on 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]

1.3 Scope of "Baha'i Scholarship"

From a Letter Written on Behalf of the Universal House of Justice

14: "At this early stage in the development of the Faith, it would not..."

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, acc