What does this mean?

WTTL · 09-10-2009, 05:44 PM

I was reading a book on the Faith, specifically a section on The Administrative Order:

Quote:

A Baha'i community differs from other voluntary gatherings in that its foundation is so deeply laid and broadly extended that it can include any sincere soul... In every gathering there is latent or developed some basis of selection. In religion this basis is a creed limited by the historical nature of its origin; in politics this is party or platform....in the arts and sciences this basis consists of special training or activity or interest. In all these matters the more exclusive the basis of selection, the stronger the movement-a condition diametrically opposed to that existing in the Baha'i Cause.

.... The important sanctions have ever been warrants and justifications of division. To enter the Baha'i Movement is to leave these sanctions behind.

I don't want to jump into it, but is this saying one should not or at least should avoid specializing in say a science or medical field? I had to ask this question because it irked me bit when I read it.

arthra · 09-11-2009, 02:33 AM

I'm unsure exactly what it means as it seesm without context but
there's nothing in the Faith that discourages people from entering the professions or specializing in them.. in fact Shoghi Effendi extols excellence in education and professional careers..

Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, especially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá'u'lláh, a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work. As to the question of retirement from work for individuals who have reached a certain age, this is a matter on which the International House of Justice will have to legislate as there are no provisions in the Aqdas concerning it."

(Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 83)

In one of His Tablets Bahá'u'lláh says that the highest form of detachment in this day is to be occupied with some profession and be self-supporting. A good Bahá'í, therefore, is the one who so arranges his life as to devote time both to his material needs and also to the service of the Cause.

(From a letter dated 26 February 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

(Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 5)

Also I'm sure you're well aware of the following:

It, moreover, enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all manner of prejudice and superstition, declares the purpose of religion to be the promotion of amity and concord, proclaims its essential harmony with science, and recognizes it as the foremost agency for the pacification and the orderly progress of human society.

(Shoghi Effendi, Summary Statement - 1947, Special UN Committee on Palestine)

WTTL · 09-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Thank you, Arthra

montanadon · 09-11-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTTL

I don't want to jump into it, but is this saying one should not or at least should avoid specializing in say a science or medical field? I had to ask this question because it irked me bit when I read it.

No. What it is saying is that these specialties are not the appropriate basis for being elected or named to an administrative post.

Shoghi Effendi specified the criteria as -
- unquestioned loyalty
- selfless devotion
- a well-trained mind
- recognized ability
- mature experience

The fact that a person has a special ability in some field, such as being an outstanding artist, noted academic, successful businessman, great speaker, etc, etc, does not necessarily qualify them to an administrative post.

Baha'i administrators function largely as facilitators and coordinators, in addition to the specifics Shoghi Effendi listed, they need to be able to take a broad view of where the Faith has been, is, and can be. As a result, too narrow a focus, too specialized a background, may reduce their value as administrators.

This same principle is also true in the business and public administration fields.

Don C

Pollwr · 09-11-2009, 08:41 PM

I would agree with Arthra. In fact, I believe that Bahá'ís are encouraged to excel. I would interpret this writing to be saying that whilst Elitism exists in many context in society, in order to become a Bahá'í we need to have an all-inclusive mindset to appreciate the light of God in all.

It seems to me totally reasonable to say that the Bahá'í Faith is open to all, unlike many societies or proffessions. I don't think this means that as Bahá'ís we should not be part of those professions. Take medicine, It is probably good that the doctor is specializing in some areas and that becoming a medical doctor is not open to all with a sincere heart as the job requires certain aptitudes and training as well. A Bahá'í doctor could, without any conflict, I believe, become the best doctor she could and uphold that elitist outlook required professionally whilst accepting that all are welcome to the Bahá'í Faith. I think that this passage is just advising that she should not take a certain attitude from her profession and apply it to the Faith.

09-11-2009, 02:33 AM	#2
arthra Senior Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: California Posts: 2,805	I'm unsure exactly what it means as it seesm without context but there's nothing in the Faith that discourages people from entering the professions or specializing in them.. in fact Shoghi Effendi extols excellence in education and professional careers.. Every individual, no matter how handicapped and limited he may be, is under the obligation of engaging in some work or profession, for work, especially when performed in the spirit of service, is according to Bahá'u'lláh, a form of worship. It has not only a utilitarian purpose, but has a value in itself, because it draws us nearer to God, and enables to better grasp His purpose for us in this world. It is obvious, therefore, that the inheritance of wealth cannot make anyone immune from daily work. As to the question of retirement from work for individuals who have reached a certain age, this is a matter on which the International House of Justice will have to legislate as there are no provisions in the Aqdas concerning it." (Shoghi Effendi, Directives from the Guardian, p. 83) In one of His Tablets Bahá'u'lláh says that the highest form of detachment in this day is to be occupied with some profession and be self-supporting. A good Bahá'í, therefore, is the one who so arranges his life as to devote time both to his material needs and also to the service of the Cause. (From a letter dated 26 February 1933 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) (Compilations, The Compilation of Compilations vol II, p. 5) Also I'm sure you're well aware of the following: It, moreover, enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search after truth, condemns all manner of prejudice and superstition, declares the purpose of religion to be the promotion of amity and concord, proclaims its essential harmony with science, and recognizes it as the foremost agency for the pacification and the orderly progress of human society. (Shoghi Effendi, Summary Statement - 1947, Special UN Committee on Palestine) Last edited by arthra; 09-11-2009 at 02:44 AM.

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09-11-2009, 10:45 AM	#3
WTTL Junior Member Joined: Jun 2009 From: Los Angeles Posts: 15	Thank you, Arthra

09-11-2009, 08:41 PM	#5
Pollwr Senior Member Joined: Jun 2009 From: earth Posts: 293	I would agree with Arthra. In fact, I believe that Bahá'ís are encouraged to excel. I would interpret this writing to be saying that whilst Elitism exists in many context in society, in order to become a Bahá'í we need to have an all-inclusive mindset to appreciate the light of God in all. It seems to me totally reasonable to say that the Bahá'í Faith is open to all, unlike many societies or proffessions. I don't think this means that as Bahá'ís we should not be part of those professions. Take medicine, It is probably good that the doctor is specializing in some areas and that becoming a medical doctor is not open to all with a sincere heart as the job requires certain aptitudes and training as well. A Bahá'í doctor could, without any conflict, I believe, become the best doctor she could and uphold that elitist outlook required professionally whilst accepting that all are welcome to the Bahá'í Faith. I think that this passage is just advising that she should not take a certain attitude from her profession and apply it to the Faith.