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.Playing devils advocate here ;o)
1. how consolidated was the USA Bahai community before Ruhi came along? I heard that the USa community was losing more members than that people enrolled and one of the biggest reasons for that was that people did not feel part of a group.
2. on what facts do you base your statement that it is much less successful in urban areas among adult Bahais (what are adult Bahais? the ones over 21?) even in countries where mass teaching events have a high success?
The two bahais in dublin who joined the bahai comunity also because of ruhi were 1) good friends with bahais (the most important thing in teaching, creating a personal relationship with seekers) and 2) did a ruhi book. They also both are over 21 though below 30. One is studying to be an architect, the other grew up in a house where there was no religion taught and his brother became a Bahai 1.5 years ago. He is studying music. Both seem quite balanced people as well ;o) not fundamentalistically inclined.
Before that we did not even reach one enrollment a year.
The results of the institute process and ruhi in our area are:
the start and success of using the national centre located in Dublin once a week for a drop in evening for bahais and their friends, where coffee and tea is served and the librarian is available to help with books. If need to be, it can turn into an instant fireside. Someone who we have not seen for a long time in the bahai community regularly drops in now and makes contact with other members of the community. The young people (under 30) have a place where they can meet up with one another now and use the opportunity frequently.
the first spin off from people doing book 1 in our community was devotional meetings. We had in one year three people coming to the centre (that is one year after the devotional meetings started) to inquire about the bahai faith and two of them declared, one almost on the spot, and that one is reading a lot and professes a deep understanding of what the bahai faith is about, has great spiritual insight. He was the first declarant in 2 years.
the second spin off was offering ruhi to two non-Bahais, both of them declared. Like reported before, this happened in the last 6 months. If wehad no ruhi, it would not have happened so quickly. We simply would not have the channel in place.
This is more than what happened in the 5 years before, from when I first came to Ireland. I have done most books intensively, in an intensive course where for a few days up to a week you are focussing on nothing but the ruhi book, and it has built a deeper relationship with many people, the participants in the courses I did. I think that has had an effect as well, in that there is more unity and fellowship, less alienation.
Ruhi especially seems to work for those who are not yet bahai but want to know more. There are those of course for who it won't work, and we have to be sensitive to those as well.
much love,
janine
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