Prospects and Dilemmas of Writing a Bahá'í Encyclopedia
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The Journal of Bahá'í Studies 2, 17-31Abstract: Author addresses the need for a Baha'i encyclopedia and describes the nature, organization and editing of the multi-volume Baha'i encyclopedic dictonary project endorsed in 1984 by the U.S. Baha'i community. A number of dilemmas accompany the undertaking: the present status of Baha'i scholarship ; the embryonic nature of primary sources ; the high standard exemplified by the works of Shoghi Effendi ; the relative newness of the Baha'i religion. The prospects of this undertaking are expected to generate considerable scholarship and provide intellectual vigor to issues raised by Baha'is and their critics.
Author addresses the need for a Baha'i encyclopedia and describes the nature, organization and editing of the multi-volume Baha'i encyclopedic dictonary project endorsed in 1984 by the U.S. Baha'i community. A number of dilemmas accompany the undertaking: the present status of Baha'i scholarship ; the embryonic nature of primary sources ; the high standard exemplified by the works of Shoghi Effendi ; the relative newness of the Baha'i religion. The prospects of this undertaking are expected to generate considerable scholarship and provide intellectual vigor to issues raised by Baha'is and their critics.