Home >> History, Ideology & Science >> Globalization

     Email   Print 

Convergence of Religions: An Inter-faith Perspective on Globalisation

Kamran Mofid, PhD - 2/26/2006

Looking at our TV screens, reading newspapers and listening to news on the radios, fills us with anxiety and despair about the role of religion in the age of globalisation, as well as the relationship between East and West. In these turbulent times, it seems that the term "religion" is so often hijacked by the proponents of it's very antithesis-namely, conflict and strife.

However, we must not despair. We must remain positive and hopeful. In times not only of an unprecedented intensity of international and individual antagonisms and conflict, but also of signs of a widening departure from spiritual values, it is heartening to see that numerous people-from all faith communities- are working hard within different projects to reverse this trend of self-destruction, building bridges of reconciliation and peace across cultures and civilisations. An example of such work is Globalisation for the Common Good Imitative, noted below.

As it has been observed by many throughout history, religion has been both a source of blessing and curse. Religion has been, and is, a major factor in many conflicts and wars around the world. There is a real danger now that these unwelcome truths about the true meaning and function of religion, combined with political/economic injustice, human rights abuses, poverty, xenophobia, fear, ignorance, globalisation and war as an instrument of imperial policy, will aggravate conflicts and intolerance leading to anarchy around the world.

Committed to spirituality, compassion and respect for others, truly religious people must not allow their religion to be hijacked and abused in this way by exclusivist ideologues. We must make a stand together for peace, understanding, mutual respect, dialogue and justice. We must welcome religious diversity and concede that no single religion can claim a monopoly of Truth. Indeed, at this time in our history and journey - facing globalisation, global warming, aids, poverty, injustice and more - we need each other far more than in the past, and the future of our world demands that we teach to our students, parishioners and communities the value and benefits of dialogue, co-operation and interdependence.

In order to provide a better understanding of the role of religions in the age of globalisation, in 2002, in Oxford, a small and humble movement, "Globalisation for the Common Good" came into being. This movement is for "Rekindling the Human Spirit and Compassion in Globalisation".

We wanted to have an alternative to the current dominant economic/free trade globalisation and to make globalisation good for all. Our movement found many dedicated and committed friends around the world. From Oxford we went to St. Petersburg, Russia, then to Dubai. In 2005 we were in Kenya. 2006 will take us to Chaminade University, Honolulu, Hawaii. Future conferences are currently under consideration.

Globalisation for the Common Good mission is to promote ethical, moral and spiritual values into the areas of economics, commerce, trade and international relations amongst others, as well as personal virtues, to advance understanding and action on major global issues by civil society, the private enterprise, the public sector, governments, and national and international institutions, leading to the promotion of collaborative policy solutions to the challenges posed by globalisation. We are committed to the idea that the marketplace is not just an economic sphere, 'it is a region of the human spirit'. Whilst considering the many economic questions and issues we should also reflect on the Divine dimension of life, and should, in contrast to what is practised today, be concerned with the world of heart and spirit. We view the problem and challenge of globalisation not only from an economic point of view, but also from ethical, spiritual and theological perspectives.

We affirm our conviction that a genuine inter-faith dialogue and co-operation is a significant way of bringing the world together; leading to the creation of a harmonious environment needed to build a world of peace, justice and prosperity for all. The call for Globalisation for the Common Good is an appeal to our essential humanity to deal with some of the most pressing concerns of peoples the world over.

Religion has always been a major factor in the growth of human civilisation. Business and wealth creation when they are for a noble reason are blessed and vital for human survival.

Bringing religions and business together for the common good will empower us with humanity, spirituality and love. It will raise us above pessimism to an ultimate optimism; turning from darkness to light; from night to day; from winter to spring. This spiritual ground for hope at this time of wanton destruction of our world, can help us recognise the ultimate purpose of life and of our journey in this world.