…the fundamental prerequisite for any successful teaching
enterprise, which is to adapt the presentation of the fundamental principles of
their Faith to the cultural and religious backgrounds, the idealogies, and the
temperament of the divers races and nations whom they are called upon to
enlighten and attract. The susceptibilities of these races and nations, from
both the northern and southern climes, springing from either the Germanic or
Latin stock, belonging to either the Catholic or Protestant communion, some
democratic, others totalitarian in outlook, some socialistic, others
capitalistic in their tendencies, differing widely in their customs and
standards of living, should at all times be carefully considered, and under no
circumstances neglected.
- Shoghi Effendi ("Citadel of Faith: Messages to
America 1947-1957"; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Guidelines
for Teaching)
