

What is meant by progressive revelation?

What determines the message brought by a Proghet? What are the two parts of each divine reVClationé Give the purpose of true religion.

In what ways have the former religions declined?

Upon what basis can the present werld religions be united?

Why are the Manifestations of God called Collective Centers?

Discuss the Prophet as the Divine Ehysician.

What do you consider the outstanding diseases of the modern world, and what remedy has Bahá’u’lláh prescribed for each?

In what ways dees Esslemont consider the Bahá’í Faith "unprecedented and unique among the faiths Of the world?"

How does the Bahá’í Faith view the religions of the past?

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GOD AND HIS MANIFESTATIONS

REFERENCES: Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pages 51—57, 2h5-2h8,

258, 259

Selected writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 9-15

Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pages 11—12

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 11-12

QUESTIONS: l.

10.

Why can we never understand the Essence of God? How and to what extent can We know God?

Reconcile the plurality of the Manifestations with the oneness of God.

What are the two stations which the Manifestations of God possess?

What is the relationship of the Manifestations to God?

In what way may We say that the Manifestations are God?

Describe the unity which exists among the Prophets of God.

In what way does the revelation of one Prophet differ from that of another?

What is God's purpose in sending His Prophets to men?

When did God's Prophets first appear upon earth, and when shall they cease to come?

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REFERENCES:

QUESTIONS:

LESSON 6

I 25E Baa

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pages lh-29

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 8, 21-22

1.

P.)

Describe the social and religious conditions in Eersia in the middle of the nineteenth century.

Describe the life of the Báb up to the time of the declaration of His Statian.

What is the significance of the Báb's claim to be the Mahdi and His assumption of the title "Primal Point? "

Describe the progress_of the MOVement and the martyrdom of the Báb.

What was the central theme of His writing? State His social and ethical teachings.

Define the rank, power and rights of the Beb as the inaugurator of the Bábi Dispensation.

Describe the Báb's twofold station.

What’ie written regarding the brevity of the Bab 's Dispensat i on ?

[Page 8]LESSON 1

REFERENCES: Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pages 50-65, 261—265 Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 20-21 Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 20-21 QUESTIONS: 1. Describe the early life of Bahá’u’lláh up to the declaration of the Báb. 2. Relate His career as a follower of the Báb. 5. Describe His announcement in the Garden of Riḍván. I u. Where did the public announcement of Bahá’u’lláh's mission take place, and whetlwas the effect upon the majority of the Babis? 5. Describe the imprisonment in 'Akká. I ‘ , 6. Tell the story of Baha'u'llah's removal to Bahjí. 7. Describe Bahá’u’lláh's utterances When He speaks from the station of Deity, and His utterances when He speaks as man.

8. What was His mission?

9. What does Bahá’u’lláh write regarding the priceless privilege of accepting th?

10. Is Bahá’u’lláh the incarnation of God?

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REFERENCES:

QUESTIONS:

LESSON 8

'ABDU’L—BAHA

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pages 6h-89

Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pages B-h

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 25-25

1. Give the important dates in the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

2. Describe His relations with Bahá’u’lláh.

5. In what way did Bahá’u’lláh indicate that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was to be His successor?

h. Describe the shnpllcity and service of 'Abdu- l-Baha' 3 daily life.

5. In what ways did 'Abdu' l- Baha spread the Baha' 1 Message throughout the world?

6. Mention valuable services rendered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during the last world war.

7. How did His life express the true Bahá’í life?

8. What unique function and station does 'Abdu' l- Baha occupy in the Baha' 1 Faith?

9. What are 'Abdu’ l— Baha' s own words regarding His true station in the Baha' 1 Revelation?

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QUESTIONS:

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I / BAHA'I ADMINISTRATION

Bahá’u’lláh and the new Era, pages 218-220, 51h—55h

Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pages 16-17, u2-u5

Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 27-29

1. (a) What is the authority back of the Bahá’í Administraticn?

(b) What part did 'Abdu'l—Bahá contribute to the Administrative Order?

2. Who is the Guardian of the Cause and hCW was he appointed?

5. Who are the "Hands of the Cause" and what is their function?

I / h. What is the underlying purpose of Bahá’í Administratian?

, 2‘ 5. How does a Bahá’í community differ from other social groups?

6. How is a local Spiritual Assembly formed and what are its duties?

7. How are National Assemblies and Uhiversal Assemblies formed and what are their functions?

8. What is the fundamental difference between this administrative order and that which any previous Prophet established?

9. Why did Bahá’u’lláh appoint a Center far His Covenant? Elaborate 0n the subject.

10. What is the purpose of the Bahá’í Convention?

What are the duties of the assembled body of delegates?

-10 [Page 11]1% REFERENCES: QUESTIONS: 3 6:

23.22.09; 22

/ / TEE WORLD ORDER QE BAEA'U'LLAH

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pages 192-212, 528-357

Selected writings of Shoghi Effendi, pages 15, 55-56,

10.

58-h1 What are some of the chief causes of war?

How do the Bahá’í Teachings strike at these causes?

How does the Most Great Peace differ fram the Lesser Peace?

What is the relationship of the Bahá’í Admihistration to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh?

How has Bahá’u’lláh provided for a Divine Economy?

Give Bahá’u’lláh's prophetic words regarding the disintegration of present day civilization.

What force is at work to hasten the emergence of this now World Order?

Describe humanity's social evolution to its eonsummation into a world community.

(a) Give the need for a world super-state and an international executive.

(b) How shall members of a world parliament be elected?

(0) Give the function of a supreme tribunal.

Describg worlg conditions as envisaged by Baha'u'llah when world unity is established.

-11 [Page 12]Bahá'u’lláh and the New Era

HOODKI O\UT

BNE = SWB = Selected writings of Bahá’u’lláh' SWAB ,= Selected WTitings of 'Abflu'l-Baha SWSE = Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi LESSON 1 LESSON u 1. ENE Rages 5-5 1. ENE Pages lh9—l50, 152 2. " " 2 SWSE Sec. 2 5. " " 5-6 2. ENE Pages 151-15h 2+. " " 7 SWSE Sec. 2, par. 5 SWAB M 13-17 H n 3, n l _ BNE " 7-8 ’ 5. ENE rage 151 SWB Sec. 2, par. 2,5 SWAB Sec. 6 SWAB " 22 u. SWAB " u " " 25, par. 2 5. " , " 58, par. 1 . " " 57 6. ENE rages 1h9-150 ' 0. SWSE " 1, par. 5 7. SWAB Sec. 7, 8 8. SWAB " 10 ENE Page 155 9. None 10. ENE Eages 157-165 LESSON 2 11. SWSE Sec. 2 1. ENE Eage 1962. SWAB Sec. 11, par. 2 5. " " 2m " L2 m$w 1L. n u 20’ n 5 5. " " 21, " 1 1. ENE Ehges 2h5-2h6 6; " " 28, " 5 2. " " ‘2h5-2u8 7. SWSE " 15, ” u, 5, 6 5. ” " 51-52 8. n n 15 u l, 2 ’4. n II 51—57 9. None ' 5. " " 52 6. II M 52-57 7. SWB Sec 6, par. 1 8. H II 6, ll 2 ,1 9' n n 6, n 5 LESSON 5 10. SWSE " 2, " 2 1. ENE rages 1h5-1h7 2. ” ” 95-9u, 98-100 5. " ” 10h-105 IESSON 6 SWAB Sec. 17 1. ENE Eages 90-109 1. ENE Ihges 1h-16 SWAB Sec. 58 2. ” " 16-18 5. ENE Page 96 5. " " 20-21 6. ” ” 110-111, 120-121 u. " ” 21-25 7 ‘ n . n 115-1114- 5 . n n 25 8.v SWAB Sec. 16 6. " " 27-28 9. ENE. Pages 117-119 7. SWSE Sec. 7, par. 1 QMB $0.15 8. V " % " 2 10. SWB " 29 9. " " 7, " 5

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IESSON

Pages 50-51 " 51-55 " 58-59 H 59-h0 " u2-uu " 1+6-h7 " 5L5? " 57-59

Sec. 17

Sec. 6

LESSON 8

Rages 6h, 65, 7o, 75, 76, 82 n 65-67 H 69 M 5-14} II 71-72 " 75-76 M 79-80 H 88 Sec. 8, par. 1, 2, 5 ll 8’ H 1+

LESSON 9

Pages 317-528 (a) " Blk-Blfi (b) " 515—316 " 516-517 " 317~318 " 518-519 " 3192522 " 52h-527

Page 522-525

LESSON lO

Eases 19h-199

" 192-212

" 204-205 Sec. 15, par. 2, 5 53888 552-553

H 528

H 35’4 " 552

ll 551+ Sec. 5, par. 2 Sec. 15, par. #—6 Sec. 17, par. 1 Page 550

" 35k-337

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