on of this process of
integration by abandoning such persons to the insensitive attitudes still
present in communities not yet broadly diverse or accustomed to dealing
with all ranks of society.

Scholars and professionals are well accustomed to encountering new facts
in the course of their research which require them to adjust previous
thinking on various aspects of their discipline. In the case of their
deepening in the Teachings of the Faith it naturally takes time for them
to study and absorb so many new concepts. They must be assisted to
acquire, as quickly as possible, profound knowledge of the Teachings.
Gradually this knowledge will shed new light on their previous views. At
the same time, Baha'i communities will need to develop greater tolerance
toward ideas that may not coincide with their current understanding, and
remain open to new insights....

Newly enrolled professionals and other experts provide a great resource
for the development of Baha'i scholarship. It is hoped that, as they
attain a deeper grasp of the Teachings and their significance, they will
be able to assist Baha'i communities in correlating the beliefs of the
Faith with the current thoughts and problems of the world. In some
instances Baha'is of a particular profession have come together in special
conferences or organized themselves into an association for this purpose.
This also allows them to support one another as Baha'is and to take
advantage of their professional status to promote the interests of the
Faith. Current examples of professional associations of this type are the
Baha'i Justice Society and the Baha'i Medical Association, both in the
United States. Special encouragement should therefore be given to
believers of unusual capacity to consecrate their abilities to the service
of the Cause through the unique contribution they can make to this rapidly
developing field of Baha'i endeavour.

(18 April 1989 on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to a National
Spiritual Assembly) [41]

3. GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES

3.1 Spiritual Foundation

From the Writings of Baha'u'llah

42: "Therefore, hath it been said: "Knowledge is a light which God casteth
into..."

Therefore, hath it been said: "Knowledge is a light which God casteth into
the heart of whomsoever He willeth." It is this kind of knowledge which is
and hath ever been praiseworthy, and not the limited knowledge that hath
sprung forth fr