Religion, Ethics and Development – Method and Metamorphosis* Dr V. Basil Hans M.A, MPhil, PhD Associate Professor & HOD of Economics, St Aloysius Evening College, Mangalore (city), INDIA May 21, 2012 *Ppt – Virtual Presentation for International Scientific Conference at Iasi, ROMANIA, May 21-June 3, 2012 Logos, Universality, Mentality, Education, Novelty
INTRODUCTION The field of Religious Studies engages perennial questions about religion and human society Interdisciplinary approach to the study of religion – theological, sociological, literary- critical too Asian context (multicultural) today – Religion beyond crusades and conversions to role of civil society – relation of religion, ethics and development
Religion and Ethics – role, relationship Religion for wholesome life: socio-economic development; not simply faith-following Communal harmony, socially acceptable development are threatened by fundamentalism and terrorism Economic Man – good citizen with rational thinking Religion – to bind with the Being and human beings
Cont’d Faith with good deeds: ethical, i.e. vision & practice of wellbeing Secular yet spiritual Trust-based economic life; rights and righteousness Charity in plurality with equality: values Caste, culture, market – handle with care Traditional ‘caste’ becoming modern now
Dilemmas and Development Defending the religious tenets and moral values during marketisation Sustainable Development Peace vs. Terrorism; Protests vs. Production Gospel needed: one world vision Respect for identities of individuals and communities Strong polity, society and economy
Direction of Development Rebuilding communities of development Fight communalism through intra-community and inter-community relations Inclusive development, composite approach to socio-economic problems Representative democracy & development must become participative democracy & development in action; a culture of equity in action
Conclusion Religiosity and loyalty can go together for social transformation and economic change Economic development needs social integration and religious harmony A re-engineering of theories and renewed focus of practices to appreciate the intellectual, religious and spiritual values is essential Development without discrimination
THANK YOU dear organisers, participants and audience Dr V. Basil Hans MA., M.Phil, PhD vbasilhans@yahoo.com Mobile: 9845237602