By Kamran Mofid*
Globalisation is most often thought of within economic and technological structures as a way to denote the massive and dynamic global integration of national economies and markets. Because these economic and technological forces are central to the current and future well-being of the global human family, it is essential that they be discussed within the more general framework of human moral and spiritual experience. It is only within these frameworks that we can fully explore the values and relationships that form our human communities. Central to this discussion are religious institutions and communities which have developed time-honored wisdom arising from the deep encounter of the human person with the mystery of the sacred. The diversity represented by these communities images the profound truth of the transcendent mystery in which we participate.
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. It has also been and is now a presence calling people out of their own selfishness, challenging cultures of waste and death. Various religious communities cry out against political/economic injustice, human rights abuses, poverty, hatred, fear, ignorance, consumerism, war as an instrument of imperial policy, and the failure to respect international legal or ethical principles, even as they challenge their own communities to choose paths that nurture peace and justice instead of contributing to new conflicts, intolerance, and even 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 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 and more- we need each other far more than in the past. 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 articulated an alternative to the current dominant models of economic/free trade globalisation and that would 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. In 2006, Chaminade University of Honolulu, in Hawaii, hosted the conference, while in 2007 we will be at the Fatih University in Istanbul. Future conferences are currently under consideration.
The mission of Globalisation for the Common Good is to promote an ethical, moral and spiritual vision of globalisation and encourage adoption of public policy at all levels that builds the common good of our global community. In this way we nurture personal virtue in our relationships with each other and the planetary environment, while investing our understanding of economics, commerce, trade and international relations with values centered on the universal common good. We will advance understanding and action on major global issues by civil society, private enterprise, the public sector, governments, and national and international institutions. We will promote 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’. Reflecting on the Divine dimension of life can not be divorced from consideration of economic questions and issues can not be considered. Economics can not be effectively practiced without an understanding of the world of heart and spirit. Therefore 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 genuine inter-faith dialogue and co-operation is a significant way of bringing the world together supporting 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. Business and wealth creation, when they contribute to the common good of the global community, 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.
*Kamran Mofid PhD
Founder, Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative
Co-editor, Journal of Globalization for the Common Good
www.commongoodjournal.com
About this web site
A web site to inform and to promote an ethical, moral and spiritual vision of globalisation and to encourage adaptation of public policy at all levels to nurture the common good of our global community and to help to build a world that is just, free and prosperous for all.
For the design, creation and development of this site, I owe a debt of gratitude to Prof. Yahya Kamalipour, Head, Department of Communication at Purdue University Calumet and his technical team, especially Chris Kosovich.
Kamran Mofid PhD
Founder, Globalisation for the Common Good Initiative
www.globalisationforthecommongood.info
Co-editor, Journal of Globalization for the Common Good
www.commongoodjournal.com
