Teaching the children

That which is of paramount importance for the children, that which must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the Laws of God. For lacking this, the fear of God cannot be inculcated, and lacking the fear of God an infinity of odious and abominable actions will spring up, and sentiments will be uttered that transgress all bounds. . . .

...parents must exert every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please.

Bahá'u'lláh, Bahá'í Education, a compilation of the Universal House of Justice


...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.

Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 68

The Bahá'í Writings speak of three kinds of education: material, human, and spiritual. Material education concerns the improvement of physical well-being, which encompasses better nutrition and hygiene, better family health, and a greater capacity to earn and provide food, shelter, and clothing. Human education concerns civilization and progress in those activities which are essential to humankind, as distinct from the animal world, such as knowledge of commerce, sciences, and arts and an understanding of institutions and policy. Spiritual or moral education develops values and shapes character; it largely determines to what end an individual will use whatever knowledge he or she acquires. Bahá'ís see all three kinds of education as important.

The failure to educate the human spirit and the neglect of character development have contributed to a number of seemingly intractable social problems. As Bahá'ís are determined to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization, the worldwide Bahá'í community is systematically opening children's classes to provide for the spiritual education of all children.

Concepts that are taught in children's classes (often through use of arts such as song, drama, and visual arts) include the nobility of the human soul, the equality of women and men, love for all races of humanity, unity in diversity, love for God and His Messengers, love for one's parents, and service to humanity.