Editor’s Note: In light of increased attacks on the Baha’i community in Iran and further systematization of these hostilities, the following story in Ayandeh Roushan [Bright Future] News Agency caught our attention and is presented below in translation.
Professional school of Sects and Religions is now accepting applications from those interested in training in the fields of Christianity, Baha’ism, and Wahhabism in Qom.
According to reports received by Ayandeh Roushan, in its effort to educate professional clergy in comparative studies of sects and religions, the Advanced [seminary] Studies School of Sects and Religions has introduced specialist training in understanding the principle beliefs of Shi’ism and discussions of the intellectual foundations of newly-emerging religions, denominations, and schools of thoughts.
The first phase of these training sessions includes specialized studies in the fields of Baha’ism, Wahhabism and Christianity. Interested individuals meeting the prerequisites may refer to Imam Baghiru’l-‘Ulum School in Qom, Safayyih Avenue, 37th Street, from January 26 to February 30, from 9 am till 1 pm.
Applicants for these courses must have completed level 2 of clerical seminary school in Qom, passed a training entrance exam, and successful completed an interview.
The following documents are required for registration for the exam: (1) Two 3×4 pictures, (2) a copy of birth certificate, and (3) a certificate of studies assessments at the seminary school.
Entrance exam will be on March 5, 2009. Those interested may contact telephone no. 0251-7839496
[Source: http://www.bfnews.ir/vdchinkjldiljknlnglggfmhjfdgpfhklhlolnekonglicaphfgcabjbmbbbkbjofnonebmnhnooedohbhcnlpekolgbjhbibaaolfmbeog.html. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]
February 4, 2009 5:32 pm
Now that is interesting!
I wonder what the long term consequences of this will be!
February 5, 2009 1:41 pm
I wonder if “Resisting attractive women who are used as bait 101” will be amongst the classes offered.
March 13, 2009 12:52 pm
I actually find it quite interesting. It might lead to a greater understanding of the Baha’i Faith, rather than to increased hostilities against it.
March 13, 2009 4:14 pm
I see what you are saying from an simple pov without projecting assumptions, however confirmed by experience. But notice another member of the lists – Wahabism. I think the Shi have as quite a strong opinion of them as of Baha’is. Now that Christianity is on the list does posit the possibility of some raise in respect but I remain skeptical about that.