Spiritual and Social Teachings for a New Age/Text

Mamie l. Seto

Bahá’í PUBLISHING TRUST HO LINDEN AVENUE 0 ‘WILMETTE 0 ILLiNOIS

Spiritual and Social Teachings for a New Age was originally prepared by Mam ie Seto under the title Introduction to Bahá’í Teachings, as a ten lesson course on the Bahá’í Teachings . Intended for study class or personal use , it was revised by Gertrude Robinson in 1966, utilizing three major Bahá’í texts , rather than the Selected Writings series , which are no longer in print. An additional lesson on the Universal House of Justice has also been added, as well as a final, thought ~provoking question in each lesson for general discussion.

This course may be adapted for those wishing to gain knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith, those desiring to review the basic teachings , or those being prepared for enrollment. It can also assist speakers in preparation of public talks on many Bahá’í subjects .

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REFERENCES: Bahá’í World Faith (BWF) The World Order of Baha'u'llah (WOB) Bahá’u’lláh 81 The New Era (BNE)

Approved 1943 / 1966 Bahá’í Reviewing Committee

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

1966

JOE 8: GWYN MAGADITSCH 2639 CORONA AVENUE NORCO, CA 91760 714/735-8499

[Page 3]THE NEW AGE (LESSON 1)

. What are the evidences that the world of humanity is

undergoing a reformation? BNE pp. 3-5

. What is the greatest need in the world today?

BWF pp. 36 (par.1), 57 (last par.) - 58

How does a Prophet differ from other men? BNE pp. 2-3

. How does a Prophet influence the progress of the

human world? BNE pp. 5-6

State ten teachings of Baha'u'llah that are especially applicable to the New Age . BNE p. 7 (pars. 1-2)

. Do the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh justify the claim that

He is the Divine Messenger of this Age? BNE pp. 7-8(1ast par.), 34 (lst par.)

. What has been the result of man's continued refusal

to accept the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh? WOBp. 187 (pars. 1-2)

. What great change will come to mankind as a result

of the manifestation of'the spiritual forces? WOB pp. 202-204

Name the seven candles of unity that will shed their light on this New Age . WOB pp. 38-39

[Page 4]THE NEW AGE (LESSON 1) (ContJ

10. How will the coming civilization compare with those of past ages? _ BWF pp. 228 ~230

11 . How does Bahá’u’lláh compare this Revelation with those of past dispensations? WOB p.167 ("This is the King of Days. . . .")

12. Are the people of today open -minded_ to the thought of a New Age for mankind, or do they cling to the

ideas of former ages? Illustrate.

NOTES

[Page 5]ONENESS OF MANKIND (LESSON 2)

1. How does the Bahá’í teaching of the unity of mankind strike at one fertile cause of war? BNE p. 196-7

2. What is implied in the following words revealed by Bah’é'u'lláh: "Ye are all the leaves of one tree?" BNE p.254, BWF pp.246, 175 (par.1)

3 . What strong bond underlies all humanity? Elaborate

on this subject. BWF p. 239 (par. 2)

4. What will be the beneficent results of spiritual brotherhood? BWF p. 227

5 .Does God make any distinction between men because of differences in their color? Discuss . BWF pp. 267—269

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

united? BWF p. 218 (par. 3)

7 . What important place does the principle of oneness occupy in the Bahá’í Faith? WOB pp. 42 -43

8. What is the purpose of the world-wide law of Bahá’u’lláh? WOB pp . 41 -42

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

[Page 6]ONENESS OF MANKIND (LESSON 2) (Cont. )

9. (C0nt.) the oneness of mankind. BWF pp. 285-290

10. What evidence can you give of the carrying out of brotherhood in the life of the world today?

NOTES

[Page 7]THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT (LESSON 3)

. Can human nature change? Discuss.

BNE pp. 145-147, 310-311

. How would you reconcile the two commands of

independent investigation Of truth and obedience? BN-E pp. 93-94, 98—100

. What are the Bahá’í teachings on faultfinding and

backbiting? BNE pp. 104-105, BWF p.159 (pars . 6-8)

. What do you understand by the term "the Bahá’í

life?" BNE pp . 90-92

What is the relation between love of God and love of one's fellows? BNE pp. 95-96

. What is prayer and how does it operate?

BNE'pp. 110-111, 120-121

. Why is it necessary to worship God through a

Mediator? BNE pp. 113-114

. What are the purposes and results of meditation?

BNE p. 112, BWF pp. 107-108

. What is the cause of individual or group calamities?

BNE pp. 117-119

[Page 8]THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT (LESSON 3) (Cont.)

10. Discuss the progress of the soul. BWF p. 313 (last par.), 262 BNE pp. 93-95, 229-230

11 . What results can we expect when the reality of the basic spiritual side of man's life dawns Upon his

consciousness ?

NOTES

[Page 9]PROGRESSIVE REVELATION AND TRUE RELIGION (LESSON 4)

What is meant by progressive revelation? WOB p. 57 (par. 3), p. 58 ( to bottom of page) BNE p. 152

What are the two parts of each divine revelation? BWF pp. 273 ( last par.) - 275

What determines the message brought by a Prophet? BNE pp. 150-154, WOBp. 59 (par. 1)

Give the purpose of true religion. BWF pp. 270 ( par. 1), 289 ( par. 1) 102 (last par.) - 104 ( par. 2)

. In what ways have the former religions declined? BWF pp. 225 - 226

WOB pp. 181 ~ 183 ( par. 1), 186 ( par. 1-2) 187 ( par. 3)

Upon what basis can the present world religions be united? BNE pp. 149 - 150

Why are the Manifestations of God called Collective Centers? BWF pp. 419-420, 422 (par. 1)

. Discuss the Prophet as the Divine Physician. BNE p. 153 BWF pp. 57-58

[Page 10]PROGRESSIVE REVELATION AND TRUE RELIGION (LESSON 4) (C0nt.)

9 . .What do you consider the outstanding diseases of the modern world, and what’remedy has thé'u'lláh pre scribed for each? . Free discussibn based en .WOB pp. "163-165 and

pneference readings .

1.0.3 Explain a way in which Esslemont considers the Bahá’í Faith "unprecedented and unique among the

faiths of the world." BNE pp. 157-158 11. How does the Bahá’í Faith view the religions of the past? WOB pp. 114 ( par. 2.), 118 - 119

12. How can we bring others out of the personal ("sectional") view of religion into the broad world

view of an eternal Plan of God for all men and ages?

NOTES

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[Page 11]1.

GOD AND HIS MANIFESTATIONS (LESSON 5)

Why can we never understand the Essence of God? BNE pp. 245 (par. 3), 246

How and to what extent can we know God? BNE pp. 246 - 247

What are the two stations which the Manifestations of God possess? BNE pp._ 51-57

What is the relationship of the Manifestations to God? BNE p. 52

Reconcile the plurality of Manifestations with the oneness of God. BNE p. 52

In What way may we say that Manifestations are God? BNE pp. (last par.) -53, 54 (par.2) - 57

Describe the unity which exists among the Prophets of God. WOB pp. 114(par.3) -115, BWF p.22 (pars.2,3)

In what way does the revelation of one Prophet differ from that of another? BWF p. 23 (pars . 1-3) Review BWF pp. 274-5 (Also, if possible, see Gleanings, pp. 78—81)

What is God’s purpose in sending His Prophets to men? BWF pp. 273 (par.2), 271-2 (examples) BNE p. 150 (par .1)

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[Page 12]10.

11.

GOD AND HIS MANIFESTATIONS (LESSON 5) ' (Cont.)

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

WOB pp. 58(pa1‘s. 1,2) , 118 (par. 1)

What progress is being made today in the drawing together of various religions?

NOTES

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[Page 13]THE BAB (LESSON 6)

1 . Describe the social and religious conditions in Persia. in the middle of the nineteenth century. BNE pp. 14-16

2. Describe the life of the Bib prior to the declaration of His Mission. BNE pp. 16-18

3. What is the significance of the Báb's claim to be the Mihdi' and His Assumption of the title "Primal Point"? BNE pp. 20—21

4. Describe the progress of the movement and the martyrdom of the Báb. BNE pp. 21-23

5. What was the central theme of His writings? BNE p. 25

6. State His social and ethical teachings. BNE pp. 27-28 7. Define the rank, power and rights of the Báb as the inaugurator of the Bábi Dispensation .

WOB p. 123 ( par. 1)

8. Describe's the Báb's twofold station. WOBp. 123(pa1‘. 2)

9 . Discuss the brevity of the Báb's Dispensation. WOBp. 123 ( par. 3) - 124

10. Discuss the similarities in the lives of the Báb and Christ.

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[Page 14]BAHA'U'LLAH (LESSON 7)

. Describe the early life of Bahá’u’lláh up to the declaration of the Báb. BNE pp. 30-31

Relate His career as a follower of the Báb BNE pp. 31-33

Describe His announcement in the Garden of Riḍván. BNE pp. 38-39

Where did the public announcement of Bahá’u’lláh's mission take place, and what was the effect upon the majority of the Báb’i's?

BNE pp. 39-40

Describe the imprisonment in 'Akká. BNE pp. 42-44

Tell the story of Bahá’u’lláh's removal to Bahjí. BNE pp. 44-47

Describe Bahá’u’lláh's utterances when He speaks from the station of Deity, and His utterances when He speaks as man.

BNE pp. 54-57

What was His mission? BNE pp. 57—59

What does Bahá’u’lláh write regarding the priceless

privilege of accepting Him? BWF pp. 114-116

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[Page 15]BAHA'U'LLAH (LESSON 7) (Cont.)

10. Was Bahá'u'uah an "incarnation" of God? WOB pp. 112-114 (top)

11 . Can you find references in the Bible to Bahál'u'll'ah,

"the Glory of God"?

NOTES

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[Page 16]'ABDU'L-BAHA (LESSON 8)

1.. Give the important dates in life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BNE pp. 64,65,70,75,76,82

2. Describe His relations with Bahá'u’lláh. BNE pp. 65-67

3 . In what way did Bahá’u’lláh indicate that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was to be His successor? BNE pp. 69, 158-159 WOBp. 134 (pars. 2,3)

4. Describe the simplicity and service of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's daily life. BNE pp. 71-72

5. In what ways did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spread the Bahá’í Message throughout the world? BNE pp. 75-76

6. Mention valuable services rendered by 'Abdu'l-Bah’a during the first World War. BNE pp. 79-80

7. How did His life express the true Bahá’í life? BNE pp. 88-89

8 . What unique function and station does ‘Abdu’l-Bahá occupy in the Bahá’í Faith? WOB pp.131(par.2) 132 (par.1) 134 (par.1) 139 (par.1)

9. What are ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's own words regarding His

true station in the Bahá’í Revelation? WOB p. 139 (par. 1 - last part)

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[Page 17]'ABDU'L-BAHA (LESSON 8) (Cont .)

What would you say is the secret of the influence of the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?

NOTES

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[Page 18]Bahá’í ADMINISTRATION (LESSON 9)

l . (a) What is the authority back of the Bahá’í Administration? BNE p. 317 (par.4) WOB pp. 5—6 (b) What part did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá contribute to the Administrative Order? BNE pp. 314-315

2. What station did Shoghi Effendi occupy and how was he appointed?

BNE p. 315 BWF pp. 442-443

3. Who are the Hands of the Cause? Their function? BNE pp. 316-317

4. What is the underlying purpose of Bahá’í Administration? BNE pp. 317-318

5 . How does a Bahá’í community differ from other social gIOUps? BNE pp. 318-319

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

BNE pp . 319-322

7. How are National Spiritual Assemblies formed and what are their functions? BNE pp. 324-326

8. What is the fundamental difference between this administrative order and that founded upon the teachings of any previous Prophet?

WOB pp. 145 - 146 (par. 1)

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[Page 19]Bahá’í ADMINISTRATION (LESSON 9) (Cont .)

9 . Why did Bahá‘u'lláh appoint a Center for His Covenant? BWF p. 248 (par. 1) pp. 357 (par.4) - 358

10. What is the purpose of the Bahá’í convention? What are the duties of the assembled body of delegates?

BNE pp. 322 - 323

11 . Is the basis of Bahá’í Administration always spiritual? WOB pp. 9-10

NOTES

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[Page 20]1.

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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (LESSON 10)

What are some of the chief causes of war? BNE pp. 194-199

. How do the Bahá’í teachings propose to achieve

peace? BNE pp. 192-194, 199-212

. How does the Most Great Peace differ from the

Lesser Peace? BNE pp. 204-205 WOB pp. 162(pars . 1-3)-163

. What is the relationship of the Bahá’í Administration

to the World Order of Bahá‘u'lláh? BNE pp. 332-333

How has Bahá’u’lláh provided for a Divine Economy? BNE'p. 328

Give Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic words regarding the disintegration of present day civilization. BNE p. 334 (par.1) WOB pp. 170, 190

._ What forces are at work to hasten the emergence of

this new World Order? BNE p. 332(par.2)

. Describe humanity's social evolution toward a world

community. WOB pp. 163-164(top). 202-203 (top)

. (a) EXplain the need for a world super-state and an

international tribunal . WOB pp. 36 ~38, 39 - 40 (top)

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[Page 21]THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH (LESSONlO) (Cont.)

9 . (b) How shall members of. a world parliament be elected? WOB pp. 40-41 (c) Give the function of a supreme tribunal. BNE p. 330 WOB p. 41 (top)

10. Describe world conditibns as envisaged by Bahá’í‘u'lláh when world unity is established. BNE pp. 334-337 or WOB pp. 203-204

11 . Discuss ways in which we can personally help .to bring about world unity.

NOTES

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[Page 22]THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE (LESSON ll)

. Why is a Universal House of Justice needed today? No reference How are the two institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice linked in importance? WOB p. 148 (par.l)

Ho§v did 'Abdu’l-Bah’é say the members of this House must be elected? BNE p. 327 (par.1)

. What qualities must the members of the Universal House of Justice have? BWF p. 446 (par.1)

What are the powers and functions of the Universal House of Justice?

WOBp. 149(pars. 1, 2)

ENE p. 327 (pars . 2,3)

How is this House under divine protection? BNE pp. 315 (last par.) - 316

. Are members of the Universal House of Justice responsible to those who elect them? WOB p. 153 ( par.1)

. -What is the importance of the power of repeal vested in the Universal House of Justice? WOB pp. 22 (last par.) —' 23

Where must the Bahá’í world look for unfailing

guidance today? WOB p. 149 (last half of par. 1)

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[Page 23]THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE (LESSON ll) (Cont.)

9 . Bahá’ís are building the framework of future World Order. Can you explain how this framework was completed with the election of the first members of the Universal House- of Justice in 1963?

WOB p. 144 (par.2)

10. Is the idea of universal justice growing in the mind of man today? Give evidence .

How can we transform the urge for Bersonal justice

into the demand for universal justice?

'NOTES

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