Martha Root: Lioness at the Threshold

The definitive biography of Pittsburgh journalist Martha Root, who became the most widely traveled and influential teacher of the Baha'i Faith, and was designated by the great-grandson of Baha'u'llah, Shoghi Effendi, as the "foremost" Hand of the Cause of God.

On teaching the Baha'i Faith:

Baha'is believe the Message of Baha'u'llah is God's guidance for humanity to press through the difficulties of this present age of transition and into the next stage of its evolution. As such, they believe all human beings have the right to hear the Baha'i message. Baha'u'llah has enjoined upon every Baha'i the duty to teach others about His Faith but, without pressing their hearer, for at the same time, He forbids them to proselytize. Baha'is are therefore instructed to teach their Faith with enthusiasm, wisdom and courtesy. A well known passage from the Baha'i Writings states, "… love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction."