Spiritual Capital, Gandhi and Inter-faith Harmony

Abstract

Since formal religions have been politicised or used to create and consolidate exploitative relationships they often become cause of tension and confrontation. Hence the urgent need for forms of inter-religious dialogue that can prevent conflict and promote social justice and ecological action. The papers in Socially Engaged Religions have been written by noted scholars and activists and presented in the inter-faith dialogues organised by Pipal Tree and the Fireflies Ashram in Bangalore. Those contributing are not mere armchair theologians but those seriously concerned with complex problems created by the current global neo-liberal economy and its ruthless propagation of competitive values. Social activists will particularly find these essays illuminating to understand the potential of religion to play a positive and liberative role in the transformation of society and foster an era of peace and harmony.