12: "In connection with the question as to whether Baha'is should be
familiar..."
In connection with the question as to whether Baha'is should be familiar
with the different sciences and branches of study, Shoghi Effendi wishes
me to inform you that both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha have given a very
high position to men of culture and knowledge and Baha'u'llah says in one
of His Tablets that respect shown to such people is incumbent upon all
Baha'is. Furthermore there is no doubt that familiarity with different
branches of study widens one's point of view and we can then understand
and realize the significance of the Baha'i Movement and its principles
much more.
(14 December 1924 to an individual believer) [12]
13: "The Cause needs more Baha'i scholars, people who not only are
devoted..."
The Cause needs more Baha'i scholars, people who not only are devoted to
it and believe in it and are anxious to tell others about it, but also who
have a deep grasp of the Teachings and their significance, and who can
correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people
of the world.
(21 October 1943 to an individual believer) [13]