PROGRAM INFORMATION
Check here for answers to your TBS program questions.
Also check on our Tennessee Baha'i School Facebook page for periodic updates: https://www.facebook.com/tennbahaischool/
Also check on our Tennessee Baha'i School Facebook page for periodic updates: https://www.facebook.com/tennbahaischool/
A Statement on racial justice by 'Abdu'l-Baha:
"Every human creature is the servant of God. All have been created and reared by the power and favor of God; all have been blessed with the bounties of the same Sun of divine truth; all have quaffed from the fountain of the infinite mercy of God; and all in His estimation and love are equal as servants. He is beneficent and kind to all. Therefore, no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt; and no one should deprive or oppress a fellow creature. All must be considered as submerged in the ocean of God’s mercy. We must associate with all humanity in gentleness and kindliness. We must love all with love of the heart."
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from an April 25, 1912, talk quoted in The Promulgation of Universal Peace
"Every human creature is the servant of God. All have been created and reared by the power and favor of God; all have been blessed with the bounties of the same Sun of divine truth; all have quaffed from the fountain of the infinite mercy of God; and all in His estimation and love are equal as servants. He is beneficent and kind to all. Therefore, no one should glorify himself over another; no one should manifest pride or superiority toward another; no one should look upon another with scorn and contempt; and no one should deprive or oppress a fellow creature. All must be considered as submerged in the ocean of God’s mercy. We must associate with all humanity in gentleness and kindliness. We must love all with love of the heart."
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, from an April 25, 1912, talk quoted in The Promulgation of Universal Peace
What is the Primary Focus of TBS This Year?
This year’s program, “Walking Together Toward Racial Amity,” will focus on how individuals and families can effectively engage in racial discourse – talking about race in ways that promote unity and healing.
An associated objective of the school this year is to support family bonding. Part of that objective will be addressed through the structure of the program on racial discourse, where meaningful conversation will take place within the family unit and between and among families and individuals. A key element of group interaction will be the involvement of children, ages 8 years and older, along with junior youth, youth, and with their other family members, act as an integral part of each facilitated group.
A key role that the Baha’i community can play in our nation is to help others understand how to walk together towards racial harmony. Thus, we all need to learn how to speak in a language that promotes unity, act in ways that unite disparate elements, and engage in discourse that brings healing and understanding. This program is designed to encourage systematic unity-building within and around our communities. Shoghi Effendi noted that building unity across racial divides requires “genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort.”
This year’s program, “Walking Together Toward Racial Amity,” will focus on how individuals and families can effectively engage in racial discourse – talking about race in ways that promote unity and healing.
An associated objective of the school this year is to support family bonding. Part of that objective will be addressed through the structure of the program on racial discourse, where meaningful conversation will take place within the family unit and between and among families and individuals. A key element of group interaction will be the involvement of children, ages 8 years and older, along with junior youth, youth, and with their other family members, act as an integral part of each facilitated group.
A key role that the Baha’i community can play in our nation is to help others understand how to walk together towards racial harmony. Thus, we all need to learn how to speak in a language that promotes unity, act in ways that unite disparate elements, and engage in discourse that brings healing and understanding. This program is designed to encourage systematic unity-building within and around our communities. Shoghi Effendi noted that building unity across racial divides requires “genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort.”
Can my friends who are not enrolled as Baha’is come to TBS?
Absolutely! You are encouraged to invite guests. TBS and this year’s program are structured for Baha’is as well as for friends of the Faith and other people in the wider community. It is suggested, but not required, that these friends be familiar with the basic tenets of the Faith and standards set for all school attendees.
Absolutely! You are encouraged to invite guests. TBS and this year’s program are structured for Baha’is as well as for friends of the Faith and other people in the wider community. It is suggested, but not required, that these friends be familiar with the basic tenets of the Faith and standards set for all school attendees.
How will TBS 2019 be the same or different than previous years?
Participants can expect a blend of the old and the new this year. They will see elements such as music, arts and recreation that have been part of the TBS tradition for many years, as well as new ways of interacting and learning, and new ways of exploring the meaning and pattern of Baha’i life.
Participants can expect a blend of the old and the new this year. They will see elements such as music, arts and recreation that have been part of the TBS tradition for many years, as well as new ways of interacting and learning, and new ways of exploring the meaning and pattern of Baha’i life.
Can I take what I have learned back to my community?
Participants can use the fresh insights and skills gained in the school to find and create opportunities in their homes and communities to form genuine friendships, establish new connections, and be models of unity and harmony. Together with our family, friends and neighbors, we can strive to apply the Word of God in uprooting the intractable racism and prejudice that infects so many aspects of life in America.
Participants can use the fresh insights and skills gained in the school to find and create opportunities in their homes and communities to form genuine friendships, establish new connections, and be models of unity and harmony. Together with our family, friends and neighbors, we can strive to apply the Word of God in uprooting the intractable racism and prejudice that infects so many aspects of life in America.