…the solution given to the world's problems by Bahá'u'lláh
is the only solution -- being Divine in origin -- and most desperately needed;
therefore we, the few who have caught the vision, should not waste our energies
beating up and down the paths pursued by humanity, and which are not solving
its ghastly present-day problems. We should concentrate on the Cause, because
it is what is needed to cure the world. This is a sound attitude, for if we
don't devote ourselves to the Bahá'í work and teaching, who will?
On the other hand there is a big difference between this and
learning. If the Bahá'ís want to be really effective in teaching the Cause they
need to discuss intelligently, intellectually, the present condition of the
world and its problems. We need Bahá'í scholars, not only people far, far more
deeply aware of what our teachings really are, but also well-read and
well-educated people, capable of correlating our teachings to the current
thoughts of the leaders of society.
We Bahá'ís should, in other words, arm our minds with
knowledge in order to better demonstrate to, especially, the educated classes,
the truths enshrined in our Faith. What the Guardian, however, does not advise
the friends to do is to dissipate their time and energies in serving movements
that are akin to our principles but not, we believe, capable of solving the
present spiritual crisis the world finds itself in. We can co-operate with such
movements and their promoters to good effect, while at the same time openly
standing forth as Bahá'ís with a specific programme to offer society.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 5 July, 1949, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi; The Compilation of Compilations, vol.
II, Teaching Prominent People)
