" What I am suspecting from being on the internet and being exposed to the english sections of the internet having a huge representation of people from the USA, also Bahai lists etc. is that because the USA is such a vast country with one major official language, which has never been invaded by another country and where if people go to Canada they still are exposed to the same language and the same food and the same cultural background, there is a great possibility that people take what they see in their surroundings as being world wide the case, the truth and forget to subject their conclusions to critical examination."
Dear Janine, Actually, I recognize that Ruhi may well be the most appropriate program for those countries and areas where people have a history of being attracted to mass teaching efforts but consolidation has been difficult. These are typically underdeveloped countries with limited literacy skilss and where rote learning is the predominant pedagogy in any case. Ruhi seems quite appropriate there, at least in the rural sectors. It is much less successful in urban areas among adult Baha'is, even there. I agree with you that the problems with Ruhi here may well stem from the fact it conflicts with American culture and educational ideals. I guess my question then is, why not develope study circle materials more in keeping with our own culture? You wrote: "It is easy to reject something new when it does not conform with your ideas. However, when it starts to have positive results it is difficult to reject it again." True. And if Ruhi does lead to growth in substantial areas of the US I would certainly be prepared to withdraw any objections I personally have. So far, I know of only one area in Florida where it seems to be working. In other places, rather than increasing human resources, it seems to be using them up. Nearly all other forms of deepening have ground down to a standstill and there is less time for firesides and other teaching activities. "Especially if we live in a culture, like i get the feeling the USA has as one mainstream subculture, which rejects academic learning and academic approach." There is indeed an anti-intellectual strand in American culture which in turn is reflected in the Baha'i community. But Ruhi is hardly what I would call 'academic.' In fact I fear it will reinforce the anti-intellectual bias in the Baha'i community. warmest, Susan __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[email protected] To unsubscribe, send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, use subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:[email protected] Web - http://list.jccc.edu/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
