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STUDY OUTLINE
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH
Introduction
The aim of this Outline is to reflect the different elements of truth which Shoghi Effendi has expounded in the successive Letters published under the title of The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Thus, we find in these Letters an explanation of the basic Bahá’í teachings, an analysis of the condition of the world today, the working of Divine destiny in the history of Bahá’u’lláh's Revelation, an exposition of the foundation and operation of the new World Order, and also the elucidation of the coming of age of the human race -the spiritual prerequisite for the worldwide triumph of the Faith.
All page numbers indicated as references are in the volume, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. The only other text referred to is the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The division of the Outline into six study periods is to suit the convenience of the average study group. Where there is time and opportunity some of the lessons can be spread out over two or more periods instead of one.
It might be noted that this type of Outline,
which deals with a special selection of important
subjects and does not follow the text in its
sequence of page 1, page 2, etc., is planned
rather for those already_familiar with the Letters[Page 4]
than for a group taking them up for the first time.
Moreover, the Outline contains no helps for teacher or student other than the concentration of
emphasis upon six major subjects with the necessary
references to the sub-topics into which they are
divided.
[Page 5]
LESSON ONE
THE BASIC Bahá’í TEACHINGS
[I
The Incomparable Greatness of the Bahá’í Revelation, 97 - 102.
Status of the Revelation of Muhamad, 102.
Independent Character of the Babi Dispensation,
102 - 103. The Manifestation Not An Incarnation of Deity, 112 — 113.
The Continuity of Revelation, 114 - 117.
The Oneness of the Prophets, 57 - 59.
The Stations of the Báb and of‘Bahá’u’lláh, Will
and Testament.
The Station of the Báb, l2§.
The Station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 131 - 132, 134.
The True Believer, 108.
The Principle of Collective Security, 191 - 192. Non-Political Character of the Bahá’í Faith,
63 - 65. Shoghi Effendi's Summary of the Basic Teachings, xi - xii.
[Page 6]
LESSON TWO
CONDITION OF THE WORLD
The Verge of Calamity, 30.
Failure of the League of Nations, 30. Uncontrollable Crises, 31.
Widespread Basic Upheavals, 32.
The Gravest Symptoms, 32 - 33.
The World War, 33.
Religious Revival, 33.
Conditions Beyond Human Control, 33 - 34. God's Divinely Appointed Scheme, 34.
Goal of New World Order, 34.
Fundamental Cause of World Unrest, 35 - 36. The Oneness of Mankind, 36 - 37.
The Principle of Federalism, 37.
The Sovereign Remedy, 40, 162 - 163.
World Super-State, 40 - 41.
A World Community, 41.
The Animating Purpose of the Worldwide Law,
41 - 42.
Consumation of Evolution, 43 - 45.
The Fire of Intense Suffering, 45 - 46, 193 - 194. A World Catastrophe, 46.
Prophecy of Final World War, 48.
1963 Begins the New Civilization, 48.
Rise of the Bahá’í Order, 161.
The Present-Day Order Is Rolled Up, 162.
[Page 7]
LESSON THREE
THE WORKING OF DIVINE DESTINY
Events of the Age of Transition, 171. Fall of Kingdoms and Empires, 171 — 174.
Islam Suffers Severe Blows, 175 - 176, 179.
What of Christianity? 180 - 183. Moral Downfall, 186 -187.
A Decadent Society, 187 -188. Political Decline, 188 - 190. Ever—Deepening Gloom, 190.
[Page 8]
LESSON FOUR
WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH
A. The Guardianship
Protection of the Faith of God, Will and Testament.
Prayer for Protection, Will and Testament.
Teaching, Will and Testament. The Guardian, will and Testament.
Charter of the New World Order, 144 - 147.
B. Universal Institutions
Appointment of Guardian's Successor, Will and Testament.
Hands of the Cause, will and Testament. The House of Justice, will and Testament. The Guardian and the House of Justice, Will and Testament.
[Page 9]
LESSON FIVE
WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH
C. Origin, Character and Functions
Character and Functions, 147.
Divine in Origin, 148.
Nature of Guardianship and House of Justice, 148 — 151.
The Interpreter, 149.
Legislative Function of House of Justice, 149 - 150.
Anticipation of Guardianship, 150.
The Master's Will and the Aqdas, 3 - 5. Origin of Assemblies, 6.
Future Power of Assemblies, 7.
Formation of House of Justice, 7.
Relation of Guardian to House of Justice,
8, 149 - 150.
Purpose of Bahá’í Institutions, 9 - 10. Difference Between Bahá’í Faith and Churches, 18 - 19.
Essentials of a Divine Economy, 19 - 20, 22. Distinctions Between Bahá’í World Order and Other Social Institutions, 152 — 155.
The Kingdom of God, 156, 205 - 206.
[Page 10]
LESSON SIX
THE MATURITY OF MAN
Humanity's Coming of Age, 163 - 165. Process of Integration, 165 - 166.
Pangs of Birth and Death, 168.
World Unity the Goal, 202 - 204.
This New World Order, 162.
Lesser Peace, 162.
The Most Great Peace, 162 - 163.
Universal Fermentation, 170.
Divine Retribution, 201.
Celestial Strength, 51 - 52, 54 - 55. Measured With Dispensations of the Past, 55 - 56. The Báb, 63.
America and the Most Great Peace, 73 - 78.
[Page 11]
SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCES
APPENDIX I.
The Non-Political Character of the Bahá’í Faith.*
APPENDIX II.
Concerning Membership in Non-Bahá’í Religious Organizations.*
APPENDIX III.
Bahá’ís and War.*
- A statement on this subject will be found in
The Bahá’í Community.
