Wanderings

While the children are yet in their infancy feed them from the breast of heavenly grace, foster them in the cradle of all excellence, rear them in the embrace of bounty. Give them the advantage of every useful kind of knowledge. Let them share in every new and rare and wondrous craft and art. Bring them up to work and strive, and accustom them to hardship. Teach them to dedicate their lives to matters of great import, and inspire them to undertake studies that will benefit mankind.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 129

The education of children is a very important concept in the Baha’i faith.  When I was first investigating the religion on my own, I recall discovering this fact and wanting to know more.  The faith strongly supports universal compulsory education for all and an elimination of the barriers that keep some from gaining an education.  In order to see progress in our society, it is imperative to provide a solid education for each new generation.  Withholding knowledge and restricting access to information in order to limit a person’s learning is perhaps the worst punishment that anyone can inflict.  This was performed against slaves in the Southern United States for generations in order to keep the displaced Africans from rebelling.  By teaching people the wonders of this world, and to contribute to the progression of civilization, they will likely undertake studies that will benefit mankind.

TeacherJay Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha children, education, progress, youth

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.

~ Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 126

Education is a very important concept in the Baha’i Faith.  Through formal training and learning to use one’s mind effectively, the secrets and mysteries can be revealed.  Not only are we responsible to learn for ourselves, and for the benefit of our direct offspring, but to support and promote education for boys and girls all over the world.  Ensuring the access to education so that all children can learn and embark on their own journeys through the world’s knowledge and to interpret it for themselves is a core belief of the Baha’i Faith.

TeacherJay Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha children, education, faith, independent investigation of truth