Study Aid on the Essential Verities of the Bahá’í Faith/Text

Study Aid on the Essential Verities of the Bahá’í Faith by Study Aids Committee, United States

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[Page i] STUDY AID

on the

ESSENTIAL VERITIES

OF THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

By

Study Aids Committee

Approved by

Bahá’í Reviewing Committee

1947

Printed in U.S.A.

Bahá’í Publishing Committee 110 Linden Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 1947

Ella Robarts [Page 1] This Study Aid is divided into twelve headings. These may be studied cursorily in twelve lessons or more intensively in twenty-four. Under each heading the plan is three-fold:

(1) Quotations cited from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh which give the Commands (chiefly from Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh). These form the basis for the further detailed study under

(2) Passages cited chiefly from talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the United States (Promulgation of Universal Peace). Sentences are quoted for identification of the passages referred to, which should be read and discussed.

(3) Questions, with pages where the answers may be found, based chiefly on Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.

The books necessary to follow this Study Aid are: Promulgation of Universal Peace (Promulg. UP) Bahá’í World Faith (BWF) Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (BNE) Duplicate references are given in parenthesis, e.g., in "Bahá’í Peace Program" (BPP), "World Order Through World Faith" (WOWF), "Advent of Divine Justice" (ADJ). These and other books referred to may be obtained through the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

This Study Aid will be of particular value for the inquirer or for the new believer. It leads directly into a study of the Administrative Order. By following the two courses presented (1) by this Study Aid and (2) by the Study Aid on the Administrative Order, a knowledge of the basic verities, the aims and the channels of activity of the Bahá’í Faith may be attained. [Page 2]

I. INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF REALITY

“O my brother, when a true seeker determines to take the step of search in the path leading to the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy.”--Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán 192 (BWF 105)

“The first teaching of Bahá’u’lláh is the duty incumbent upon all to investigate reality. What does it mean to investigate reality? It means that man must forget all hearsay and examine truth himself; for he does not know whether statements he hears are in accordance with reality or not. Wherever he finds truth or reality he must hold to it, forsaking, discarding all else, for outside of reality there is naught but superstition and imagination.”’--‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Promulgation UP 59.

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1. “Reality underlies all the great religious systems of the world.” Definitions of reality. Promulg. UP 367, 370 (bottom)-371.

2. “The Sun of Reality is one Sun but it has different dawning-places.” Promulg. UP 90-2.

3. “The prophets of God are as mirrors which have acquired illumination from the Sun of Truth.” Promulg. UP 109-11.

4. “Light is good in whatsoever lamp it is burning!” BNE 244-5.

5. Why the Jews rejected Christ. Promulg. UP 59, 193-4.

6. “We must investigate truth at its divine source.” Promulg. UP 82-3 (BWF 250-1); Promulg. 136.

7. “The Sun of Truth becomes veiled and hidden by the superstitions and imaginations of human minds.” Promulg. UP 75.

8. “God has created in man the power of reason whereby man is enabled to investigate reality.” Promulg. UP 285-8.

9. “Man has a gift which the animal does not possess.” Promulg. UP 171-4 (BWF 235-7).

10. “When the divine and fundamental reality enters human hearts and lives, it conserves and protects all states and conditions.” Promulg. UP 315.

11. “To accomplish this great and needful unity in the reality, His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh appeared in the Orient and renewed the foundations of the divine teachings.” Promulg. UP 308 (WOWF 27-8). [Page 3] 12. "If the nations of the world investigate reality they will agree and become united." Promulg. UP 175 (BWF 238-9).

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Questions:

1. What characteristics must the seeker possess if he wants to discover the truth? BNE 12.

2. What must we clear out of our minds when searching for the truth? BNE 245.

3. What proofs distinguish the true prophet from the false prophet? BNE 11, 309.

4. Why should man free himself from superstition and imitation? BNE 93.

5. What effect does blind imitation have on the spirit of man? BNE 299.

6. What should be the object of those who have become convinced of the Truth? BNE 13.

7. Why were men in former ages not required to investigate the truth independently? BNE 162.

8. What is meant by a fearless seeker after truth? BNE 94.

9. How do you harmonize obedience with independent investigation? BNE 99. [Page 4]

II. ONENESS OF MANKIND

"Ye are all fruits of one tree and leaves of one branch. Glory is not his who loves his own country, but glory is his who loves his kind." -- Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Ishraqát, Sixth Ishraq (BWF 199).

"Consort with all the people of the world with joy and fragrance." Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Tarázát, Second Taráz (BWF 168).

--

"O Children of Men! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other..." Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, Arabic #2367 (BWF 165).

"That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith." -- Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet to Queen Victoria (BWF 57-8).

1. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s explanation of the first verse quoted above. Promulg. UP 449-50 (BWF 246); Promulg. UP 225-6.

2. Because Bahá’u’lláh "suffered imprisonment we are free to proclaim the oneness of the world of humanity." Promulg. UP 4; BWF 33, 1st par.

3. "The divine power is effulgent in endless images and pictures... The more we turn toward this center of light, the greater will be our capacity." Promulg. UP 12-13 (BWF 218-19).

4. Differences are of two kinds; the difference of variation "is perfection itself and the cause of the appearance of Divine bounty." BWF 295-6 (BPP 26).

5. "God has created His servants in order that they may love and associate with each other." Promulg. UP 291-2.

6. "Every human creature is the servant of God." Promulg. 60.

7. "The unity which is productive of unlimited results is first a unity of mankind which recognizes that all are sheltered beneath the overshadowing glory of the All-Glorious." Promulg. UP 185-7 (WOWF 24-5).

8. "It is the healing remedy for all human conditions." Promulg. UP 309 (WOWF 28); Promulg. 169. [Page 5]

Questions:

1. Why does mankind need to become united at this time? BNE 297-8.

2. Name three causes of disunity among the people of the world today. BNE 194-8.

3. Why was it not possible for the world to become united in previous centuries? BNE 156.

4. Why is a New Revelation necessary today to bring about the unification of the world? BNE 312.

5. What is Bahá’u’lláh’s mission in the world? BNE 57.

6. What are the first steps toward unity? BNE 147.

7. What are some of the Teachings by which Bahá’u’lláh will bring about the oneness of mankind? BNE 7.

8. What can we as individuals do to hasten the unity of humanity? BNE 100.

9. How can we be assured that the oneness of mankind will become an accomplished fact in this day? BNE 328-9.

10. How do Bahá’ís believe it will be achieved? BWF 57-8. [Page 6]

III. THE FOUNDATION OF ALL RELIGIONS IS ONE

“All the Prophets of God abide in the same tabernacle, soar in the same heaven, are seated upon the same throne, utter the same speech, and proclaim the same Faith.”-- Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Íqán, 153-4 (quoted in World Order of Bahá’u’lláh 58).

“Know of a certainty that in every Dispensation the light of Divine Revelation has been vouchsafed to men in direct proportion to their spiritual capacity.”-- Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in WOB 59.

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1. “The foundations of the divine religions are one.” Promulg. UP 38-40; 146-8; 242-3.

2. “The divine religion is reality and reality is not multiple; it is one.” Promulg. UP 192-3.

Two aspects of religion:

3. “Each of the divine religions has two aspects.” Promulg. UP 163-4; 333-5; 359-64 (BWF 274-9).

4. “The prophets are the educators of men.... The only creed of the prophets is love and unity.” Promulg. UP 397-405.

5. The pathway of religion, “the road of the divine kingdom” is “the magnet which attracts the love of God because of the knowledge of God it bestows.” Promulg. 174 (BWF 237).

Need of renewal:

6. “The seed of reality must be sown again in human hearts in order that a new tree may grow therefrom and new divine fruits refresh the world.” Promulg. UP 140 (BWF 226).

7. “His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has revoiced and re-established the quintessence of the teachings of all the prophets, setting aside the accessories and purifying religion from human interpretation.” Promulg. 83 (BWF 251).

Progressive Revelation:

8. “The Sun of Reality is one Sun but it has different dawning-places.” Promulg. 90-2; 109-112.

9. “Consider the founders of the religions.” Promulg. 356-60 (BWF 270-6).

10. “Religion is the outer expression of the divine reality.” Promulg. UP 138-141 (BWF 224-8).

11. The everlasting Covenant. BWF 358-9.

12. “Think ye that the Hand of My all-encompassing... sovereignty is chained up...?” BWF 65; Promulg. UP 307.

Summary: WOB 57-61. [Page 7]

Questions:

1. How many of the Founders of the great religions taught their followers to love one another? BNE 143.

2. Why have religious wars been fought in the past? BNE 195, 196.

3. From whom did the different Prophets receive the Messages which they gave to man? BNE 149.

4. Why do the Teachings of the Prophets differ in certain particulars? BNE 153.

5. Into what two parts is divine revelation divided? BNE 151.

6. Why should the Prophets be obeyed? BNE 164.

7. Why did the Jews not accept Christ when He appeared? BNE 260.

8. How can all the people of the world become united in one common Faith? BNE 150.

9. In what respect could all the Prophets be considered one and the same? BNE 273.

10. Why cannot man comprehend God directly? Promulg. UP 110. [Page 8]

IV. PURPOSE OF RELIGION

"The religion of God is to create love and unity; do not make it the cause of enmity and discord."--Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-’Ahd BWF 209).

"The purpose of the one true God...in revealing Himself unto men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden within the mine of their true and inmost selves."--Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 287.

"Religion is the greatest instrument for the order of the world and the tranquillity of all existent beings."--Bahá’u’lláh, Words of Paradise, Second Leaf (BWF 180).

"Religion is a manifest light and a strong fortress for the protection and tranquillity of the people of the world. For the fear of God commands people to do that which is just and forbids them that which is evil."--Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Ishráqát, 1st Ishraq (BWF 198) (WOB 186).

"The best beloved of all things in My sight is justice."--Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, Arabic #2 (BWF 156).

"The structure of world stability and order hath been reared upon, and will continue to be sustained by, the twin pillars of reward and punishment... There is no force on earth that can equal in its conquering power the force of justice and wisdom."--Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 219.

1. "Divine religions were founded for the purpose of unifying humanity and establishing Universal Peace." Promulg. UP 93-5.

2. "It is proved that the religion of God is intended to be the cause of advancement and solidarity and not of enmity and dissolution." Promulg. UP 124.

3. "Establishing the divine religions has been the greatest means toward accomplishing the oneness of humanity." Promulg. UP 153-5.

4. "If religion becomes a cause of enmity and hatred, it is evident that the abolition of religion is preferable to its promulgation; for religion is a remedy for human ills." Promulg. UP 368;310 (WOWF 29).

5. Religion "is a message of peace and good-will to man from God." Promulg. UP 176.

6. It is the greatest bestowal of God in the world of humanity...(it) confers upon man eternal life." Promulg. UP 355 (bottom) (BWF 270).

7. "The everlasting bestowal of God vouchsafed to man is never subject to corruption." Promulg. UP 85-8. [Page 9]

Mission of the Prophets

8. Bahá’u’lláh’s statement: “My object is none other than the betterment of the world and the tranquillity of its peoples.” ‎Gleangs. Gleanings‎ 286.

9. “The mission of the Prophets is to educate men.” BWF 332 (SAQ 274).

10. “The prophets of God are the first educators.” Promulg. 81-2 (BWF 249-50).

11. “For the purpose of quickening the soul of man...that he may purify himself from the imperfections of nature.” Promulg. UP 304-6.

12. “We must strive unceasingly and without rest to accomplish the development of the spiritual nature in man.” Promulg. UP 56-7 (BWF 262).

Advent of Divine Justice

13. “The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men.”-- Bahá’u’lláh, 6th Leaf of Paradise BWF 182) (ADJ 23).

14. “The essence of justice and the source thereof are both embodied in the ordinances prescribed by Him who is the Manifestation of the Self of God amongst men.”--Bahá’u’lláh, BWF 140 (Gleanings 175).

15. “Religion is a mighty bulwark.” BWF 289 (BPP 17).

16. “The trainer of the world is justice for it consists of two pillars, reward and retribution. These two pillars are two fountains for the life of the people of the world.”--Bahá’u’lláh, 8th Ishráq (BWF 200); 13th Glad Tidings (BWF 195).

17. “There is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of His justice and equity.” Promulg. UP 177 (BWF 240-1).

18. “There shall be an equality of rights and prerogatives for all mankind.” Promulg. UP 312 (WOWF 32).

19. “The foundation of the Kingdom of God is laid upon justice, fairness, mercy, sympathy and kindness to every soul...except to those souls who are selfish and insincere.” BWF 412.

20. Distinction between personal and community justice. BNE 189-90 (SAQ 307-12).

21. Until justice and equity “are realized on the plane of existence, all things shall be in disorder and remain imperfect.” BWF 290 (BPP 19).

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Questions

1. What should religion do for the human hearts and for the world? BNE 195.

2. What Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh tend to draw the Christians, Jews and Muhammadans together? BNE 196. [Page 10] 3. Why have the different religious communities failed to unite in the past? BNE 143.

4. What is the Message of Bahá’u’lláh regarding religious unity? BNE 144.

5. What proof is there that human nature can change? BNE 145-7.

6. How can true unity be attained among all the religions of the world? BNE 149.

7. If the religion of God is one, how do you explain the appearance of various prophets at different times? BNE 152.

8. Why will the Bahá’í Faith not become divided into sects? BNE 160.

9. What is meant by the infallibility of the Prophets? BNE 153. [Page 11]

V. POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“O Son of Light! Forget all save Me and commune with My spirit. This is of the essence of My command, therefore turn unto it.”--Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, Arabic #16 (BWF 158).

“The divine Reality may be likened to the sun and the Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As the rays of the sun bring the light and warmth of the sun to earth, giving life to all created beings, so do the Manifestations bring the power of the Holy Spirit from the divine Sun of Reality to give light and life to the souls of men.” Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 52.

1. “The world of humanity is in need of the breath of the Holy Spirit...only when material and spiritual civilization are linked and coordinated will happiness be assured.” Promulg. UP 105-6; 311 (WOWF 30).

2. The “quickening spirit.” Promulg. UP 55-6.

3. “The spirit of man is not illumined and quickened through material sources.” Promulg. UP 282-3.

4. “Without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless.” BWF 289-90 (1 paragraph) (BPP 18); Promulg. UP 234-6.

5. “Material civilization is ‎incomlpete incomplete‎.” Promulg. UP 370, 2nd par.

6. “Two wings are necessary.” Promulg. UP 9-10; 57.

7. Man is ruler over nature through the bestowal of a “conscious spirit.” Promulg. UP 171-4; BNE 112.

8. This is attained through “the third kind of education...that of the spirit.” Promulg. UP 324-7.

9. “The second or spiritual birth.” Promulg. UP 296-9.

10. “Unless the Holy Spirit become intermediary, one cannot attain directly to the bounties of God.” BWF 370 top (BNE 114).

11. Prayer “causeth a connection between the servant and the True One.” BWF 368; BNE 113-5.

12. “That which is born of the spirit is spirit.” Promulg. UP 177, last par.; 311, 1st par.

13. “He who is baptized by the Holy Spirit is a veritable manifestation of divine mercy to mankind.” Promulg. UP 38, 1 par. [Page 12] 14. Spiritual unity "is the very spirit of the body of the world." Promulg. UP 186-7 (BWF 258, WOWF 25).

15. "Fraternity in the Holy Spirit." Promulg. UP 165, top.

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Questions

1. What do Bahá’ís believe is the cause of the sudden awakening throughout the world? BNE 5.

2. Are not all Christians Bahá’ís? Promulg. UP 242-3.

3. Has God created evil? BNE 237-8; Promulg. 289.

4. What is the Bahá’í definition of heaven? BNE 231-2. Of hell? BNE 232.

5. What is the Bahá’í teaching concerning the "resurrection"? BNE 270-1.

6. Do the Bahá’ís believe that Christ has returned? BNE 272-6.

7. What is the Bahá’í belief concerning reincarnation? Promulg. 162

8. Is there ‎comrnunication communication‎ with the departed? BNE 233-6.

9. Why should we pray? BNE 115-6.

10. Does God answer all prayers? Promulg. UP 241-2. [Page 13]

VI. HARMONY BETWEEN RELIGION AND SCIENCE

"Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words."--Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of Tajallíyát, 3rd Tajallí (BWF 189)--Guardian’s translation in Epistle to the Son of the Wolf 26.

"The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory, and this cannot be attained save through the knowledge of His Divine Manifestation."--Bahá’u’lláh, Words of Wisdom (BWF 141).

1. "Reason is the first faculty of man and the religion of God is in harmony with it. Promulg. UP 226.

2. "Every religion which is not in accordance with established science is superstition." Promulg. UP 60; 310 (WOWF 29-30).

3. "Religion must stand the analysis of reason." Promulg. UP 170-1.

4. "God has endowed man with intelligence and reason whereby he is required to determine the verity of questions and propositions." Promulg. UP 176 (BWF 240).

5. "The harmony of religious belief with reason is a new vista which Bahá’u’lláh has opened for the soul of man." Promulg. UP 450 (BWF 247).

6. "Science is the governor of nature and its mysteries." Promulg. UP 26-8 (BWF 242-4).

7. Man’s duty to scientific attainment. BWF 376-7; 377-8.

8. Two methods of healing. BWF 375-6; BNE 131-4.

9. Explanation of some statements in the holy books. Promulg. UP 240-2.

10. Wings of faith and reason, BNE 255-6.

Problems of religion and science:

11. Origin of man. BWF 297-300 (SAQ 209-14).

12. Modification of species. BWF 301-3 (SAQ 205-8).

13. Evolution of man. BWF 307-10 (SAQ 222-6).

14. Existence of spirit. BWF 307 (SAQ 220-1). [Page 14] Questions:

1. What proofs have we of the existence of God? SAQ 5-6; Promulg. UP 153.

2. Is it scientific to believe that the earth was made in six days? Genesis 2:1-3, II Peter 3:8; BNE 249 (SAQ 209-10).

3. Does the statement that God created man in His own image agree with the theory of evolution? SAQ 223, 225, 231.

4. Is healing by spiritual means in accord with science and reason? BNE 131-141.

5. Can the doctrine of immortality be proved? BWF 326-8.

6. Why has religion been at ‎vari ance variance‎ with science? Promulg. UP 226.

7. Are there any sciences which we should not study? BWF 195.

8. What makes science acceptable? BWF 366.

9. When science and religion become harmonized what will be the result? BNE 256. [Page 15]

VII. ELIMINATION OF PREJUDICE

“Ye dwell in one world, and have been created through the operation of one Will. Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love.”—Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 334.

“Ye are all fruits of one tree and leaves of one branch. Glory is not his who loves his own country, but glory is his who loves his kind.”—Bahá’u’lláh, 6th Ishráq (BWF 199).

“O ye discerning ones! Verily, the words which have descended from the heaven of the Will of God are the source of unity and harmony for the world. Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness.” --Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in ADJ 31.

“Courtesy is, in the primary station, the lord of all virtues.” --Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of the World (BWF 175).

“Trustworthiness is the greatest door to the security and tranquillity of mankind.”—Bahá’u’lláh, 4th Taráz (BWF 169).

“O Son of Spirit! Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.” --Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, Arabic #22 (BWF 159).

“The lovers of mankind, these are the superior men, of whatever nation, creed or color they may be.”—Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 138.

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1. “Prejudices, whether religious, racial, patriotic or political are destructive to the foundations of human development.” Promulg. UP 176.

2. “Man is degraded in becoming the captive of his own illusions and suppositions.” Promulg. UP 227.

3. “Prejudices destroy the edifice of humanity. As long as these prejudices prevail, the world of humanity will not have rest.” Promulg. UP 337; BWF 286-8 (BPP 14-16).

Prejudices may be on account of Religion:

4. “Man has forsaken the foundation of divine religion and adhered to blind imitations.” Promulg. UP 227, 332.

5. “Reality is one and indivisible. Therefore the prejudices and bigotries which exist today among the religions are not justifiable inasmuch as they are opposed to reality.” Promulg. UP 293.

6. “Religion should unite all hearts and cause wars and disputes to vanish from the face of the earth.” BNE 194-6. [Page 16]

On account of Nationality:

7. "This span-wide world is but one native land and one locality." -- Bahá’u’lláh, 7th Leaf of Paradise (BWF 182).

8. God "created all the continents without national divisions. Why should we make such divisions ourselves? These are but imaginary lines and boundaries." Promulg. UP 293-4; 310 (WOWF 30).

On account of Politics:

9. "Beware, O people of Bahá, lest ye walk in the ways of them whose words differ from their deeds."--Bahá’u’lláh, quoted in ADJ 21.

10. "As to the political prejudice, the policy of God must be followed and it is indisputable that the policy of God is greater than human policy. We must follow the Divine policy and that applies alike to all individuals." BWF 288 (BPP 16).

11. "So with regard to political parties: that which is the greatest policy directing the world of mankind, nay, rather the Divine policy, is found in the teachings of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh," BWF 291; BNE 197-8, 328.

12. "The Faith with which the believers of Bahá’u’lláh stand identified is one which they firmly believe God has rasied high above the storms, the divisions and controversies of the political arena." "While preserving their patriotism and safeguarding their lesser loyalties, it has made them lovers of mankind and the determined upholders of its best and truest interests...For their citizenship, it must be remembered, is in the Kingdom of Bahá’u’lláh."-- Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Cause, WOB 197-9.

On account of Economics:

13. "Regarding the economic prejudice, it is apparent that whenever the ties between nations become strengthened and the exchange of commodities accelerated, and any economic principle is established in one country, it will ultimately affect the other countries and universal benefits will re- sult. Then why this prejudice?" BWF 288 (BPP 16).

On account of Race:

14. "In the estimation of God there is no distinction of color...the heart is all-important." Promulg. UP 41.

15. "The accomplishment of unity between the colored and whites will be an assurance of the world's peace." Promulg. UP 43.

16. Many points of agreement and one point of difference. Promulg. UP 64-6. "There is need of a superior power to overcome human prejudices."

17. The black man must ever be grateful to the white man." Promulg. 108. [Page 17] 18. "When the racial elements of the American nation unite in actual fellowship and accord, the lights of the oneness of humanity will shine." Promulg. UP 54.

Summary: Promulg. UP 310 (WOWF 39).

Questions:

1. Is it scientific to have race prejudice? Race and Man, 7-8.

2. What did the ancient Jewish prophets teach regarding human-kind? Genesis 1: 26,27; Psalms 33: 13-15.

3. Do we find in the New Testament of the Christian Bible anything upholding the oneness of blood of all peoples? Acts 17: 24-26.

4. In the Muhammadan Bible which was revealed about 600 years after Christ, do we find the teaching that mankind is one people? The Koran (Everyman edition of Rodwell's translation, Sura II, verse 209, p. 360).

5. What explanation of variations in color does ‘Abdu’l-Bahá give? Promulg. UP 42.

6. Does Bahá’u’lláh teach that religious, racial, patriotic or political prejudices are constructive or destructive? Promulg. UP 281.

7. Why cannot conflict be overcome if man follows his "natural instincts"? BNE 193.

8. According to the Bahá’í Teachings who are the superior men? BNE 197.

9. By what means can human prejudice be overcome? Promulg. UP 42-3; 65. [Page 18]

VIII. UNIVERSAL COMPULSORY EDUCATION

“Man is the supreme talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess... The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.” -- Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 259-60.

“Bend your minds and wills to the education of the peoples and kindreds of the earth, that haply the dissensions that divide it may, through the power of the Most Great Name, be blotted out from its face, and all mankind become the upholders of one Order, and the inhabitants of one City.”-- Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 333.

“It is decreed that every father must educate his sons and daughters in learning and in writing and also in that which hath been ordained in the Tablet... He who educates his son, or any other’s children, it is as though he hath educated one of My children.”-- Bahá’u’lláh, 7th Ishraq (BWF 200).

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1. “Universal education is a universal law.” Promulg. UP 294.

2. “All mankind should attain knowledge and acquire an education.” Promulg. UP 451; 394-6.

3. “All standards of training and teaching throughout the world of mankind should be brought into conformity and agreement.” Promulg. UP 177 (BWF 241).

4. “All cannot be scientists and philosophers but each should be educated according to his needs and deserts.” Promulg. UP 104-5.

5. Through education “misunderstandings due to ignorance will pass away.” Promulg. UP 311 (WOWF 31).

6. “Man’s station is great...and his signs are the educator of the world.” Bahá’u’lláh, Kitab-i-’Ahd, BWF 208.

7. Acquisition of a science or art is an act of worship. BWF 377. That is, “those sciences which may profit the people of the earth” (3rd Tajallí). BWF 189. “Such sciences...which lead...to the elevation of mankind” (11th Glad Tidings). BWF 195.

8. “The prophets of God are the first educators.” Promulg. UP 81-3.

9. “We must bring man forth from the hopeless captivity of nature.” Promulg. UP 302-6. [Page 19] 10. "Although capacities are not the same, every member of the human race is capable of education." BWF 249.

11. "By this effective power all that is latent, of virtues and capacities in the human reality, will be revealed." BNE 187.

Training of children:

12. "Endeavor with heart, with life, to train your children, especially the daughters. No excuse is acceptable in this matter." BWF 397-9.

13. "The education of woman is more necessary and important than that of man, for woman is the trainer of the child from its infancy." Promulg. UP 129.

14. "Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion." Bahá’u’lláh, 8th Leaf of Paradise (BWF 182).

15. "If the parents are able to provide the expenses of this education, it is all right, otherwise the community must provide the means for the teaching of that child." BWF 290. See also Tablet of the World, BWF 176.

Education is ever continuing:

16. "However learned a man may be, we can imagine one more learned. Hence, as the perfections of humanity are endless, man can also make progress in perfections after leaving this world." BWF 331-3.

Questions:

1. Who are the greatest Educators of the world? BNE 2.

2. Who will be held responsible for the education of children in the New Era? BNE 186.

3. What could cause criminals to shrink from and avoid crimes? BNE 189.

4. Should women receive as much education as men? BNE 181.

5. Can sorrow and suffering have educational value? BNE 118-9.

6. How long should education continue? BNE 185.

7. Can we expect identical results from all those who receive identical education? BNE 187.

8. What effect will education have on backward peoples and nations? BNE 301.

9. What will the true believer do with the knowledge which he has received? BNE 101. [Page 20]

IX. EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN

"Good deeds bear witness to the truth of words."-- Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet of the World (BWF 177).

"Whosoever has a pure heart and renders good deeds is nearer to God and the object of His favor, whether man or woman...for man and woman are equally the recipients of powers and endowments from God the creator." Promulg. UP 294.

1. "The world of humanity has two wings--one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly." BWF 288 (BPP 16-17).

2. "God has created man and woman equal as to faculties." Promulg. UP 228.

3. "The world of humanity consists of two factors, male and female. Each is the complement of the other. Therefore if one is defective the other will necessarily be incomplete and perfection cannot be attained." Promulg. UP 130, 1st par.

4. "One of the potentialities hidden in the realm of humanity was the capability or capacity of womanhood." Promulg. UP 71-3.

5. "There must be no difference in the education of male and female, in order that womankind may develop equal capacity and importance with man in the social and economic equation." Promulg. UP 104, 170.

6. "As woman advances toward the degree of man in power and privilege... most assuredly war will cease." Promulg. UP 369-70.

7. "There are some who declare that woman is not naturally endowed or imbued with the same capabilities as man... This theory is completely contradicted by history and facts of record." (Some famous women referred to.) Promulg. UP 274-8.

8. Mary Magdalene. Promulg. UP 389.

9. Qurratu’l-’Ayn (Tahirih). BNE 182; Promulg. UP 246.

Questions

1. Why is the education of wornen even more important than that of men? BNE 181.

2. Mention some great women of the time of Christ and of our own time? BNE 182.

3. In what ways shall the equality of men and women be expressed? BNE 287. [Page 21] 4. What is the status of women in the Orient? Promulg. UP 161.

5. Why do the Bahá’í women of the Orient still wear the veil? BNE 184.

6. What are the Bahá’í Teachings with respect to marriage? BNE 215.

7. In the matter of divorce, what are the instructions? BNE 216.

8. As women become more advanced what effect will they have on the world? BNE 183.

9. Will the cause of peace be advanced as woman develops? Promulg. UP 370. [Page 22]

X. SPIRITUAL SOLUTION OF ECONOMIC PROBLEM

“It is made incumbent on every one of you to engage in some one occupation... We have made this--your occupation--identical with the worship of God.” --Bahá’u’lláh, 12th Glad Tidings (BWF 195; BNE 176).

“O ye rich ones on earth! The poor in your midst are My Trust; guard ye My Trust, and busy not yourselves wholly with your ease.”--Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Words, Persian #54.

“The people of Bahá must not refuse to discharge the due reward of any one, and must respect possessors of talent... One must speak with justice and recognize the worth of benefits.”--Bahá’u’lláh, 5th Taráz (BWF 170).

1. “The fundamentals of the whole economic condition are divine in nature and are associated with the world of the heart and spirit.” Promulg. UP 233-4.

2. “Everyone, as far as possible, according to his rank and position, shall share in comfort and well-being.” BNE 173-4.

3. “Please God, the poor may exert themselves and strive to earn the means of livelihood...This is a duty...prescribed unto every one.”--Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 202 (BWF 130-1).

4. “Economy is a great treasure.” BWF 374-5.

Through work for all: Work as worship:

5. “The most despised of men before God is he who sits and begs.” BWF 195; BNE 176.

6. “In this great dispensation, art (or a profession) is identical with an act of worship.” BWF 377.

7. “The man who makes a piece of notepaper to the best of his ability...is giving praise to God.” BNE 100.

Through profit-sharing:

8. “Voluntary sharing is greater than equality.” BWF 288 (BPP 17).

9. “According to the divine law, employees should not be paid merely by wages. Nay, rather they should be partners in every work.” BNE 179.

Through just legislation (industrial justice):

10. “Rules and laws should be established to regulate the excessive fortunes of certain private individuals, and limit the misery of millions of the poor masses; thus a certain moderation would be obtained. However, absolute equality is just as impossible.” BWF 281-3 (SAQ 314). [Page 23]

X. Spiritual Solution of Economic Problem (cont.)

11. "This readjustment... insures the stability of the world of humanity." Promulg. UP 176; 128.

12. Not through strikes; government intervention is legal because "the detriment affects the mass" of people. BWF 280-4; BNE 178.

Through recognition of fundamental differences in capacity:

13. "Degrees are absolutely necessary to ensure an orderly organization." BNE 173-4.

14. "It is impossible for all to be alike, all to be equal, all to be wise." Promulg. UP 211-2.

15. Man "should be free and emancipated from the captivity of the world of nature; for as long as man is captive to nature he is a ferocious animal, as the struggle for existence is one of the exigencies of the world of nature. This matter of the struggle for existence is the fountain-head of all calamities and is the supreme affliction." BWF 289 (BPP 17).

Questions:

1. What did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá say about poverty? BNE 173. 2. How can the extremes of riches and poverty be done away with? BNE 174. 3. Who is to do the work of the world? BNE 176. 4. What is meant by profit sharing? BNE 179. 5. Who is the most despised of men? BNE 176. 6. What is the principle of justice involved in government intervention in strikes? BWF 283. 7. What are the Bahá’í suggestions for preparing a will? BNE 180. 8. Is it permissible to charge interest on money? BNE 177. 9. What is the solution to the conflict between capital and labor? BNE 179. [Page 24]

XI. UNIVERSAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE AND UNIVERSAL SCRIPT

“The day is approaching when all the peoples of the world will have adopted one universal language and one common script. When this is achieved, to whatsoever city a man may journey, it shall be as if he were entering his own home. These things are obligatory and absolutely essential... The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” -- Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings 249-50.

“Their majesties, the kings-- may God assist them-- or the counsellors of the earth must consult together, and appoint one of the existing languages, or a new language, and instruct the children therein, in all the schools of the world; and the same must be done in respect to writing also. In such case the earth will be considered as one.”-- Bahá’u’lláh, 3rd Glad Tidings (BWF 192).

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1. “One tongue” and “one among the ‎varicus various‎ writings” to be selected and taught in the schools of the world, “that the whole world may thereby be considered as one native land and one part.” Bahá’u’lláh, 6th Ishráq (BWF 199).

2. “One language as the greatest means of unity and basis of international conference.” Promulg. UP 227-8.

3. Esperanto an effort in the right direction. BNE 200-2.

4. “Each person will require training in two languages, his native tongue and the universal auxiliary form of speech.” Promulg. UP 294.

5. “Taught by all the schools and institutions of the world.” Promulg. UP 177.

6. “Unless the unity of languages is realized, the ‘Most Great Peace’ and the oneness of the human world cannot be effectively organized and established.” Promulg. UP 57.

Questions: 1. What is one of the constructive proposals made by Bahá’u’lláh for achieving the Most Great Peace? BNE 199.

2. What will be the greatest means of progress toward the union of East and West? BNE 201.

3. Who inspired Dr. Zamenhof to invent his universal language? BNE 288.

4. Did Dr. Zamenhof find it easy to spread Esperanto? BNE 242.

5. At the Esperanto Society in Edinburgh what did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá announce? BNE 76.

6. What did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hope that Esperanto would become? BNE 202. [Page 25] 7. In which country has the Bahá’í magazine been published in Esperanto? BNE 307.

8. Whom did Bahá’u’lláh command to choose the universal language for the world and a common script? BNE 200, 202. [Page 26]

XII. UNIVERSAL PEACE

"We have commanded the Most Great Peace, which is the greatest means for the protection of mankind. The rulers of the world must, in one accord, adhere to this Command which is the main cause for the security and tranquillity of the world."--Bahá’u’lláh, 2nd Ishraq (BWF 198).

"Now that ye have refused the Most Great Peace, hold ye fast unto this, the Lesser Peace, that haply ye may in some degree better your own condition and that of your dependents."--Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet to the kings and rulers, Gleanings 254 (WOB 162).

"That which the Lord hath ordained as the sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument for the healing of all the world is the union of all its peoples in one universal Cause, one common Faith. This can in no wise be achieved except through the power of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Physician. This, verily, is the truth, and all else naught but error."-- Bahá’u’lláh, Tablet to Queen Victoria, Gleanings 255 (WOB 163).

1. Bahá’u’lláh’s life was a call to Universal Peace. Promulg. UP 22-6. (BWF 220-4); Promulg. UP 116; BWF 233-4.

2. "Today there is no greater glory for man than that of service in the cause of the ’Most Great Peace.’ " Promulg. UP 119 (BWF 231).

3. The Most Great Peace and the Lesser Peace. BNE 167-170.

4. "Universal Peace is assured." Promulg. UP 451; BNE 58, 194, 301.

5. "The world of humanity has never enjoyed the blessing of Universal Peace." Promulg. UP 29 (BWF 245).

6. Words of Bahá’u’lláh to Professor E. G. Browne. BNE 50.

7. "Unity of the human world and the ’Most Great Peace’ cannot be accomplished through material means." Promulg. UP 9-10.

8. Humanity’s coming of age. Promulg. UP 433-4.

Establishment of Lesser Peace:

9. "Universal Peace will be established among the nations of the world by international agreement." Promulg. UP 311.

10. Principle of Collective Security. Gleanings 249 (BNE 168-9); WOB 192.

America’s part:

11. "May this American democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement." Promulg. UP 33-4; 80; 117-8; BNE 295.

12. "May the first flag of International Peace be upraised in this State" (California). Promulg. UP 371. [Page 27]

Establishment of Most Great Peace through:

13. Laws and institutions of Bahá’u’lláh. BNE 328-9.

14. A world super-state or world commonwealth. BNE 329-32.

15. On the framework of the Administrative Order of ‎Bahá’u’llá Bahá’u’lláh‎. BNE 332-3. 317-27.

16. “The system of Bahá’í ‎Adninistration Administration‎ is not an innovation imposed arbitrarily upon the Bahá’ís of the world since the Master’s passing, but derives its authority from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá...and rests in some of its essential features upon the explicit provisions of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. It thus unifies and correlates the principles separately laid down by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and is indissolubly bound with the essential verities of the Faith.”-- Shoghi Effendi, World Order of Bahá’u’lláh 5.

World Tribunal:

17. Concerning “The question of Universal Peace, about which His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh says that the Supreme Tribunal must be established...” BWF 291-2 (BPP 21).

18. “All national and international problems should be referred to this tribunal, and whatsoever be its decision that should be enforced. Were a government or people to dissent, the world as a whole should rise against it.” BNE 299.

19. “...a Supreme Tribunal whose judgment will have a binding effect even in such cases where the parties concerned did not voluntarily agree to submit their case to its consideration.” BNE 330 (WOB 41).

20. As part of “A world federal system...in which Force is made the servant of Justice, whose life is sustained by its universal recognition of one God and by its allegiance to one common Revelation--such is the goal towards which humanity, impelled by the unifying forces of life, is moving.”--Shoghi Effendi, WOB 204-6 (BNE 334-7).

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Questions:

1. Did Christ say that He came to bring peace to the world? Matthew 10:34; Luke 12:51.

2. What did Christ prophesy would take place in the latter days? Matthew 24:21, 22, 27, 29, 30.

3. What description of the Son of Man do we have in the Bible? Revelation 1:10, 12-17, 20.

4. Does the Bible tell us there will be no new name after Christ? Revelation 2:17; 3:12. [Page 28] 5. When are the nations going to beat their swords into plowshares and not learn war any more? Isaiah 2:2,4 (WOB 205).

6. What did Isaiah say that the Prince of Peace would take upon His shoulder? Isaiah 9:6.

7. Are there any prophecies in the Bible foretelling the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God? Revelation 21:1-5, 23-27.

8. Did Bahá’u’lláh say that He came to bring universal peace? BNE 192; SAQ 73, 75.

9. Did Bahá’u’lláh take the government upon His shoulder? BNE 261-2; Promulg. UP 451.

10. What is the sole framework of the Bahá’í commonwealth of the future--the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh? BNE 333.

11. What is the bedrock on which the Administrative Order is founded? BNE 333.

12. What are the principal elements in the administrative plan? BNE 314-5.

13. How is the Universal House of Justice (the international spiritual assembly) to be elected? BNE 326-7.

14. What are the component elements of a world commonwealth? BNE 334-6.

15. Can Universal Peace be established before there is political decentralization in the countries of the world? Promulg. UP 161-2.

16. What will be the duties and powers of a supreme or World Tribunal? BNE 330, 335.

17. What is today the Ark of human salvation? WOB 155.