Daily Frameworks for 13 November 2024

’Idál, 11 Qudrat (Power), 181 B.E.

Teaching the Cause

Quotes for Reflection:

IN these gatherings where we have met and spoken together you have all become acquainted with the principles of this dispensation, and with the reality of facts. Unto you it has been given to know these things, but there are many still unenlightened and submerged in superstition. They have heard but little of this great and glorious Cause, and the knowledge they have is for the most part based only on hearsay. Alas, poor souls, the knowledge they have is not based on truth, the foundation of their belief is not the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh! There is, assuredly, a certain amount of truth in what they have been told, but for the most part their information has been inaccurate. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Among other principles of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings was the harmony of science and religion. Religion must stand the analysis of reason. It must agree with scientific fact and proof so that science will sanction religion and religion fortify science. Both are indissolubly welded and joined in reality. If statements and teachings of religion are found to be unreasonable and contrary to science, they are outcomes of superstition and imagination. Innumerable doctrines and beliefs of this character have arisen in the past ages. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ²

It has become customary in the West to think of science and religion as occupying two distinct—and even opposed—areas of human thought and activity. This dichotomy can be characterized in the pairs of antitheses: faith and reason; value and fact. It is a dichotomy which is foreign to Bahá’í thought and should, we feel, be regarded with suspicion by Bahá’í scholars in every field. The principle of the harmony of science and religion means not only that religious teachings should be studied with the light of reason and evidence as well as of faith and inspiration, but also that everything in this creation, all aspects of human life and knowledge, should be studied in the light of revelation as well as in that of purely rational investigation. In other words, a Bahá’í scholar, when studying a subject, should not lock out of his mind any aspect of truth that is known to him. — Universal House of Justice ³

Scholars and professionals are well accustomed to encountering new facts in the course of their research which require them to adjust previous thinking on various aspects of their discipline. In the case of their deepening in the Teachings of the Faith it naturally takes time for them to study and absorb so many new concepts. They must be assisted to acquire, as quickly as possible, profound knowledge of the Teachings. Gradually this knowledge will shed new light on their previous views. At the same time, Bahá’í communities will need to develop greater tolerance toward ideas that may not coincide with their current understanding, and remain open to new insights…. — Universal House of Justice ⁴

The majestic buildings that now stand along the Arc traced for them by Shoghi Effendi on the slope of the Mountain of God, together with the magnificent flight of garden terraces that embrace the Shrine of the Báb, are an outward expression of the immense power animating the Cause we serve. They offer timeless witness to the fact that the followers of Bahá’u’lláh have successfully laid the foundations of a worldwide community transcending all differences that divide the human race, and have brought into existence the principal institutions of a unique and unassailable Administrative Order that shapes this community’s life. In the transformation that has taken place on Mount Carmel, the Bahá’í Cause emerges as a visible and compelling reality on the global stage, as the focal center of forces that will, in God’s good time, bring about the reconstruction of society, and as a mystic source of spiritual renewal for all who turn to it. — Universal House of Justice ⁵

Question for Consideration

How can one engage in thoughtful and informative conversation with those unfamiliar or misinformed about the Bahá’í Faith? What facts about the Bahá’í Faith should one include? ⁶

ChatGPT Response:

Engaging in conversation with people unfamiliar or misinformed about the Bahá’í Faith involves focusing on clarity and empathy and offering reliable information in a way that respects others’ beliefs. Here are some fundamental approaches and related points to consider:

Start with Empathy and Curiosity

• Acknowledge that misunderstandings can arise due to limited or second-hand information and express a genuine interest in hearing others’ views. This will create a safe space for people to ask questions and share their assumptions.
• Recognize that people’s current understanding of spirituality or religion might come from diverse influences and experiences. Avoid defensiveness if they voice confusion or even skepticism.
  

Highlight Core Teachings

• Oneness of Humanity: Share the Bahá’í principle that humanity is a single family and that overcoming racial, national, and social barriers is fundamental to achieving unity and peace.
• Equality of Women and Men: Emphasize that Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings promote full equality between women and men, often considered essential for a peaceful and prosperous society.
• Elimination of Prejudice: Stress the importance of removing all forms of prejudice to foster unity and understanding between different peoples and cultures.
  

Explain the Harmony of Science and Religion

• Discuss how the Bahá’í Faith encourages the use of reason alongside faith. Bahá’u’lláh taught that religion should align with scientific discoveries and rationality, not contradict them. This principle emphasizes that true religion is free of superstition and should withstand logical analysis.
• This idea can appeal to those who see science and religion as incompatible. It offers a perspective in which spirituality and empirical knowledge strengthen each other.
  

Discuss the Progressive Revelation of Religion

• Explain the Bahá’í concept of Progressive Revelation, which holds that all major religions come from the same Source and each has played a role in humanity’s moral and spiritual development. This perspective includes respect for all religions and recognizes the unity of their purpose.
• This idea can help clarify that Bahá’ís honor previous faiths and regard Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings as the latest in a sequence of guidance for humanity’s current needs.
  

Introduce the Role of the Bahá’í Administrative Order

• The Bahá’í Faith has a unique, globally coordinated administrative structure without clergy, designed to support communities and foster unity. The Universal House of Justice, based in Haifa, Israel, is the highest governing body and ensures that Bahá’í principles are applied globally.
• The Administrative Order, a social system based on consultative and collective decision-making, can be shared as an example of how Bahá’ís seek to develop systems that transcend partisanship and foster unity.
  

Share Bahá’í Efforts and Contributions to Society

• Highlight how Bahá’ís worldwide work on community-building efforts such as children’s classes, junior youth groups, study circles, and service projects. These programs promote empowering individuals, especially youth, to contribute positively to society and their communities.
• Mention specific social and economic development projects, often in collaboration with others, that address needs such as education, health, and economic development.
  

Provide Historical Context

• Share a brief overview of Bahá’u’lláh’s life, His exile, and the trials faced by early followers. This will underscore the resilience and dedication of Bahá’ís throughout history.
• Mention the Bahá’í World Centre on Mount Carmel, which serves as a place of pilgrimage and a visible representation of the faith’s global nature.
  

Be Ready for Questions

• Be open to questions or concerns, especially about topics like social teachings, the Bahá’í view on personal moral behavior, or the purpose of life according to Bahá’í teachings.
• When questions arise, especially about areas where Bahá’í views may differ from mainstream perspectives, strive for honesty and humility. Offer resources if they want to learn more.
  

By focusing on these points, you can convey the essence of the Bahá’í Faith in a thoughtful, informative, and appealing way to those unfamiliar or misinformed about it. This approach can also encourage openness and further dialogue.

Claude Response:

Here are some thoughtful ways to engage in conversation with those who are unfamiliar or misinformed about the Bahá’í Faith:

• Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Remember that many people’s perceptions of the Faith may be based on limited or inaccurate information. Avoid being defensive and instead focus on patiently clarifying and educating.
• Highlight the central principles of the Bahá’í Faith, such as the oneness of humanity, the harmony of science and religion, the equality of women and men, the elimination of prejudice, and the establishment of lasting world peace. Explain how these teachings aim to transform society.
• Share facts about the Bahá’í community’s global reach, diversity, and commitment to constructive action. For example, mention the presence of Bahá’í communities in over 100,000 localities worldwide, representing a cross-section of humanity.
• Discuss the Bahá’í approach to scholarship and the meaningful engagement of Bahá’ís in various professions and academic disciplines. Emphasize how Bahá’ís strive to integrate spiritual principles with intellectual and scientific pursuits.
• Explain the administrative structure of the Bahá’í Faith, highlighting its democratic, participatory, and decentralized nature and how it aims to build unity and coordinate collective efforts toward social transformation.
• If the person expresses misconceptions, gently correct them with facts, avoiding confrontation. Provide resources for further learning, such as the official Bahá’í website or literature.
• Throughout the conversation, convey the joy, optimism, and sense of purpose of being a Bahá’í while recognizing that individual spiritual journeys vary.
  

The goal is to create an atmosphere of openness, mutual understanding, and a sincere desire to share the constructive vision of the Bahá’í Faith. Focusing on its central principles and the community’s practical efforts can help dispel misinformation and inspire further interest.

1. ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá in 1911. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 2006, 167. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/paris-talks/6#153336494. ↩
2. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 175-176. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/13#980687897. ↩
3. Universal House of Justice. “3 January 1979 – To the Participants in the Bahá’í Studies Seminar held in Cambridge on 30 September and 1 October 1978.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19790103_001/1#324986753. ↩
4. Research Department of the Universal House Justice. “Scholarship: Extracts from the Writings of Baháʼuʼlláh and ‘Abduʼl-Bahá and from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice.” Bahá’í Reference Library, February 1995. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/scholarship/3#988678894. ↩
5. Universal House of Justice. “24 May 2001 – To the Believers Gathered for the Events Marking the Completion of the Projects on Mount Carmel.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/20010524_001/1#979720048. ↩
6. 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, 78-79. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH.