Chapter 2
In connection with the question as to whether Baha'is should be familiar with the different sciences and branches of study, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to inform you that both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha have given a very high position to men of culture and knowledge and Baha'u'llah says in one of His Tablets that respect shown to such people is incumbent upon all Baha'is. Furthermore there is no doubt that familiarity with different branches of study widens one's point of view and we can then understand and realize the significance of the Baha'i Movement and its principles much more.
(14 December 1924 to an individual believer) [12]
13: "The Cause needs more Baha'i scholars, people who not only are devoted..."
The Cause needs more Baha'i scholars, people who not only are devoted to it and believe in it and are anxious to tell others about it, but also who have a deep grasp of the Teachings and their significance, and who can correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people of the world.
(21 October 1943 to an individual believer) [13]
1.3 Scope of "Baha'i Scholarship"
From a Letter Written on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice
14: "At this early stage in the development of the Faith, it would not..."
At this early stage in the development of the Faith, it would not be useful to propound a highly restrictive definition of the term "Baha'i scholarship". In a letter written on behalf of the House of Justice to an Association for Baha'i Studies recently, it is stated that:
The House of Justice advises you not to attempt to define too narrowly the form that Baha'i scholarship should take, or the approach that scholars should adopt. Rather should you strive to develop within your Association respect for a wide range of approaches and endeavours. No doubt there will be some Baha'is who will wish to work in isolation, while others will desire consultation and collaboration with those having similar interests. Your aim should be to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance within which will be included scholars whose principal interest is in theological issues as well as those scholars whose interests lie in relating the insights provided by the Baha'i teachings to contemporary thought in the arts and sciences.
A similar diversity should characterize the endeavours pursued by Baha'i scholars, accommodating their interests and skills as well as the needs of the Faith. The course of world events, the development of new trends of thought and the extension of the teaching work all tend to highlight attractive and beneficial areas to which Baha'i scholars might well direct their attention. Likewise, the expansion of the activities of the Baha'i International Community in its relationship with United Nations agencies and other international bodies creates attractive opportunities for scholars to make a direct and highly valued contribution to the enhancement of the prestige of the Faith and to its proclamation within an influential and receptive stratum of society. As the Baha'i community continues to emerge inexorably from obscurity, it will be confronted by enemies, from both within and without, whose aim will be to malign and misrepresent its principles, so that its admirers might be disillusioned and the faith of its adherents might be shaken; Baha'i scholars have a vital role to play in the defence of the Faith through their contribution to anticipatory measures and their response to defamatory accusations levelled against the Faith.
Thus, there should be room within the scope of Baha'i scholarship to accommodate not only those who are interested in theological issues and in the historical origins of the Faith, but also those who are interested in relating the Baha'i Teachings to their field of academic or professional interest, as well as those believers who may lack formal academic qualifications but who have, through their perceptive study of the Teachings, acquired insights which are of interest to others....
The House of Justice wishes to avoid use of the terms "Baha'i scholarship" and "Baha'i scholars" in an exclusive sense, which would effectively establish a demarcation between those admitted into this category and those denied entrance to it. It is clear that such terms are relative, and that what is a worthy scholarly endeavour by a Baha'i, when compared to the activities of those with whom he is in contact, may well be regarded as of vastly lesser significance when measured against the accomplishments of the outstanding scholars which the Faith has produced. The House of Justice seeks the creation of a Baha'i community in which the members encourage each other, where there is respect for accomplishment, and a common realization that every one is, in his or her own way, seeking to acquire a deeper understanding of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah and to contribute to the advancement of the Faith.
(19 October 1993 to an individual believer) [14]
1.4 Appreciation of Scholarship
From the Writings of Baha'u'llah
15: "Respect ye the divines and learned amongst you, they whose conduct accords..."
Respect ye the divines and learned amongst you, they whose conduct accords with their professions, who transgress not the bounds which God hath fixed, whose judgments are in conformity with His behests as revealed in His Book. Know ye that they are the lamps of guidance unto them that are in the heavens and on the earth. They who disregard and neglect the divines and learned that live amongst them--these have truly changed the favour with which God hath favoured them.
("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah" (Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1983), section LXVI) [15]
16: "O people of God! Righteous men of learning who dedicate themselves to..."
O people of God! Righteous men of learning who dedicate themselves to the guidance of others and are freed and well guarded from the promptings of a base and covetous nature are, in the sight of Him Who is the Desire of the world, stars of the heaven of true knowledge. It is essential to treat them with deference. They are indeed fountains of soft-flowing water, stars that shine resplendent, fruits of the blessed Tree, exponents of celestial power, and oceans of heavenly wisdom. Happy is he that followeth them. Verily such a soul is numbered in the Book of God, the Lord of the mighty Throne, among those with whom it shall be well.
("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", pp. 96-97) [16]
17: "Beware, O My loved ones, lest ye despise the merits of My learned servants..."
Beware, O My loved ones, lest ye despise the merits of My learned servants whom God hath graciously chosen to be the exponents of His Name "the Fashioner" amidst mankind. Exert your utmost endeavour that ye may develop such crafts and undertakings that everyone, whether young or old, may benefit therefrom. We are quit of those ignorant ones who fondly imagine that Wisdom is to give vent to one's idle imaginings and to repudiate God, the Lord of all men; even as We hear some of the heedless voicing such assertions today.
("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", pp. 150-151) [17]
From the Writings and Utterances of 'Abdu'l-Baha
18: "...the religion of God is the promoter of truth, the founder of science and..."
...the religion of God is the promoter of truth, the founder of science and knowledge, it is full of goodwill for learned men; it is the civilizer of mankind, the discoverer of the secrets of nature, and the enlightener of the horizons of the world. Consequently, how can it be said to oppose knowledge? God forbid! Nay, for God, knowledge is the most glorious gift of man and the most noble of human perfections. To oppose knowledge is ignorant, and he who detests knowledge and science is not a man, but rather an animal without intelligence. For knowledge is light, life, felicity, perfection, beauty and the means of approaching the Threshold of Unity. It is the honour and glory of the world of humanity, and the greatest bounty of God. Knowledge is identical with guidance, and ignorance is real error.
("Some Answered Questions" (Wilmette: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1984), p. 137) [18]
19: "There are certain pillars which have been established as the unshakeable..."
There are certain pillars which have been established as the unshakeable supports of the Faith of God. The mightiest of these is learning and the use of the mind, the expansion of consciousness, and insight into the realities of the universe and the hidden mysteries of Almighty God.
To promote knowledge is thus an inescapable duty imposed on every one of the friends of God. It is incumbent upon that Spiritual Assembly, that assemblage of God, to exert every effort to educate the children, so that from infancy they will be trained in Baha'i conduct and the ways of God, and will, even as young plants, thrive and flourish in the soft-flowing waters that are the counsels and admonitions of the Blessed Beauty.
("Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha" (Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1982), section 97) [19]
From a Letter Written by Shoghi Effendi
20: "The responsibilities of the members of the Spiritual Assemblies that are..."
The responsibilities of the members of the Spiritual Assemblies that are engaged in teaching the Cause of God in Eastern lands have been clearly laid down in the holy Texts....
They further impress upon them the virtue of trustworthiness and godliness, of purity of motive, kindliness of heart, and detachment from the fetters of this material world.... They urge them to make detailed inquiry into the various branches of contemporary learning--arts and sciences alike--and to concentrate their attention on serving the general interests of the people; to deepen themselves by attentive study of the sacred Texts, and to apply the divine guidance they contain to the circumstances, needs and conditions of society today; to refrain from entering into the tangled affairs of political parties and to have neither concern for, nor involvement in, the controversies of politicians, the wranglings of theologians or any of the ailing social theories current amongst men.
They finally exhort them to be sincerely obedient, in both thought and word, to the laws duly enacted by the government of the realm, and to distance themselves from the methods, concepts and ill-grounded arguments of extreme traditionalists and modernists alike; to accord honour, veneration and respect to--and endorse the efforts of--exponents of the arts and sciences, and to esteem and revere those who are possessed of extensive knowledge and scholarly erudition; to uphold the right of freedom of conscience; and to abstain from criticizing and disparaging the manners, customs and beliefs of other individuals, peoples and nations.
(30 January 1926 to the Spiritual Assemblies in Iran, translated from the Persian) [20]
2. FUNCTIONS OF BAHA'I SCHOLARSHIP
2.1 Promotion of Human Welfare
From the Writings of Baha'u'llah
21: "The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to..."
The Great Being saith: The learned of the day must direct the people to acquire those branches of knowledge which are of use, that both the learned themselves and the generality of mankind may derive benefits therefrom. Such academic pursuits as begin and end in words alone have never been and will never be of any worth. The majority of Persia's learned doctors devote all their lives to the study of a philosophy the ultimate yield of which is nothing but words.
("Tablets of Baha'u'llah Revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas", p. 169) [21]
22: "True learning is that which is conducive to the well-being of the world, not..."
True learning is that which is conducive to the well-being of the world, not to pride and self-conceit, or to tyranny, violence and pillage.
(From a Tablet, translated from the Persian) [22]
From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha
23: "The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education...."
The primary, the most urgent requirement is the promotion of education. It is inconceivable that any nation should achieve prosperity and success unless this paramount, this fundamental concern is carried forward. The principal reason for the decline and fall of peoples is ignorance. Today the mass of the people are uninformed even as to ordinary affairs, how much less do they grasp the core of the important problems and complex needs of the time.
It is therefore urgent that beneficial articles and books be written, clearly and definitely establishing what the present-day requirements of the people are, and what will conduce to the happiness and advancement of society. These should be published and spread throughout the nation, so that at least the leaders among the people should become, to some degree, awakened, and arise to exert themselves along those lines which will lead to their abiding honour. The publication of high thoughts is the dynamic power in the arteries of life; it is the very soul of the world. Thoughts are boundless sea, and the effects and varying conditions of existence are as the separate forms and individual limits of the waves; not until the sea boils up will the waves rise and scatter their pearls of knowledge on the shore of life....
Public opinion must be directed toward whatever is worthy of this day, and this is impossible except through the use of adequate arguments and the adducing of clear, comprehensive and conclusive proofs. For the helpless masses know nothing of the world, and while there is no doubt that they seek and long for their own happiness, yet ignorance like a heavy veil shuts them away from it....
It is, furthermore, a vital necessity to establish schools.... If necessary, education should even be made compulsory. Until the nerves and arteries of the nation stir into life, every measure that is attempted will prove vain; for the people are as the human body, and determination and the will to struggle are as the soul, and a soulless body does not move.
("The Secret of Divine Civilization", pp. 109-110; pp. 111-112) [23]
From a Letter Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
24: "The news of the co-operation of the Baha'i young men and women in..."
The news of the co-operation of the Baha'i young men and women in Montreal, their establishment of a group for study and discussion, the sane and sober expression of their methods as expressed in the programme you had enclosed, and their thoughtful and enthusiastic outlook upon the future, all these have helped to create the liveliest hopes and the deepest satisfaction in the heart of our Guardian. It is indeed with no little pleasure that he welcomes the active co-operation of his young friends in Montreal, and he sincerely trusts that with an adequate study of the proper teachings and their spiritual significance coupled with a sufficient knowledge of the problems and perplexities that the world is beset with, you will be able to render great services to the Cause and therefore to humanity.
(20 March 1929 to an individual believer) [24]
From a Letter of the Universal House of Justice
25: "The further emergence of the Faith from obscurity is reflected in distinctive..."
The further emergence of the Faith from obscurity is reflected in distinctive ways. In learned circles, in reference works and in the media, the Faith is increasingly being referred to as a "principal" or "major" world religion.... The exposure of influential segments of the public to Baha'i ideas in such areas as peace, the environment, status of women, education and literacy, has induced a response which increasingly calls upon the Baha'is to participate with others in a range of projects associated with governments or with non-governmental organizations.
Moreover, such exposure is creating in the public mind the realization that the Faith has answers to current problems and thus the expectation that the Baha'i community should take a more active part in public affairs....
...Baha'i projects of social and economic development have greatly multiplied and brought much credit to the community in the examples of the power of group initiative and voluntary consultative action that have been set in numerous places.... Some projects have been so distinguished in their achievements as to be given public notice through the citations and awards of governments and international non-governmental agencies.
(Ridvan 1992 to the Baha'is of the World) [25]
2.2 Defence of the Faith
From the Writings of Baha'u'llah
26: "If any man were to arise to defend, in his writings, the Cause of God against..."
If any man were to arise to defend, in his writings, the Cause of God against its assailants, such a man, however inconsiderable his share, shall be so honoured in the world to come that the Concourse on high would envy his glory. No pen can depict the loftiness of his station, neither can any tongue describe its splendour. For whosoever standeth firm and steadfast in this holy, this glorious, and exalted Revelation, such power shall be given him as to enable him to face and withstand all that is in heaven and on earth. Of this God is Himself a witness.
("Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah", section CLIV) [26]
From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha
27: "The second of these spiritual standards which apply to the possessor of..."
The second of these spiritual standards which apply to the possessor of knowledge is that he should be the defender of his faith. It is obvious that these holy words do not refer exclusively to searching out the implications of the Law, observing the forms of worship, avoiding greater and lesser sins, practicing the religious ordinances, and by all these methods, protecting the Faith. They mean rather that the whole population should be protected in every way; that every effort should be exerted to adopt a combination of all possible measures to raise up the Word of God, increase the number of believers, promote the Faith of God and exalt it and make it victorious over other religions.
("The Secret of Divine Civilization", p. 41) [27]
From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
28: "Shoghi Effendi was delighted to hear of your conversation with Sir ......."
Shoghi Effendi was delighted to hear of your conversation with Sir .... How much he hopes to have such scholars obtain a true understanding of the spirit and teaching of the Cause and arise to dissipate that veil of misconceptions that is prejudicing the mind of the scholars in the western world. The Cause is in great need for such competent and spiritually minded men who after a thorough study of the Movement would share with the world the fruit of their labours.
(11 March 1929 to an individual believer) [28]
29: "There is an answer in the teachings for everything; unfortunately the..."
There is an answer in the teachings for everything; unfortunately the majority of the Baha'is, however intensely devoted and sincere they may be, lack for the most part the necessary scholarship and wisdom to reply to and refute the claims and attacks of people with some education and standing.
(25 September 1942 to an individual believer) [29]
2.3 Expansion and Consolidation of the Baha'i Community
From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha
30: "Pure souls, such as Mirza Abu'l-Fadl, upon him be the Glory of God,..."
Pure souls, such as Mirza Abu'l-Fadl, upon him be the Glory of God, spend their nights and days in demonstrating the truth of the Revelation, by adducing conclusive and brilliant proofs and expanding the verities of the Faith, by lifting the veils, promoting the religion of God and spreading His fragrances.
(From a Tablet, translated from the Persian) [30]
From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
31: "We had heard through various channels the wonderful way your children had..."
We had heard through various channels the wonderful way your children had grown to speak about the Cause in public. Shoghi Effendi's hope is that they will, the three of them, become able and devoted speakers on the Cause and subjects akin to it. To do this properly they will need a firm foundation of scientific and literary training which fortunately they are obtaining. It is just as important for the Baha'i young boys and girls to become properly educated in colleges of high standing as it is to be spiritually developed. The mental as well as the spiritual side of the youth has to be developed before he can serve the Cause efficiently.
(28 November 1926 to an individual believer) [31]
32: "The university training which you are receiving at present will be of immense..."
The university training which you are receiving at present will be of immense help to you in your efforts to present the Message in intellectual circles. In these days when people are so sceptical about religion and look with so much contempt towards religious organizations and movements, there seems to be more need than ever for our young Baha'is to be well equipped intellectually, so that they may be in a position to present the Message in a befitting way, and in a manner that would convince every unbiased observer of the effectiveness and power of the Teachings.
(5 May 1934 to an individual believer) [32]
33: "Young men and women in the Faith must be deep and thoughtful scholars of its..."
Young men and women in the Faith must be deep and thoughtful scholars of its teachings, so that they can teach in a way that will convince people that all the problems facing them have a remedy. They must grasp the Administration, so that they can wisely and efficiently administer the ever-growing affairs of the Cause; and they must exemplify the Baha'i way of living. All this is not easy--but the Guardian is always encouraged to see the spirit animating such young believers as yourself. He has high hopes of what your generation will accomplish.
(12 May 1944 to an individual believer) [33]
34: "If the Baha'is want to be really effective in teaching the Cause they need to..."
If the Baha'is want to be really effective in teaching the Cause they need to be much better informed and able to discuss intelligently, intellectually, the present condition of the world and its problems. We need Baha'i scholars, not only people far, far more deeply aware of what our teachings really are, but also well-read and well-educated people, capable of correlating our teachings to the current thoughts of the leaders of society.
We Baha'is should, in other words, arm our minds with knowledge in order to better demonstrate to, especially, the educated classes, the truths enshrined in our Faith.
(5 July 1949 to an individual believer) [34]
From a Letter Written on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice
35: "The Universal House of Justice ... regards Baha'i scholarship as of..."
The Universal House of Justice ... regards Baha'i scholarship as of great potential importance for the development and consolidation of the Baha'i community as it emerges from obscurity....
(3 January 1979 to participants in an academic seminar) [35]
2.4 Contribution to Scholarly Development
From Letters Written on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi
36: "He was very happy to hear from you, and to see with what keen appreciation..."
He was very happy to hear from you, and to see with what keen appreciation and interest you are studying the teachings of Baha'u'llah. One could truly say that the longer one studies them, the more one finds in them. They are the very essence from which thinkers and scientists and humanitarians of the future will derive inspiration and guidance for their work.
(10 December 1942 to a Baha'i summer school) [36]
37: "Regarding the advice you requested from him concerning what studies you..."