That which is of paramount importance for the children, that
which must precede all else, is to teach them the oneness of God and the laws
of God. For lacking this, the fear of God cannot be inculcated, and lacking the
fear of God an infinity of odious and abominable actions will spring up, and
sentiments will be uttered that transgress all bounds... parents must exert
every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children
not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which
in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children
will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please.
- Baha’u’llah (The Compilation of Compilations’, vol. I, Baha’i Education)
