“Bahá’u’lláh has announced that inasmuch as ignorance and lack of education are barriers of separation among mankind, all must receive training and instruction. Through this provision the lack of mutual understanding will be remedied and the unity of mankind furthered and advanced. Universal education is a universal law. It is, therefore, incumbent upon every father to teach and instruct his children according to his possibilities. If he is unable to educate them, the body politic, the representative of the people, must provide the means for their education.
The sex distinction which exists in the human world is due to the lack of education for woman, who has been denied equal opportunity for development and advancement. Equality of the sexes will be established in proportion to the increased opportunities afforded woman in this age, for man and woman are equally the recipients of powers and endowments from God, the Creator. God has not ordained distinction between them in His consummate purpose.”
The Madison Area Bahá’í Community offers moral and spiritual education for children, junior youth, youth and adults.
All children from all ages are welcome to attend children’s classes based on the Bahá’í Principles of unity and spiritual development, our curriculum for these classes include virtues and morals, stories and games, as well as working on arts and craft projects.
There are regular classes offered on Sundays during the school year, following family devotions at the Bahá'í Center, 324 W. Lakeside Street. The program begins at 10:00 am, with classes from 10:30 – 12:00. The schedule for classes at the center can be found here. In addition to these classes there may be classes held by individuals at homes throughout the Madison area. Please contact Mary Lee Gleason (608)276-9290 for more information about classes in your neighborhood.
Junior youth classes are held Sunday mornings at 11:00am. For more information contact Lua Yaganagi
The Bahá'í youth in the area hold devotions weekly in addition to study groups on various topics. For more information about youth activities please contact Caitlin Kiley
The Bahá’í community of the Madison area offers to anyone interested in spiritual education a set of courses based on the Bahá’í Writings and prepared by the Ruhi Institute.
“In analyzing the rapid changes occurring in the world today,” as expressed by the Ruhi Institute, “Bahá'ís identify two parallel processes operating at all levels- village, town, nation, and global society. On the one hand, it is clear that human society is suffering from a process of disintegration that manifests itself in wars, terrorism, chaos, physical and psychological insecurity, and a widespread condition of material poverty. On the other hand, forces of integration are moving individuals and groups toward the adoption of new values, new forms of organization, and appropriate structures that can lay the foundation for the establishment of a new social order. The Ruhi Institute defines its basic aim as that of becoming a channel for the spiritual forces of our time to be applied to the lives of the masses of humanity, empowering them to contribute to the establishment of a new world civilization.”
In order to transform our society and establish a new world civilization based on love, unity and harmony, this set of courses use a system of study circles with participatory methods, emphasizing “promoting the well-being of humanity.” To find a study circle near you please click here and select study circles from the dropdown list.