A Discussion of “Morality and Spirituality: The missing link for economic development in the 21st century”.
Economists postulate that it takes good institutions (laws, regulations, morality, customs) to create the incentives needed to organize your factors of production (capital, labor, etc.) to produce a growing output (GDP per capita).
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Kame and Tshaka (2015) were professors at the University of South Africa at the time of publication and were writing to the countries of southern Africa that the observable corruption and poor leadership plaguing them were not the root cause of the lack of economic development.
They asserted that “a decline in moral and spiritual values in society” were driving them toward “serious economic trouble.” (p. 1)
They address 3 points to make their argument:
- How morality impacts economic development;
- How spirituality impacts economic development; and,
- How moral and spiritual values can create a more humane economy.
Morality and Economic Development
The authors define morality as “the conceptions of what is right and wrong and how one ought to behave in specific circumstances.” (p. 2)
With that definition, it is clear that morality would impact the functioning of the economy.
For example, a morality that values honesty and trustworthiness helps an economy grow because it allows more economic activity to occur. You do not need to vouch for every person you deal with because there is an expectation of good behavior and a fear of developing a bad reputation.
The authors cite the “Protestant work ethic” as one of the reasons capitalism developed when and where it did. Some of the principles of this morality included (p. 2)
- Laziness was a moral failing.
- Hard work and diligence should be embraced.
- Prosperity could be seen as a gift from God.
The authors do not mean this is the only morality that can work but offer it up as an example of how morality can impact economic growth positively.
In fact, they more broadly define a moral economy as “an economy that is based on goodness, fairness, and justice.” (p. 2)
Applying the idea closer to their home, they say South Africa needs to embrace the values of Ubuntu,
…(to) strengthen the spirit of communalism between nations with bigger economies and those with smaller economies as the one fairly ‘scratches the back” of the other and vice versa. (p. 2)
Summing up, the authors are asserting the morality of a country impacts the economy so countries need to look to their history culture to find a set of good moral principles that will result in good economic outcomes.
Spirituality and Economic Development
They start this section with a variety of definitions of spirituality. (p. 3)
- “The deepest values and meanings by which people live;”
- Putting “ultimate faith in an alleged immaterial reality which helps people discover the essence of their being;”
- “Being connected to a larger reality, yielding to a more comprehensive self, joining with other individuals or the human community, relating with nature or the universe, being connected to the divine realms”
Thus, they are using spirituality in a broad sense that could be fit within an organized religion or transcend it.
In fact, they acknowledge that the decline of organized religion and the growth of secularism calls for a broad definition of spirituality.
However you apply it, the idea is that spirituality gives life meaning to you. They argue that some try to find fulfillment through material riches, but
we strongly argue that, without a proper sense of interconnectedness, no level of material prosperity can bring about meaningful happiness among people. (p. 3)
Thus, we need a morality that supports habits that lead to economic development, but we also need spirituality to give us meaning beyond material goods.
Creating a Humane Economy
The authors assert it is the role of religion that can supply the needed morality for economic growth while also providing the meaning that comes from spirituality.
They acknowledge that the line between religion and spirituality is blurry today but seem to describe religion as being bound within a set of traditions. (p.4)
The reason religion is needed is to serve as the moral check against the corruption of the leaders. Adhering to the moral principles will prevent much of the corrupt behavior, and the spirituality will give them meaning to aspire to beyond material goods.
We hold that the fight against moral and spiritual decline in our generation today cannot be effectively won through public policies or parliamentary rulings; it is a spiritual problem that has manifested in the physical realms and so requires spiritual measure to tackle it. (p. 4–5)
The authors do not call on one specific religion as the cure. They call for governments to make it a “top priority” to work closely with religious organizations to foster growth in morality and spirituality.
To this end, we suggest the need for enforcement towards a more active Christian ecumenism (Christian movement fostering unity among churches and distinct religions groups) and interfaith pluralism (a religious movement that seeks to promote tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation among the world’s religions)…Government should invest in setting up a centre for interfaith dialogue which will spearhead the fight against moral and spiritual decadence in our communities. (p. 4)
With such a program implemented, the leaders and people would act in ways that consider the impact of their economic decisions on overall human well-being, not just maximizing their take.
Conclusion
The overall argument is for religious institutions, supported by governments, to lead a revival of a pluralistic morality and spirituality to reduce corruption and increase prosperity for all.
I imagine if they manage to implement such a plan it could very well lead to more economic growth.
However, I have a problem with merging religion and government. Nor do I agree with standing with other religions like it is a buffet you can pick and choose from. I imagine most people with a religious faith have tenets they do not want to compromise on.
I do see their point that revival of a sort is needed in their countries to cure the social ills they are facing. But, I see that more as something that needs to come from the people and the churches on their own, not a matter of public policy.
References: Kame, G. and R. S. Tshaka (2015). “Morality and spirituality: The missing link for economic development in the 21st century.” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 71 (3), 6 pages.
By Ellen Clardy, PhD on .
Exported from Medium on December 15, 2022.
