Bahá’ís see the young as the most precious treasure a community can possess. In them are the promise and guarantee of the future. Bahá’í Children’s Classes are not classes of indoctrination. The children are instructed in the principles, teachings and basic beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith, and the emphasis is on learning to think, to reflect and to apply spiritual laws to the life of the individual and society.
Especially during the early years of childhood, great attention is given to the development of spiritual qualities such as love, compassion, justice, joy, trust, etc. and to those beliefs, habits and behaviours that constitute the essential attributes of a spiritual being.
The Bahá’í class teachers are trained in the curriculum which is based on the concept of the nobility of man. By the mere acceptance that each student is “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value”, the teacher who is familiar with the nature of spiritual qualities and knows enough about human talents and capacities will search to discover these gems in their students and actively help polish them.
Teachers are also fully aware of the importance of helping children develop habits and patterns of behaviour, such as maintaining a prayerful attitude, adhering to the Laws of God, seeking Knowledge, living in Harmony with others, being a good friend, devoting their life to service and engaging in consultation, all of which are in keeping with a Bahá’í way of life.
Students will also learn about and deepen their knowledge of the lives and teachings of God’s Manifestations including: Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. It is hoped that by learning about these Special Beings their awareness of God’s infinite love for humanity will increase. These lessons seek to strengthen in the minds of the students the connection between the knowledge of God acquired through His Manifestations and the habits and patterns of conduct that were the focus of their earlier classes. They will learn that our relationship with God is ultimately one of love.
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