To: "Baha'i Discuss" <Bahai-Discuss@BCCA.Org>
Subject: Re: Idea for non-Baha'is at Feasts
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 13:33:33 -0700
From: "Jerome A. Shaw" <jershaw@accessone.com>

Glen Little wrote: 

At recent Feasts, there have been a few non-Baha'is who joined us 
for the spiritual time, but went out during the consultation.  I think 
this could (and should) become more common in the future.

Glen,How is this idea rectified with the following quote: 

 Let him remember the example set by Abdu'l-Baha, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker, and exemplify to such a degree the spirit of the teachings he hopes to instill into him, that the recipient will be spontaneously impelled to identify himself with the Cause embodying such teachings.  Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker's newly awakened faith, and endeavor to nurse him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of whatever has been ordained by Baha'u'llah.  Let him, as soon as that stage has been attained, introduce him to the body of his fellow-believers, and seek, through constant fellowship and active participation in the local activities of his community, to enable him to contribute his share to the enrichment of its life, the furtherance of its tasks, the consolidations of its interests, and the coordination of its activities with those of its sister communities.  Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly adopted Faith. 
(Shoghi Effendi:  The Advent of Divine Justice, page 52) 

Just curious about your take on this? 

- Jerome 