Although the words “study circles” and “service activities” are not in the sacred scripture of the Baha’i faith, Baha’u’llah, however, does say, “Let deeds not words be your adorning.” And also “Man’s merit lieth in service and virtue….” and “The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.”
This is what inspires Baha’is to engage in activities which uplift humanity. In summary, the people needed to unfold the service activities in a local area are members of the Baha’i community who want to participate, and, also, anyone else in the local community who wants to up lift the children and youth in their neighborhood. Uplifting all of humanity can’t be done by Baha’is alone. More people are needed because participating in the advancement of civilization is a team effort.
That’s why everyone who is eager to help advance any aspect of the core activities of community building and rendering service in their neighborhood is welcome to participate in the Study Circles. While the words “study circles” are not part of the sacred scripture of the Baha’i faith, the materials discussed in the Study Circles are taken from the writings of the Baha’i faith. This is necessary because the Baha’i faith sees humankind as a whole wherein if any part of the whole is not equally treasured and helped to advance the local community and society in general will suffer.
In every case, reflecting together in Study Circles on various aspects of the Baha’i writings that apply to human potential and development, for example, increases both the capacity for service and the joy that comes from selfless service. The important thing is local communities improve from applying what is learned through the integrative processes associated with Study Circles and the application of community building services.
