Daily Frameworks for 29 September 2024

Jamál, 04 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

Say: Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds. Such a deed is acceptable only when he that teacheth the Cause is already a firm believer in God, the Supreme Protector, the Gracious, the Almighty. He hath, moreover, ordained that His Cause be taught through the power of men’s utterance, and not through resort to violence. Thus hath His ordinance been sent down from the Kingdom of Him Who is the Most Exalted, the All-Wise. Beware lest ye contend with anyone, nay, strive to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation. If your hearer respond, he will have responded to his own behoof, and if not, turn ye away from him, and set your faces towards God’s sacred Court, the seat of resplendent holiness. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

In this day the duty of everyone, whether man or woman, is to teach the Cause. In America, the women have outdone the men in this regard and have taken the lead in this field. They strive harder in guiding the peoples of the world, and their endeavours are greater. They are confirmed by divine bestowals and blessings. It is my hope that in the East the handmaids of the Merciful will also exert such effort, reveal their powers, and manifest their capacities…. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

To teach the Cause of God, to proclaim its truths, to defend its interests, to demonstrate, by words as well as by deeds, its indispensability, its potency, and universality, should at no time be regarded as the exclusive concern or sole privilege of Bahá’í administrative institutions, be they Assemblies, or committees. All must participate, however humble their origin, however limited their experience, however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however pressing their cares and preoccupations, however unfavorable the environment in which they live. “God,” Bahá’u’lláh, Himself, has unmistakably revealed, “hath prescribed unto everyone the duty of teaching His Cause.” “Say,” He further has written, “Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá, for God hath prescribed unto everyone the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds.” — Shoghi Effendi ³

The role of the individual is of unique importance in the work of the Cause. It is the individual who manifests the vitality of faith upon which the success of the teaching work and the development of the community depend. Bahá’u’lláh’s command to each believer to teach His Faith confers an inescapable responsibility which cannot be transferred to, or assumed by, any institution of the Cause. The individual alone can exercise those capacities which include the ability to take initiative, to seize opportunities, to form friendships, to interact personally with others, to build relationships, to win the cooperation of others in common service to the Faith and society, and to convert into action the decisions made by consultative bodies. It is the individual’s duty to “consider every avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith, of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith.” — Universal House of Justice ⁴

Question for Consideration

What does it mean for teaching to be the duty of all those who have recognized Bahá’u’lláh? ⁵

Gemini Response:

The concept that teaching the Cause of God is the duty of all who have recognized Bahá’u’lláh has significant implications for the Bahá’í community. It means that:

Teaching is a Personal Responsibility

• Individual Duty: Every Bahá’í is responsible for teaching the Faith, regardless of their background, experience, or circumstances.
• Spiritual Obligation: Teaching is seen as a spiritual obligation, similar to prayer and worship.
  

Inclusive Approach

• All Are Welcome: The message of Bahá’u’lláh is open to all, regardless of their social status, education, or background.
• Diverse Approaches: Individuals can teach the faith using different approaches and methods tailored to their own strengths and the needs of their audience.
  

Empowerment and Agency

• Individual Initiative: Teaching empowers individuals to take initiative and contribute to the growth of the Bahá’í community.
• Agency and Responsibility: It fosters a sense of agency and responsibility for advancing the Faith.
  

Community Building

• Strengthening Bonds: Teaching can strengthen bonds within the Bahá’í community and foster a sense of belonging.
• Outreach: It provides opportunities for outreach to new individuals and communities.
• Social Impact: Teaching the Faith can positively impact society as a whole, promoting peace, justice, and unity.
  

Spiritual Growth

• Personal Development: Teaching the Faith can lead to personal spiritual growth and development.
• Deepening Understanding: It can deepen one’s understanding of the Bahá’í teachings.
• Divine Confirmation: Teaching can be a source of divine confirmation and inspiration.
  

In essence, the duty to teach the Cause of God is a fundamental principle of the Bahá’í Faith that empowers individuals to contribute to the growth and development of the community and the advancement of the divine message. It is a responsibility that extends to all believers, regardless of their background or circumstances.

ChatGPT Response:

For teaching the Cause of God to be the duty of all those who have recognized Bahá’u’lláh means that every individual believer has the responsibility and privilege to share the Bahá’í teachings actively and contribute to the advancement of the Faith. This obligation is not limited to a select group of people or reserved for those in administrative positions but applies to every Bahá’í, irrespective of their background, education, or circumstances. Here are some critical implications of this concept:

Universal and Personal Responsibility

• Every Bahá’í is called upon to teach the Faith, regardless of their station in life, capabilities, or resources. It is a responsibility that no one can delegate to others. Each person has unique opportunities and relationships that make their contribution indispensable.
• Teaching should not be seen as an occasional activity but rather as an ongoing, essential aspect of one’s life as a Bahá’í. It’s an expression of devotion and loyalty to Bahá’u’lláh and a demonstration of faith in action.
  

Teaching Through Deeds and Utterance

• Teaching the Cause of God involves speaking about the Faith and embodying its teachings through one’s conduct and character. The harmony between words and actions is a powerful form of teaching.
• A life lived by Bahá’í principles can serve as a form of teaching by example, demonstrating the impact of spiritual guidance on one’s life and inspiring others to explore these teachings further.
  

Fostering Genuine Relationships

• Effective teaching is rooted in building sincere friendships, engaging in meaningful conversations, and offering spiritual solutions to people’s problems and questions.
• The believer should seek to understand and appreciate the needs and circumstances of those around them, creating opportunities to share the Faith in ways that resonate with the individual.
  

Reliance on Spiritual Means

• Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes that teaching must be carried out through the “power of men’s utterance” and with a “kindly manner and most convincing exhortation.” Teaching should never involve coercion, pressure, or contention.
• It is essential to rely on divine confirmations, prayer, and consultation to seek guidance and strength when teaching, understanding that success ultimately depends on God’s grace.
  

Utilizing Personal Capacities and Opportunities

• Every believer is encouraged to consider their unique circumstances, talents, and capacities to find ways to contribute to teaching. This could involve participating in community-building activities, initiating conversations on spiritual topics, offering support and prayers, or deepening others in their understanding of the Faith.
• The emphasis is on initiative, creativity, and adaptability—finding ways to teach that align with one’s strengths and the needs of those they interact with.
  

Encouraging Diversity of Approaches

• There is no single formula for teaching the Faith, as the most effective approach will depend on the situation and the person being engaged. Bahá’ís are encouraged to be thoughtful, flexible, and responsive, whether through formal or informal means.
• Teaching can take many forms, such as hosting study circles, engaging in social action, serving as children’s class teachers or junior youth animators, or simply having one-on-one conversations.
  

Contributing to the Transformation of Society

• Teaching is not solely about increasing the number of Bahá’ís but is a means of contributing to society’s spiritual and moral transformation. By sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity and actively working to build communities grounded in His principles, believers help lay the foundations for a just, united, and peaceful world.
  

8. Seizing Opportunities and Showing Perseverance

• Each Bahá’í is encouraged to look for opportunities to introduce the Faith in natural and appropriate ways, using wisdom and sensitivity. This requires being attentive to moments of receptivity and speaking up courageously when the opportunity arises.
• Perseverance is key, as teaching efforts may not always yield immediate results. Patience, steadfastness, and trust in God are essential qualities for those who are striving to fulfill this duty.
  

In summary, teaching the Cause of God as a duty for all those who recognize Bahá’u’lláh means that each Bahá’í is called upon to share the message of Bahá’u’lláh in a spirit of love, humility, and service, contributing to the spiritual enlightenment and transformation of those around them, and ultimately, to the betterment of society as a whole.

Claude Response:

Based on the passages you’ve shared, teaching the Cause of God (referring to the Bahá’í Faith) is considered a fundamental duty and responsibility for all Bahá’ís. Here’s an analysis of what this means:

• Universal obligation: Teaching is not limited to any specific group within the Bahá’í community. It’s described as a duty Bahá’u’lláh prescribes for “everyone,” regardless of background, education, means, or circumstances.
• Highest form of service: Teaching the Faith is regarded as “the most meritorious of all deeds,” and “the indispensability, its potency, and universality” should be demonstrated.
• Personal responsibility: While Bahá’í institutions play a role, teaching is not solely their concern. Each individual has a unique and crucial role that cannot be delegated or transferred to others.
• Method of teaching: The passages emphasize that teaching should be done through “the power of men’s utterance” and not violence. It should be done with kindness, wisdom, and “convincing exhortation.”
• Initiative and action: Individuals are expected to take initiative, seize opportunities, build relationships, and convert decisions into action. This involves personal interactions and forming friendships.
• Spiritual prerequisite: Bahá’u’lláh states that effective teaching comes from those who are “already a firm believer in God.”
• Universal participation: Both men and women are called to participate in teaching efforts, with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá noting the exemplary efforts of women in America and encouraging similar endeavors in the East.
• Respect for the recipient: If someone responds positively to the message, it’s for their benefit. If not, Bahá’ís are advised to respectfully turn away rather than engage in contention.
• Continuous effort: The duty to teach is ongoing. It’s not a one-time action but a consistent responsibility throughout a Bahá’í’s life.
• Diverse approaches: The Universal House of Justice encourages Bahá’ís to “consider every avenue of approach” in their teaching efforts, suggesting a creative and adaptable approach to sharing the message.
  

In essence, for Bahá’ís, teaching their Faith is a fundamental aspect of putting their beliefs into practice. It’s viewed not just as spreading information but as a spiritual obligation and a means of serving humanity by sharing what they believe to be a divine message for this age.

Pi Response:

The quotes provided emphasize that teaching the Cause of God is a collective responsibility and an individual duty for those who have recognized Bahá’u’lláh. This principle highlights several key aspects:

• Universal Obligation: Every Bahá’í, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances, is called upon to share Bahá’u’lláh’s Message. This includes men and women and transcends all other distinctions, such as age, ethnicity, and social status.
• Individual Responsibility: While Bahá’í administrative institutions have a significant role in promoting the Faith, the duty to teach is not exclusive to these institutions. Instead, it is an obligation placed on each believer. This responsibility cannot be delegated or relinquished.
• Diverse Methods of Teaching: The command to teach the Cause does not prescribe a single method or approach. Instead, it encourages individuals to use their unique talents, insights, and opportunities to share Bahá’u’lláh’s Message in sincere and effective ways.
• Non-Coercive Approach: Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í institutions have consistently emphasized that teaching should be carried out through persuasion, kind exhortation, and exemplary conduct. Coercion, manipulation, or violence are strictly prohibited.
• Merit and Reward: Teaching the Cause of God is regarded as one of the most meritorious deeds a believer can perform. It attracts divine confirmations and blessings for the teacher and those who respond to the Message.
• Contribution to Community Development: Individual teaching efforts contribute to the growth and development of the Bahá’í community. They foster a spirit of service, deepen the teachers’ understanding of the Faith, and create opportunities for collective learning and action.
  

The duty to teach the Cause of God means that every individual who recognizes Bahá’u’lláh is called upon to share His Message with others, applying their unique capacities and circumstances in a spirit of love, humility, and service.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1935. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/gleanings-writings-bahaullah/7#729466344. ↩
2. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. Women. Revised July 1990., 1986. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/women/6#771697705. ↩
3. Effendi, Shoghi. The Advent of Divine Justice. Bahá’í Reference Library, 1938. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/advent-divine-justice/4#928988285. ↩
4. Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 153 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 28, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19960421_001/1#256915167. ↩
5. Ruhi Institute. Teaching the Cause. 2.1.1.PE April 2023. Vol. Book 6. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2023, 3. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.