Jalál, 16 Qawl (Speech), 181 B.E.
Teaching the Cause
Quotes for Reflection
It was He, our beloved ‘Abdu’l‑Bahá, our true and shining Exemplar, who with infinite tact and patience, whether in His public utterances or in private converse, adapted the presentation of the fundamentals of the Cause to the varying capacities and the spiritual receptiveness of His hearers. He never hesitated, however, to tear the veil asunder and reveal to the spiritually ripened those challenging verities that set forth in its true light the relationship of this Supreme Revelation with the Dispensations of the past. Unashamed and unafraid when challenged to assert in its entirety the stupendous claim of Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’ís, whether laboring as individuals or functioning as an organized community, feel certain that in the face of the apathy, the gross materialism, and the superficiality of society today, a progressive disclosure of the magnitude of the claim of Bahá’u’lláh would constitute the most effective means for the attainment of the end so greatly desired by even the staunchest and most zealous advocate of the Faith. — Shoghi Effendi 1
The gross materialism that engulfs the entire nation at the present hour; the attachment to worldly things that enshrouds the souls of men; the fears and anxieties that distract their minds; the pleasure and dissipations that fill their time, the prejudices and animosities that darken their outlook, the apathy and lethargy that paralyze their spiritual faculties—these are among the formidable obstacles that stand in the path of every would-be warrior in the service of Bahá’u’lláh, obstacles which he must battle against and surmount in his crusade for the redemption of his own countrymen. — Shoghi Effendi 2
After the glorious events of the Heroic Age of the Faith, entry by troops of the peoples of the world into the Cause of God first occurred in Africa during the ministry of Shoghi Effendi, and then spread to other areas. Gradually, the Bahá’í communities of those regions are learning through experience and are evolving methods and programs which aim to draw these large numbers of believers together in functioning communities and to establish strong bases for continuing growth. To assist them in their endeavors, to help the Bahá’ís in other countries to initiate and maintain this process, and to dispel the misconceptions which inevitably surround so challenging a concept, a compilation on Promoting Entry by Troops has been issued. Study and application of the principles and approaches described therein will undoubtedly assist every Bahá’í teacher and community, whether in an area where entry by troops has been a reality for many years, or in one where no sign of it has yet appeared. In respect to the latter, it will help to convince individual believers of the reality and validity of this process and will enable Bahá’í communities to prepare themselves spiritually and materially for this surge forward, to eagerly anticipate its occurrence, to take those steps which will foster its beginning, and to ensure the measures which will perpetuate its growth. — Universal House of Justice 3
The House of Justice recognizes full well the suffering that many women go through as single mothers, taking the entire responsibility for raising and supporting their children. The purpose of the Bahá’í Faith is to effect a fundamental transformation in the whole basis of human society, which will involve the spiritualization of mankind, the achievement of unity in human relationships and the acceptance of such vital principles as that of the equality of men and women; as a result, the stability of marriage will be enhanced, and there will be a drastic decrease in the conditions giving rise to marriage breakdowns. To attain this objective speedily, the Bahá’í community must continue to attract the spiritual powers indispensable for its success; this requires strict adherence to the principles set out in the Bahá’í teachings, with confidence that the wisdom underlying these teachings will gradually become apparent to the generality of mankind. — Universal House of Justice 4
Question for Consideration
When teaching others about the Bahá’í Faith, what are some of the obstacles arising from the condition of the world, e.g., materialism, apathy toward spiritual matters, etc., that one is likely to encounter? 5
Perplexity Pro Response 6
Teaching others about the Bahá’í Faith often involves navigating challenges rooted in the prevailing conditions of the modern world, such as materialism, apathy toward spirituality, and misconceptions about the Faith. These obstacles can hinder meaningful engagement, requiring patience, open dialogue, and a focus on the transformative spiritual principles of the Bahá’í teachings.
Impact of Materialism on Spirituality
Materialism poses a significant challenge to spiritual engagement, as it often leads individuals to prioritize wealth and material possessions over spiritual values. This focus on material gain can result in a neglect of spiritual development and community involvement, ultimately leading to isolation and feelings of despair [7]. The Bahá’í Faith recognizes two types of happiness: spiritual and material, emphasizing that while material comfort is important, the singular pursuit of material goods provides only temporary happiness and distracts from seeking deeper, more fulfilling spiritual experiences. Instead, true fulfillment comes from spiritual growth [4]. Overcoming the pervasive influence of materialism requires demonstrating the practical benefits of integrating spiritual principles into daily life, as well as fostering a sense of community and purpose that transcends material pursuits.
Apathy Toward Spiritual Engagement
Indifference to spiritual matters presents a significant hurdle when introducing the Bahá’í Faith to others. This apathy often stems from a cultural and ideological landscape that prioritizes material success over spiritual growth, making it challenging to engage individuals in discussions about faith and its teachings [1]. The pervasive influence of dogmatic materialism has captured global centers of power and information, effectively silencing competing voices and further entrenching this spiritual disinterest [2]. To overcome this obstacle, Bahá’í teachers are encouraged to avoid religious controversies and instead focus on demonstrating the practical benefits of integrating spiritual principles into daily life, fostering open dialogue, and emphasizing the Faith’s unique approach to addressing contemporary global issues [6] [3].
Misunderstanding and Prejudice Challenges
Misconceptions about the Bahá’í Faith can create significant barriers to understanding and acceptance. Some individuals may mistakenly view it as similar to other religions or organizations, leading to skepticism and prejudice against its teachings [5]. Pre-existing biases and stereotypes about religion can prevent people from appreciating the unique aspects of the Bahá’í Faith, such as its emphasis on unity and global harmony. Overcoming these challenges requires Bahá’í teachers to approach discussions with patience and understanding, focusing on the Faith’s distinctive principles and their relevance to contemporary issues [6].
Barriers to Deep Study
The absence of clergy in the Bahá’í Faith can present a unique challenge for those accustomed to traditional religious structures, potentially leading to a perceived lack of incentive for deep theological study or spiritual leadership [5]. This structural difference may initially hinder some individuals from fully engaging with the Faith’s teachings. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for personal spiritual growth, as Bahá’ís are encouraged to independently investigate truth and develop their own understanding of the Faith’s principles [1]. This approach fosters a more direct and personal connection with the teachings, ultimately promoting a deeper, more internalized spiritual practice.
Addressing these challenges requires patience, understanding, and an emphasis on the spiritual values that underpin the Bahá’í teachings. By fostering open dialogue and demonstrating the practical benefits of integrating spiritual principles into daily life, teachers of the Bahá’í Faith can help overcome these obstacles.
Sources
[1] Issues Related to the Study of the Bahá’í Faith – Bahai.org
[2] One Common Faith | Bahá’í Reference Library – Bahai.org
[3] Social Justice, Wealth Equity and Gender Equality – Bahá’í Library Online
[4] Materialism and Sacrifice | Baha’i Faith Articles – Uplifting Words
[5] The Sterile Theology of the Baha’i Faith : r/bahai – Reddit
[6] The Individual and Successful Teaching
[7] Breaking the Chains of Despair and Materialism – BahaiTeachings.org
[8] A Brief Look at Buddhism and the Baha’i Faith
[9] Materialism | Bahá’í Quotes
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can one effectively counteract the influence of materialism when teaching the Bahá’í Faith?
- What strategies can be used to engage people who are apathetic towards spiritual matters?
- How does the Bahá’í Faith address the issue of academic bias in understanding its teachings?
- What are some examples of how materialism has affected the spread of the Bahá’í Faith?
- How can Bahá’í scholars balance their academic training with a broader understanding of the Faith?
- What are the biggest challenges in deepening one’s understanding of the Bahá’í Faith?
- How does dogmatic materialism impact the study of the Bahá’í teachings?
- What strategies can be used to overcome narrow and limited understanding of the Bahá’í Faith?
- How does the Bahá’í Faith address the issue of theological controversies?
- What role does community involvement play in deepening one’s study of the Bahá’í Faith?
- Effendi, Shoghi. Baháʾí Administration: Selected Messages, 1922-1932. 7. Ed. 1928. Reprint, Wilmette, Ill: Baháʾí Pub. Trust, 1974, 125. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/bahai-administration/9#843641812. ↩
- Effendi, Shoghi. Citadel of Faith: Messages to America, 1947-1957. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 5, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/shoghi-effendi/citadel-faith/5#345258337. ↩
- Universal House of Justice. “Riḍván 151 – To the Bahá’ís of the World.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed December 5, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19940421_001/1#557208630. ↩
- Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Family Life: A Compilation of Extracts from the Bahá’í Writings and from Letters Written by and on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice”. Bahá’í Reference Library. March 2008. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/family-life/7#367501249. ↩
- 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, 114-115. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#TCH. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “When teaching others about the Bahá’í Faith, what are some of the obstacles arising from the condition of the world, e.g., materialism, apathy toward spiritual matters, etc., that one is likely to encounter?” Edited by Steve Bosserman. December 5, 2024. https://www.perplexity.ai/page/obstacles-in-teaching-baha-i-f-AGAzowWwTVaUABmbjlRE8A. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 