Wilmette Institute

For many observers, the prevailing order of modernity appears utterly incapable of creating peace, justice, and well-being for significant segments of humanity. Rather than provide amelioration, our dominant political and economic systems often appear to extend and recapitulate forces of oppression. Arguably, anti-black racism constitutes one of the most virulent forms of oppression that the organizing systems of modernity seem to produce and abet.

This webinar is a summary and commentary on the soul of man. It documents a potential way to achieve spiritual growth and transformation. The presenter will reference Bahá’í passages regarding the soul and the capacity of the soul. Beginning with the knowledge of God and His Manifestations, the presentation will then focus on the relationships between God’s Manifestations and Man which is established through the Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Faith and the Soul.

This webinar provides an introduction to the writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844–1921), the son and successor of Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892), the founder of the Bahá’í religion. Following a general discussion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sixty years of literary and oratory activity in the form of books, treatises, letters, prayers, poems, and speeches written or delivered in three languages, this chapter categorizes His work chronologically into four periods.

Illumining and Strengthening the Work of Bahá’í Writers Part 5

PRESENTERS: May Hofman and Erica Leith of George Ronald, Martha Schweitz of U.S. Review Office, and Bahhaj Taherzadeh from U.S. Baháʼí Publishing Trust MODERATOR: Dr. Robert Stockman, Wilmette Institute Director DESCRIPTION: Join us for a moderated discussion between staff of George Ronald, U.S. Review office and the U.S. Baháʼí Publishing Trust. Panelists will discuss the current state of Baháʼí literature, the goals, aims, and editorial approaches of the respective publishers, and answer questions and share insights regarding manuscript evaluation and review. It will be an informal discussion and a unique opportunity for participants to hear from and engage with the two publishers.

Illumining and Strengthening the Work of Bahá’í Writers Part 4

PRESENTERS: Authors Michael Day and Angelina Allen

DESCRIPTION: The history of the Baháʼí Faith is dense and complex. Those wishing to explore aspects of the Faith's history must find the stories they wish to tell, identify the sources at their disposal, and make a multitude of decisions regarding the audience, the context in which to frame their material, and the stylistic choices that will inform their work. Panelists will discuss the processes involved, from the germination of an idea to the research, development, and completion of a project.

Illumining and Strengthening the Work of Bahá’í Writers Part 2

PRESENTERS: Authors Amy Renshaw and Susan Engle

DESCRIPTION: With so much content competing for their attention, how can we engage the minds and hearts of junior youth and youth? What are some useful approaches to creating materials for this age group that inspire action and reflection? How can we educate and inspire while also engaging and entertaining readers? Panelists will share their learnings and the insights they have gained through years of developing material for this age group

Illumining and Strengthening the Work of Bahá’í Writers Part 3

Dr. DeGruy’s research focuses on the intersection of racism, trauma, violence and American chattel slavery. She has over thirty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work. She conducts seminars, lectures, and trainings in the areas of Intergenerational/Historical trauma, mental health, social justice, improvement strategies and evidence-based model development. Dr. DeGruy travels across the globe to share her message and has held lectures and seminars almost everywhere. She has presented her work at Morehouse School of Medicine, Smith College, Spelman College, Harvard University, Tulane University, Princeton University, Fisk University, Yale University, M.I.T, the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization, Oxford University, the New York City African Burial Ground, the Essence Music Festival, the County of LA Department of Mental Health and many others. She has also been featured on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. In addition to her pioneering work in the explanatory theory and book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, she has developed evidence-based models for working with children, youth, and adults of color and their communities.

Illumining and Strengthening the Work of Bahá’í Writers Part 1

PRESENTERS: Authors Elaheh Bos and Linda Ahdieh Grant

DESCRIPTION: How can we craft material that will inspire the youngest members of our communities and nurture devotional habits and meaningful conversations in the home? As young families strive to live lives coherent with the broad framework of the Plans of the Universal House of Justice, and build strong spiritual foundations for their children, the need for vibrant children's literature is stronger than ever. Panelists will discuss their creative processes, the sources from which they draw inspiration, and the methods by which they see their projects through to completion.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a friend, guide and confidant to all humanity. Those who encountered Him recognized a character of matchless virtue, an all-embracing love and altruism, extraordinary spiritual acuity, and super-human knowledge.

In this conversation to mark the centenary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing, Robert Stockman talks to writer Rob Weinberg – compiler of the new book, Ambassador to Humanity – about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s character, life and mission as it was described by those who encountered Him.

About the Presenter:

Robert Weinberg

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Description

In this presentation, we will explore various visions of the afterlife, starting with Ancient Egypt, India, and Greece. From there, we will move onto classical Christianity and will examine Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant doctrines about life after death. In the final part of the presentation, we will discuss modern religious movements – Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Bahá’í Faith – in light of their reinterpretation of the notions of the apocalypse and posthumous existence.