Religia i neomaltuzjanizm. Rola religii w urzeczywistnianiu idei zrównoważonego rozwoju według Worldwatch Institue

Abstract

The article is trying to present a vision of efforts and cooperation among major faiths and secular environmental organizations in promoting a sustainable development. According to Worldwatch Institute by an American neomalthusian economist Lester Robert Brown in 1974, religious institutions and leaders can bring at least five strong assets to the effort to build a sustainable world: the capacity to shape cosmologies (worldviews), moral authority, a large base of adherents, significant material resources, and community-building capacity. There are many statements and activities in recent years by religious leaders and organizations on behalf of the environment (Dalai Lama, John Paul II, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, World Council of Churches, Parliament of World Religions etc.). But there are also divergent views (for example when human personhood begins – at conception, or later). According to neo-Maithusians (criticized by comucopians), increasing fertility will lead to hyper exponential population growth that will eventually outstrip growth in economic production and it will lead to social conflicts. So every effective method (including abortion) to stabilize population is accepted. According to the WWI tremendous challenges, collaboration is possible, even between science oriented to environmentalists and scripturally centered religious traditions. The two sides may simply need to agree or disagree, respecting each other’s views while putting disagreements aside and working together on areas of agreement.