Current international development discourse is starting to look at how religion affects globalization, peacebuilding and the environment. But how do the roles, approaches and world views of science, religion and international development intersect? And how does this intersection express itself in different cultures? The Lab, the Temple and the Market tackles these questions in four outstanding chapters, each meshing a discussion of development issues and processes with a different religious belief system: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith. Each contributor, a scientist as well as a person of faith, shows how religious belief and personal faith can be deeply motivational and fruitful in scientific pursuits. This work furthers the search for a more "people-centered" model of development and for a scientific practice that supports tolerance, sustainability, peace and justice. It is for all those who feel that current models of (and approaches to) human progress are constructed on a too-narrow definition of humanity.
Foreword - Pierre Beemans; Preface - Sharon Harper; Introduction - Farzam Arbab; The Principle of Fundamental Oneness - Promilla Kapur; The Context / Hinduism: The Backdrop / Self, Society and Development / Modern Science & the Hindu Religion / Devotion, Knowledge & Action / Conclusion / Annex; Solidarity with the Poor - Gregory Baum; Catholic Idea of Development / The World Bank's New Interest in Religion / The Subjective Dimension of Social Science Research / Annex; Rediscovering The Resources of Religion - Azizan Baharuddin; Introduction / Science / Development / Religion / Islam / Conclusion / Annex; Promoting a Discourse on Science, Religion & Development - Farzam Arbab On Personal Experience / Faith and Reason / Spirltual Principles and the Role of Knowledge / Capacity Building;