Science and Religion: Spiritual Approach To Development  

By A Baha'i Perspective  

Science and Religion: Spiritual Approach To Development  

Civilisation is defined by and founded upon the ideals and shared beliefs that weld society together. What uniquely defines the human experience is the transcendent component of life.

It unlocks the creative capacities within our consciousness and safeguards human dignity. Pragmatic approaches to problem solving must play a central role in development initiatives. But equally, tapping the spiritual roots of human motivation provides the essential impulse that ensures genuine social advancement. When spiritual principles are fully integrated into community development activities, the ideas, insights and practical measures that emerge are more likely to promote self-reliance and preserve human honour.

Recognition of the vital link between the practical and spiritual aspects of human life leads inevi-tably to a reframing of what cons-titutes well being and of the possible mechanisms for attaining such well being.

The first step is to understand the essential function of science and religion in human society. Throughout history, methods of science have allowed humanity to construct a coherent understanding of the laws and processes governing physical reality and to a certain degree the working of society itself. The insights of religion have provided understanding on the deepest questions of human purpose and initiative.

Science and religion have often been regarded as in- herently conflictual spheres of human endeavour. The vitalising agency of religion has frequently succumbed to the forces of dogmatism, superstition and theological factionalism. The Enlightenment marked a crucial turning point in releasing human consciousness from the shackles of religious orthodoxy and fanaticism. But in its rejection of religion, the enlightenment also rejected the moral centre that religion provided, creating a deep and still existing dichotomy between the rational and the sacred. The results of this artificial split between reason and faith can be seen in the scepticism, alienation and corrosive materialism that so pervades contemporary life.

Reason and faith are complementary; they are both tools that enable society to apprehend truth. Taken together science and religion provide the fundamental organising principles by which individuals, communities and institutions function and evolve.

Utilising the methods of science allows people to become more objective and systematic in their approach to problem solving and in their understanding of social processes, while drawing on the spiritual inclinations of individuals provides the motivational impetus that begets and sustains positive action.

The enterprise of building human capacity, of foster- ing constructive personal, community and institutional change is increasingly being recognised as the fundamental purpose of development. When viewed as capacity building, development is concerned princi- pally with the generation, application and diffusion of knowledge.

If it is accepted that knowledge is both spiritual and material in nature, the methodologies of science and the insights of religion can, when working together in a synergistic manner, provide the essential tools for erecting harmonious and equitable patterns of living.

( The Secretariat for the Promotion of the Discourse on Science, Religion and Development. e-mail: srdev@vsnl.com )

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More from same author see: A Baha'i Perspective  

See also: Science and Religion, Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)