Twenty Lessons in Baha’i Administration/Text

Twenty Lessons in Baha’i Administration by Study Outline Committee, United States

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[Page i]

TWENTY LESSONS IN BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION

Prepared by the Study Outline Committee Approved by the Bahá’í Reviewing Committee 1935

"Who, I may ask, when viewing the international character of the Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the increasing complexity of its affairs, the diversity of its adherents, and the state of confusion that assails on every side the infant Faith of God, can for a moment question the necessity of some sort of administrative machinery that will insure, amid the storm and stress of a struggling civilization, the unity of the Faith, the preservation of its identity, and the protection of its interests?"

Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 9-10

Bahá’í Publishing Committee P.O. Box 348, Grand Central Annex New York, N. Y. [Page ii]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
I.	ORIGIN AND TRANSMISSION OF AUTHORITY IN THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER	2
II.	THE NATURE OF THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER AND ITS RELATION TO THE PAST	3
III.	THE INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP	4
IV.	THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE	5
V.	BAHÁ’Í ELECTIONS	6
VI.	THE NATIONAL CONVENTION	7
VII.	ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY	9
VIII.	RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY	10
IX.	QUALIFICATIONS OF BELIEVERS	11
X.	(a) ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AND (b) OF BAHÁ’Í GROUPS	12
XI.	POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES	13
XII.	APPEALS	15
XIII.	CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION	16
XIV.	NINETEEN-DAY FEASTS	17
XV.	RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS	18
XVI.	THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BELIEVERS TO TEACH AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF TEACHERS TO THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER	19
XVII.	ATTITUDE OF BELIEVERS TOWARD GOVERNMENT, POLITICS AND NON-BAHÁ’Í ORGANIZATIONS	20
XVIII.	THE BAHÁ’Í FUND	21
XIX.	THE INSTITUTION OF THE BAHÁ’Í TEMPLE	22
XX.	THE PRESENT FUNCTION AND ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER	23
	PROBLEMS IN BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION	24

[Page 1]

TWENTY LESSONS IN BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION

PURPOSE The course here presented is a comprehensive study for those who have already become members of the Bahá’í Faith.

REFERENCES The references are taken from "Bahá’í Administration," the Guardian’s more recent pamphlets, Bahá’í News, #1 to #94 inclusive, and one from "The Promulgation of Universal Peace." In the second edition of "Bahá’í Administration" four of the Guardian’s pamphlets are included and "By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly" is added to the Appendix. References are however made separately to these four pamphlets and to the Appendix, since the pages are not numbered consecutively throughout the entire volume. The abbreviations are as follows:

BA	Bahá’í Administration (exclusive of the four pamphlets and Appendix)
WOB	World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
WOB, FC	World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Further Considerations
GNWO	Goal of a New World Order
GA	Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh
A & MGP	America and the Most Great Peace
App.	Appendix to Bahá’í Administration
DB	Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh
PUP	Promulgation of Universal Peace
BN	Bahá’í News

SUGGESTIONS The chairman of the evening should definitely locate all references, especially those in Bahá’í News, ahead of time, decide whether one or more evenings should be given to the lesson and plan which references should be read aloud each evening. If the references are not all read aloud in class, the ones not read should be studied ahead of time and reported on by some member of the group.

Everyone in the class should have a copy of the study course and should bring each time all the reference material he has. At least one complete file of Bahá’í News is most desirable. However, most of the references are from #40 on.

The general articles are most valuable and whenever possible should be read aloud and discussed after the group has considered the definite questions. This will mean taking more than one evening for a lesson in many cases. Where several general articles are listed for the same lesson, the chairman should select one or two, or perhaps parts of several, as he sees fit.

The series of cases given at the end of the twenty lessons presents specific problems possible to all Bahá’í communities. Discussion by the group of the way to handle these according to the principles of Bahá’í Administration will provide a partial review of the study course.

October, 1935 [Page 2]

ORIGIN AND TRANSMISSION OF AUTHORITY IN THE ‎BAHA'I BAHÁ’Í‎ ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

REFERENCES BA 3, 11, 12 WOB 3-5 PUP, Vol. 2, 379-381 DB 39-47, 52, 55, 59

BN #80, p. 5 (col. 1)

General Article: BN #37, p. 1-2

DISCUSSION

1. Trace the succession of authority in the ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ Faith. PUP, Vol. 2, 379-381 BA 3, 7, 12 DB 42-43

2. Distinguish between the stations of the Revelator, the Center of the Covenant and the Guardian. DB 40, 41-47, 59

3. Trace the early beginning of the ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ Administrative Order prior to the Will of ‎Abdul-Baha ‘Abdu’l-Bahá‎. DB 55

4. Discuss the Will of ‎Abdul-Baha ‘Abdu’l-Bahá‎ as the charter of a New World Order. DB 52

5. What is the function of the Center of the Covenant? PUP, Vol. 2, 379-381

6. Distinguish between the two forms of Covenant mentioned in ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ writings. BN #80, p. 5 (col. 1)

7. What two ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ writings constitute the chief source of the ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ Administrative Order? BA 11 WOB 3-4

8. Why can not the spiritual teachings of the ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ Faith be separated from the administrative principles? WOB 5

9. What advantage do you see in a recognized center of authority?

10. Why does the authority in the ‎Baha'i Bahá’í‎ Administrative Order command complete allegiance? [Page 3]

Lesson II

THE NATURE OF THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER AND ITS RELATION TO THE PAST

REFERENCES BA Intro. vi-vii WOB,FC 6-12 DB ‎55-54 53-54‎, 60-65 BN #58, p. 1 (col. 1-2), #72, p. 5,

1. 80, p. 5 (col. 2-3), #81, p. 3 (col. 2), #89, p. 9-10

General Articles: BN #53, p. 1-2, #54, p. 3-4, #77, p. 2-4

DISCUSSION 1. Why is an administrative order necessary? WOB,FC 7 BN #89, p. 9-10

2. Why is it impossible to compare the Bahá’í Administrative Order with systems of the past? DB 60

3. State the differences in authority behind the administrative institutions of Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith. DB 53-54 ‎WQB WOB‎,FC 6, 8, 9-10

4. What were the difficulties that arose in the Christian Church because of the absence of explicit directions from Christ as to succession and institutions? DB 53 WOB,FC 8-9

5. In what respect was the Mohammedan Revelation further advanced than the Christian? What was the result of the lack of a law of succession? WOB,FC 9 DB 53

6. What in the Bahá’í dispensation would prevent similar difficulties?

7. What elements commonly found in religions of the past have been excluded by Bahá’u’lláh? WOB,FC 10

8. In what way is the Bahá’í Administrative Order different from a purely democratic system? From an autocratic? From an aristocratic? DB 61-62

9. What features of these three types of government does it have? DB 62

10. What do you think of the contrast between the development of this new Order and the disintegration of present-day institutions? DB 62-64 BN #58, p. 1 (col. 1-2), #72, p. 5

11. What is the difference between what is offered to the world by the various spiritual and social movements of today and what is offered by the Bahá’í Faith? BN #53, p. 2 (col. 2-3), #80, p. 5 (col. 2-3)

12. What is the foundation of the Bahá’í Administrative Order and what is its watchword? DB 64-65

13. Discuss the elasticity of the Bahá’í Administrative Order. WOB,FC 7-8, 10-11 BN #77, p. 3 (col. 1)

14. Where is power vested in the Bahá’í Administrative Order and where is authority? BN #81, p. 3 (col. 2) [Page 4]

THE INSTITUTION OF GUARDIANSHIP

REFERENCES BA 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12 WOB 8 WOB,FC 6-10 DB 55-59 BN #60, p. 7 (col. 3), #71, p. 1-2,

1. 77, p. 2 (col. 1), #81, p. 5 (col. 2-3), #92, p. 7 (col. 2-3)

General Article: BN #61, p. 7-8

DISCUSSION 1. What authority is given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the institution of Guardianship? BA 3, 6-7, 12

2. Discuss the method of succession and the requirements. BA 8

3. What is the relation of the Guardian to the Universal House of Justice? BA 10 WOB 8 DB 55-58

4. What is the difference between Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith as regards administration and succession? WOB,FC 6-10

5. How would you answer an inquiry as to how a Guardian differs from a Pope?

6. What is the Guardian’s power of interpretation and of legislation? DB 58

7. Discuss the distinction between the Center of the Covenant and the Guardians. DB 59

8. Discuss the relationship of our National Bahá’í Fund to the Guardian’s International Fund. BN #92, p. 7 (col. 2-3)

9. What is the Huquq and to whom does it go? BN #60, p. 7 (col. 3), #77, p. 2 (col. 1)

10. What is the relationship of individual Bahá’ís to the Guardian and what place does it have beside the relationship to an Assembly? BN #81, p. 5 (col. 2-3)

11. Through what channels does the Guardian send important communications to the believers? What is the status of his letters to individuals? BN #71, p. 1-2

THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD

REFERENCES BA 7, 8, 9

DISCUSSION 1. Who appoints the Hands of the Cause of God. BA 8

2. What is their organization and what are their functions? BA 7, 8-9 [Page 5]

REFERENCES

BA 7, 10, 11, 36, 41, 54 WOB 7 DB 55-58, 61 WOB, FC 6-11

DISCUSSION

1. Who established the institution of the Universal House of Justice and what authority is given it in the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? BA 7, 10, 11 DB 57

2. How is the Universal House of Justice to be elected? BA 10, 11

What duties does it have? BA 7, 10, 41 DB 57

4. Who is its head? Under what condition and by whom may a member be expelled? How is his place then filled? BA 10

5. In what field will the Universal House of Justice legislate? BA 11

What preliminary steps are necessary before the Universal House of Justice can be actually put in operation? BA 36, 54 WOB 7

7. What power did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá confer upon the Universal House of Justice in addition to the authority explicitly given by Bahá’u’lláh and what is its significance for the future? WOB, FC 11 DB 57

8. In what respects does the Universal House of Justice differ from the House of Cardinals?

9. Justice. DB 56

10. Discuss the fundamental object of the Universal House of Justice. What is the nature of its relation with the Guardian? Differentiate between the domain of the Guardian and that of the Universal House of Justice. DB 56-58

11. Under what circumstances may the Guardian insist that the Universal House of Justice reconsider a decision? DB 58

12. What assurance has been given to the members of this body? Has it been given to those who elect it? DB 61

13. Will the Universal House of Justice be governed by general opinion? How are the members to reach their decisions? DB 61

14. Why is the Universal House of Justice to be considered a living organism? [Page 6] Lesson V

BAHÁ’Í ELECTIONS

REFERENCES BA 36, 55-56, 78-79, 125-126 or BN #20, p. 7-8 App. 9 (Art. VII), 14 (Art. XI), BN #5, p. 3-4,

1. 18, p. 9, #31, p. 6, #67, p. 4 (col. 2), #85, p. 3 (col. 2-3),
2. 86, p. 3 (col. 1) General Articles: BN #4, p. 1-2, #81, p. 3-4

DISCUSSION 1. What body will ultimately state the rules of procedure for Bahá’í elections? BA 125

2. What officers conduct the annual meeting for the election of the local Assembly? What date is set for this election? App. 9 (Art. VII), BN #31, p. 6, #85, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

3. How is a tie vote in the election for a national or local Assembly handled? BN #85, p. 3 (col. 3)

4. Why has the principle of election by plurality rather than by majority been adopted? BA 126

5. With what attitude should the task of electing representatives be undertaken? BA 36, 55-56, 78-79 App. 14 BN #5, p. 3-4

6. What are the objections to the practice of nominations? BA 126 App. 14 BN #18, p. 9

7. What does the Guardian say is the way to inform ourselves about the requirements and qualifications for members of a Spiritual Assembly? BN #5, p. 3-4, #18, p. 9

8. What four opportunities now exist for the believers to become better acquainted and why is it important to take advantage of them? BN #86, p. 3 (col. 1)

9. Why is electioneering incompatible with the spirit of Bahá’í elections? BN #18, p. 9

10. Is there any regulation about changing the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly or of local Assemblies? BN #67, p. 4 (col. 2)

11. What reasons can you give against the practice of discussing whom you will vote for before an election takes place? Do the same reasons apply to talking over other Bahá’í business before regular consultation takes place? BN #5, p. 3-4, #81, p. 3-4

12. Do you think the Bahá’í method of election places more or less responsibility on the voter than other methods used in the world? Give reasons.

13. What is the cause of misconduct in connection with Bahá’í elections and how can it be remedied? BN #81, p. 4 (col. 1-2) [Page 7]

THE NATIONAL CONVENTION

REFERENCES BA 34-35, 46, 69-71, 74-75, 77-79, 81-82 App. 12-14, 22-23. BN #79, p. 9 (sec. 10), #81, p. 3, #84, p. 14 (col. 1), #88, p. 1 (col. 2-3), #91, p. 2-3, #94 Insert, p. 3-4 General Articles: BN #5, p. 1-4, #38, p. 1-3, #91, p. 1-3

Note: BN #79, p. 6-10, is a compilation of the following references:

1. BA p. 187-188	6. BA p. 74-75
2. BA p. 34-35	7. BA p. 77-79
3. BA p. 46	8. BA p. 81-82
4. BA p. 55-56	9. BA 125-127
5. BA p. 69-71	10. previously unpublished.

All the above references are found in the lesson on the National Convention or in that on Bahá’í Elections.

DISCUSSION

1. When is the National Convention held? Must it be held annually? BA 81-82 App. 12

2. Why are the delegates elected by the Bahá’í communities instead of by the Local Spiritual Assemblies? BA 75

3. Why are the members of the National Spiritual Assembly elected by a Convention instead of directly by the entire body of the believers? BA 34-35

4. How many delegates compose the National Convention for the United States and Canada and how and when are they assigned to the local communities? BA 35 App. 12, 22

5. How and when are delegates to the National Convention elected? What is the order of business? App. 12 BN #94 Insert, p. 3-4

6. What are the qualifications of delegates? May the rights of a delegate be assigned to another or exercised by proxy? App. 12, 22-23

7. Should the matter of financial ability to attend the Convention determine the election of a delegate? BN #5, p. 4 (col. 1)

8. What body has the duty of recognizing and seating delegates to the National Convention? How may absentee delegates vote? App. 12

9. Who calls the Convention to order? Describe the permanent organization. App. 13 BN #79, p. 10 (col. 1), #91, p. 2 (col. 2)

10. How is the order of business prepared and how may additions be made? App. 13 BN #38, p. 2 (col. 3)

11. Why does the Guardian say that the meetings of the National Convention are not to be regarded as joint meetings with the National Spiritual Assembly? BN #88, p. 1 (col. 2) no. [Page 8]

Lesson VI - continued

12. May anyone besides delegates participate in Convention discussions? BN #91, p. 2 (col. 3)

13. By whom should all facts necessary to clarify matters discussed at the National Convention be presented? BN #88, p. 1 (col. 3), #91, p. 3 (col. 1)

14. How do the delegates elect the incoming National Spiritual Assembly? App. 13 How are vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly filled? App. 14 BN #91, p. 2 (col. 3)

15. What qualifications should the delegates have in mind in electing the National Assembly? BA 78-79

16. At what time during the session of the National Convention are the members of the new National Assembly to be elected? BN #38, p. 2 (col. 3), #91, p. 2 (col. 3)

17. What is the function of the delegates after the conclusion of the National Convention? BN #38, p. 2 (col. 3), #84, p. 14 (col. 1), #91, p. 2 (col. 3)

18. Under what circumstances may non-delegates bring matters directly before the Convention? BN #38, p. 2 (col. 3), #79, p. 10 (col. 1-2)

19. What two functions constitute the main business of the National Convention? In which is its action final and in which is its action advisory? BN #38, p. 2 (col. 2), #79, p. 9, #81, p. 3 (col. 1), #91, p. 2 (col. 2)

20. Name three functions formerly exercised by the National Convention, but no longer so. BN #38, p. 2 (col. 2)

21. Discuss what the Guardian says of the consultative function of the National Convention and of the duty of the National Spiritual Assembly to seek its considered opinion. BA 69-71 BN #79, p. 9 (col. 3) #91, p. 2 (col. 3)

22. In view of this last, how do you account for the fact that final decision rests with the National Spiritual Assembly?

23. Discuss the balance between the final authority of the National Assembly and the purely consultative function of the National Convention. BN #79, p. 9-10, #81, p. 3 (col. 2-3), #91, p. 2 (col. 3)-3 [Page 9]

ORGANIZATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

REFERENCES BA 24, 34-35, 73, 74-75, 78-79, 125, 131-133 WOB 5-7 A & MGP 23-24 App. 8-9, 13-15 BN #92, p. 9 (col. 1) General Articles: BN #70, p. 2, #87, p. 2-4, Special Number, May 1927, p. 1-2

DISCUSSION

1. What is the immediate purpose of the National Spiritual Assembly and what the ultimate purpose? BA 34 WOB 5-7

2. How often is the National Spiritual Assembly reelected, pending the establishment of the Universal House of Justice? BA 35

3. What is the official name of the National body? What restriction of the use of the term "assembly" is requested? BA 73

4. What are the qualifications of members of the National Spiritual Assembly? BA 78-79

5. How are members of the National Spiritual Assembly elected? How are vacancies filled? App. 13, 14

6. How many members? What term of office? What officers are elected and how? Who calls the first meeting of a newly elected National Spiritual Assembly and who calls subsequent meetings? App. 8-9

7. What constitutes a quorum for a meeting of the National Assembly and what vote is needed to carry any action? App. 9

8. What two agencies may review decisions and actions of the National Assembly? App. 14 (Art. IX)

9. Discuss the work of committees under the National Spiritual Assembly. BA 24, 35, 131-132

10. How do the members of the National Spiritual Assembly keep in constant and immediate touch with communications received at the National Office? BN #92, p. 9 (col. 1)

11. How may the By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly be amended? App. 15 (Art. XII)

12. What is the difference between the institution of the National Spiritual Assembly and the individual members? BN #87, p. 2 (col. 3), p. 3, (col. 2)

13. What are the purpose and importance of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws? BA 125, 132-133 A & MGP 23-24

14. How is a complete census of believers being obtained? How will this census be kept up to date? Why will it be a permanent historical record? BN #93, p. 2 (col. 1-2) [Page 10]

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

REFERENCES BA 23, 34, 35-36, 39-40, 41, 67, 69-71, 75, 76, 115-118, 130-131, 133 App. 7-8, 14-15 BN #40, p. 8-9, #71, p. 6 (col. 3), #85, p. 2 (col. 3), p. 3 (col. 3), #91, p. 2-3, #93, p. 3-4

DISCUSSION 1. Discuss the jurisdiction, duties and powers of the National Spiritual Assembly. BA 23, 34, 35-36, 39-40, 41, 67, 70, 75, 76, 118 App. 7-8, BN #91, p. 2-3, #93, p. 3-4

2. What body holds powers not specifically given to the Local Spiritual Assemblies in the By-Laws? App. 14 (Art. X)

3. What does the Guardian say about consultation between a newly elected National Spiritual Assembly and the National Convention? About cooperation between the National Assembly and the Local communities? BA 69-71

4. What position has the National Assembly taken regarding acting as administrator of estates or as guardian for children, and also regarding gifts of property? BN #40, p. 8-9

5. On what matters is it suitable for a believer to address the National Assembly directly and what matters should go through the local Assembly? BN #71, p. 6 (col. 3)

6. What is the relation of the National Assembly to institutions outside of the Bahá’í organization? BA 116, 130

7. What does the Guardian speak of as the responsibilities of the National Spiritual Assembly as opposed to its authority? BA 133

8. In what matters does the Guardian declare the authority of the National Spiritual Assembly to be "undivided and ‎unchallengeable? unchallengeable"?‎ BN #85, p. 2 (col. 3)

9. What duties are stated in the By-Laws as among the most outstanding responsibilities devolving upon members of local or national Spiritual Assemblies? App. 14-15 (Art. XI)

10. Discuss the difference between passive obedience and constructive action in the relation of local communities to the National Spiritual Assembly?

11. What does the Guardian speak of as a twofold obligation on the part of the National Assembly? BA 116-117, 130-131

12. Why do you think the Guardian directed that letters written him by local Assemblies and national committees are to be sent through the National Spiritual Assembly? BN #85, p. 3 (col. 3) [Page 11]

Lesson IX

QUALIFICATIONS OF BELIEVERS

REFERENCES BA 80-81 App. 8 BN #13, p. 3 (col. 3), #40, p. 3 (col. 3), #55, p. 5 (col. 1), #68, p. 4 (col. 3), #73, p. 5 (col. 1, 3), #80, p. 5 (col. 3), #83, p. 1 (col. 2-3), #88, p. 10 (col. 2), #89, p. 10 (col. 1), #90, p. 7 (col. 2) General Articles: BN #65, p. 3-4, #90, p. 1-2

DISCUSSION

1. What is the residential qualification for a voting believer? App. 8, BN #89, p. 10 (col. 1)

2. What is said about residence enrollment of believers? BN #13, p. 3 (col. 3)

3. What is the interpretation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the By-Law on residential qualifications of voting believers? BN #89, p. 10 (col. 1)

4. What is the age requirement for voting believers? App. 8

5. What are the more fundamental qualifications for voting believers? BA 80-81 or App. 8 or BN #65, p. 3-4

6. Describe a process for enrolling new believers. BN #68, p. 4 (col. 3)

7. In view of the relation of the Bahá’í Administrative Order to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (See DB 64-65), what importance do you attach to the qualification in the last clause of Article II, Section c? App. 8

8. Note the distinction between believers and those who consider themselves Bahá’ís but do not accept the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. BN #40, p. 3 (col. 3)

9. Are people who accept the Cause with reservations to consider themselves Bahá’ís? BN #80, p. 5 (col. 3)

10. In what way should the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá be presented to new-comers? BN #83, p. 1 (col. 2-3), #90, p. 7 (col. 2)

11. Are contributions considered a condition for voting? BN #55, p. 5 (col. 1)

12. Under what conditions may a believer be removed from the voting list of a Bahá’í community? What body makes the final decision? BN #73, p. 5 (col. 1, 3)

13. Can we expect a new believer to be free from every prejudice? BN #88, p. 10 (col. 2) [Page 12]

Lesson X

(a) ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AND (b) OF Bahá’í GROUPS

REFERENCES (a) BA 32, 87 App. 9-11 (Art. VII), 20-21, 21-22 BN #31, p. 6 (col. 2), #55, p. 1 (col. 1), #59, p. 3 (col. 3), #85, p. 3 (col. 2-3), #89, p. 10 (col. 1), #92, p. 15 (col. 1-2), #94 Insert, p. 2-3. General Articles: BN #43, p. 1-2, #87, p. 2-4

DISCUSSION 1. What is the Local Spiritual Assembly? How many members does it have? Under what conditions is one established? What application is made and when? How and when is it elected? Who are eligible for election? BA 32, App. 9-10, 22 BN #31, p. 6 (col. 2), #55, p. 1 (col. 1), #92, p. 15 (col. 1-2)

2. Under what conditions and by whom may the formation of a Spiritual Assembly be postponed in cases where there are nine or more believers? BN #55, p. 1 (Col. 1)

3. Who presides at the annual election in a community? What is the order of business? BN #85, p. 3 (col. 2-3), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 3)

4. What officers are elected by a local Spiritual Assembly and by what vote? What are the duties of the secretary? App. 9, 10, 11, 20 BN #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 3)

5. What constitutes a quorum and what vote is necessary for the conduct of business? Who calls the first meeting of a newly elected Spiritual Assembly and who calls subsequent meetings? What is the order of business? App. 9, 10, 20 BN #94 Insert, p. 2 (col. 1-2)

6. Under what circumstances may a vacancy be declared in a Spiritual Assembly and how should it be filled? App. 10 BN #89, p. 10 (col. 1), #94, Insert, p. 2 (col. 3)

7. What standard exists for legal incorporation of a local Spiritual Assembly? App. 16-23 BN #59, p. 3 (col. 3), #87, p. 5 (col. 2)

8. Can more than one Spiritual Assembly exist in one locality? BA 87

9. What is the practice regarding absentee votes for members of a local Spiritual Assembly? App. 21

10. Note the distinction between a Spiritual Assembly and the nine individuals of whom it is composed. BN #87, p. 2 (col. 3), p. 3 (col. 2)

REFERENCES (b) BN #70, p. 4 (col. 3), #72, p. 5 General Article: BN #46, p. 6

DISCUSSION 1. What request has been made to local groups of less than nine? BN #70, p. 4 (col. 3)

2. Why are members of a Bahá’í group requested to fill out registration cards to be filed in the National office?

3. What advantages can you see in organizing as a group where there are not enough believers for a Spiritual Assembly? [Page 13]

POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES

REFERENCES BA 20-23, 32-34, 36, 54-55, 118 App. 10-11, 14-15, 17-19 DB 52 BN #9, p. 3, #45, p. 3 (col. 3), #55, p. 1 (col. 1), #59, p. 3 (col. 3), #60, p. 6-7, #68, p. 4 (col 3), #73, p. 5, #80, p. 6 (col. 1), #85, p. 2 (col. 1, 3), p. 3 (col. 1, 3), #88, p. 6 (col. 3), #94 Insert, p. 2, 4

General Articles: BN #43, p. 1-2, #56, p. 2, #65, p. 3-4, #66, p. 2-3, #81, p. 4-5, #83, p. 2, #88, p. 2-4, #89, p. 9 (col. 3)

DISCUSSION 1. Discuss the duties and authority of the Local Spiritual Assembly. BA 32-34, 55 App. 10, (Sec. 2, 3), 17-19 BN #88, p. 2-4

2. What procedure should a Local Spiritual Assembly follow in the conduct of their business? BN #94 Insert, p. 2 (col. 2-3)

3. What power of discussion and voting does the chairman have? BN #94 Insert, p. 2 (col. 2-3)

4. What are the obligations of members of consulting councils? BA 20-23 App. 14-15, BN #94 Insert, p. 2 (col. 3)

5. What is the importance of the Local Spiritual Assembly? BA 20, 54

6. What does ‘Abdu’l-Bahá say about obedience to a Spiritual Assembly, local or national? BA 21, 23

7. What relationship should exist between the Local Spiritual Assembly and the individual ‎belie ver believer‎? BA 54, BN #94 Insert, p. 4

8. Does a Local Spiritual Assembly have the authority to criticise a policy duly adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly? BN #85, p. 2 (col. 3)

9. What authority does the local Assembly have regarding voting membership in the matter of both admission and expulsion, and what appeal may be made from its decision? App. 10-11 BN #73, p. 5 (col. 1, 3)

10. Discuss the function of the Local Spiritual Assembly in passing upon the qualifications of a new believer. What one requirement in procedure has so far been laid down by the National Assembly? BN #65, p. 3-4, #68, p. 4 (col. 3)

11. What is the sphere of jurisdiction of the Local Spiritual Assembly with regard to residential qualifications? App. 11

12. What is the function of the Local Spiritual Assembly with regard to reviewing and publishing Bahá’í literature and what is its relation to the National Spiritual Assembly in these matters? BN #60, p. 6-7 [Page 14]

Lesson XI - continued

13. What is the function of Bahá’í News and to whom should it be given? BN #45, p. 3 (col. 3)

14. What is the duty of local secretaries in keeping the body of the ‎belie vers believers‎ in touch with the National Spiritual Assembly? BN #9, p. 3

15. To whom are local reports to be sent? What is the present understanding with regard to the circulation of local newsletters? BN #85, p. 2 (col. 1), #88, p. 6 (col. 3)

16. What has the Guardian stated as the present procedure for a Local Spiritual Assembly to follow when a member of the community needs financial help? BN #83, p. 2 (col. 2-3)

17. What is the responsibility of the Local Spiritual Assembly to individual teaching efforts? BN #55, p. 1 (col. 1), #66, p. 2-3

18. What is the relationship between the Local Spiritual Assembly and traveling teachers? BN #66, p. 3 (col. 2), #85, p. 3 (col. 1)

19. Why is it that the Cause should not be allowed to center in any locality around one personality instead of the elected representatives? What should be the relation of a teacher to the local Assembly? BN #80, p. 6 (col. 1)

20. Through what channel is a Local Spiritual Assembly expected to communicate with the Guardian? Why? BN #85, p. 3 (col. 3)

21. Tell one way in which a Local Spiritual Assembly may measure its spiritual attainment. BN #73, p. 5 (col. 1)

22. Discuss the wisdom of the Guardian’s instruction, "We should be slow to accept and reluctant to remove" members of a Bahá’í community.

23. What are the three standards of conduct that local and national Assemblies must achieve before the Universal House of Justice can be established? BA 36, 54 DB 52 [Page 15]

Lesson XII

APPEALS

REFERENCES App. 21 BN #71, p. 2 (col. 1), 6-8

1. 88, p. 1 or #89, p. 5

DISCUSSION 1. Discuss the By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly that deal with appeals from a Local Spiritual Assembly. BN #71, p. 6-7

2. Under what circumstances will the National Assembly entertain an appeal and what time limit is set? BN #71, p. 7 (col. 1-2)

3. In what form must an appeal be made? To whom will the decision be announced? BN #71, p. 7 (col. 2-3)

4. What is the responsibility of the Local Assembly for local problems? When may these be referred by the Local Assembly to the National Assembly? BN #71, p. 7 (col. 3)

5. If an individual is unwilling to have the Local Assembly refer a problem concerning him to the National Assembly, what alternative does he have? BN #71, p. 8 (col. 1)

6. If a local Spiritual Assembly has not been properly elected or fails to function, what action may the local believers take? BN #71, p. 8 (col. 1)

7. To what body is a dispute between two local Assemblies referred? App. 21 BN #71, p. 8 (col. 1)

8. When may an Assembly invite members of the community to appeal to the National Assembly? Do members have the right to bring problems to the National Assembly before they have been referred to the Local Assembly? App. 21

9. Under what conditions does a Local Spiritual Assembly have the right to appeal to the Guardian? App. 21

10. What steps should be taken before a Bahá’í approaches the Guardian with a problem? Why? BN #71, p. 2 (col. 1)

11. Do individual believers, a Local Spiritual Assembly, or the delegates to the National Convention have authority to appeal from a decision of the National Spiritual Assembly? How is such an appeal made? BN #88, p. 1 (col. 1)

12. What attitude do you think should be maintained in the event of an appeal? [Page 16]

CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION

REFERENCES BA 21-22, 24, 54-55, 78 BN #81, p. 3 (col. 1-2),

1. 83, p. 2-3, #84, p. 14 (col. 3), #87, p. 3 (col. 1),
2. 89, p. 2-3, #94 Insert, p. 2-3

General Articles: BN #18, p. 1, #65, p. 3, #77, p. 2-3

DISCUSSION 1. What are the requisite qualities for members of a consulting body? BA 21-22

2. What is the method of consultation? How may consultation be terminated? BA 21-22, 54-55 BN #87, p. 3 (col. 1), #94 Insert, p. 2 (col. 3)

3. What is said about consultation through anonymous letters? BN #83, p. 2-3

4. Is the general distribution of a letter from an individual believer to members of Bahá’í communities a legitimate method of consultation? BN #83, p. 2 (col. 3)

5. Why is it that members of a Spiritual Assembly are not allowed to censure any decision of a majority of its members, even though it be not right? BA 22 BN #94 Insert, p. 2 (col. 3)

6. Why is consultation called the basis of collective Bahá’í progress? BA 24 BN #84, p. 14 (col. 3)

7. When should the Local Spiritual Assembly report general matters to the local community? What matters should be reported? BN #87, p. 3 (col. 3), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

8. What is the main purpose of the Nineteen Day Feasts? BN #81, p. 3 (col. 1), #94 Insert, p. 3

9. When does the National Convention act as an intermediary between the body of ‎belie vers believers‎ and the National Spiritual Assembly? When and how does a local Assembly so act? BN #81, p. 3 (col. 1-2), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

10. What connection do you see between the need for consultation and the fact that this is a period when mankind is expected to work in groups? BN #89, p. 2-3

11. Why should group consultation be used to temper individual freedom? BA 78

12. What is the relation of consultation to unity in a community or consulting body, and hence to the strength of the Bahá’í Faith? [Page 17]

NINETEEN DAY FEASTS

REFERENCES BN #13, p. 8, #24, p. 4 (col. 1), #33, p. 1-2, #42, p. 1, #45, p. 1, #47, p. 1, #57, p. 4, #75, p. 8 (col. 1-2), #81, p. 3, #85, p. 3 (col. 2), #93, p. 1, #94 Insert, p. 3-4 General Article: BN #89, p. 2-3

DISCUSSION 1. Who inaugurated the Nineteen Day Feast and why is it included in the Bahá’í institutions? BN #13, p. 8, #33, p. 1 (col. 3)

2. What is the fundamental purpose of this Feast as stated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? BN #33, p. 1 (col. 3), 2, #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 1)

3. What is the main purpose as developed by the Guardian? What connection do you see between this point and the statement that the Nineteen Day Feast is the foundation of Bahá’í Administration? BN #75, p. 8 (col. 1-2), #81, p. 3 (col. 1), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

4. What is said about attendance at Nineteen Day Feasts? BN #75, p. 8 (col. 1), #89, p. 3 (col. 2), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2)

5. What program for Nineteen Day Feasts has been established by the Guardian? BN #24, p. 4 (col. 1), #75, p. 8, #89, p. 3 (col. 2-3), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 1)

6. What matters should a Local Spiritual Assembly report to its community at a Nineteen Day Feast? BN #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

7. How should the consultation period of a Nineteen Day Feast be conducted? BN #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

8. Are the Nineteen Day Feasts open to non-believers? BN #13, p. 8, #42, p. 1, #45, p. 1 (col. 3), #89, p. 3 (col. 3), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2)

9. What reasons can you give for limiting Nineteen Day Feasts to believers? BN #42, p. 1, #47, p. 1 (col. 1), #75, p. 8 (col. 1-2)

10. In what cases are young people under 21 eligible to attend the Nineteen Day Feasts? BN #75, p. 8 (col. 1), #85, p. 3 (col. 2), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2)

11. Do you think the importance of the Nineteen Day Feast is sufficiently realized? BN #89, p. 3 (col. 3)

12. Discuss the Nineteen Day Feast as the democratic foundation on which Bahá’í Administration rests. BN #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3)

13. How do you think the Nineteen Day Feast may function more strongly in your community?

14. What are the nine Holy Days of the Bahá’í year? What recommendation is made regarding their observance? What two additional days should be celebrated? BN #57, p. 4 (col. 1, 3) or #94 Insert, p. 4, #93, p. 1 (col. 1-2) [Page 18]

REFERENCES

BA 9-10, 23, 30-31, 34, 36, 47, 54, 119-121 BN #40, p. 3 (col. 3), #45, p. 3 (col. 1), #52, p. 4-5, #57, p. 4 (col. 3), #64, p. 4 (col. 3), #68, p. 3 (col. 2), p. 4 (col. 2-3), #71, p. 6 (col. 1-2, 2-3), #75, p. 8 (col. 1), #79, p. 4 (col. 1), #86, p. 2-3, #88, p. 1-2 (or p. 5, insert), #89, p. 3 (col. 2-3), p. 9-10, #92, p. 15 (col. 1), #93, p. 1 (col. 2), #94 insert, p. 3 (col. 2-3), p. 4 (col. 2-3). General Articles: BN #46, p. 1-2, #57, p. 2-3, #61, p. 2 & 3, #81, p. 5 (col. 2-3), #88, p. 2-4.

DISCUSSION

1. What is the duty of a believer with regard to taking part in Bahá’í elections? Toward the Local Spiritual Assembly? Toward Local Bahá’í activities? Toward community consultation? BA 23, 34, 36 BN #64, p. 4 (col. 3), #93, p. 1 (col. 2), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 3), p. 4 (col. 2-3)

2. Does a Bahá’í have the right to refuse Bahá’í election or committee appointment? BN #40, p. 3 (col. 3)

3. What is said of the obligation to attend the ‎Nine teen Nineteen‎ Day Feasts? BN #75, p. 8 (col. 1) or #89, p. 3 (col. 2-3), #94 Insert, p. 3 (col. 2)

4. What are the results of backbiting and how may the habit be overcome? BN #46, p. 1-2

5. What does the Guardian say about the establishment of a Bahá’í Fund and the responsibility of the individual to contribute? BA 36-37, 47 BN #88, p. 1-2 (or p. 5, insert)

6. Discuss the right to self-expression. BA 54

7. What is the practice about securing credentials when visiting other Bahá’í communities? What is the rule about admitting Orientals to Bahá’í communities? BN #52, p. 4 (col. 3), #68, p. 4 (col. 2-3), #71, p. 6 (col. 1-2), #92, p. 15 (col. 1)

8. What should be the standard of our association with those of different color and class? BA 119-121

9. What is the responsibility of believers to extend the spirit of brotherhood? BA 9-10, 30-31

10. What is our duty in regard to studying the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? BN #45, p. 3 (col. 1) To what extent is individual interpretation of the Words of Bahá’u’lláh allowable? BN #68, p. 3 (col. 2)

11. What is the obligation to study the teachings and the principles of Bahá’í Administration? BN #79, p. 4 (col. 1), #86, p. 2-3, #89, p. 9-10

12. What has the Guardian said about the duty of Bahá’ís in time of war? BN #57, p. 4 (col. 3)

13. What is the responsibility of an isolated believer to keep in touch with the National Spiritual Assembly? BN #71, p. 6 (col. 2-3) [Page 19]

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BELIEVERS TO TEACH AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF TEACHERS TO THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

REFERENCES BA 5-6 (or 31-32), 12, 30, 37-38, 57, 59-61, 79 99-100, 122 BN #64, p. 4 (col. 1, 2), #67, p. 4 (col. 2, 3), #68, p. 3 (col. 3), #71, p. 2 (col. 1-2), #79, p. 3-4, #80, p. 6 (col. 1), #85, p. 3 (col. 1), #88, p. 6 (col. 3), #90, p. 2 (col. 2), #92, p. 16 (col. 1)

General Articles: BN #20, p. 1, #47, p. 5-6, #68, p. 1-2, #70, p. 3, #79, p. 4-5, #93, p. 2 (col. 2-3)

DISCUSSION 1. Discuss the injunction to teach. Why is this activity of vital importance? BA 5-6 (or 31-32), 37-38, 59-61, 79 BN #68, p. 3 (col. 3), #71, p. 2 (col. 1-2)

2. What caution is given in connection with teaching? BA 12, 60

3. What four methods of teaching are mentioned? What single objective do they have? BA 99-100

4. What is the unfailing method of extending the Cause? BA 30, 57, 59-60, 122

5. Why should teachers study public speaking before addressing public audiences? BN #64, p. 4 (col. 1)

6. What two points are suggested that will enable one to become a teacher? BN #64, p. 4 (col. 2)

7. Why are we exhorted to study the teachings? BN #67, p. 4 (col. 3), #71, p. 2 (col. 1-2)

8. Why is a study of the Administration necessary in connection with teaching? BN #79, p. 4 (col. 1)

9. What is the relation of a teacher to a local Spiritual Assembly? BN #80, p. 6 (col. 1), #85, p. 3 (col. 1)

10. What steps should a local Spiritual Assembly take to secure the services of a teacher from another city? BN #88, p. 6 (col. 3)

11. What type of study is suggested by the National Spiritual Assembly as a final step in preparing new believers for entrance into the Bahá’í community? BN #90, p. 2 (col. 2)

12. What are the special topics on which teachers are asked to prepare themselves in addition to a general knowledge of the Bahá’í literature? BN #92, p. 16 (col. 1)

13. What is the distinction between instruction and confirmation? BN #93, p. 2 (col. 3) [Page 20]

REFERENCES

BA 4, 10-11, 92-93, 116 GA 15-19 BN #57, p. 4 (col. 1-2), #69, p. 3-4, #71, p. 2-3, #72, p. 3 (col. 3), 4-5, #85, p. 3 (col. 1) (or #76, p. 2-3), #92, p. 15 (col. 3), #93, p. 1-2.

General Articles: BA 149-153, 155-159 BN #71, p. 2-3, #72, p. 4-5, #73, p. 5 (col. 2) (or #78, p. 2)

DISCUSSION

1. What is the attitude of Bahá’ís toward governments? BA 4, 10-11

2. What is their attitude toward controversial and political issues? BA 92-93 GA 15-19 BN #69, p. 4 (col. 3), #72, p. 3 (col. 3)

3. With what kind of groups may Bahá’ís associate themselves and what kind are they not to join? BA 116 BN #69, p. 4 (col. 3), #72, p. 3 (col. 3)

4. Give three reasons for not taking part in politics. GA 17-18 BN #71, p. 2-3, #72, p. 4 (col. 1)

5. What is the test to be applied to organizations before becoming a member? BN #76, p. 2-3 (or #85, p. 3 (col. 1)

6. Why are we warned against becoming involved with the various new movements developing at this time? BN #57, p. 4 (col. 1-2)

7. Discuss the distinction made between voting and between enrolling as a member of a political party. BN #72, p. 4 (col. 2)

8. What has the National Spiritual Assembly said about voting? BN #69, p. 4 (col. 3), #72, p. 4 (col. 3)

9. What has the National Spiritual Assembly said about party connection and political candidacy? About holding administrative positions in the government? BN #69, p. 4 (col. 3), #72, p. 4 (col. 2-3)

10. How far do Bahá’ís go in yielding to government restrictions and when would they refuse to do so? BN #72, p. 4 (col. 3)

11. What reasons do you see for the stand taken against adherence to a political party?

12. What are Shoghi Effendi’s instructions concerning church membership? BN #93, p. 1-2

13. Discuss the ruling that the term Bahá’í should be connected only with activities or associations which are under the full control of the believers through their administrative institutions. BN #92, p. 15 (col. 3) [Page 21]

THE BAHÁ’Í FUND

REFERENCES

BA 36-37, 42, 47, 92, 118, 130, 171-173

BN #31, p. 6 (col. 1), #33, p. 3 (col. 2), #40, p. 3 (col. 3), p. 4 (col. 3), #59, p. 3 (col. 2), #64, p. 4 (col. 3), #67, p. 5 (col. 1), #74, p. 2 (col. 2-3), #83, p. 2 (col. 2-3), #88, p. 1-2, #92, p. 15 (col. 2-3)

General Articles: BN #1, p. 2-3, #50, p. 1-2, #80, p. 1-2, #81, p. 2-3

DISCUSSION

1. Give the reasons for the establishment of a fund by both a Local Spiritual Assembly and a National. BA 36-37, 42

2. What is the obligation of the individual ‎belie ver believer‎ towards the Bahá’í Fund? BA 37, 130 BN #80, p. 1 (col. 3), p. 2 (col. 2), #81, p. 2 (col. 3)

3. What is said about the practice of making gifts for specified purposes? Is this contributing to the Fund? BA 47, 118

4. Discuss the principle that all contributions must be purely voluntary. BA 92

5. What is the danger in having gatherings to collect funds and how might they become contrary to the principle that giving is to be voluntary? BN #67, p. 5 (col. 1), #92, p. 15 (col. 3)

6. Is it allowable to accept contributions from non-Bahá’ís? BA 172 BN #92, p. 15 (col. 2)

7. In accepting contributions, what distinction is made between believers and those who consider themselves Bahá’ís but do not accept the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? BN #40, p. 3 (col. 3)

8. Why should specifically Bahá’í institutions be supported only by ‎belie vers believers‎? BA 171-172

9. What rule is made for the sale of goods on behalf of Bahá’í institutions? BN #31, p. 6 (col. 1)

10. What decision has the National Spiritual Assembly adopted regarding the financing of special Bahá’í projects by individual believers? BN #33, p. 3 (col. 2)

11. What practice is to be followed at present with regard to relief of individual needs among Bahá’ís? Why do you think this decision has been reached? BN #40, p. 4 (col. 3), #59, p. 3 (col. 2), #83, p. 2 (col. 2-3)

12. What is said about payment of debts? BN #64, p. 4 (col. 3)

13. What kind of effort is needed in maintaining the Fund? BN #74, p. 2 (col. 2-3)

14. Why are contributions to the Bahá’í Fund a measure of the faith of a ‎belie ver believer‎? BN #88, p. 1-2 [Page 22]

THE INSTITUTION OF THE BAHÁ’Í TEMPLE

REFERENCES BA 142-144, 170-176 (or BN #36, p. 1-3) GA 19 BN #83, p. 1-2, #93, p. 1 (col. 2-3) General Articles: BN #57, p. 2-3, #59, p. 1, #76, p. 1-2

DISCUSSION 1. What is the significance of the erection of a Bahá’í Temple? BA 142-144

2. Why do you think the Guardian speaks of the erection of the Temple at Wilmette as the greatest opportunity of the Bahá’ís to advance the Bahá’í Faith throughout the world?

3. Upon what will depend the degree of the forces that will emanate from the Temple? BA 144

4. What is the function of the central edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár? What the function of the dependencies? What the relation between the two? BA 174, 175-176

5. What misunderstanding has existed regarding the nature of services in the Temple proper and what form will such services actually take? BA 174-175, BN #93, p. 1 (col. 2-3)

6. Give two reasons why a specifically Bahá’í institution like the Temple should be supported only by recognized believers. BA 171-172

7. Why do you think the Guardian feels that the opportunities resulting from the erection of the Temple will far outweigh the difficulties encountered in the task? GA 19 BN #83, p. 1-2

8. Discuss the institution of the Temple as a focal point of unity. BN #59, p. 1 (col. 1-2)

9. What relation do you see between the erection of the Temple (in any country) and the teaching of the Bahá’í Faith?

10. Discuss the Guardian’s meaning when he speaks of the Temple in "America and The Most Great Peace" (page 12) as "the Administration’s mighty bulwark, the symbol of its strength and the sign of its future glory." [Page 23]

THE PRESENT FUNCTION AND ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER

REFERENCES BA 53, 93, 99-100 WOB 9-10 WOB,FC 7, 10, 11-12 GNWO 12-28 DB 52, 60, 62-65

General Articles: BN #14, p. 1-2, #44, p. 1, #47, p. 2-5, #60, p. 2, #68, p. 1-2, #88, p. 2-4, #92, p. 5-6

DISCUSSION

1. Discuss the guiding principles of Bahá’í Administration. BA 99-100

2. What is the relation of administrative work to the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith? BA 93 WOB 9-10

3. How does the Bahá’í Administrative Order safeguard the Bahá’í Faith? WOB,FC 10

4. Study the analysis of the Bahá’í Administrative Order given in the last paragraph of "The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh" and elaborate the various statements. DB 64-65

5. Do you expect the New World Order to conform to current ideas of reform or to present standards? BA 53

6. What evidences are there in the world that the structure of present-day society is threatened? GNWO 12-19 DB 62-64

7. What is the fundamental cause of the confusion in the world and what is the remedy for it? GNWO 16

8. What does the principle of oneness mean when applied to relations between nations? GNWO 17, 19-21, 23, 27

9. What powers will the nations have to cede to a future world state? Does this mean the annihilation of national existence? GNWO 20-22

10. Discuss the analogy to a world federation that exists in the United States. GNWO 25

11. Discuss the evolution of social relationships of which the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is the consummation. GNWO 23-24

12. What forces will help to present the claims of the Bahá’í Administrative Order to the world? GNWO 26

13. What is the relation of this Administrative Order to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh? WOB,FC 7, 11-12 DB 52, 60, 64, 65

14. Where ‎so do‎ we find conscious efforts to further this evolutionary process and what are the less direct evidences of its growth? GNWO 23-24 [Page 24]

PROBLEMS IN BAHÁ’Í ADMINISTRATION

1. Three people in a locality have become attracted to the Bahá’í Faith through general meetings and seem to be likely material for new community members. What special preparation should they have before being admitted? Suggest how and under whose supervision this instruction should be given.

Describe the steps that should follow the final presentation of their names to the local Spiritual Assembly.

2. The number of believers in a certain place falls below nine so that it will be impossible to elect an Assembly the following April 21st. Which do you believe is the wiser policy under such circumstances?

(a) Be more lenient than usual in applying the qualifications of a voting Bahá’í and so hasten the admission of some new members.

(b) Be slower and more careful than usual, taking particular care that the next few people added to the voting list should be especially well grounded in Bahá’í Administration.

Give reasons for your answer.

3. The Local Spiritual Assembly in a certain place is not functioning "harmoniously, vigorously and efficiently" because two of its members continue as an active minority after a question has been settled by the majority of the Assembly and cause dissatisfaction in the community by constant argument against the Assembly's decision. What can be done in such a situation?

4. Two isolated believers in a city have interested eight other people in the Bahá’í Faith and in their judgment they meet the qualifications of voting believers. What should be their next step toward forming a local Assembly? When and how should it be formed?

5. Is a person who is away from home a number of months each year eligible to membership in his home community? in his Local Assembly?

Should a vacancy be declared in a local Spiritual Assembly if for any reason a member will be able to function actively and in person for only part of the year?

6. A believer lives twenty-five miles from his nearest Local Spiritual Assembly. Is he eligible to membership in the Assembly? in the community? under what conditions?

7. How would you explain to another believer the non-participation of Bahá’ís in party politics? What reasons would you give to a non-Bahá’í?

Can one vote without enrolling under any political party? How?

8. In a city having a Bahá’í community, there is an independent group using the Bahá’í names and principles but refusing to function under the administration. What should be the attitude of the [Page 25] believers and the Local Assembly toward this group? How might one explain the existence of such a group to an outside inquirer?

9. Mr. S. finds that he could visit a number of communities in connection with a business trip and is qualified to contribute toward meeting programs or to help in any teaching projects. What steps should he take (a) before leaving home and (b) in introducing himself to each new Local Assembly?

10. In Mr. S's public talks in the cities where he stops, what should be his attitude toward (a) the government administration in power (b) criticism of government policies (c) outstanding people in this and other countries? In his talks before the Baha'i community, what should be his attitude toward (a) local problems (b) decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly?

11. Mrs. A., a member of the New York Baha'i community, expects to spend the winter in Miami and would like to join in their community activities. What steps should be taken toward this end before she leaves home? If Mrs. A. neglects this step before making contact with the Miami Baha'is, what should the Miami Spiritual Assembly do about it?

12. A Persian who claims to be a Baha'i but has no credentials from his home Assembly, comes to live in this country and would like to associate himself with the Baha'i community of a particular city. To what extent would such association be permissible? How would you explain Shoghi Effendi's ruling in regard to Orientals?

13. A local newspaper prints a long article against the Baha'i Faith. What reaction should this produce in the local community?

14. Our national treasurer reported that each month about one-third of our local communities contribute nothing to the National Fund. Do you believe that the fundamental reason back of such failure is a lack of financial means or a lack of spiritual understanding? Give reasons for your answer.

x15. No contribution to the National Fund is made by a certain community, either because their local expenses are so much that nothing is left over or because no one contributes anything. What remedy do you suggest for each situation? Send to N. first.-

16. Less than half of a certain Baha'i community attend the nineteen day feasts. What would you suggest that their Local Assembly do to increase interest and attendance?

17. Miss G. is trying gradually to interest a group of her friends in the Baha'i Faith through informal discussion of general subjects from the Baha'i point of view. Other Baha'is criticise her for working alone in this teaching project. Which attitude do [Page 26] you think Shoghi Effendi would approve of? What should be the relationship of Miss G. and the Local Spiritual Assembly in her project?

18. Mrs. X. is an old believer whose faith centers around her personal experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and she understands neither the authority of Shoghi Effendi nor the significance of Bahá’í Administration. What could the Local Assembly do to help her make that necessary transition?

What is the difference between Mrs. X’s position and that of a person who actively opposes Shoghi Effendi and Bahá’í Administration?

19. Mr. E. has always been an active Democrat in his city and neither wants to break his connection with the Democratic party nor understands why he should do so. What arguments would you use to convince him that as a Bahá’í he must give up all political affiliations? What would be the result if he refuses to see the point and accepts election to a government office of some kind?

20. Mr. C. has been out of work for two years and has almost reached the end of his personal resources. He is depressed and uncertain as to how his family will be provided for in the future. In what ways can the Local Assembly and community help him?

21. Home circumstances and poor health make it extremely difficult for Mrs. B., a sincere and well qualified believer, to attend meetings and nineteen day feasts. What is the responsibility of the community toward Mrs. B.?

22. Miss A. has attended four Bahá’í meetings and is much attracted to the teachings. An over-enthusiastic believer asks her if she would like to join the Bahá’ís and takes her to the next nineteen day feast. In how many ways did the believer show her ignorance of Bahá’í administration? How should the Local Spiritual Assembly handle this delicate situation?

23. D. has had a local community for many years. Before qualifications for new believers were so definite, many names were added to the voting list because people believed in the Bahá’í principles, or had a special interest in world peace, or enjoyed association with the Bahá’ís, or for other reasons less fundamental than those stated by the Guardian. Some of these people are still counted as community members, although they rarely come to a meeting and do not in any way cooperate with the activities of the community. What should be done about it?

24. Mr. X. has been attending Bahá’í meetings occasionally for ten years and has just expressed a desire to associate himself with the Bahá’ís. Does this fact necessarily mean that he is qualified to become a voting member of the community? How should you ascertain his eligibility? [Page 27] 25. If Mr. X. in the previous case is found eligible, what action should the Local Spiritual Assembly take before adding his name to the voting list?

What new privileges and responsibilities would Mr. X. then have in his relationship to the Bahá’í Faith?

X26. Which of the following do you believe to be the greatest present causes of difficulty in the growth of the Bahá’í Faith in America? (1) opposition to the Guardian (2) failure to complete the Temple dome on time (3) intrusion of personalities (4) ignorance of Bahá’í administrative principles (5) insufficient understanding of the spiritual and social significance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh (6) lack of unity among the believers

27. An Assembly would like to publish a local news letter. What kind of news should it report? What Bahá’í news lies outside its province? To whom should the news letter be sent?

How can local communities help make "Bahá’í News" a more effective inter-assembly news organ?

X28. Who is responsible for the following types of publicity? (1) interview with an outstanding statesman N.S.A. (2) local newspaper publicity L.S.A - Publicity Committee - (3) Bahá’í article in a magazine - Reviewing Committee if they wish. (4) a letter to the author of an article or to a speaker who has expressed belief in the more significant of the Bahá’í principles?

+29. What is wrong with this picture?

A delegate to the National Convention is unable to attend mail ballots- and sends his ballot by Mrs. A., who is attending the Convention Mrs. not a delegate and who expects to represent her community in the absence of their no electioneering delegate. She believes a certain person would be most valuable on Personal the National Spiritual Assembly and expressed her opinion to many of the delegates. Since her personal wishes were not fulfilled, Mrs. A., when reporting the Convention in her own and other communities, is very negative in her remarks, questions the right of the National Spiritual Assembly to determine Convention procedure, criticises the sincerity and actions of certain delegates and causes unhappiness and discouragement among the believers.

How many errors do you find?

30. A member of a Local Spiritual Assembly does not agree with the attitude of the majority in regard to a certain situation and resigns from the Local Assembly. He refuses to consult with the other eight members in regard to his action and appeals directly to the Guardian.

What course of action should he have taken? How do you think the Guardian would reply to such a letter?

31. Mrs. A., a member of a Local Assembly, feels that proper consideration is not given in consultation to her point of view. [Page 28] She expresses her grievances with such good effect in her own and other communities that several Local Assemblies write to her Local Spiritual Assembly, protesting against their treatment of Mrs. A. What administrative principles are violated in this incident? What do you believe is the underlying cause of difficulty in this and similar controversies?

32. A minority of a Local Spiritual Assembly object so strongly to a policy favored by the majority that the latter give it up in order to maintain peace. What do you think of the desirability of such action? Does it really promote unity? How do you think such a situation should be handled?

33. What committees should every Local Spiritual Assembly have? What is the function of each? What special qualifications should the members of each committee possess?

34. What should be the attitude of a loyal believer if another believer attempts to influence his vote at the election of the Spiritual Assembly or the election of the Convention delegate?

35. A believer has been an active member of a church for many years. She desires to follow Shoghi Effendi’s instructions but is uncertain as to the wisest method. What would you suggest?

36. A member of a Local Spiritual Assembly is absent when a certain decision is passed. At the next meeting he requests a re-consideration of the question because of his absence. Should his request be granted? Why?

37. A believer wishes consultation with his Spiritual Assembly on a personal difficulty. In what way should the members handle such a consultation?

38. A member of a community interests individuals in the Bahá’í Faith and contributes regularly but does not attend Nineteen-Day Feasts or other meetings. How should the Spiritual Assembly handle this problem?

39. A believer has been sojourning in Haifa and returns with an interesting account of conversations with the Guardian and various members of the household. What value do such reports have? How authoritative are they?

40. Should Bahá’í meetings be held in places or under circumstances where the Local Spiritual Assembly does not have entire control?