Towards a Global Civilization: An International Conference on Spiritual Foundations of Cultural Development
Oct. 7 – Oct. 10, 1988
13th Annual Conference, Skyline Hotel, Ottawa, ON
Attendance: 500
The Importance of the Family in the Reconstruction of the Planet
Dr. DeArujo is introduced by explaining that he has taken a leading role among the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) at the United Nations. Dr. DeArujo topic is the importance of the family in the reconstruction of the planet. He begins by quoting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “A family is a nation in miniature.” DeArujo continues, “Enlarge the circle of families and you have a nation. Enlarge the circle of nations and you have humanity.” Both the conditions and the happenings in the family are reflected in the nation.
Family Education for Equality
Mrs. Elizabeth Rochester speaks about how to educate family members to achieve equality within the family. She explained why we need to learn how to be an equal marriage partners. The family’s equality learning influences the entire world to move towards equality. Education for equality in the Bahá'í Faith may be the most important task of family education. She recommends that each of us make it part of our goals for spiritual education. She quotes Bahá'u'lláh “The purpose of God in creating man hath been and will ever be to enable Him to know His Creator and to attain His presence".
Education for Equality: The Role of Society’s Institutions
Ms. Rochester explains that education for equality has to include mothers, fathers, teachers, and the Local Spiritual Assemblies. She summarizes the three most important needs of the Bahá'í Community. She briefly reviews the role of women in past religious dispensations and reminds us that there will be no peace in the world until the principle of the equality of women with men takes place. She advises that the finest Bahá'í teachers should be sought out for our children and that parents should have access to the same materials their children are studying so that they can be more helpful.
Models of Baha’i Education
Mr. Roger Davis has been elementary school teacher for 11 years. He loves all children with all his heart. As a Bahá'í educator he has visited Bahá’í schools in 9 countries in 9 weeks. Some of these included India, Panama, Columbia, Bolivia, and Chili. He shared his fascinating experiences and he gave a presentation about these Bahá’í Schools. He gave his conclusion about teaching programs at those schools and said : “These simple Bahá’í children's schools should be open to all children, regardless of their religious background, talent, faculties, and their parents’ status.
Hasan M. Balyuzi : Memorial Lecturers
Dr. Momen begins by reviewing the reasons why individuals would want to study Bahá’í history. He then reviews the 140 year history of the Faith and points out that we have already developed formulations of our teachings to the Zoroastrian, Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities. In the West we have developed a version of the teachings for urban populations. One of the important challenges confronting the present-day Bahá’í community is the tremendous influx of new believers from indigenous third-world villages over the past three decades.
The Importance of Culture in the Development of Native Rural Communities
Ms. Louise LeBlanc spoke about the existence of spirit and it is power. She tells some stories about the mysterious power of the spirit that changed some Native American people's lives. The spirit they call "Yando Goat", which means ability to gather power and go. Native people believe their ancestors guide them and Bahá'u'lláh helps to connect to them. Indian people use stories to give examples of their culture. Today we are dealing with modern day social problems. Many youth fall into troubles. We need to pray for guidance. We can feel spiritual assistance only through prayer.
Cultural Development
Daniel Wegner describes some of the implications of cultural development which he believes is a catalyst for change. Uses the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) definition of culture..Wegener discusses the importance of putting a human face on cultural development. He defines this development as changes in patterns of behavior thatpositively effect self, society and world views. These changes should lead to what the Baha'is view as unity and not just universal conformity.
Philosophy of the American Indians and Approaches to International Development Towards a New Social and Economic Order
Dr. Eleanor Sioui begins her talk with the recitation of a poem. Praises “Mrs. Rabbani” for her efforts on behalf of native peoples. Many native peoples have questioned their existence. “I don’t belong anywhere.” “What is my purpose?” She decries the encroachment of materialism. “Spirituality for us is our empathy for one another.” Dr. Sioui deplores the fact that spirituality is not a part of the current educational systems. Contrasts the misuses of the so-called 3rd world by the 1st world.
Achieving Global Consciousness: An Educational Process
Susan Stoddard states that Global consciousness begins with seeing each other as individuals, rather than of different races, nationalities colors and religions. The Universal House of Justice defines this as "the unshakeable consciousness of the oneness of mankind.” She details the seven processes needed to develop this new world consciousness Among these are knowing one's self; worshipping The Creator; and performing acts of service. Ms. Stoddard emphasizes the importance of developing cooperative learning as opposed to competitive learning.
The Central Role of Education in the Development of Culture
Ms. Ayman-Nolley first gives her definition of the terms “education” and of “culture”. She then reviews the condition of education and culture in the world today. She quotes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the “Secret of Divine Civilization” A superficial culture, unsupported by a cultivated morality, is as "a confused medley of dreams," and external luster without inner perfection is "like a vapor in the desert which the thirsty dreameth to be water." 'Abdu'l-Baha then goes on to show the importance of the role of religion in the development of culture.
Culture as a Uniter or Divider? North-South, East-West
Mr. Bernard Wood is an analyst and practitioner in international relationships. He talks about society, economics, and politics in terms of international relations. To the extent these fundamental categories fail to deal with the whole human being they fail to give the basis for effective relationships. In North and South America we are faced with relationships between industrialized and developing countries. We still have significant cultural barriers created by colonialism and eurocentrism.
New Bases for Human Happiness
"The Secret of Divine Civilization" is the source for Kurt Hein's talk on cultural development. Mr. Hein describes the Baha'i perspective of cultural development, based on the welfare of society, rather than the old world goal of selfish interests Moral action, based on moral education are the means for attaining human happiness. He covers the four bases for cultural development given by Abdu’l-Baha: faith, teaching, spiritual growth and obedience.
The Appropriate Use of Knowledge
Mr. Sheppherd says he is speaking on behalf of the people of the Amazon Rain Forest because their extinction is coming. He lived among them and learned that there is knowledge in EVERYTHING. “That the appropriate use of knowledge is wisdom.” Much of this wisdom is captured in over 400 proverbs. Sheppherd says, as he holds the book, "Leaf of Honey and the Proverbs of the Rain Forest", that all that he wants you to know about the Amazon people is captured in this book.
The Eagle has Landed
Mr. Francis Wolfleg—a Blackfoot Indian—intends to break down some myths about indigenous Americans peoples. In his native language his people are called “one living person”. Explains that Indians follow their own advice now, when in the past others tried to give them advice unasked. He talks about the many injustices perpetrated upon Indian peoples, such as “forced foster care”. Tells many interesting stories in the course of his talk, including native peoples’ attitude towards the issue of time.
Interweaving Themes of World Culture-Past, Present, and Future
Mildred Mottahedeh explains the development of culture based on curiosity and the need for necessities of survival. This leads to the interchange of ideas, language, art and the material discoveries of implements that aid in survival. She cites the conquests of Alexander and others as examples of the blending of cultures and credits the Baháí Faith as the first to align science and art in the very beginnings of a world culture.
North American Native Cultural Presentation
In first 32 min Mr. Kevin Locke—a Lakota Sioux— offered a Native American ceremonial presentation in an indigenous language while providing his own English translation. He also included indigenous prayers and an Indian dance to the beat of a drum. He explains that their ancestors watch over their culture and traditions. The Great Spirit is over all. Who we are without our Creator? Nothing. Our creator wants us to be united and to love every living being. We have one Creator. We are all One. Bahá'u'lláh is made the connection with our Creator. After his main presentation Mr.
Language as Worldview: Particular and Universal Aspects
Dr. Alvino Fantini is Linguist and the director of Bilingualism in a multicultural program at the School of International Training He speaks on the topic "Language in the worldview". Dr. Fantini spoke in English interspersed with Spanish. He described language as something we use to communicate and to excommunicate. Language mediates nearly everything we humans do. Language makes the anthropoid a humanoid. Through language we know what we can and cannot do and what we can and cannot know. People want to improve their culture. They must struggle with language to do so.
Workshop: Toward an Understanding of Baha’i Scholarship
Participants are initially divided into smaller groups and provided with quotes from the Writings as well as some questions to stimulate discussion and exploration of the issues involved. A distinction is made between Baha’i studies and Baha’i scholarship – the former being open to participation by non-Baha’is. The perspectives from which these friends of the Faith will approach their tasks will enrich the understanding of the Baha’is. Baha’i scholarship, on the other hand, is limited to Baha’is since it requires a firm belief in Baha’u’llah and involvement in His Teachings.
Black Cultural Presentation
North American Black Culture is the subject of this recording; and within that category the focus is upon religious music. The Louis Gregory Institute Bahá’í Choir is featured. This recording contains a great deal of music over its 108 minutes. Singing is performed by a number individuals from around the U.S. Dr. Richard Thomas, professor at Michigan State University, is the featured speaker who places American black music into its various cultural contexts.