Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Authentic spirituality involves care and compassion for ourselves, others, and the environment. Recognizing and appreciating the inherent diversity in humankind—our pain and suffering, our beliefs and tenets, our cultures and backgrounds, our shared humanity and collective realities—acknowledges the need for a universal moral code, a spirituality code, that applies to all peoples and all places. As moral agents we can choose care and compassion, or we can choose something less; we can choose the common good, or we can choose self-interest; we can choose civility or incivility; we can choose ecological spirituality, or we can choose ecological indifference, even destruction. Utilizing the teachings of three faith traditions, this study considers how a caring and compassionate approach to living makes the moral relevant and enhances the quality of everyday life.