Invitation to Learning/Text

INVITATIO TO ‘ LEARNIN

THE, , BAHA1 FAITH

31mm wopr ' FAITH

[Page -6]| N V | T ATI Q N 55233235121262:

forth the grand redemptive scheme of God. Explains some of the abstruse passages of

Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures.

TO M"

CLEANINGS FROM THE VVRITINGS 0F BAHA’UC LLAH, selected and translated by Shoghi Effendi, explains the meaning of true religion,

L E the spiritual nature of man, and outlines the transformation of human society. $3.00

BAHA’I' WORLD FAITH, a comprehensive com pilation of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and

‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Excellent to present as a gift

to a student of the Faith, a library, or a new Bahá’í. $2.50

T HE SECRET OF DIVINE CIVILIZATION by

T H E ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, made as a direct appeal to the

I I Persian people, contains the spiritual soci 1 ology needed by the whole world today. This

BA H A I new translation replacing Mysterious Forces of Civilization was requested by the Guard F Arr H ian. $2.50

SOME ANSWERED QUESTIONS, an indispensable work of the Master’s used by every active teacher and student of the Faith. $3.00

FOUNDATIONS OF WORLD UNITY, a selection / of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s addresses made during his Western journeys on the theme of spiritual foundations of world unity. Paper edition,

Gall $1.00; clothbound, $2.00

Passes GOD PASSES BY, by Shoghi Effendi, referred é}, #0:; to by Amelia Collins as “the finest flower of

“Wm” his mind, his masterful review of the first one hundred years of the greatest Dispensation vouchsafed by God to man on this planet. . .” $3.00

,

MESSAGES TO THE BAHA’I' WORLD: 1950-1957, includes the Guardian’s messages to the entire Bahá’í World Community, summary of World Crusade achievements, and his final appeals. $2.00

Bahá’í WORLD VOLUMES — official inter national record of Baha1 activities. Includes selections from the sacred writings, an international directory, bibliography, and other useful sections. Excellent articles on subjects

BA HA’ I' P u B LIS H I N G T R U ST $2338: iii;Cissegefiéizfiini$22“(3:: ] .I 0 LI N D E N AV E N U E Literature Catalog for varying pnces.) WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

1961

[Page -5]A Study Manual on the Basic Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith

Prepared by The American National Teaching Committee 1961

©Copyright National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America

Printed in the U.S..A.

[Page -4]FOREWORD

The primary purpose of this study manual is to provide an orderly and systematic presentation of basic information for those considering enrollment in the Bahá’í Faith. The material has been arranged to suggest brief references covering each topic with space provided for the student to write in a summary of the reference content.

When the student has completed study of all refe rences suggested in the manual, he should have enough information to determine whether he wishes to become a Bahá’í as well as to satisfy the requirements for enrollment.

The manual may also be used as a workbook for Bahá’í study classes, and as a guide for the individual Bahá’í who wishes to deepen himself in the fundamental ve rities of the spiritual and administrative principles as well as the basic laws of the Faith

of Baha'u'llah.

[Page -3]TABLE OF CONT ENTS

PART I RELIGION DEFINITIONOFRELIGIONI I I I I I I I I I I I I I O 0 PURPOSEOFRELIGION................. THE THREE CONDITIONS OF EXISTENCE . . . . . . . THE MEANING OF PROGRESSIVE REVELATION . . . . THEUNIVERSALCYCLES................ PART II

CENTRAL FIGURES IN THE BAHA'I FAITH

THEBAB(TheGate) .................

BAHA' U'LLAH (The Glory of God) . . C C ' . C O C D I O

'ABDU'L-BAHA (The Servant of the Glory) . . . . . . . PART III

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH

ONENESSOFMANKIND ................. INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF TRUTH . . . . . . FOUNDATION OF ALL RELIGIONS IS ONE . . . . . . . RELIGION MUST BE THE CAUSE OF UNITY. . . . . . . ESSENTIAL HARMONY OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION . . EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN . ....... . . . . ELIMINATION OF PREJUDICE OF ALL KINDS . . . . . UNIVERSAL PEACE UPHELD BY WORLD GOVERNMENT UNIVERSAL COMPULSORY EDUCATION . . . . . . . . SPIRITUAL SOLUTION TO THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM . AUNIVERSALLANGUAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART IV THE COVENANT

THE WORD COVENANT DEFINED . . . . . . . . . . . . THE THREE KINDS OF COVENANT ...... . . . . . Covenant of God with Man - Ancient Covenant . . . . Covenant of God with His Manifestation . . . . . . . Manifestation's Covenant with Man - Lesser Covenant THE BAHA'IS - PARTIES OF THE COVENANT . . . . . COVENANTBREAKING. . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . ..

ii

Page

NNl—ll-‘H

WW

ooxoxmmmmmusgsgs

[Page -2]TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

PART V

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH

GENERAL STAT EMENT I I I C O C I I O O O I 0 PURPOSE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

SOURCE OF AUTHORITY FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER . BAHA'I INSTITUTIONS (ADMINISTRATIVE)

THE GUARDIANSHIP. . . . . . . . . . HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD , . .

Auxiliary Boards . . . . . . . . . . .

THE UNIVER SAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE International Bahá’í Council . . . . NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES . LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES . . . NINETEEN DAY FEAST . . . . . . . . BAHA'IFUND..... ........ LocalFund .... ........ NationalFund. .. . . .. . .. . Ḥuqúqu’lláh .... ........ Continental Funds . . . . . . . . . NATURE OF BAHA'I ELECTIONS . . . .

BAHA'I CONSULTATION . . . . . . . . . . .

PART VI

THE KITAB-I-AQ DAS

GENERAL STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . LAWS OF THE KITAB-I-AQDAS CURRENTLY

BINDING UPON BAHA'IS IN THE U. So

DAILY OBLIGATORY PRAYERS . . . ORDINANCE OF FASTING . . . . . . . BAHA'INIARRIAGE ... .... ... DIVORCE................

BURIAL I O O O D O I O O Q C . O O I D C I D I I ABST ENANCE FR OM ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

iii

15 15

15

16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24: 24: 24 24 24: 25 25

26

26 26 27 27 27 27

[Page -1]TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

PART VII MEMBER SHIP IN NON- BAHA'I ORGANIZATIONS

GENERALSTATEMENT................... CHURCHMEMBERSHIP................... MEMBERSHIP IN FREE MASONRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . POLITICAL PARTIES . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . OTHER NON-BAHA'I ORGANIZATIONS. . . . . . . . . . .

PART VIII OTHER TEACHINGS AND EXHORTATIONS

SACRED OBLIGATION TO TEACH THE FAITH. . . . . . . OBLIGATION TO ENGAGE IN A TRADE OR PROFESSION . OBEDIENCE TO CIVIL GOVERNMENT . . . . . . . . . . .

MAKING OF WILLS ‘ I O I U D Q C O I I C O O O I I O O O BAHA'ISINMILITARY SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART IX

THE DIVINE PLAN

GENERALSTATEMENT................... THE FIRST SEVEN-YEAR PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE SECOND SEVEN-YEAR PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE TEN-YEAR WORLD CRUSADE . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART X BAHA‘I MEMBER SHIP

QUALIFICATIONS OF A TRUE BELIEVER . . . . . . . . .

iv

28 28 28 28 28

29 29 29 29 29

30 30 3O 31

32

[Page 0]ADJ BA BC BN BNE BWF CA DB F WU G1. GPB

MBW SAQ TM W&T WOB

R EFER ENCES

Advent of Divine Justice

Bahá’í Admini stration

Bahá’í Community

Bahá’í News

Baha'u'llah and the New Era

Bahá’í World Faith

Covenant and Admini stration Dispensation of Baha'u'llah Foundations of World Unity Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah God Passes By

Messages to America

Messages to the Bahá’í World

Some Answered Que stions

Trustees of the Merciful

W111 and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá World Order of Baha'u'llah

[Page 1]PART I

R ELIGION

1. Definition of Religion

”The outward act or form by which men indicate recognition of a God or Gods in whom obedience and honor are due; a system of Faith and Worship. " (Webster)

“Religion is the outer expression of the Divine Reality. "

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, BWF, p. 22.4

2. The Purpose of Religion BNE, p. 164 BWF, pp. 224, 237-8, 270, 289

R eference Summa ry:

3. The Three Conditions of Existence SAQ, pp. 267-269

R eference Summary:

a. Diety b. Prophethood - c . Servitude - [Page 2]PART I

R E LI GION (Continued)

BWF, pp. 224-228, p. 70

DB, p. 11, par. 1; p. 23, par. 2 (or WOB, p. 103, par. 1;

p. 115, par. 2.)

4. The Meaning of Progressive Revelation

R e fe r enc e Summary:

5. The Universal Cycles FWU, p. 54

R eference Sumlnary:

[Page 3]PART II

CENTRAL FIGURES IN THE BAHA'I FAITH

1. {he Bab (The Gate) DB, p. 31; p. 35, last par. (or WOB, p. 123; p. 127, last par.) BC, p. 1

R eference Summa ry:

Z. Baha'u'llah (The Glory of God) DB, p. 36, last par.; (or WOB, p. 127, last par.) BC, p. 2; BWF, p. 220

Reference Summary:

3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (The Servant of the Glory) DB, pp. 39-41; p. 44; (or WOB, pp. 131-2; p. 136) BC, p. 4:; BWF, p. 248, par.1

R eference Summary:

[Page 4]PAR T III

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH

Oneness of Mankind BWF, p. 246, par. 1 WOB, pp. 42-43

Reference Summary:

Independent Investigation of Truth

R eference Summary:

Foundation of all Religions is One

BWF, pp. 238—239, 246, 285,par.3

a. The Manifestation and Progressive Revelation BWF, pp. 70, 28-29

R eference Summary:

b. The Station of the Manife station

R eferenc e Summa ry:

c. Proofs of Prophethood

Reference Summary:

FWU, pp. 92-93

BWF, pp. 22-23

G1,, p. 105, last par. FWU, p. 95, par. 2.

[Page 5]PART III

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

4. Religion Must be the Cause of Unity BWF, p. 247, first par.

R eference Summary:

5. Essential Harmony of Science and Religion BWF, pp. 240, 247, 286

Reference Summary:

6. Equality of Men and Women BWF, pp. 241, 2.47, 288

Reference Summary:

7. Elimination of Prejudice of all Kinds BWF, pp. 24:0, 24:7, 286

R eference Summa ry:

[Page 6]PART III

SOME TEACHINGS OF BAHA'U‘LLAH (Continued)

8. Universal Peace Upheld by World Government

BWF, pp. 247-248 BWF, pp. 291-292

WOB, p. 204 Reference Summary:

9. Universal Compulsory Education BWF, p. 241, 247

R eferenc e Summary:

10. Spiritual Solution to the Economic Problem BWF, p. 240, par. 3

BWF, p. 247, par. 7 ENE, p. 179 Reference Summary:

11. A Ugiversal Language BWF, p. 241, par. 2

WOB, p. 203 Reference Summary:

[Page 7]PART IV

THE COVENANT

The word Covenant defined Any Dictionary, or CA, p. 21

R efer ence Summa ry:

The Three Kinds of Covenant

There are three kinds of Covenant, all of which are adjuncts to the general Covenant of God:

1. The Covenant of God with Man, variously called ”The Great Covenant, " “The Greater Covenant, " or "The Ancient Covenant;”

2. The Covenant of God with His Manifestations -- It is through this Covenant that God perpetuates His Covenant with man;

3. The Covenant of the Manifestation of God with His Followers This Covenant is called the Lesser Covenant and has two forms that become distinct through Baha'u'llah’s Revelation. It is through this Covenant that the Manifestation fulfills God's Covenant with Him.

[Page 8]PART IV

T HE COV ENANT (Continued)

1. The Covenant of God with Man - The Ancient Covenant a. General Statement CA, pp. 1, 7

Reference Summary:

BWF, p. 77, par. 4:; p. 79, last par.; p. 87, par. 2

b. The Ancient Covenant - fulfilled by Baha'u'llah

Reference Summary:

Baha'u'llah's Revelation contains both a promise of greater things to come and the fulfillment of the promises enshrined

in pa st Covenants.

C.

BWF, p. 9, par. 1; p. 70, par. 1 GL, p. 80; GPB, P. 100

Reference Summary:

[Page 9]PART IV

THE COV ENANT (Continued)

2. The Covenant of God with His Manifestation

It is through this Covenant that God perpetuates The Ancient Covenant -the Covenant of God with man. Each Revelation, including Baha'u'llah's as well as those of the past, is the product of God's Covenant with His Manifestation that He reveal God's Word to the measure ordained by God.

a. General statement GL, p. 79; BWF, p. 111; BWF, p. 76

R eferenc e Summary:

b. Historical Example - God's Covenant with Abraham Genesis XV, 18 BWF, p. 271

Reference Summary:

c. Covenant of God with Baha'u'llah that He reveal God's Word for this Day ‘——_ Baha'u'llah, BWF, pp. 74—75, par. 1, under "The Covenant Thou Hast Established”. Reference Summary:

[Page 10]3'

PART IV

T HE COV ENANT (C ontinued)

The Manifestation‘s Covenant with Man - The Lesser Covenant

It is by means of this Covenant that the Manifestation of God maintains the continuity of the Ancient Covenant of God by (a) sanctioning the One Who preceded Him and (b) giving the glad tidings of His Successor's coming.

This Covenant has two forms which become distinct with the Revelation of Baha'u'llah:

(l) The Manifestation covenants with His followers that they accept the next Manifestation.

(2) The Manifestation covenants with His followers that they accept His immediate successor. Within this category is the Euccessor's Covenant that the followers accept him whom he designates should succeed him (as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did in His Will and Testament).

a. General Statement GPB, pp. 27-29

R eferenc e summary:

10

[Page 11]PART IV

THE C OV ENANT (Continued)

3. The Manifestation's Covenant with Man - The Lesser Covenant (Continued) b. The Two Forms of Bahá’í Covenant General Statement CA, Ha, par. 2, p. 12

Referenc e Summa ry:

(1) Baha'u'llah's statement concerning the next Manifestation. WOB, p. 132

Reference Summary:

(2) Baha'u'llah's Covenant with the Bahá’ís that they accept ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Centre of His Covenant.

Kitab-i-‘Ahd cited WOB, p. 134 Kitab-i—Aqdas cited WOB, p. 134

‘Abdu’l-Bahá's statement, WOB, p. 136;

WOB, . 358-35 . Reference Summary: pp 9

(a) Purpose of this Covenant BWF, pp. 357-358

Reference Summary:

(13) Uniqueness of this Covenant BWF, p. 248; GPB, p. 238

Reference Summary:

11

[Page 12]PART IV

E HE COV ENANT ( Continued)

b. The Two Forms of Bahá’í Covenant (Continued)

(3) ‘Abdu'l- Baha's Covenant With the Bahá’ís that they accept Shoghi Effendi as "The Guardian of the Cause of God" and the Administration after Him.

'Abdu'I-Baha, W&T, p. 11, par. 2 Reference Summary:

(4:) The Legacy of Shoghi Effendi

After the passing of Shoghi Effendi in November, 1957, the Hands of the Cause certified that the Guardian had left no heir, and, bound by the provisions of the Master's Will and Testament, could appoint no Guardian to succeed him since there were no living descendants of Baha'u'llah who were Bahá’ís.

In his last communication to the Bahá’í World, the Guardian designated the Hands of the Cause, "The Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh's Embryonic World Commonwealth" and recalled their dual function of protection and propagation of the Faith. It is to the Hands of the Cause that the Bahá’ís now turn for direction and guidance in the completion of the Ten Year Crusade destined to culminate in the election of the Universal House of Justice. Shoghi Effendi, Messages to the Bahá’í World, p. 127, par. 2 Hands of the Cause, Proclamation by the Hands of the Cause to the Bahá’ís of East and West, EN, #323, January 1958, p. 1

R eferenc e Summa ry:

12

[Page 13]PART IV

T HE COV ENANT (Continued)

The Bahá’ís -- Parties of the Covenant

Bahá’ís, to uphold their part of the spiritual contract -- the Covenant -must obey the laws and ordinances of Baha'u'llah.

BWF, p. 126, par. 2

BWF, pp. 400-401, 404 Reference Summary:

3.. High Station destined for true believer WOB, p. 111, par. 3 BWF, p. 425, par. 1

Reference Summary:

b. Attainment of high station is dependent upon fulfillment of three conditions

(1) Firmness in the Covenant BWF, pp. 425-26

(2.) Fellowship and Love BWF, p. 426

Reference Summary:

(3) Promotion of the Faith BWF, p. 42.6 G1. p. 278; BWF, p. 206

R eference Summa r y:

13

[Page 14]5.

PART IV

T HE COV ENANT ( Continu ed)

Covenant Breaking

General Reference: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W8zT, pp. 6-7

R eference Summa ry:

Meaning of Covenant-breaking W&T, p. 4; p. 8, last par.; pp. 20-21; BNE, p. 161, par. 1 and 2

R efer ence Summa ry:

What Happens to a Covenant-breaker BNE, p. 161

Historical Review: MBW,

pp. 24, 28, 38, 12.0

W&T, pp. 12-13 Reference Summary:

True Believer's Relationship to Covenant-breakers

BWF, p. 448, par. 2; p. 430, par. Z;p. 431 EN, #179, January 1946, p. 1 W&T, p. 20; p. 25

Reference Summary:

14:

[Page 15]PART V

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH

General Statement

"The method of Bahá’í Administration, with its provi sions for local, national and international units, is the most perfect plan for worldwide spiritual unity ever evolved. . . " Shoghi Effendi, CA, p. 58

It (Administrative Order). . . "Constitutes the very pattern of that divine civilization which the Almighty Law of Baha'u'llah is destined to establish upon earth. " Shoghi Effendi, CA, p. 52

"It (Administrative Order) will, as its component parts, its organic institutions, begin to function with efficiency and vigor, assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity to be regarded not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind."

Shoghi Effendi, WOB, p. 144:

0FT too; Purpose of the Administrative Order

.The Spirit breathed by Baha' u'llah upon the world” .can never permeate and exercise an abiding influence upon mankind unless and :6: until it incarnates itself 1n a visible Order, which would bear His C; Name, wholly identify itself with His principles, and function in conformity with His Laws. . . " Shoghi Effendi, WOB, p. 19 ,

Source of Authority for the Administrative Order WOB, pp. 156-157 /

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[Page 16](N am wmwwmm‘aifimkv'fl 15W W W’Witmm/uwgfi Wtcflmws WHEW" THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

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Bahá’í Institutions (Administrative)

Following are listed the primary administrative institutions of the World Order of Baha'u'llah:

1. INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP

a. Source of Authority ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 11, par. 2

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who were Bahá’ís. kiflw ‘ng WAJTIU MIWMWTHCAA W W:?kU/Uofqr In his last communication to the Bahá’í World, the Guardian designated the Hands of the Cause, ”The Chief Stewards of Baha'u'llah's Embryonic World Commonwealth" and recalled their dual function of protection and propagation of the Faith. It is to the Hands of the Cause that the Bahá’ís now turn for direction and guidance in the completion of the Ten Year Crusade LD'O‘R'P"§° destined to culminate in the election of the Universal House of Justice.

m WWW m‘emm, MBw, p. 127, par. 2;

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Wweinfim MOW“ SI 8, ' 1/0 to the Bahá’ís of East and West,

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[Page 17]PART V

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

_ Z. HANDS OF THE CAUSE

a. Source ofAuthority WOB, p. 147’ _ ma,

b. Functions ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, W&T, p. 13, par. 2

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17

[Page 18]PART V

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

The Auxiliary Boards -- Subsidiary Institution of the Hands of the Cause

(1) Appointment MBW, p. 58; p. 128, par. 1

R efe renc e Summary:

(2) Functions MBW, p. 128

Reference Summa ry:

(3) Fund inaugurated to assist Hands and Auxiliary Boards MBW, p. 59

R efe renc e Summary:

18

[Page 19]PART V

THE WORLD OR DER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

‘fiL%c/J> mWa/a

3. THE UNIVER SAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

a. Source of Authority WOB, p. 5, last par.

Reference Summary: ’Qdib" (- 'GSaCUB

b. Functions 'Abdu'-1 Baha, W&T, pp. 14, 20 WOB, pp; 149- 150, p. 153, par. 1;

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R eferenc e Summary“

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19

[Page 20]PART V

THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH

NOTE ON THE INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I COUNCIL

The formation of the first International Bahá’í Council was announced by Shoghi Effendi in a cable dated January 9, 1951. Shoghi Effendi designated this appointed body the "forerunner of the supr eme administrative institution (the Universal House of Justice)" which is destined to be "transformed into a duly elected body, " to develop "into officially recognized Bahá’í court, " to effloresce ”into the Universal House of Justice, " and to have its final fruition through the erection of the manifold auxiliary institutions constituting the world administrative center. " For full reference see Messages to the Bahá’í World, pp. 7-8; Bahá’í World, V01. XII, p. 378

In a message from the Hands of the Faith dated November 2., 1960, published in Bahá’í News No. 357, p. 4, par. 5, December 1960, the Hands of the Faith called for the first election of the International Bahá’í Council.

A cable from the Hands of the Faith dated April 29, 1961, published in Bahá’í News No. 363, p. 10, June 1961, announces the election of the International Bahá’í Council.

2.0

[Page 21]PART V

THE WORLD OR DER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

4. THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

a. Source ofAuthority WOB, pp. 5-6

R eference Summary:

b. Functions BA, p. 40

Reference Summary:

2.1

[Page 22]PART V

THE WOR LD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

5. THE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

a. Souce of Authority 'Abdu'I-Baha, W&T, p. 14, par. 3; BA, p. 21; GPB, pp. 331-332

b. Functions CA, pp. 63-64

R eferenc e Summary:

22

[Page 23]PART V

THE WOR LD OR DER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (Continued)

6. THE NINETEEN-DAY FEAST

a. Source of Authority TM, pp. 10—11

R eference Summary:

13. Function (Three Parts) TM, p. 11; BC, p. 27

R eference Summary:

23

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(3) The Ḥuqúqu’lláh (Right of God) W&T, p. 15

R eference Summary:

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(4) The Five Continental Funds Bahá’í World, Vol. XII, p. 377, last par.; BN, (Insert) Nov. 1957

R eference Summa ry:

Z4

[Page 25]PART V

THE WOR LD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH

(Continued) The Nature of Bahá’í Elections CA, pp. 60-62 Reference Summary: Bahá’í Consultation CA, p. 68, last par.

R eference Summary:

25

[Page 26]PART VI

THE KITAB—I-AQDAS (BOOK OF LAWS)

General Statement on the Kitab-i-Aqdas GPB, p. 218 BC, p. 10

R efer ence Summary:

Laws of Kitab-i-Aqdas currently binding on Bahá’ís in the U. So

a. Daily Obligatory Prayer Shoghi Effendi, .Bahá’í Prayers, p. 117 par. 1; BC, p. 11

R eference Summa ry:

b. Ordinance of Fasting BC, pp. 12-13; BNE, p. 223

Reference Summary:

26

[Page 27]e.

PAR T VI

THE KITAB—I-AQDAS (BOOK OF LAWS)

(Continued)

Marriage

(1) Monogamy BC, p. 11; GPB, p. 214 Reference Summary:

(2) Consent of Parents BNE, pp. 214-215; TM, pp. 19-22 Reference Summary:

(3) The Bahá’í Marriage Ceremony TM, pp. 19-20 Reference Summary:

(4) Divorce TM, p. 22, last par. Reference Summary:

Burial TM, p. 23; EN, #278, April, 1954, p. 3

Reference Summary:

Abstenance from Alcoholic Beverages ADJ, p. 27; BC, p. 11

R eference Summary:

27

[Page 28]PAR T VII

MEMBER SHIP IN NON- BAHA‘I OR GANIZATIONS

1. Church Membership BC, pp. 67-68 Bahá’í World Vol. XII, pp. 313-316

R eference Summary:

2. Membership in Free Masonry BN, September 1955, p. 4:

R eference Summa ry:

3. Political Parties TM, p. 17; BC, pp. 69-70 Bahá’í World Vol. XII, pp. 306-312 BN, December 1940; August 1957 Reference Summary:

4. Other Non-Bahá’í Organizations TM, p. 16

R eference Summary:

28

[Page 29]PAR T VIII

OTHER TEACHINGS AND EXHORTATIONS

”Sacred Obligation to teach the Faith“ W&T, pp. 10, 25

R eference Summary:

Making of Wills TM, p. 25; GPB, p. 214

R eference Summary:

Obligation to engage in trade or profession BWF, p. 195

Reference Summary:

Obedience to Civil Government W&T, p. 15; BA, p. 162;

BWF, pp. 440, 446 Reference Summary:

Bahá’ís in Military Service Bahá’í World Vol. XII, pp. 316-318

EN, #240, February 1951, p. 2 EN, #247, September 1951, p. 4 Reference Summary:

29

[Page 30]PART IX

THE DIVINE PLAN

Gene ral Statement

1.

2.

The Tablets 01" the Divine Plan, consisting of fourteen separate Tablets, were revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, during 1916-1917. In these Tablets ‘Abdu'I-Baha. designated the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the teaching agency chosen for an international mission.

Initiation of the Plan was held in abeyance until 1937 when the Guardian conferred upon the American Bahá’í Community the Mission of the

First Seven-Year Plan -- ”the first stage of that enterprise, which had been held in abeyance, for well nigh twenty years, while the administrative institutions of the Faith were slowly taking shape and were being perfected. "

The First Seven-Year Plan was followed by The Second Seven-Year Plan in 1946.

The Ten-Year World Crusade inaugurated in 1953 established an intercontinental teaching plan involving all the existing National Spiritual Assemblies of East and West. (For complete text see Tablets of the Divine Plan published by Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois)

The First Seven-Year Plan (1937 - 1944)

a. Objectives (2) MA, p. 7, par. 1

MA, P- 9. Par- 1 Reference Summary:

The Second Seven-Year Plan (1946 - 1953)

a. Objectives (4) MA, pp. 87-88

R efe r ence Summary:

30

[Page 31]PART IX

THE DIVINE PLAN (Continued)

3. The Ten-Year World Crusade (1953 - 1963)

a. Four-fold Objectives MBW, p. 41, par. 2

R eferenc e Summary:

NOTE: After 1963, successive stages and epochs are to follow “as far as

the fringes of that Golden Age" (Shoghi Effendi, Challenging Requirements, p. 19) -- ”The Golden Age of the Faith itself that must witness the unification of all the peoples and nations of the world, the establishment of the

Most Great Peace, the inauguration of the Kingdom of the F ather upon earth, the coming of age of the entire human race and the birth of a world civilization, inspired and directed by the creative energies released by Baha'u'llah's World Order. . . ” (GPB, p. 411, last par.) ”. . .A civilization which posterity will, with one voice, acclaim as the fairest fruit of the Golden Age of the

Di spensation of Baha'u'llah, and whose rich harvest will be garnered during future Dispensations destined to succeed one another in the course of the

five thousand century Bahá’í Cycle." (The Guardian's Message to the A11America Intercontinental Bahá’í Conference, May 4, 1953, last paragraph)

31

[Page 32]PART X

BAHA'I MEMBER SHIP

Qualifications of a True Believer BA, p. 90

Reference Summary:

32