Global Action Plan
Ideological Affirmation
Principles and commitment
Modernity
Oxford Dictionary of English, 2nd. Ed., defines modernity as being “characterized by or using the most up-to-date techniques, ideas, or equipment”; to which we extend it to include ‘the quality or condition of being modern, a modern way of thinking, working, etc.; i.e., contemporariness’; and expand it further by stating that the value of modernity lies in the stimulus of great minds, expanding the frontiers of knowledge, and exerting energetic and ambitious efforts in the process of development. The central idea is to move society and the world towards a new vision of modernity, one international in scope and process, that projects institutional reform and sociocultural rationalization. To be clear, in terms of our Global Action Plan, true modernity requires not only scientific, technological and instrumental rationalization in view of development but also social, spiritual, cultural, and moral rationalization as well. True development implies a definition and universal aim with objectivity to all societies globally.
- The role of religion in society, i.e., divine revelation, religious values, and the sanctity of spiritual guidance, though often misappropriated and misused, remains inherent to the beliefs of a very large segment of a vast and diverse humanity; necessary not only for effective order and morality but also for social and cultural progress, to include economic advancement, modernity, and overall development in a global context; affirmation of the progressive, the historical character, the nature and continuity of divine revelation.
- We have imbued our action plan with concepts of modernity and development, where human performance is based on the interaction of reason, logic, and human behaviour. Humans have a historical orientation, but when they pursue logic and reason, it becomes the basis for a progressive and open perspective, not blind judgement based on tradition. The dynamic flow of history implies that at each stage of its development, humanity must bring to bear its potentialities, a process of actualization and adaptation to fulfill the objectives and requirements of that time.
- We affirm the beauty of all cultures; therefore, we must learn the creative lessons of the spirit that animates them and their traditions in order to move forward with development. Respect for the creative spirit of cultures and religions calls for a progressive attitude. But this progressive attitude is based on humans motivated by both normative values and rational considerations, not materialistic and insatiable consumption, which leads to spiritual impoverishment moral corruption.
- Humanity has realized nowhere true modernity in the world because there persists a variety of discriminations and prejudices, but also because the Western concept of rationalization is only an instrumental one. Therefore, true rationalization requires both spiritual and material progress, an issue central to this action plan. In addition, following scientific and technical achievements is commendable but without becoming involved in its one-dimensional approach to modernity and development. Humans are both spiritual and historical beings, and society is an organic entity.
Thought modernity is a specific phenomenon, the present structural characteristics of the world require a fresh approach to the concept of development, understood both in terms of universal common principles and as a decentralized local process.
Reshape human consciousness
Renewal
spiritual values
Global Approach to modernity
- Western culture and its policies of militarism, colonialism, imperialism, domination and international aggression, past and present, mean that Eurocentric thinking has not advanced to the higher planes of moral civilization, as opinions and behavior show. It goes against the principle of the oneness of humankind and its association with love, unity, and peace. This proves the need for a global affirmation of a concept of development that rejects all forms of violence and aggression.
- Higher levels of human capacity define authentic modernity and development based on love, unity, peace and service, opposite from the militaristic, selfish, and materialistic culture of the western world.
- An essential aspect of development that differentiates it from almost any theory of development is emphasis placed on the need for international cooperation, peace, and a global approach to modernity.
- Offered is a concept of true modernity, one which implies a progressive movement toward efficiency, unity, communication, and love. Although great in the realm of science and instrumental reason, Western accomplishments are not accompanied by either moral rationalization or global orientation, the result being immoderation even in material civilization.
- Authentic development and true modernity require a qualitative form of rationalization, one that’s unique, multidimensional, and with a creative vision for humanity.
Global Approach to Modernity
Ideological Affirmation
