A Compilation on Bahai Education Part 18

"134: He is sorry to hear your little boy is not developing satisfactorily;..."

He is sorry to hear your little boy is not developing satisfactorily; very few children are really bad. They do, however, sometimes have complicated personalities and need very wise handling to enable them to grow into normal, moral, happy adults. If you feel convinced your son will really benefit from going to Father Flanagan's school you could send him there.

But in general we should certainly always avoid sending Baha'i children to orthodox religious schools, especially Catholic, as the children receive the imprint of religious beliefs we as believers know are outdated and no longer for this age. He will especially pray for the solution of this problem.

(From a letter dated 30 May 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [134]

"135: Regarding the questions you asked him: there is no objection to children..."

Regarding the questions you asked him: there is no objection to children who are as yet unable to memorize a whole prayer learning certain sentences only.

He does not feel that the friends should make a practice of saying grace or of teaching it to children. This is not part of the Baha'i Faith, but a Christian practice, and as the Cause embraces members of all races and religions we should be careful not to introduce into it the customs of our previous beliefs. Baha'u'llah has given us the obligatory prayers, also prayers before sleeping, for travellers, etc. We should not introduce a new set of prayers He has not specified, when He has given us already so many, for so many occasions.

Your work for child education is certainly important, and he urges you to keep it up.

(From a letter dated 27 September 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [135]

"136: In regard to your question: he feels this is a matter for you and your..."

In regard to your question: he feels this is a matter for you and your husband to decide, especially in view of his att.i.tude towards the Cause; the children, being minors, are under your jurisdiction, and you both have sacred rights and responsibility as regards their future.

(From a letter dated 24 November 1947 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [136]

"137: Any Baha'i can give to the Cause's Funds, adult or child. No statement..."

Any Baha'i can give to the Cause's Funds, adult or child. No statement is required on this subject; Baha'i children have always given to the Cause, everywhere. Whatever situation may arise in a cla.s.s which non-Baha'i children attend is for the teacher of the cla.s.s to solve. No ruling should be made to cover such things.

(From a letter dated 18 August 1949 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual a.s.sembly of the United States) [137]

"138: Just because you are children does not mean you cannot serve the Faith,..."

Just because you are children does not mean you cannot serve the Faith, and teach it, by your example and by the way you let people see that you are better and more intelligent than most other children.

(From a letter dated 16 March 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Santa Monica Children's Cla.s.s) [138]

"139: The general principle ... is that a request for excuse from School sessions on..."

The general principle ... is that a request for excuse from School sessions on Baha'i Holy Days is desirable. This applies to all Baha'i children regardless of their age. Children of Baha'i parents, under the age of 15, are considered Baha'is.

What a Baha'i parent or your a.s.sembly should do is apply to the School Board to grant to their children permission to remain away from School on Baha'i Holy Days, and then abide by whatever decision the School Board may make, and not try in any way to force the matter.

(From a letter dated 19 August 1952 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [139]

"140: The beloved Guardian was greatly delighted to learn of the success of the..."

The beloved Guardian was greatly delighted to learn of the success of the inst.i.tute for teaching the Indian children. He feels this is a very fine method of implanting the teachings of the Faith in the hearts and the minds of the young children, so that they may grow and develop into strong and virile men and women who will serve the Cause. Likewise through this effort, he hopes you will be able to attract some of the parents.

(From a letter dated 18 February 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [140]

"141: The Guardian will pray for the spiritual development of your dear son. On..."

The Guardian will pray for the spiritual development of your dear son. On the shoulders of the youth today rests the future of the Faith. Therefore they should be well educated and trained not only in the Teachings of the Faith, but also in secular matters.

(From a letter dated 24 May 1954 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [141]

"142: The Guardian is happy to see you are teaching the children, as a firm..."

The Guardian is happy to see you are teaching the children, as a firm foundation of the Teachings in their minds will greatly a.s.sist in forming their characters, and enable them to become well-balanced and useful believers when they mature.

(From a letter dated 6 March 1955 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer) [142]

"143: In explaining the fear of G.o.d to children, there is no objection to..."