"The Cause needs more Bahá'í scholars, people who.. have a deep grasp of the Teachings and their significance, and who can correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people of the world."

In a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 21 October 1943

When Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, abolished the concept of priesthood, in a sense He opened the doors for all of us to become scholars in our own right. The term "scholarship" is often posed as an exclusive activity for those who possess the qualifications of being a "scholar", rather than an invitation to all of us to contribute to furthering knowledge and dialogue. Whilst academic scholarship does possess distinguishing characteristics, and those that engage in it deserve due credit, it should not limit the scope of what Bahá'í scholarship means.

Bahá'í scholarship is relating the Bahá'í Teachings to current issues and thoughts, applying them to modern life. This page is your invitation into the exciting world of Bahá'í scholarship!

The pressing needs of the world demand deep thought, reflection and well-formulated answers. This provides the space for Bahá'í scholarship to operate. For budding scholars the areas of study are virtually limitless, from traditional areas such as history and theology, to the application of Bahá'í thought to contemporary issues like feminism, globalisation and terrorism.

Bahá'í scholarship is a diverse undertaking. Its fruits can serve different purposes for different audiences and may apply different approaches. It is important to bear this in mind before becoming fixed on what Bahá'í scholarship is or should be .

For an excellent introduction to the subject of Bahá'í scholarship, see: Moojan Momen (1993) "Bahá'í Scholarship - Definitions and Perspectives", Bahá'í Studies Review , v3.2, available at: http://www.breacais.demon.co.uk/abs/bsr03_2/324_momen_definitions.htm

"Bahá'u'lláh considered education to be one of the most fundamental factors of a true civilization - this education, however, in order to be adequate and fruitful should be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects. This should be the programme of the Bahá'í youth all over the world."
From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi dated 9 July 1931.

Downloads:

Towards a Spiritual Methodology of Scholarship: A paper written for the Youth (by Chris Jones) - provides great insight into Baha'i scholarship, especially for youth.
Download here.