March 17. On this date in 1988, the Universal House of Justice wrote "The House of Justice has not felt that it is feasible as yet to exempt Bahá'í scholars from the process of review for their general publications."

 

March 17. On this date in 1988, the Universal House of Justice wrote "The House of Justice has not felt that it is feasible as yet to exempt Bahá'í scholars from the process of review for their general publications."

The House of Justice has not felt that it is feasible as yet to exempt Bahá'í scholars from the process of review for their general publications. There are two reasons for this. Although there are Bahá'í scholars who have a profound understanding of the Cause and would not misrepresent or distort it in their writings, there are, alas, some who, while having academic qualifications in a certain area are, at the same time, seriously deficient in their knowledge of the teachings. The writings of such authors, if published without review, could mislead the general public, and the very fact that they were recognized academics would give added seriousness to the errors that they would propagate at this stage of the development of the Faith. Moreover, the House of Justice feels that it would not be wise, at this juncture, to have a list of reliable Bahá'í scholars who would not be subject to review as distinct from all other believers. (From a letter dated 17 March 1988 to an individual believer)