Science, religion and development

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Abridged from 'Science, religion and development, Advancing the discourse' for the Bahai Spiritual Assembly

Mariam Ta’iMariam Ta’i | Nov 28, 2011, 12.00AM IST

Development is often driven by the anticipation of material profit -- frequently the motivation to perform.

However, tremendous scientific and technological advancement have failed to alleviate poverty that could provide a fertile ground for the growth of fundamentalism and violence. Further, environmental degradation is could be yet another outcome of materialistic criteria guiding the development process under the pretext of globalisation.

At one end, the vast majority of the population suffers from discrimination and deprivation while at the other, a limited section is in obvious and uncontrolled affluence.

There is no empirical evidence to support the assumption that social and economic progress based on a materialistic conception of life can ensure the happiness and well being of humanity.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spirituality/science-of-spirituality/Science-religion-and-development/articleshow/10880264.cms