Religion and Development

Since the beginning of time, religion has played an important role in people's lives. Whether the religion is that of Ancient Egyptians religion or modern Christianity, it still played a role in the manner of which individuals or state leaders conducted their affairs.

                                              
This class session was actually interesting though I don't think much was actually learned. I realized that many people are unable to discern between religious values playing a role in politics and development and people using religion as their scapegoat for doing horrible things.

For instance, Boko Haram was mentioned as an example of how religion leaves a negative impact on development. Apparently, because Boko Haram claims to be fighting against western influence/education and seeks to have rule by Shari'a law, the motivation for their actions are derived simply from religion. Unfortunately though, Boko Haram is another example of individuals using religion simply as an excuse for their atrocious actions. Boko Haram is comprised of poor, unemployed individuals who are tired of their consistent state of poverty. Shari'a law has been in place in the Northern states of Nigeria(where these men/boys are from) since the 1990s and very little influence of Westernization can be found is these areas.

If the area in which these individuals are from and where they commit most of their crimes are already under Shari'a law, then how could they possible be doing it for the same of religion the imposition of Shari'a? How are their actions religiously motivated?

In regards to whether or not religion should play a role in development, I think it should. The overwhelming presence of a certain faith in an area will affect the values and morals that those citizens uphold. These specific morals, values and beliefs need to be taken into account when development projects are being designed. For instance, if an organization is aiming to build a health center in Hyderabad, India and one of their aims is to promote family planning and safe sex in order to lower the high rates of STDs that are present in the region, the organization should probably factor in the religious values of the Hindus and Muslims in the area. Therefore instead of importing the typical pro-condom/birth-control approach that are common in Western hospitals which focus heaviliy on using condoms/pills to combat making rash decisions and promiscuity, the health center and whatever literature that it disseminates in the region should focus more on the health and financial benefits of condoms and family planning products.

By operating in this manner, the community members are more likely to be receptive to the center and use its services, thereby improving the overall health of that area and making an impact on the region's progress in human development.

The religious beliefs of individuals should not be trampled and ignored simply because others do not agree with them. It is important and a human right in my opinion that individuals should be able to practice their religion and uphold their values publicly. A current debate right now is gay marriage. In the west, many say that it is not fair for people to impose their religious opinion that homosexuality is immoral on others. While I do agree that, individuals need to realize that there are many who uphold certain values that align with religious doctrine though they themselves do not ascribe to a faith. Is that individuals opinion more valid because his/her basis is not from a religion? Or is the opinion still wrong? Religion does and should play a role in development and donor agencies both NGOs and IGOs need to to factor the culture and religion of the area that they are entering during the entire development project process.