The title “the Baha’i Studies” has been general and pointed out the long-termed strategy of Bahaism which has been considered as serious since Shoqi Effendi’s period of time based on which policy was made. Although this great project didn’t get organized during Shoqi Effendi‘s period of time, but it was followed up strongly and carefully after him.
The second half of the 20th century indicates the process of forming and development of this project. The Baha studies was a coverage for this important idea. The main aim of this plan was conquering the universal discipline gates.
If science was a means to discover reality in the past, science is a strategy during the modern periods of time which is related ideology directly. Science is the source of power and it creates the ability to produce dialogue and ideology and permanent relationships.
During port modernism periods of time, if a group or population possess the power of creating social relationship and producing dialogue, it can be hoped that they confirm their ideological system.
Meantime; as a newly-emerged population, Bahaism concentrates on the category of Baha’i purposeful studies meaningfully. The main question is that what the Baha’i scholarship or the Baha’i studies and which aims is it seeking for?
The wind scholarship is a general title pointing out the mega project in Bahaism. The exact translation of the word is difficult; because this word has been afflicted by meaning metamorphosis in various aspects.
According to an article written by the research deputy of the universal house of justice, this word is related to know ledge and recognition domain in Bahaism.
Consequently, this word can be considered and to related to short and long-termed policy making and strategies. In a letter, the universal house of justice explains about Baha’i scholarship dated October 19, 1993 AD. that in the first stage of the expansion of the Baha’i faith, the term Baha’i scholarship can’t be defined. It is said in a letter from the universal house of justice Baha’i knowledge association:
The universal house of justice advises you not to try to define the necessities of the Baha’i science or the Baha’i scholars’ approaches limitedly; instead, it should be attempted to respect extensive approaches in your associations and to expand people’s attempts.
Undoubtedly, some Baha’is are willing to work individually and some are willing to consult and cooperate with those who have the same interest with them. You should preach moderateness and mutual respect as your aim in order for the scholars who interested in divine matters and also the scientists who are interested in integrating science views and contemporary art with the Baha’i teachings to be evolved.
The universal house of justice is willing to avoid using the terms like Baha’i and Baha’i scholarship in order not to create delamination for people.
It is obvious that such terms consanguineous… The universal house of justice is going to create a Baha’i convergent community where all members encouraging each other and re respect success. In this community, there is a common understanding of Bahaullah’s teachings and inspiration and the advancement of the Baha’i faith is helped.
The word scholarship and its vast application has been distinctly applied by Shogi Effendi and is of the important pillars of the faith development. Since the second half of the 20th century, the faith development pattern has been planned based on the modern studies project in enormous level. The Baha’i studies will end in meddling with policy in its enormous view; and long-termed program, it is going to search for influence in power and the political structures. Shogi Effendi writes in a letter dated October 21,1943 A.D.:
“The faith needs the Baha’i scholars more. Those who not only believe in it and are eager to speak with others about it, but also have deep understanding about the teachings and its importance and can communicate with the current people of the world’s thoughts and problems.
Consequently, the quantitative and qualitative evidence show that the development pattern of Bahaism with numerous expenses particularly since the second half of the 20th century is an attempt for institutionalization of the political affair and meddling with policy.
Supporting Muhammad Ali Shah exaggeratedly in the beginning of the Constitution in 1329 S.H. and ordering the Baha’is to confiscate the parliament seats indicate the depth of meddling in policy by the Baha’is to such an extent that Kasrawi evaluates the role of the Baha’is in the Constitution as influential. what a contradiction!!!
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