Michael Penn, a Baha'i and an associate professor of psychology at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, was headed for the 31st Annual Conference of the ABS (Association for Baha'i Studies-North America) in Ontario, Canada, and found himself seated next to another scholar on the plane.

Michael Penn. Photo by Vic Voytek.During the course of their conversation, Mr. Penn felt moved to share how the spiritual forces of intellect, will and love help shape civilization. "Your ideas are wrong," the man responded, and then proceeded to soliloquize for half an hour on Mr. Penn's "inadequate thinking." This caused Mr. Penn, for all his learning and convictions, to feel very small indeed -- and thankful he soon would be among those who not only welcomed, but sought out, others' opinions.

Indeed, the Association for Baha'i Studies was formed in 1975 to offer scholars an opportunity to present the results of their research and exchange ideas. The Baha'i approach to scholarship encourages people to assume "a humble posture of learning" and opens up dialogue to more than just those with a PhD. Anyone who can demonstrate a serious approach to the study of a subject may apply to present his or her findings at an ABS conference.

This year's ABS conference, "Scholarship and Community Building," offered presentations by Baha'is and non-Baha'is on the intersection of the Baha'i writings with research in the fields of science, literature and the arts. Approximately 1,200 participants came from a variety of backgrounds and ranged in age from a 15-year-old high school junior to an 85-year-old English professor.

Mr. Penn's paper centered on the protection and refinement of the human spirit, inspired by the words of Abdu'l-Baha:

"Verily, Thy lovers, thirst, O my Lord . . . robe them in the garments of learning and knowledge."

Mr. Penn's talk was poetic and incisive, encouraging as well as scholarly, full of hope and meaning, calling humanity to its noble destiny. Using the knowledge of scholar-activists from Confucius and Socrates to present-day thinkers, he emphasized that the development of civilization and knowledge must include the cultivation of spiritual forces that animate the mind and heart.

Mr. Penn concluded by saying he was in the presence, at this conference, of many of the most cultivated minds on this planet. A rousing ovation followed his words, and no listener was made to feel small.