Science,Religion & Development As The Foundation For Global Prosperity
So that was the theme of the discourse on 22nd February at UEM Academy,PJ. Those who were there had a great opportunity of deliberation on this issue with the 3 speakers Dr. K. J. John, Prof. Dato Dr. Ab. Rahim Selamat and Dr. Irene Leong.
As a vision of society,the relentless pusuit of wealth in an impersonal marketplace and the frenetic experimentation with various forms of self-indulgence are being rejected as irrelevant to the awakening of hopes and energies of individuals in all parts of the planet. It is no longer possible to maintain the belief that the approach to social and economic progress to which the materialistic conception of life has given rise is capable of leading humanity to the tranquility and prosperity which it seeks.
The difficulties encountered during almost five decades of development work, particularly the inability to elicit the involvement of the very people that such efforts purport to serve, directly speaks to the need for a new development concepts and models. Existing development strategies and programs fall far short of taking into account those essential spiritual and social dimensions of life so fundamental to human welfare.
Civilization itself does not arise merely from material progress,but rather is defined by and founded upon the ideals and shared beliefs that weld society together. It is this dimension of existence that enriches,ennobles and provides direction to human being. It is this dimension of life that unlocks the creative capacities within human consciousness and safeguards human dignity.
When spiritual principles are fully intergrated into community development activities,the ideas,insights and practical measures that emerge are likely to be those that promote self-reliance and preserve human honor,thereby avoiding habits of dependency and progressively eliminating conditions of gross economic disparity. Recognition of the inseperable connection between material and spiritual aspects of life therefore gives rise to a fundamentally different notion of development!
Modern science looks at science in a non-integrated and non-holistic way.
"Modern science breaks Humpty Dumpty into parts to study him but does not know how to put Humpty Dumpty back together again!"
For that,we need morality and good values found in all religious thinking and being. Spirituality is the inner motivation and drive that makes of us truly religous. True spirituality enables one to observe a life integrated for integrity.
-Dr. K. J. John-
Science,religion and development are inseparable,integrated,hollistic in a continuum not polarized or dichotomous. Each is not more or less important than the others. What we need is more of Rethinking and Redoing or Reengineering about our perception and mistaken certainties about these aspects of life to be wholesome individuals and society.
"Buat baik jangan sekali-sekali,Buat jahat berpada-pada!"
"You must agree to disagree!!"
-Prof. Dato Dr. Ab. Rahim Selamat-
In the light of global developments over the last decade,it is not possible to dismiss the complementary roles of science and religion in the development of societies. The yearning for peace,unity and well-being of our nation has been a driving force behind the evolvement of our educational system which led to a laudable effort to develop a harmonious nation anchored on a belief in and devotion to God.
"A paradigm/shift in the way we think and behave is needed."
"Individual Transformation --> Social Transformation!"
A twofold purpose is needed - Take charge of our own intellectual and Spiritual Development.
The main thrust of education is seen as the instrument to produce a 'good man' - not only to equip individuals with appropiate knowledge and skills but also to produce responsible citizens with strong moral and ethical values who will contribute towards the well-being of society and nation.
It is possible to speak of religion the same way as one speaks of science and then explore the interactions of what that guides to human progress!
-Dr. Irene Leong-
Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself also deeply affected by it. We need a change of heart,a reframing of all our conceptions and a new orientation of our activities. The inward life of man as well as his outward environment have to be reshaped.
