With refreshing candor Nathan Rutstein discusses personal challenges and difficulties that must be surmounted if we are to become more effective teachers of the Baha'i Faith. The proposed solutions are drawn from the Baha'i sacred writings and shared with empathy, for the author freely admits that many of his insights are the result of learning from his own mistakes in the teaching field. Mr. Rutstein focuses on identifying and overcoming personal barriers to teaching and on developing oneself spiritually so the desire to teach will spring from within.
This second book of Nathan Rutstein on teaching individuals about the Baha'i Faith offers insights and observations gained from personal experience. Mr. Rutstein focuses on identifying and overcoming personal barriers to teaching and on developing oneself spiritually so the desire to teach will spring from within.
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."