ISGP participants rejoice in the spirit of service
A glimpse from the December 2020 seminars of the Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP).
Students at the ISGP seminars immersed themselves in 11 days of focused study and consultation, thinking about the part they play in building a more peaceful and just world. Their resolve to contribute to social transformation—in their studies, service and all areas of their lives—was braced by the friendships they cemented during their time together.
The seminar experience was reflected in the closing session, which began with creative presentations by each cohort about their key insights. There were four cohorts, representing the sequence of seminars over four years.
Year Ones used songs, raps and skits to express what they had learned about the three broad areas of activity in which Bahá’ís are engaged — expansion and consolidation, social action and participation in the discourses of society. The chorus of one song was “Set our purpose in our principles and rejoice in the spirit of service to humanity, it’s no longer about me”. They also had a skit about the harmony of science and religion which included a clever rap which engaged the whole room with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.
Year Twos focused on education and the importance of rectitude of conduct to navigate university life and how they can influence the atmosphere in a positive way to help others. They also presented a history of expansion and consolidation in the Faith over the decades, as well as a very clever and catchy rap about the impact of media.
Year Threes focused on the coherence between science, the scientific method and understanding spiritual realities. They put on a clever skit about being bombarded with excessive consumerism and how spiritual education and the two-fold moral purpose inoculates us against the excesses of consumerism.
Year Fours used arts and drama to express insights they gained about the role of religion in society, the impact of technology and how communities can make conscious choices about the technology they used, and the role of the individual, community and institutions in social discourses.
National Spiritual Assembly representative, Marc Rivers, made a few remarks at the end conveying the love of the National Assembly for all the participants and the facilitators. Some excerpts were shared from recent letters from the Universal House of Justice which describe the current situation in the world.
The participants were encouraged to find their path of service and help to breathe a new spirit into the various professions towards which they are studying. It was noted that hope has become a depleted resource, according to the House of Justice, and we can be a source of hope for a world that is suffering. Those present were affirmed as part of the solution — they can bring what they have learned into the field of action to bring this much-needed medicine to an ailing world.
The Institute for Studies in Global Prosperity (ISGP) is an educational and research organisation founded in 1999 under the guidance of the Universal House of Justice. As part of its efforts, it focuses on raising capacity in university students and young adults to participate constructively in the discourses of society and to contribute at higher levels of sophistication and effectiveness to the betterment of humanity. ISGP offers a sequence of annual seminars designed to accompany undergraduate students through four years of university studies. The next seminars will probably be held in December 2021.
Featured photo above: Participants in the ISGP seminar in Waihi, December 2020.
Photo gallery below: Glimpses of engagement in the seminar. Click on photos to enlarge.
