User:David/Topics

The last command of Jesus given to his Apostles as recorded in the Book of Matthew follows:

“ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ”

A non-denominational Christian minister who I have a lot of respect for in discussing this passage noted that Jesus did not command his Apostles to go and win converts, or swell the numbers of Christians, but to make disciples. What is a disciple and what is the difference between converting someone and making them a disciple? The answer is given in the passage, a disciple is one who will observe all the things that were commanded by Jesus. It's interesting that one can be attracted to follow a religion before being acquainted with all things it teaches, therefore this command requires not only that the Apostles acquaint people with he basic and fundamental teachings of Jesus, but also that after the fire of love for God had been kindled that they remain and educate the new believer in all things Jesus taught, and assisting them to walk the path.

The process of educating new Bahá’ís in all things that Bahá’u’lláh taught is being institutionalized and systematized through the Ruhi courses that are ever-expanding and currently in use. While on the internet a website like Bahaipedia can provide information about the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, that learning is neither guided nor systematic, and therefore cannot be said to fulfill this responsibility.

The topics that are presented below and that are continually being expanded are intended to be a guided, systematic entry-point to the fundamental aspects of the life of a Bahá’í and the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh for those who would benefit from such a presentation.

Entry topic: What it means to be a Bahá’í

Branch 1, for general education about the Faith

• The life of the spirit
  • Attitude of those searching for truth
  • How life begins, and what is death
  • The purpose of our lives
  • The need for the Manifestation of God as the Universal Educator
  • The nature of the soul
  • The condition of the soul after death
  • The appropriate attitude towards the present conditions of our lives

Planned additions:

• Arising to serve

Branch 2, for those who wish to live as a Bahá’í

• Section 1
  • The daily life of a Bahá’í
  • Walking in the path of God
  • On the importance of meditation and prayer
  • The example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
  • Remaining steadfast in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh
• Section 2
  • The appropriate attitude towards service
  • One strategy for effective study of the Bahá’í Writings
  • Gaining spiritual insights from the Bahá’í Writings
  • Finding answers to difficult questions or situations