It is not surprising that individual
Bahá'ís hold and express different and sometimes defective understandings of
the Teachings; this is but an evidence of the magnitude of the change that this
Revelation is to effect in human consciousness. As believers with various
insights into the Teachings converse -- with patience, tolerance and open and
unbiased minds -- a deepening of comprehension should take place. The strident
insistence on individual views, however, can lead to contention, which is
detrimental not only to the spirit of Bahá'í association and collaboration but
to the search for truth itself.
(From a letter dated 8 February 1998 written on
behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer)
