August 13. On this date in 1936, Shoghi Effendi stated that "the Bahá'í Faith is above all a way of life. It is not a mere philosophical or social doctrine...to live the Teachings of the Cause should be the paramount concern of every true believer."

August 13. On this date in 1936, Shoghi Effendi stated that "the Bahá'í Faith is above all a way of life. It is not a mere philosophical or social doctrine...to live the Teachings of the Cause should be the paramount concern of every true believer."

1570. The Bahá'í Faith is a Way of Life Not a Mere Philosophical or Social Doctrine

"For the Bahá'í Faith is above all a way of life. It is not a mere philosophical or social doctrine. It is a closely-knit and harmoniously functioning community, a worldwide spiritual fraternity which seeks to reform the world first and foremost by bringing about a deep inner spiritua l change in the heart of individuals. To live the Teachings of the Cause should be the paramount concern of every true believer, and the only way to do so is to commune both in spirit and through actual concrete means with the entire community of the faithful. The Bahá'í Cause encourages community life and makes it a duty for every one of its followers to become a living, a fully active and responsible member of the world-wide Bahá'í fellowship."

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, August 13, 1936)