Talk:Pioneering (Baháʼí)

Pioneering
So, what does Baha'i pioneering actually entail? The article as it stands outlines a distinction between pioneering and proselytizing, but doesn't explain what Baha'is do that is considered pioneering. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.105.199.52 (talk) 05:34, 28 June 2017 (UTC)

self-sufficiency, and long term position
I think there should be significant detail added about the prospect of self-sufficiency, of "fitting in" to the community rather than being supported largely from the outside so much so as to be some kind of exception to the norms of Baha'i communities where few if any make their living from the funds of the religion. Also it seems to me that pioneering is often considered a very long scale effort - well beyond a matter of months and at least covering years if not decades. These are my impressions from reading about such things but citations aren't at hand - research waiting!--Smkolins 23:49, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

subcategory of homefront pioneering...
There should also be a subcategory as a minor alternative to mainline pioneering which is intra-national placement, compared to inter-national placement which is the norm of "pioneering".--Smkolins 23:52, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

Teaching versus proselytization
Under this heading, it states, "However, Bahá'ís do not consider pioneering to be proselytism, a word which often implies the use of coercion to convert someone to a different religion." I have consulted about a dozen dictionaries and the most common definition of "proselytize" does not include coercion, pressure, or inducement. Even those dictionaries that mention the element of coercion, include it as an alternative meaning of the word. I contend that the word, "pioneer", is simply a euphemism for "missionary". — Preceding unsigned comment added by 45.3.23.4 (talk) 05:34, 28 June 2017 (UTC)
 * Look a little bit closer, perhaps? Merriam-Webster was the first hit on Google when I searched for the definition, and the primary definition given is: "to induce someone to convert to one's faith". --dragfyre_ ʞןɐʇ c 19:27, 30 June 2017 (UTC)
 * missionaries are often supported by a congregation and can spend all their time doing the "work" vs earning a living. This is usually not the practice of Baha'is - where pioneering presumes earning a living in the new place.Smkolins (talk) 23:59, 28 June 2017 (UTC)
 * Bahá'í pioneers are often supported by their home communities and Christian missionaries are often self-supporting through various employment activities. Regards, A35821361 (talk) 15:29, 30 June 2017 (UTC)
 * The distinction made by Bahá'ís between missionaries and pioneers is explained in the section on Teaching versus proselytization. --dragfyre_ ʞןɐʇ c 19:27, 30 June 2017 (UTC)
 * As the first post in this subsection states, the definition of "proselytize" does not entail coercion, pressure or inducement. The distinction made by Bahá'í sources between "pioneer" and "missionary" is indeed purely euphemistic.  Regards, A35821361 (talk) 13:32, 1 July 2017 (UTC)
 * I invite you to read my comment to the IP user above. Regards. --dragfyre_ ʞןɐʇ c 14:48, 1 July 2017 (UTC)

Merge
Entry by troops will move to Baháʼí teaching plans. I would like to consolidate Pioneering into that page as well. Cuñado ☼ - Talk  18:49, 11 November 2020 (UTC)
 * Sounds good - also need better sources. Keep the articles as redirects? Smkolins (talk) 18:52, 11 November 2020 (UTC)

Support – This seems like a sub-topic and the size doesn't justify separate articles. Agree with Smkolins about the sources – perhaps Peter Smith, etc. Gazelle55 (talk) 01:39, 12 November 2020 (UTC)