Tenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

It has been argued that religion could both be a major driver for human and sustainable development, but also an obstacle when it comes to implementing major global programs for poverty elimination, as the framework of action is being questioned by religious congregations, entities, and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) with conflicting and opposing values. Another major hurdle is the growing patterns of religious extremism, not only in the MENA-region and beyond, but also a global phenomenon, as well as affecting many vulnerable communities that might not be able to attain the sustainable development goals despite the facts that the resources and will are available. FBOs are also present outside the radar of official multilateral frameworks such as Agenda 2030, with alternative patterns of funding from, for instance, wealthy Gulf-countries with other agendas, mixing religious and political ideas, projects and messages. Another deficit is the gap of knowledge when it comes to the theoretical, philosophical, and theological ontology relating to core issues such as “development,” “change,” “wellbeing,” and “welfare.” In addition, empirical data is lacking on the type of FBOs, their involvement in shaping and implementing major schemes such as Agenda 2030, and alternative paths of funding and involvement. This paper contributes to the understanding of the role of FBOs in sustainable development implementation in analysing the different agendas and policies through a conceptual framework elaborated within the disciplines of sociology of religion and social work.