| Spiritual Education of Children |
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The Baha'i community places great emphasis on the moral and spiritual education of children and youth, with a focus on providing ongoing opportunities for developing a sense of world citizenship and a lifelong commitment to serve humanity. Children are the most precious resource a community has. The Bahá’í writings attach great importance to the periods of childhood and youth, providing clear guidance to parents and communities to raise children in a nurturing and unambiguous environment. Bahá'ís believe that moral, spiritual, and values-based training for children and youth is essential in order to nurture the capacities of children to make positive responsible choices in life. Thus, Bahá'í communities sponsor moral education classes for children and youth of all backgrounds. The classes seek to develop essential virtues such as the knowledge of God, trustworthiness, honesty, and justice. They aim to build a strong moral framework that will assist children to achieve excellence in material, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life. “Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value,” wrote Bahá’u’lláh. “Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.” In accordance with that inspiration, Bahá’ís are working to bring forth these “treasures”—the nobility and beauty that are part of every person’s inborn nature. The training they offer is a compelling response to the flood of messages that promote materialism and neglect the ideals of a healthy and prosperous society. The classes, offered in increasing numbers by Bahá’í communities, can help to ensure that our children grow strong intellectually, morally, and spiritually. |