human understanding is limited; and where there is
limitation there is the possibility of error; and where there is error,
conflicts can arise. For example, at the present time many people are
convinced that it is unscientific to believe in God, but, as human
enlightenment progresses, the scientists and philosophers of the future
will not be, in the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, "deniers of the Prophets,
ignorant of spiritual susceptibilities, deprived of the heavenly bounties
and without belief in the supernatural".

(26 December 1975 to an individual believer) [48]

49: "The combination of absolute loyalty to the Manifestation of God
and..."

The combination of absolute loyalty to the Manifestation of God and His
Teachings, with the searching and intelligent study of the Teachings and
history of the Faith which those Teachings themselves enjoin, is a
particular strength of this Dispensation. In past Dispensations the
believers have tended to divide into two mutually antagonistic groups:
those who held blindly to the letter of the Revelation, and those who
questioned and doubted everything. Like all extremes, both these can lead
into error. The beloved Guardian has written that "The Baha'i Faith ...
enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search after
truth...." Baha'is are called upon to follow the Faith with intelligence
and understanding. Inevitably believers will commit errors as they strive
to rise to this degree of maturity, and this calls for forbearance and
humility on the part of all concerned, so that such matters do not cause
disunity or discord among the friends.

(7 October 1980 to an individual believer) [49]

50: "The House of Justice suggests that the issues raised in your
letter..."

The House of Justice suggests that the issues raised in your letter might
best be considered in light of the statements in the Baha'i Writings which
disclose the relationship between the Revelation of Baha'u'llah and the
knowledge which is acquired as a result of scholarly endeavours.
Baha'u'llah asserts that:

Unveiled and unconcealed, this Wronged One hath, at all times, proclaimed
before the face of all the peoples of the world that which will serve as
the key for unlocking the doors of sciences, of arts, of knowledge, of
well-being, of prosperity and wealth....

It is evident that the Baha'i Writings illuminate all areas of human
endeavour and all academic disciplines. Those who have been