Books & Themes Explored: Junior Youth Program | Prayers for Youth | Baha’i Hip-Hop/Rap | The Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah | Oneness/Unity in Diversity/Elimination of Prejudice | About the Baha’i Faith for Kids/Youth
Who Is Baha’u’llah?
Baha’u’llah: The Divine Physician – Video: An interfaith group of youth and junior youth from the UK discuss the problems facing the world today and how Bahá’u’lláh’s message offers a healing remedy to address these issues. (17:35)
The All-Knowing Physician hath His finger on the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the disease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wisdom, the remedy. Every age hath its own problem, and every soul its particular aspiration. ~ Baha’u’llah
The Prophets of God should be regarded as physicians whose task is to foster the well-being of the world and it’s peoples, that, through the spirit of oneness, they may heal the sickness of a divided humanity. ~ Baha’u’llah
Some of the Divine Remedies Offered by Baha’u’llah to Heal the Ills Afflicting Humanity Today: Oneness of Humanity | Equality of Women & Men | Elimination of Extremes of Poverty and Wealth | Elimination of Prejudice | Independent Investigation of Truth | Oneness of Religion |(under construction)
What is the Baha’i Faith An animated introduction by Rainn Wilson. (14:31)
In regards to the video above the Baha’i Writings state:
Religion and science are the two wings upon which man’s intelligence can soar into the heights, with which the human soul can progress. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone! ~ Abdu’l-Baha
Should a man try to fly with the wing of religion alone he would quickly fall into the quagmire of superstition, whilst on the other hand, with the wing of science alone he would also make no progress, but fall into the despairing slough of materialism. ~ Abdu’l-Baha
What is the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program? Ages 12 – 14
If you are between the ages of 12 and 15 you can ask to join a Junior Youth Program in your community. If there isn’t one already in your area your inquiry is important as it can be the catalyst to get one started. These programs strive to give you a voice in today’s society. It aims to enhance your power of expression, sharpen your spiritual perception which helps you to analyse the constructive and destructive forces of society. There will be an Animator (older youth or adult) to assist the group in this process.
Service Opportunities for Youth:
What is the role of a Junior Youth Animator? Ages 15 or older
Assist – Reinforce – Cultivate – Encourage – Befriend
The presence of the animator helps the members of the junior youth group to remain hopeful and convinced that they can not only protect themselves against the forces of moral decay operating in the society around them but also contribute to its betterment. “God is the helper of those souls whose aim is to serve humanity and whose efforts and endeavours are devoted to the good and betterment of all mankind.” ~ Abdu’l-Baha
What is meant by a twofold moral purpose? (5:27)
These programs instill in junior youth and youth the sense of a twofold moral purpose:
(1) to take charge of their own intellectual and spiritual growth
(2) to contribute to the transformation of society.
The transformation in the individual and in society are intimately linked. Developing one’s potential and working for the welfare of society cannot be separated, for a person’s moral standards and behavior shape his or her environment and in turn are molded by the structure of society.
In service to the younger generation, animators are given an opportunity both to develop their own skills and capacities as well as to contribute to the development of their communities. (arising2serve)
Can I really help to build a new civilization? (5:08)
Baha’i concept of world civilization – Glenford Mitchell, former member of the Universal House of Justice, speaks to a group of youth at the English Baha’i Summer School at Wellington College in the UK. (38:28)
Justice – What can I do? Justice & Me – Justice & Society
No man can attain his true station except through his justice. ~ Baha’u’llah
The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men. ~ Baha’u’llah
Say: “O God, my God! Attire mine head with the crown of justice, and my temple with the ornament of equity. Thou, verily, art the Possessor of all gifts and bounties.” ~ Baha’u’llah
By studying and analyzing Baha’u’llah’s writings on justice, it becomes clear that justice must be considered a fundamental, integral feature of human behavior. Ultimately, the triumph of justice depends on how well the members of the human race can understand and practice the positive character traits and inner spiritual qualities that lie at the heart all the world’s religions. (We All Want Justice, But What Does It Really Mean?)
Articles on Justice from a Baha’i Perspective at BahaiTeachings.org
How might I discover the power of prayer?
A Deeper Calling: a short film in which five youth share their journey in discovering the transformative power of prayer.(7:26)
What’s That Word?
This video series takes tricky and wonderful words from the Baha’i Writings and explains them in a humorous and an accessible way. Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 |Episode 5
What happens to us when we die? (shorter version start at 12:24)
I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. ~ Baha’u’llah
What if Birth and Death are Actually the Same? | video by Justin Baldoni