At this early stage in the development of the Faith, it would not be
useful to propound a highly restrictive definition of the term "Baha'i
scholarship". In a letter written on behalf of the House of Justice to an
Association for Baha'i Studies recently, it is stated that:
The House of Justice advises you not to attempt to define too narrowly the
form that Baha'i scholarship should take, or the approach that scholars
should adopt. Rather should you strive to develop within your Association
respect for a wide range of approaches and endeavours. No doubt there will
be some Baha'is who will wish to work in isolation, while others will
desire consultation and collaboration with those having similar interests.
Your aim should be to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and
tolerance within which will be included scholars whose principal interest
is in theological issues as well as those scholars whose interests lie in
relating the insights provided by the Baha'i teachings to contemporary
thought in the arts and sciences.
A similar diversity should characterize the endeavours pursued by Baha'i
scholars, accommodating their interests and skills as well as the needs of
the Faith. The course of world events, the development of new trends of
thought and the extension of the teaching work all tend to highlight
attractive and beneficial areas to which Baha'i scholars might well direct
their attention. Likewise, the expansion of the activities of the Baha'i
International Community in its relationship with United Nations agencies
and other international bodies creates attractive opportunities for
scholars to make a direct and highly valued contribution to the
enhancement of the prestige of the Faith and to its proclamation within an
influential and receptive stratum of society. As the Baha'i community
continues to emerge inexorably from obscurity, it will be confronted by
enemies, from both within and without, whose aim will be to malign and
misrepresent its principles, so that its admirers might be disillusioned
and the faith of its adherents might be shaken; Baha'i scholars have a
vital role to play in the defence of the Faith through their contribution
to anticipatory measures and their response to defamatory accusations
levelled against the Faith.
Thus, there should be room within the scope of Baha'i scholarship to
accommodate not only those who are interested in theological issues and in
the historical origins of the Faith, but also those who are interested in
relating the Baha'i Teachings to their field of academic or professional
interest, as well as those believers who may lack formal academic
qualifications but who have, through their perceptive study of the
Teachings, acquired insights which are of interest to others....
The House of Justice wishes to avoid use of the terms "Baha'i scholarship"
and "Baha'i scholars" in an exclusive sense, which would effectively
establish a demarcation between those admitted into this category and
those denied entrance to it. It is clear that such terms are relative, and
that what is a worthy scholarly endeavour by a Baha'i, when compared to
the activities of those with whom he is in contact, may well be regarded
as of vastly lesser significance when measured against the accomplishments
of the outstanding scholars which the Faith has produced. The House of
Justice seeks the creation of a Baha'i community in which the members
encourage each other, where there is respect for accomplishment, and a
common realization that every one is, in his or her own way, seeking to
acquire a deeper understanding of the Revelation of Baha'u'llah and to
contribute to the advancement of the Faith.
(19 October 1993 to an individual believer) [14]