"In the treasuries of the knowledge of God there lieth concealed a knowledge which, when applied, will largely, though not wholly, eliminate fear. This knowledge, however, should be taught from childhood, as it will greatly aid in its elimination. Whatever decreaseth fear increaseth courage."
Dear Larry, What I find intriguing about this quote is the admonition that: "This knowledge, however, should be taught from childhood, as it will greatly aid in its [fear] elimination." Generally our approach with children is to place the emphasis on love and unity; on the "Promise" and not the "Threat" as defined in the following: "The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the eighth leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is the following: Schools must first train the children in the principles of religion, so that the Promise and the Threat recorded in the Books of God may prevent them from the things forbidden and adorn them with the mantle of the commandments; but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry." (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 68) Also, from Epistle to the Son of the Wolf: "The fear of God hath ever been the prime factor in the education of His creatures. Well is it with them that have attained thereunto." (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 27) "Verily I say: The fear of God hath ever been a sure defence and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. It is the chief cause of the protection of mankind, and the supreme instrument for its preservation. Indeed, there existeth in man a faculty which deterreth him from, and guardeth him against, whatever is unworthy and unseemly, and which is known as his sense of shame. This, however, is confined to but a few; all have not possessed, and do not possess, it." (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 27) and, more: "In truth, religion is a radiant light and an impregnable stronghold for the protection and welfare of the peoples of the world, for the fear of God impelleth man to hold fast to that which is good, and shun all evil. (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 125) The essence of wisdom is the fear of God, the dread of His scourge and punishment, and the apprehension of His justice and decree. (Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 155) In Four Valleys, Baha'u'llah wrote: "And if he feareth not God, God will make him to fear all things; whereas all things fear him who feareth God." (Baha'u'llah, The Four Valleys, p. 57) Just sharing my thoughts... lovingly, Sandra The information contained in this e-mail and any attachments thereto ("e-mail") is sent by the Johnson County Community College ("JCCC") and is intended to be confidential and for the use of only the individual or entity named above. The information may be protected by federal and state privacy and disclosures acts or other legal rules. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are notified that retention, dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify JCCC by email reply and immediately and permanently delete this e-mail message and any attachments thereto. Thank you. __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe: send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe: send subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe: http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=bahai-st Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:bahai-st@list.jccc.edu Web - http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.edu