The child when
born is far from being perfect. It is not only helpless, but actually is
imperfect, and even is naturally inclined towards evil. He should be trained,
his natural inclinations harmonized, adjusted and controlled, and if necessary
suppressed or regulated, so as to ensure his healthy physical and moral
development. Baha'i parents cannot simply adopt an attitude of non-resistance
towards their children, particularly those who are unruly and violent by
nature. It is not even sufficient that they should pray on their behalf. Rather
they should endeavour to inculcate, gently and patiently, into their youthful
minds such principles of moral conduct and initiate them into the principles
and teachings of the Cause with such tactful and loving care as would enable
them to become "true sons of God" and develop into loyal and
intelligent citizens of His Kingdom. This is the high purpose which Baha'u'llah
Himself has clearly defined as the chief goal of every education.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter
dated 9 July 1939, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer; included in a Memorandum from the Research department of the
Universal House of Justice, dated 16 October 1994; compilation: ‘Lights of
Guidance’)
