Study Circles

There are many ways to learn about the Bahá’í answers to a broad range of questions and to the difficult challenges of our day. One way is by attending an introductory “Fireside” presentation on the Baha’i Faith.
Another way is by attending a Bahá’í Study Circle. Study circles are not restricted to Baha’is; anyone may attend and you are most welcome.

Purpose and potential

Study circles are regular gatherings focused on an in-depth study of the Bahá’í Writings. There are various ways to do this but Baha’u’llah has made it clear that the reading of scriptures and holy books is for no other purpose than to apprehend their meaning and unravel their innermost mysteries:

…in every age, the reading of the scriptures and holy books is for no other purpose except to enable the reader to apprehend their meaning and unravel their innermost mysteries. Otherwise reading, without understanding, is of no abiding profit unto man.
(Baha’u’llah, Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 172)

There is no clergy in the Bahá’í Faith and Baha’u’llah has made it very clear that the common people are fully capable of grasping the meaning of the scriptures:

Heed not the idle contention of those who maintain that the Book and verses thereof can never be a testimony unto the common people, inasmuch as they neither grasp their meaning nor appreciate their value.
(Baha’u’llah, Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 209)

However different individuals learn in different ways. Experience has shown that it can be very helpful to study these writings in a group where each individual understands and makes it clear that his views are merely his own. So these study circles are groups with a facilitator. The frequency and duration of each study circle are set by the group, and a facilitator serves to maintain the focus and pace. There is plenty of discussion at these meetings and participants typically find the discussions most stimulating, rewarding and interesting.

Study circles typically take one of three forms: